* Xiao of Qin, Duke of Qin, China ( b. 381 BC )

In addition, his theories thought all humanity was selfish and evil, which added towards the cause for Shang Yang becoming prime minister of the Qin under the rule of Duke Xiao of Qin and gradually transforming the state into a vigorously regulated machine, the sole purpose of which was the elimination of all rivals.

While Shang Yang ( the Prime Minister of Duke Xiao of Qin ) would allow rulers to listen to musical instruments rather than focus on foreign policy, Han Fei ( the Legalist scholar most admired by the First Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi ) demanded more of the wise ruler.

Two far-fetched co-conspirators — Fang Wang ( 方望 ), the former strategist for the local warlord Wei Xiao ( 隗囂 ), and a man named Gong Lin ( 弓林 ) -- and their group of several thousand men, after kidnapping the former Duke of Ding ' an, occupied Linjing ( 臨涇, in modern Qingyang, Gansu ).

** Liu Jing ( 劉京 ), Duke of Langye ( created 39 ), later Prince Xiao of Langye ( created 41, d. 69 )

Born Wei Yang () in the State of Wey, with the support of Duke Xiao of Qin Yang enacted numerous reforms in Qin.

After Duke Xiao of Qin, ascended the Qin throne, Yang left his lowly position in the State of Wey ( to whose ruling family he had been born, but had yet to obtain a high position in ) to become the chief adviser in Qin at Duke Xiao's behest.

When Duke Xiao came to the throne of Qin, he issued an announcement, calling forth men of talent ( including scholars, administrators, theorists and militarists ) from other states to enter Qin and help him with his reforms, promising rewards of high offices and lands in return.

Among these foreign talents, Wei Yang ( later renamed to Shang Yang ), a scholar from the Legalist School, successfully conducted a series of reforms in Qin with the support of Duke Xiao, despite facing strong opposition from several Qin politicians.

Duke Xiao of Qin (, 381 – 338 BC ), given name Quliang (), was the ruler of the Qin state from 361 to 338 BC during the Warring States Period of Chinese history.

Duke Xiao is best known for employing the Legalist statesman Shang Yang from the State of Wey ( 衛 ), and authorizing him to conduct a series of upheaving political, military and economic reforms in Qin.

Although the reforms were potentially controversial and drew violent opposition from many Qin politicians, Duke Xiao supported Shang Yang fully and the reforms did helped to transform Qin into a dominant superpower among the Seven Warring States.

Duke Xiao ascended to the throne of the Qin state in 361 BC at the age of 21, succeeding his father, Duke Xian.

Duke Xiao was determined to restore the Qin state to its former glory as one of the Five Hegemons during the reign of his ancestor, Duke Mu.

Wei Yang was introduced to Duke Xiao by Jing Jian and had two audiences with the duke, during which he proposed ideas on governance based on principles of Confucianism, Taoism and other schools of thought, but the duke was not impressed.

Duke Xiao and Wei Yang had a discussion that lasted for three days and three nights, after which they drafted plans for reform.

However, Duke Xiao supported Wei Yang fully and ensured that the reforms were conducted as planned.

Duke Xiao ruled Qin for 24 years and died at the age of 44 in 338 BC.

Duke Xiao was given the posthumous name of " Xiao ", which means " filial ".

* Duke Xiao of Qin-Chinese Text Project

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