Lighten Taxes, Secure Trade Routes, Promote Commercial Business and Support Agriculture
?
降低關(guān)稅，使商家有利可圖；剪除盜賊，保障道路安全；促進商貿(mào)流通；寬免農(nóng)民賦稅徭役。這是春秋時期晉文公最早采取的改革措施，為歷代所稱道。其主旨在于鼓勵農(nóng)商，發(fā)展生產(chǎn)，促進人、財、物的跨區(qū)域流通，加速社會財富的增長。其現(xiàn)代意義在于提示人們努力建設(shè)開放、通達、共贏的經(jīng)濟秩序。
?
From taxes and trails to trade and tillage — this line encompasses a set of progressive reforms introduced by Duke Wen of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period that continue to resonate through history. By curtailing tax burdens for trade, keeping trade routes free from bandits and robbers, and alleviating taxes and corvee for peasants, the duke sought to energize farming and trade sectors, fuel production, and encourage the trans-regional flow of people, goods, and wealth, thereby amplifying societal prosperity. The modern relevance of this policy underscores the enduring value of creating an economic system that is open, accessible, and promotes mutual benefit.
?
引例 Citation：
?
◎輕關(guān)易道，通商寬農(nóng)。懋穡勸分，省用足財。利器明德，以厚民性。（《國語·晉語四》）
晉文公減輕關(guān)稅，整治道路，便利通商，寬免農(nóng)民賦稅徭役。鼓勵百姓從事農(nóng)耕，提倡互通有無，節(jié)省國用開支，積累財富。改進百工器具，宣揚德教，用來培養(yǎng)民眾的淳厚德性。
?
Duke Wen of Jin thereupon went about lightening taxes, securing trade routes, promoting commercial business, and supporting agriculture. He inspired his people to engage in farming and advocated for the sharing of resources, while simultaneously reducing state expenditure to accrue greater riches. Tools and craftsmanship were refined and perfected, and moral teachings resonated through the air, enriching the moral fiber of the people. (Discourses on Governance of the States)