Li Kui

Li Kui served as a minister in the state of Wei under Marquis Wen. He implemented Legalist reforms, including the establishment of a written legal code, the promotion of agriculture, and the reorganization of the military. These reforms strengthened Wei and made it a major power.

Li Kui introduced policies to stabilize grain prices and encourage agricultural production. He advocated for state intervention in the grain market to prevent famine and ensure a stable food supply. These policies were later adopted by other Legalist states.

Li Kui wrote the Classic of Law, a legal text that became the foundation for Legalist philosophy in China. The work is lost, but it is known to have contained chapters on various legal topics, including theft, arrest, and military affairs. It influenced later Legalist thinkers like Shang Yang.