Guan Zhong was earlier. He was the earliest reformer in the Spring and Autumn Period, and he helped Qi Huangong become the first overlord in the Spring and Autumn Period.

The following are some representatives of legalists: Guan Zhong of Qi in the Spring and Autumn Period, Zi Chan of Zheng in the Spring and Autumn Period, Shang Yang (Fa), Shen Dao (Shi), Shen Buhai (Shu), and Han Feizi, the "three giants of legalists in the Warring States Period".