Li Kui (legalist)

Li Kui was an ancient Chinese government minister and court advisor to Marquis Wen of Wei in the state of . In 407 BC, he wrote the ''Book of Law'' , which was the basis for the codified laws of the and dynasties. It had a deep influence on state ministers of such as Shang Yang, who formulated the dogma and basis of the harsh Chinese philosophy of . Along with his contemporary Ximen Bao, he was given oversight in construction of canal and irrigation projects in the State of Wei.