Emperor Wen of Han

Emperor Wen personally practiced frugality, wearing simple clothes and refusing to build extravagant palaces. He set an example for officials and the court, reducing government spending and corruption. This austerity helped restore the economy after the Qin dynasty's excesses.

Emperor Wen abolished the Qin-era laws that punished entire families for crimes committed by one member. This reform reduced the harshness of the legal code and was part of his broader effort to restore stability and win popular support after the Qin collapse.

Emperor Wen reduced the agricultural tax from one-fifteenth to one-thirtieth of crop yields, and later temporarily abolished it entirely. This policy stimulated agricultural production, increased state revenue through voluntary contributions, and alleviated peasant burdens.

Emperor Wen abolished the mutilation punishments of tattooing, nose-cutting, and foot-cutting, replacing them with beatings and hard labor. This reform was prompted by a filial daughter's plea and marked a significant step toward a more humane legal system.