price-stabilization-method

# Price Stabilization Method (平准法) This method describes the 平准 system for stabilizing prices and managing market supply. ## Core Principle Government intervention to balance supply and demand, preventing merchant manipulation. ## Implementation Steps ### Step 1: Establish Infrastructure - Set up central purchasing agency (平准机构) - Create storage facilities nationwide - Appoint officials to manage operations ### Step 2: Market Monitoring - Track prices of essential goods - Identify price manipulation - Monitor merchant activities ### Step 3: Price Intervention **When prices are too high (贵):** 1. Release goods from government stores 2. Sell at reasonable prices 3. Increase market supply **When prices are too low (贱):** 1. Purchase goods from market 2. Store for future use 3. Support producer prices ### Step 4: Distribution Network - 均输: Establish transport offices in each region - Collect goods as tax payment - Redistribute to areas of need ## Supporting Policies ### Salt and Iron Monopoly - Government controls production and sale - Prevents private profiteering - Ensures stable supply ### Currency Control - Standardize currency - Prevent counterfeiting - Control money supply ### Taxation - 算缗钱: Tax on merchant wealth - Report requirements for assets - Penalties for underreporting ## Expected Outcomes - 富商大贾无所牟大利 - 万物不得腾踊 - 民不益赋而天下用饶 ## Warning Balance intervention with market freedom. Over-control can stifle commerce. ## Validation 1. Confirm the target outcomes are achieved: 富商大贾无所牟大利 and 万物不得腾踊 2. Verify that the 均输 distribution network is functioning — goods flow from surplus regions to deficit regions efficiently 3. Check that intervention is balanced — over-control is avoided and commerce is not stifled by excessive government monopolies