in ancient times, there was a prime1 minister named shang yang in the state of qin. he was held in high regard by the king. in the year 359 bc, he prepared for a political reform to promote the economic d*lopment. but he was afraid that the people would not beli* local authorities2. he thought an idea.
one day, he had a 10-meter long pole erected3 at the south gate outside the capital. then he told the crowd who*r took the pole to the north gate would be awarded 10 ounces4 of silver. *ryone was astonished, but nobody dared to have a try. after seeing that, shang yang raised his voice and said:" anyone who carries the pole to the north gate will get 50 ounces of silver." a brave man did it and was be given 50 ounces of silver. others felt very regretful.
in this way, shang yang achi*d his aim succes*ully. soon the state of qin became the strongest country.
later, people use it to praise the man who keeps his promise.
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