Shang Yang, a reformer of great importance in Chinese history, lived a legendary life. However, his death remains an eternal mystery. So, why did Shang Yang have to die? This article will reveal this mystery from a historical perspective.

Firstly, the background of Shang Yang's reforms. In the 4th century BC, the Qin state during the Warring States period was in a state of internal and external troubles, with its national strength weakened and its people suffering. To revitalize the country, Qin Xiaogong appointed Shang Yang as prime minister to carry out a series of reforms. Shang Yang's reforms mainly included military, political, and economic aspects, which gradually made Qin rise and laid the foundation for the later unification of the six states.

Secondly, the reform measures of Shang Yang. Firstly, he implemented strict rule of law. Shang Yang believed that the stability and strength of a country depended on strict rule of law. He formulated a series of laws and regulations to severely punish criminal acts, effectively maintaining social order in Qin. Secondly, he implemented the military rank system. Shang Yang abolished the hereditary system and introduced the military rank system, encouraging soldiers to bravely fight on the battlefield and improving the combat effectiveness of the army. Thirdly, he carried out land reform. Shang Yang implemented the land reform of "abolishing the well and field system and opening up new paths," allowing farmers to cultivate more land and increasing agricultural productivity. Finally, he unified measurement units and writing systems, facilitating economic and cultural exchanges within the country.

Thirdly, the reasons for Shang Yang's death. Firstly, his reforms infringed on the interests of vested interests. Shang Yang's reform measures broke the original social hierarchy and infringed on the vested interests of many nobles and bureaucrats. These people felt strong resentment and hostility towards Shang Yang's reforms. Secondly, violent means were used during the reform process. Shang Yang adopted some severe measures during the reform, such as burning books and burying scholars, which caused dissatisfaction and fear among some people in society. Finally, the emergence of reform achievements. With the deepening of the reforms, the national strength of Qin gradually grew, and significant achievements were made in military, economic, and political aspects. This made Shang Yang's status in Qin rise higher and higher, and also made him a threat in the eyes of some people.

In summary, the main reasons why Shang Yang had to die were that his reforms infringed on the interests of vested interests, causing resentment and hostility from them. At the same time, Shang Yang's adoption of severe measures during the reform process also made him numerous enemies in society. Finally, with the emergence of reform achievements, Shang Yang's status in Qin rose higher and higher, making him a threat in the eyes of some people. Therefore, Shang Yang was ultimately forced to walk the path of death.

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