Duke Xiao of Qin facts for kids

Duke Xiao of Qin (Chinese: 秦孝公; pinyin: Qín Xiào Gōng) was a powerful ruler of the ancient Qin state. His personal name was Ying Quliang. He ruled from 361 to 338 BC. Duke Xiao is famous for hiring a smart advisor named Shang Yang.

Shang Yang helped Duke Xiao make big changes to Qin. These changes made Qin much stronger. Even though many people didn't like the changes at first, Duke Xiao fully supported them. Thanks to these reforms, Qin became a leading power among the Seven Warring States in ancient China.

Becoming a Great Leader

Duke Xiao became the ruler of Qin in 361 BC when he was 21 years old. He took over after his father, Duke Xian. Duke Xiao had a big goal: he wanted to make Qin as strong and famous as it was long ago. His ancestor, Duke Mu, had made Qin very powerful.

To achieve his goal, Duke Xiao sent out a special message. He asked talented people from all over China to come and help him. He promised them important jobs and land if they could make Qin stronger. A smart scholar named Wei Yang heard this call. He was from the Wey state and followed a way of thinking called Legalism.

Big Changes for Qin

Wei Yang met Duke Xiao several times. At first, Wei Yang suggested ideas based on other ways of thinking, like Confucianism. But Duke Xiao wasn't very impressed. Then, in their third meeting, Wei Yang talked about strict rules and strong government. This idea, based on Legalism, really caught Duke Xiao's attention.

Duke Xiao and Wei Yang talked for three days and nights. They planned out many important changes for Qin. These plans started to be put into action around 363 BC. Some politicians in Qin strongly disagreed with the new rules. But Duke Xiao stood by Wei Yang and made sure the changes happened.

These reforms completely changed the Qin state. Qin became a very strict and organized place. It had tough laws and a strong military. Farming was also greatly expanded. People were rewarded or punished based on how well they farmed or fought in battles.

In 366 BC, Qin's armies won a big battle against forces from the Han and Wei states. Qin soldiers were promoted based on how many enemy heads they collected. Qin kept pushing into Wei's land. Wei became much weaker because of these losses.

Duke Xiao's Lasting Impact

Duke Xiao ruled Qin for 24 years. He died in 338 BC when he was 44 years old. His son, King Huiwen of Qin, became the next ruler. Duke Xiao was given the special name "Xiao" after he died. This name means "filial" or respectful.

The changes Duke Xiao made were very important. They built a strong base for Qin. Later, Qin would unite all of China. This happened under Duke Xiao's descendant, Zheng, who became Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China.

Duke Xiao was also the last Qin ruler to be called a "duke" (Chinese: 公; pinyin: gōng). After him, Qin rulers started calling themselves "kings" (Chinese: 王; pinyin: wáng). This showed that the central government, the Zhou Dynasty, was losing its power. Many other states also started calling their rulers "kings."

Family

Duke Xiao had several children.

Sons:

• Crown Prince Si (太子駟; 356–311 BC): He became King Huiwen of Qin after his father.
• Prince Ji (公子疾; died 300 BC): He was also known as Master of Chuli or Lord Yan. He served as a top minister in Qin.
• Prince Hua (公子華)