Today, let us take a look at how entrepreneurial tycoon Qin Xiangong started from scratch and finally reached the pinnacle of his life and dominated the princes. In this process, what are the implications for reference?
The political wisdom of entrepreneurial boss Qin Xiangong
For a long time, regardless of whether it is against the Legalists or those who agree with the Legalists, they all believe that Shang Yang’s reform is because the Qin State will end if it does not change the law. It is the Shang Yang Reform that changed the destiny of Qin’s decline in one fell swoop. Victory, to victory, until the destruction of the six countries, the establishment of the Great Qin Empire.
I want to tell everyone that the truth is definitely not the case.
First, before Shang Yang's reform, Qin was not weak.
Second, the main content of Shang Yang's reform was implemented by Qin Xiangong more than 20 years ago. Who is Qin Xiangong? He is the father of Qin Xiaogong who initiated the reform of Shang Yang!
Third, before Shang Yang's reform, Qin Xiangong had already changed the law to become stronger with the help of the Mohist school and won the title of overlord, which completely changed the destiny of Qin.
In other words, it was not Shang Yang or Qin Xiaogong who changed the fate of Qin, but Qin Xiaogong's father, Qin Xiangong.
Let me talk about the first point: Before Shang Yang's reform, Qin was not weak
Let's take a look at a set of historical materials, which are the records of Qin State a few years before Shang Yang’s Reform:
In 366 BC, in the nineteenth year of Qin Xiangong, Qin defeated Han and Wei at Luoyin. "Six Kingdoms Chronology"
(Wei Huiwang) For four years, he and Han Huizhaiyang. City Wudu. Was defeated by Qin. "Wei Family"
365 BC, the 20th year of Qin Xiangong
Qin attacked Wei's Shaoliang, and Zhao tried to rescue Wei, only to withstand the Qin army's offensive. "Warring States History"
364 BC, the 21st year of Qin Xiangong
Qin defeated Wei Jun at Shimen, beheaded sixty thousand, congratulations to the emperor. "Qin Benji" "Six Kingdoms Chronology"
Qin Xiangong defeated his master in Shimen and beheaded 60000 people. The king gave him the clothing of Fu. "Zhou Ji"
In the thirteenth year of (362 BC), Minister Qin Xian conquered Wei Shaoliang and captured his prince and Cuo. "Historical Zhao Family"
Shang Yang and Qin Xiaogong brewed the reform in 359 BC, that is to say, during the seven years before Shang Yang's reform, Qin had waged wars for four consecutive years. Note that every time it was not a passive defense, but an active attack. For four consecutive years, the State of Qin seemed to have opened the hook, and beat Wei State without any power to fight back.
The three-nation coalition forces of Wei, Zhao, and Han were beheaded by the Qin army by 60,000. This time, it also shocked the emperor Zhou.
Qin defeated Wei Jun at Shimen, beheaded sixty thousand, congratulations to the emperor. "Qin Benji" "Six Kingdoms Chronology"
Qin Xiangong defeated the master of the Three Jins at Shimen, beheading sixty thousand. Wang Ci used the clothes of 黼黻. "Zhou Ji"
Attention, regarding the battle of Shimen, there are records in the "Qin Benji" and also in the "Zhou Ji". The two records have similar meanings, except that the "Zhou Ji" is more detailed. It not only wrote the emperor Zhou's congratulations to Qin Xiangong, but also wrote the dress he rewarded Qin Xiangong's "Bo". "Bo" here means the boss, which shows that Emperor Zhou officially recognized the State of Qin as the overlord of the vassals and that Qin Xiangong can wear gorgeous clothes embroidered with black, white, and blue patterns.
The political wisdom of entrepreneurial boss Qin Xiangong
This is no longer generally strong, and he has begun to dominate. Are you embarrassed to say that he is weak? Aren't you afraid of Qin Xiangong getting up from the ground to bite you?
The famous national history master Mr. He Bingdi said in a public lecture:
Half a century before Xiangong, Qin was weak and Wei Qiang was just a relative argument. After Xiangong fought with Wei in Shimen in his later years, beheaded 60,000, and the emperor He Yifu triumphed, Qin Xun immediately became the strongest military aggressor.
That is to say, at the critical moment of Qin's survival, a talented Qin Xiangong appeared, which changed the fate of Qin's decline in one fell swoop.
Qin Xiangong naturally won the last name, with a single ligature. Speaking of it, he was really a proper rich second generation. His father was Qin Linggong, the eldest son of the State of Qin at the time. He only needs to grow up safely and wait to pick up his father’s class, so everyone calls him son-in-law. .
Unexpectedly, after his father died, an uncle suddenly appeared halfway through, and his father's uncle jumped out to take the throne. The nine-year-old son Lian was exiled to the river valley area of Hexi. Later, he went into exile to the State of Wei and began a 29-year exile career.
During the twenty-nine years of exile in the Wei state, two things made the exiled prince of Qin deeply excited.
One is that Wei Wenhou of the Wei Kingdom used Li Li, Wu Qi, Ximen Bao and others to make reforms, and his national power was strong and he dominated the Central Plains.
The second is that the increasingly powerful Wei State always bullies Qin State. Under Wu Qi's leadership, the Wei State army often violently rubbed the Qin army and cut away all the land of Qin State Hexi like a cake.
The political wisdom of entrepreneur Qin Xiangong
The internal turmoil and decline of one's own motherland are in sharp contrast with the vigorous development of Wei State, which greatly stimulated the son company. Think about it, he was trained as a successor since he was a child, and he naturally has a sense of mission for Qin. This exiled prince had a strong desire to regain the throne and implement the New Deal and reform laws like Wei. On the one hand, he studied and learned Wei’s experience in reforming and strengthening the country, on the other hand, he closely followed the situation in Qin and waited for the opportunity.
This exiled prince waited and waited in Wei, waiting for almost thirty years, finally waiting for the opportunity. After his uncle Qin Jiangong died, Qin Huigong took the throne. After Qin Huigong's death, his son Qin Chugong ascended the throne. I count seniority. Qin Chugong should be the cousin of the exiled prince. He was only two years old when he took the throne, and his mother presided over the government.
Generally speaking, women like to rely on their maidens when they encounter things. This Qin's mother is no exception. She likes to use relatives and eunuchs. This stupid practice made Qin's officials and many ministers very dissatisfied. In addition to the chaos of state affairs, Hexi was ceded away by Wei. The people of the Qin country all hope that there will be a capable monarch who will lead them to change the bad situation.
Gongzi felt that the time had come and he couldn't wait any longer. He had to go back, regain the position of the monarch that belonged to him, and lead the Qin people to revitalize the Qin country. But how to go back? How to seize the position? Just go back empty-handed? Then call Qin Chugong, hey, little brother, you originally belonged to my cousin, now you let my brother, OK?
Isn't that a search for death? A few swordsmen and axe over here will chop you down.
Maybe someone said, "No, you are not the prince in exile? You have political capital. If you go back as the prince, you will call for it, and there must be a crowd of people who should respond."
Political struggle, how can it be as easy as you said? Oh, you are an exiled prince, and you have left the country of Qin for almost 30 years. Who knows you? It's like you had a company in your family, and then went bankrupt. Now, after a few decades, you suddenly ran to the building of the original company and shouted loudly, this is my house, you guys get out and return the company to me. I guess I didn't yell twice, but the two security guards who came here sent you to a mental hospital.
Gongzilian at this time is already nearly forty years old, so naturally he won't be so stupid. However, no matter how smart you are, there is an opportunity, but your strength can't keep up with your ambition. How to seize the position empty-handed, how to start a business?
At this time, a person appeared, and he offered to help Young Master Lian ascend to the throne. Who? The boss of Wei, Wei Wuhou.
The political wisdom of entrepreneurial boss Qin Xiangong
At that time, due to geopolitical reasons, Wei and Qin almost became feuds. The two countries have never stopped. In the eyes of the Wei people, no matter what, the prince in exile is the prince after all. This is a political identity and a pawn. Once the time is right, this chess piece may be able to play a role.
For the chaotic situation in the Qin State, the son even thought it was an opportunity, and Wei Wuhou also thought it was an opportunity. A chess piece that has been raised for almost 30 years, and if it is not a starting point, it will really become a dead piece.
So Wei Wuhou told the son that he was willing to help him go back to seize the throne. But there is a condition, that is, once the son of the son is succeeded, he must be kind to Wei.
With the strength of the Wei state at the time, it should be no problem to help the young man regain the throne. But it is clear that Wei Wuhou wanted his son to be the puppet of Wei and establish a puppet regime.
That Gongzilian, did he agree or not?
If you don't agree, you are determined not to be a puppet! Then you may lose the chance to be a relaxed post forever. Moreover, if you reject Wei Wuhou's conditions, it is not just a problem that he will no longer help you, but it may also lead to murder. Because you have no use value to him anymore. Why do you still support you? A waste of taxpayers' money.
What if you agree? The monarchy can be regained. But how long you can sit is a problem. Why? You only relied on the support of the enemy country to sit on the throne. Even those who supported you and sympathized with you in the past, I am afraid they will no longer support you.
What’s more troublesome is that you are a regime supported by the people of Wei. If Wei asks you to cut another piece of land, you can’t cut it? If Wei goes to attack other countries and asks you to send troops and provide logistical support, you will still not be able to do so. ?If you agree, how can you explain to the people of Qin? In short, your ruling foundation is quite weak. Your ending is likely to be killed amidst the shouts of defeating Wei's lackeys.
The political wisdom of entrepreneurial boss Qin Xiangong
So, how did Gongzilian deal with this dilemma?
He first declined the kindness of Wei Wuhou. If he returned to China to seize the throne, he would not bother Wei Guo. He would do it on his own. Then I thanked Wei for taking care of him for so many years, and promised that once he became a monarch, Qin would never be an enemy of Wei during the reign of Wei Wuhou.
Let’s analyze Gongzilian's answer.
First of all, make it clear: Improper puppet, this is the principle, and there is no need to discuss the principle of the problem. He has a clear and unequivocal attitude, and categorically rejects Wei Wuhou, which shows that he is both wise and very principled.
Then, he promised that during Wei Wuhou's reign, Qin would never be an enemy of Wei. It shows that he is well versed in human relationships and the world, which not only gave Wei Wuhou face, but also said that he was not an ungrateful person. Even if this Wei Wuhou was not satisfied, he was not embarrassed to do anything with him. The reason why Gongzilian made such a promise, on the one hand, is probably because Wei Wuhou is about the same age. On the other hand, after he returned to the State of Qin to seize the throne, he himself also needed time to deal with his internal affairs. Only when the State of Qin became stronger would he be able to compete with the State of Wei. So it can be seen that Gongzilian is really a man who has always been conspiring for the country, and his consideration of things is very far-reaching.
But, in doing so, he is actually very risky, he is equivalent to choosing a very difficult road. If he agrees to Wei Wuhou, it is almost a matter of waiting to go back to succeed. But he refused, which is likely to cause a lot of trouble.
Some people may say that this son company is really stupid, not suitable for playing politics. Politics is not black and white. You must know how to play tricks and use methods, and you must have a bit of political wisdom. You can pretend to agree and take back the throne first. As for those conditions, we will talk about them according to the situation. It's a big deal, you can still shame. What's more, Wei is an enemy. What do you say about faith and honesty to the enemy? Those who know the current affairs are handsome, now and then. Later Shang Yang, as well as many politicians in later generations, did indeed do the same. It is a kind of political wisdom to turn back and forth and turn hands for the rain.
Qin Xiangong is not stupid, why doesn't he do this?
That’s because the people of the Pre-Qin Dynasty, to be more precise, were the people who had not been destroyed by some Machiavellianists like the Legalists before the pre-Qin moral values were destroyed. When they considered things, in addition to wanting to succeed, they also wanted to succeed. One factor will be considered: faith and morality, especially the monarchs and nobles at that time. First of all, the education they received from an early age was not allowed. Moreover, if you shamelessly and don’t talk about credibility, you will not only be laughed at by the people of the world, but will also bring corresponding costs. If the son of the son agrees first, and then breaks the contract after returning to China, then Wei can use this as an excuse to send troops. He even united with other vassal states to question Qin Xiangong Xingshi.
The political wisdom of entrepreneurial boss Qin Xiangong
What is a politician? Gongzilian is a politician.
Of course, a politician needs to have political wisdom and political means, as well as tactics, but a politician must first be responsible, have political convictions, and be willing to pay for their political convictions. Even if it fails, it will not give up the principle. This is the difference between a politician and a politician.
Wei Wuhou heard what Gongzilian said, although he was not happy, but it was not easy to have a seizure. I have already said that I want to help Young Master Lian, but I'm not embarrassed to leave it alone. The army cannot be sent. Then send some gold and silver jewelry. The son was not even polite this time. Accepted it generously. Because he really needs money.
According to records, in 385 BC, the general of the Qin State, equivalent to the prime minister of the Qin State, welcomed the establishment of the son company in Hexi. After Qin Chugong's mother heard about it, she hurriedly transferred the army there. Unexpectedly, the generals of this army had already been bought, instead, they surrounded the nearly forty-year-old exiled prince into the capital of Qin, killing Qin Chugong and his mother.
The exiled prince finally regained the throne, this is Qin Xiangong.
The political wisdom of entrepreneurial boss Qin Xiangong
This Qin Xiangong is really a godlike figure. After succeeding to the throne, in just 20 years, he changed his internal laws to become stronger, and completely ended the chaotic situation of Emperor Qin’s weak and strong officials. He initiated a war to regain Hexi from the outside and fought Wei with almost no force to fight back. The title and dress of the overlord, rewarded by Zhou Tianzi, realized his ideal of reform and dominance.
So, how did he do it?
Sima Qian thinks it is God's help.
"Qin Shi was a small country remote, and Zhu Xia Binzhi, compared to Rong Di, and after the time of the Xian Gong princes...Gai Ruotian helped Yan." "Six Kingdoms Chronology"
said it was a help from heaven, but it was actually a plot.
To be honest, I read some documents about Qin Xiangong’s first succession, and I really squeezed it for him: the situation he faced was too complicated and too dangerous.
Qin Xiangong was able to succeed because of the support of the generals and some generals, and his ruling foundation was very weak. The original nobles with real power in the country did not listen to him. What should you do then? Would you say, "What's the problem? I'm the king. Kill if you don't listen." Politics can't be that simple. Oh, you just came back from killing, and your ass is still warm. Facing the complicated political situation, how can you kill all the political forces? Nobles and powerful officials support you because the one in front of you is not obedient. , If you find that you are not obedient, then your fate will be the same as the one who was killed before.
If you are a mediocre person, you probably only have to recognize it, be a maintenance chairman, enjoy a few years of glory and wealth, eat and wait for death. But as an ideal person, how could he be willing to manipulate his fate? The reason why Qin Xiangong came back with all his hardships was to revitalize the State of Qin.
After Qin Xiangong took the throne, he did three things. From these three things, as well as the order of doing them, it can be seen that he is a talented and rough monarch, very wise, bold, and courageous.
1. Political marriage
After Qin Xiangong succeeded to the throne, he soon married a woman from the most powerful aristocratic family and used political marriage to unite the aristocratic forces and obtain their support.
2. Moving the capital to Liyang
In the second year of Qin Xiangong's succession, he moved the capital to Liyang (now Wutun Township, Yanliang District, Xi'an, Shaanxi). If you have good geography, you will be shocked, and you will definitely admire Qin Xiangong's courage and wisdom, because Liyang is already on the west side of the river. The people of Qin could see the State of Wei when they stood in their capital.
Qin Xiangong's move to the capital Liyang played four roles:
1. Declare your resolve and declare a political program
Moved the capital to a place so close to the state of Wei, and showed the people his determination to retake the land of Hexi and revitalize the state of Qin, so as to gain the support of the people. This move immediately gathered the hearts of the people.
2, get rid of the control of the nobility
Almost all the nobles of the Qin Kingdom gather in the old capital of the Qin Kingdom. As we all know, the nobles respect the tradition and are conservative in their thinking. In addition, almost every New Deal that Qin Xiangong learned from the Wei state involved the interests of the nobles. Once the reforms were implemented, it would be tantamount to stabbing the nobles' hornet's nest.
What should I do? People also supported your seizure last year. What people say, do you listen? Or do you not?
Qin Xiangong is really wise. He knows that it is not good to listen or not. This hornet's nest is best not to be stab, then what should be done? Jump out and throw down this tricky hornet's nest. You fly slowly in this west, I I won't accompany you. This trick is really powerful, and I flew out under the banner of regaining Hexi and revitalizing the Qin State. You will not even object to this banner, right?
Qin Xiangong’s move is very similar to those Go players.
Friends who can play Go know that once the two sides enter the middle game, the most likely to form a stalemate is the entanglement of two dragons. Low-level chess players will often fight to the death at this point, and eventually lose both. But a real master often won’t entangle you at all. He leaps away lightly, places a piece on another point on the board, opens a new situation, and then lets the opponent unknowingly enter the situation he created, and finally You don't know how you lost. Qin Xiangong's move to move the capital is very similar, isn't it?
3. Establish a business market and develop the economy
Sima Qian said that the topography of Liyang is "the north is Rongdi, and the east leads to the three Jins". It can be seen that the geographical position of Liyang is very advantageous, and it is in an important position of the transportation hub. After Qin Xiangong moved his capital to Liyang, he established a business city here. After painstaking management, the economy of Qin State has been greatly developed.
4. Frontline base camp
Due to the special geographical location of Liyang, it is also close to the State of Wei. Once the war against Wei is launched, this is the military capital, which is equivalent to a front-line command post. Whether it is mobilizing the nation's military power, logistical support, or marching eastward, strategically, they have already seized the opportunity.
Through this series of actions, Qin Xiangong firmly grasped the power of the state. He began to do the third thing, which was what he had always wanted to do when he was in the Wei Kingdom, and that is-to implement the New Deal.
Three, implement the New Deal
We all know that reforms and the implementation of the New Deal have been very difficult since ancient times. Why is it difficult? Because the interests of some people are always involved. For example, Qin Xiangong promoted the new policy of rewarding military merits and promoted those who had military merits among the civilians to important posts in the country. The nobles are very opposed to this new deal. Why? Because it is equivalent to directly distributing part of the power from them and their children.
The political wisdom of entrepreneurial boss Qin Xiangong
Why did Qin Xiangong’s reform go smoothly?
First of all, he is relatively stable and flexible in measures.
For example, he even implemented one country, two systems: some new policies were first implemented in the east and in the new capital, but not in areas where nobles gathered in the west.
Secondly, he is better at balancing various interests.
Another point is also very important, that is, he can develop balanced development of all aspects related to national economy and people's livelihood, whether it is commerce, agriculture, or handicrafts. Unlike the later Shang Yang, he only knew how to engage in farming wars, restrict the development of commerce, and make a profit, turning the people into beasts that only knew how to behead people.
In fact, many of the contents of Shang Yang’s reforms, such as rewarding military merit, implementing the county system, managing household registration, abolishing mine fields, etc., are all new policies that Qin Xiangong has implemented long ago, and they have achieved very good results. Qin Xiangong's reform was at a critical juncture in the Qin State, which completely reversed the situation and changed the destiny of the Qin State. Neither his son Qin Xiaogong nor Shang Yang were the pioneers. On the basis of Qin Xiangong, Shang Yang carried out reforms more harshly and brutally.
Therefore, no matter from which aspect, Qin Xiangong is worthy of careful study.
On the one hand, he still has some pre-Qin style, and more or less talks about faith and morality. On the other hand, he can forge ahead and implement reforms. However, he did not go to extremes like Shang Yang, disregarding the interests of the people at all, blindly believing in state violence, and even proposed to eradicate the most basic civilized concepts of humanity, such as integrity, love, benevolence, and kindness at the national level.
The reform of Shang Yang has always been overestimated because of Qin's final victory. This kind of reversal is problematic, because the outcome of a war is determined by many aspects. In fact, when it comes to the groundbreaking nature of the reform, Li Zong has more research value than Shang Yang, and when it comes to the strategic nature of the reform, Qin Xiangong is more worthy of learning. On the contrary, Shang Yang’s reforms, especially the policies of foolish people, weak people, untouchable people, tired people, and very cruel and cruel measures, left more historical lessons, which deserve our vigilance and reflection.
If Ying Zheng and Hu Hai can learn from Shang Yang's reforms and learn more from Qin Xiangong, they should not die of the Second King.
