The Song Dynasty's Merchant World: The Legend of the Shen Trading House

During the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song, the market economy flourished. Cities such as Bianjing and Hangzhou were lined with shops, canal transport thrived, and overseas trade was on the rise. Yet problems persisted, including collusion between officials and merchants, vicious competition between businesses, and a crushing burden of taxes and levies. The Shen family of Suzhou in Jiangnan had once been an established official household, but after becoming embroiled in court infighting, they were demoted and fell into decline. The protagonist, Shen Zhiyan, must rebuild the family fortunes through business.