Marquess Wen also appointed Legalist philosopher Li Kui, whose principles for the implementation of political reforms were "to eat one must labor, to receive a salary one must provide meritorious service; those who do not will be punished."

With Ximen Bao installed as magistrate of Ye (in modern-day Hebei), Beimen Ke (北門可) in control of Suanzao (酸棗) and Zhai Huang (翟黃) as Senior Minister, the Wei state underwent political reforms and constructed irrigation systems.

The scholar was always patient and passed on to his ruler policies of benevolent government that cherished the people while providing an analysis of the differences between ancient and (at that time) modern music.

He also used musical metaphors and advised Marquess Wen to personally follow the principles of the ancient sage emperors Yao and Shun by staying close to his virtuous officials, avoiding flatterers, and being prudent with regard to the requirements of the monarchy over his own self-interest.

Later, during the Song dynasty, Sima Guang remarked: "As a result, Wei became the strongest of the Jin vassal states with both Han and Zhao unable to match it militarily.

Marquess Wen asked Li Kui for his opinion of Wú Qĭ and was told: "He avidly seeks fame and glory and is a womanizer, having said that, if you put him at the head of an attack force, even Sima Rangju would not be his equal."

On hearing this Marquess Wen made Wú Qĭ a general in his army and asked him to lead his troops into the State of Qin and seize five cities.

General Wú Qĭ subsequently occupied Qin territory to the east of the Luo River for the four years between 409 and 406 BCE thereby expanding the State of Wei along its western borders.

The Marquess persuaded him to take the job by saying: "Worthy minister, you should not miss this opportunity; you can definitely achieve great things in politics and become famous throughout China!"

Ximen Bao took up his post then immediately summoned a group of local elders to learn about the frequent disasters suffered as a result of the nearby Zhang River flooding.

He was told that as a result of collusion between witches and local officials, every year a maiden had to be sacrificed to appease the river god Hebo on the occasion of his taking a wife to obviate floods.

He then told Marquess Wen: "If my lord wishes to obtain the territory of Zhongshan then your minister recommends that Yue Yang leads the army."

The Marquess rewarded Yue Yang by giving him Lingshou County (in modern-day Hebei Province) but never again used the general in an important position.

The rebels asked the three Jin vassals Wei, Zhao and Han for assistance so Marquess Wen appointed Zhai Jue to lead an allied army and attack the Great Wall of Qi.