(Minghui.org) Shang Yang (390–338 B.C.) was a chancellor who served under Duke Xiao of the State of Qin during the Warring States period. In the chapter “In Criticism of Shang Yang” in the book Discourses on Salt and Iron (盐铁论), Shang Yang’s execution is described as “The man caused his own death, no one else is responsible.”

While in power, Shang Yang enforced countless brutal laws and harsh punishments. Unfair collective punishments and bloody repression were common. Shang Yang once ordered the execution of over 700 people in a single day. As a result, the River Wei turned red that day, and agonizing cries could be heard from afar. He transformed the Qin state into a giant prison. People on the street were often seen with words tattooed on their faces or with their noses cut off. Both punishments were used to permanently humiliate the offenders. Shang Yang was proud of his achievements and believed he had made Qin a powerful state.

When Duke Xiao died in 338 B.C., King Huiwen assumed power. Someone accused Shang Yang of planning a rebellion, so King Huiwen ordered his arrest. Shang Yang tried to flee, but no one dared to shelter him, fearing the consequences. He was eventually captured. King Huiwen ordered his body to be dismembered in public using five chariots. After he died, the people of Qin fought to eat his flesh, sang and danced in the streets, and felt enormous relief. People in other states also cheered and celebrated the news.

The brutal laws Shang Yang enforced led to his demise. Over 2,000 years later, we still see people enforcing harsh rules to control others. Their fate will be no different than Shang Yang’s. Here is one of many examples.

Zhao Yusuo was a former head of the Forced Labor Re-education Division in Baoding City, Hebei Province, China. He sent over 500 Falun Dafa practitioners to forced labor camps. Falun Dafa is a spiritual practice persecuted in China since July 1999. Countless practitioners were tortured in the camps and died as a result. On August 11, 2010, Zhao and two others were driving to Fuping County to brainstorm ways to persecute and detain Falun Dafa practitioners. Their car veered off the highway, and Zhao was killed instantly. A police officer at his funeral said, “He destroyed families, and deserved to die.”

Hundreds of imprisoned practitioners suffered torture, and their parents, spouses, and families were constantly worried and grieving. Their children were left in poverty or became orphans—all because of Zhao’s actions. He was a modern-day Shang Yang; a terrifying and sinister figure who incited tragedies. His death resulted from his overwhelming sins, and hence “The man caused his own death, no one else is responsible.”

The stories of Shang Yang and Zhao show that those who misuse their power to oppress others will face appropriate consequences. Hence, participating in persecution harms both oneself and others. We need to respect others and their righteous faith to avoid such outcomes.