•
Introduction: This article explores the cultural and social changes under the Yuan Dynasty. Kublai Khan unified China and built Dadu as a global capital. The Grand Canal and advanced astronomy flourished, while Yuan drama emerged as a major art form. Despite ethnic hierarchy, the era saw rich cultural fusion before succession crises weakened the…
•
Brief: This article introduces Liu Yan’s key financial reforms in the mid‑Tang Dynasty after the An‑Shi Rebellion. He improved disaster relief, reformed the salt monopoly to boost state revenue without overburdening the people, and restored the Grand Canal transport system to secure grain supplies for Chang’an. His pragmatic measures stabilized the crisis‑stricken empire and…
•
Brief: This article recounts Emperor Yang of Sui’s rise to power and his reckless reign. After seizing the throne in suspicious circumstances, he launched massive projects including the Grand Canal and extravagant voyages to Jiangdu. His tyranny, forced labor, and costly wars sparked widespread uprisings, leading to the rapid collapse of the Sui Dynasty.