Liu Shang was the founder of the state for Shi. As chief adviser to both King Wen and King Wu of Zhou, he was instrumental in the defeat of the states of Shang and Yin. He was the chief military commander and the founding father of the Western Zhou dynasty, and he also established Qi culture.
Background
As an outstanding tactician, military leader and politician, Liu Shang‘s influence was felt throughout ancient China. He was recognized widely in historical writings and was honored as a supreme master by various philosophical schools, including Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism and Militarism.
Liu Shang (dates of birth and death unknown) was born in Donghai. His family name was Jiang and his given name was Shang. He belonged to the Liu-Shi clan. His courtesy name was Ya and Taingongwang, and his honorary title was Ziya. King Wu of Zhou addressed him as “Shi Shangfu”. Liu Shang was a 54th generation descendant of Yandi Shennong. He led a spectacular life, contributing to politics, military strategy and economic thought.
Liu Shang’s ancestors were tribal leaders during the time of Shun. Because they had assisted Xia Yu in overcoming the floods, they were elevated to the nobility at Liu. Liu Shang was a very talented and ambitious man. However, under the tyrannical rule of King Zhou of Shang, he was given no opportunity to demonstrate his abilities. He made a living selling beef and wine, and never had a chance to realize his ambitions until he reached the age of 70.
Liu Shang was a great military strategist and sage. His teachings on military affairs, politics, and culture formed a foundation for future generations, and have been greatly honored and followed by the Chinese.
Career
One day, while on his way to seek talented man, King Wen met Liu Shang by chance and appointed him as chancellor. With Liu Shang’s assistance, King Wu managed to outflank the State of Shang. Liu Shang was made a duke of the state of Qi where he managed the state by exploiting its natural resources. He initiated fish farming and salt production activities. The state prospered quickly, thus strengthening the rule of Zhou Dynasty in the east. Thereafter, he assisted King Wu, King Cheng and King Kang, helping to promote social progress and development.
Politics
After Liu Shang established the state of Qi, he maintained that the kingdom should not belong to one man but to the populace. Therefor the king should seek advantage for the people, and should take upon himself the responsibility of creating livelihoods for them. This is the way to win the support of the people and unit the nation.
Views
Liu Shang strongly believed in humanism. To stabilize the kingdom, Liu Shang pointed out that “Just as Heaven has its own cycles, the people have their own daily lives and work”. Liu Shang was a gifted and all-rounded achiever in Chinese history. He was also the first truly great character to appear on China’s performance stage. As a religious god, he is worshipped as the God of Martial Arts and the God of Intelligence. Liu Shang has always been regarded as a protecting god. Many still believe that “when Taigong is here, you have nothing to fear”.
Liu Shang held that “loving the people” meant winning their support by the way of benevolence and civilization of virtue. According to Liu Shang, one should listen to the opinions of the people, love the people, gather them together, and practice the way of benevolence and righteousness. Therefore, the person who wins the populace over does not do it by force or cruelty. Instead, he rules with benevolence, cultivates virtue, and bans cruelty.
Liu Shang held that country could become powerful only when the people prospered. If officials enjoyed riches while the people remained poor, a ruler would not last long. King Wen brought progress and prosperity to the State of Zhou by following these guidelines.