After Duke Huan of Qi ascended the throne in 685 BC, he appointed Guan Zhong to implement a series of policies aimed at enriching the state and strengthening its military, which are also known as the “Reforms of Guan Zhong” (or the Guan Zhong Reforms).
Domestically, the reforms divided the state into six districts for merchants and artisans, and fifteen districts for scholars (shi), ensuring that scholars, artisans, merchants, and farmers lived in segregated communities. Taxes were levied based on the quality of the land, and the state fully leveraged its natural resources to vigorously develop commerce and trade, rapidly boosting both national and military power.
In foreign affairs, Guan Zhong adopted the strategy of “revering the King and repelling the barbarians” while actively seeking alliances with other states. The reforms also introduced major adjustments to the feudal system, criminal laws, punishments, talent selection, and wealth distribution. These measures significantly strengthened the state’s centralization of power and overall might, ultimately securing Duke Huan’s hegemony.
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