Gong Sunyang won the trust of Qu Liang and began to prepare for political reform. However, as soon as the idea of political reform was put forward, it was opposed by the nobility. So Shang Yang argued with the ministers.

Dr. Gan Long said: "Only by following traditional customs and governing the country according to traditional laws and regulations can officials be competent and the people be stable." Sun Yang retorted, "What Gan Long said is the same old story. Ordinary people will only be content with the old customs, and scholars' views are limited to what they know. These two kinds of people can do things according to the rules in their posts, but they can't discuss bigger state affairs with them. Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties have different etiquette systems, but they can all be kings; There are different laws in the Spring and Autumn Period, but they can all be dominated. Wise men make rules, fools only obey them. Wise people change the etiquette system, while bad people will only stick to the status quo and not change. "

Dr. Du Zhi said: "If the income does not exceed 100, don't change the ritual vessels if the legal contribution is less than 10. Imitate the ancient times so that there will be no mistakes, and follow the old rituals so that there will be no evil. "Gong Sunyang continued to retort:" We can't govern the country in one way, nor can we copy the ancient practices for the convenience of the country. Therefore, Shang Tang and Wu Zhou did not follow the ancient etiquette before they became kings, while Xia Yin died because they did not change the etiquette according to the changes of the times. Those who oppose the ancient ceremony should not be denied, and those who follow the ancient ceremony have nothing to praise. "

In the court battle, Sun Yang always got the upper hand, and Doctor Qin was speechless by him. After a court battle, Qu Quliang finally made a decision and said, "Gong Sunyang said it well!" Gong Sunyang was appointed as Chang and presided over the political reform.