agricultural policy

  • Mencius – Chapter 1.3 Beyond Relief: Sustainable Benevolence

    King Hui of Liang said, “When it comes to governing my state, I have done my utmost. If there is famine in Henei (north of the Yellow River), I move the people there to Hedong (the territory east of the Yellow River) and convey grain from Hedong to Henei. When famine strikes Hedong, I…

  • The iron reformer: Shang Yang [Warring States]

    This article chronicles the rise of Wei Yang (Shang Yang), the “Iron Reformer” of the Qin state during the Warring States period. It details his recruitment by Duke Xiao of Qin, who sought to transform his backward, humiliated state into a superpower. The narrative highlights Wei Yang’s legendary “Log at the South Gate” test…

  • Cao Cao’s Tuntian System [Three Kingdoms]

    In the chaotic aftermath of the Yellow Turban Rebellion, warlords across China struggled not only to conquer territory but simply to feed their troops. Amid this crisis, Cao Cao – guided by visionary advisors like Zao Zhi and Han Hao – launched a revolutionary policy in 196 CE: the Tuntian (military-agricultural colony) system.