English Original
In ancient China, Shang Yang, a prime minister of the State of Qin highly regarded by the king, planned a political reform in 359 BC to boost economic growth. However, he feared the people would not trust the new authorities.
To build public trust, he had a ten-meter pole erected at the capital's south gate. He announced that anyone who carried it to the north gate would receive ten ounces of silver. The crowd was astonished, but no one dared to try. Seeing this, Shang Yang raised the reward to fifty ounces. Finally, a brave man stepped forward, moved the pole, and was promptly paid the promised sum, leaving the onlookers filled with regret.
Through this act, Shang Yang successfully established his credibility. His reforms were implemented, and Qin grew into the most powerful state. This story is later used to praise those who keep their promises.
中文翻译
中国古代，秦国有一位深受秦王器重的宰相，名叫商鞅。公元前359年，他计划推行一场旨在促进经济发展的政治改革，但担心百姓不信任新的官府。
为了建立公众信任，他在都城南门外立起一根十米长的木杆，并宣布谁能将它扛到北门，就赏十两银子。人群十分惊讶，却无人敢尝试。见此情形，商鞅将赏金提高到五十两。终于，一位勇敢的人站出来，搬动了木杆，并立即得到了承诺的赏银，让围观者懊悔不已。
通过此举，商鞅成功地树立了自己的信誉。他的改革得以实施，秦国也逐渐发展成为最强大的国家。后来，人们常用这个故事来赞扬信守诺言的人。