Was Wang Anshi's economic policy purely about state control?
Critics often misunderstand my intentions, portraying my policies as solely about expanding state power. While I certainly believed the state had a crucial role to play, my ultimate objective was the welfare of the populace and the stability of the realm. The centralization of resources and intervention in markets were pragmatic means to prevent exploitation, alleviate poverty, and ensure the equitable distribution of essential goods and capital. My 'New Policies' aimed to empower the state to better serve the people.
Ask Wang Anshi the follow-up →