Jia Chong vs Sang Hongyang

Jia Chong married a daughter of Sima Zhao, strengthening his ties to the Sima clan. This marriage aligned him with the future Jin dynasty and ensured his political survival after the Cao Wei collapse. It also gave him influence over succession matters.

Jia Chong ordered the assassination of Emperor Cao Mao after the emperor led a coup against Sima Zhao. When Cao Mao attacked Sima Zhao's residence, Jia Chong's troops killed him. This act eliminated the last Cao emperor who resisted Sima control.

Jia Chong was appointed Minister of Works under the Jin dynasty, becoming one of its highest-ranking officials. He played a key role in consolidating Sima Yan's rule and was instrumental in the conquest of Wu, serving as a strategist and administrator.

Sang Hongyang established government monopolies over the production and sale of salt and iron. These monopolies generated substantial revenue for the Han treasury, enabling Emperor Wu's expansionist policies, but also faced criticism for stifling private enterprise.

Sang Hongyang introduced the 'equalization and standardization' (junshu) system to stabilize prices and transport goods. The government bought surplus goods in regions of abundance and sold them in areas of scarcity, controlling commerce and increasing state revenue.

Sang Hongyang was appointed as Superintendent of Agriculture (Da Sinong) under Emperor Wu of Han. He became the chief financial officer responsible for implementing state monopolies on salt, iron, and liquor to fund military campaigns.

After Emperor Wu's death, Sang Hongyang was accused of conspiring with the regent Huo Guang's rivals. He was executed along with his family, ending his economic reforms temporarily, though many were later reinstated.