A Study On The Salt Traders In Liangzhe Based On The Annals Of Salt Law Of Liangzhe

During the Ming and Qing dynasties,Liangzhe had become the national economic center with a developed commerce.As a government monopoly,the salt industry was well developed during this period,and a number of wealthy salt merchants also appeared.The most complete record of salt affairs and salt traders in Liangzhe is the annals of salt law of Liangzhe.However,there is a lack of special research on it at present.Therefore,this paper makes an analysis of the changes in the annals of salt law of Liangzhe,such as the connection between the annals of salt of Liangzhe and the annals of salt law of Liangzhe,the difference between Li Wei's and Yanfeng's edition,so as to conduct an in-depth study on the salt affairs and salt traders in Liangzhe.To ensure the government's control over salt,by setting up salt administration agencies in Liangzhe,its duty is to stipulate specific salt routes and formulate a comprehensive regulations on dealing with salt traders' violations,etc.After their successful business,they actively engaged in the social construction and charity undertakings,such as the construction of basic water conservancy facilities,Shantang,academies and so on.It has greatly promoted the economic and social development of Liansgzhe.