In the state ofQin(秦国), there was a man calledShang Yang(商鞅). He was a statesman (政治家) and worked out many reforms(改革) for the state, like paying more attention to farming and giving rewards (报酬) to soldiers who were successful when at war.
But these reforms were not easily carried out (执行) at first. Most people didn't trustShang
Yang. In order to solve this problem,Shang Yangcame up wiIh an idea. He put a thin wooden pole at the south gate of theQincapital. Many people came to see him and the pole.
Then, in front of the crowd, Shang Yang said loudly, "The man who takes this pole to the north gate will get 10 gold pieces."
It was a sample job and the reward was so large. However, some time passed and no one stepped forward. They all thoughtShang Yangwas making a joke.
Hearing no answer, Shang Yang stepped forward and said, "The reward now goes to 50 gold pieces."
This reward was unbelievably large. Finally, a man from the crowd came forward. He put the pole on his shoulders and walked to the north gate. True to his word,Shang Yanggave the man 50 gold pieces.
After that, the people ofQinwere all talking about whatShang Yangdid about the pole. They believed he wasa man of his word. So whenShang Yangbegan carrying out his reforms, the people followed him.
Under these great reforms,Qingrew stronger and stronger. Al last,Qinmade all the seven states into one empire (帝国).
