Implementation of the Mu-yi-fa in the Mid-Song Period and Local Officials​​​

Author : Lee, Geun-myung​​​

Page : 111-145

Abstract   

  Mu-yi-fa was first implemented in late December 1070. It was con- ducted on a trial basis in the capital area, and then expanded to the whole country in October 1071, 10 months after that.

  The circumstances of Mu-yi-fa implementation in various places were very complex. However, in general, Mu-yi-fa was carried out in a tight manner. In addition, the exemption money was overcollected from farmers.

  Local officials at that time tried to make as much surplus as they could. The government used fiscal surplus as one of the criteria when evaluating local official. The government placed great importance on securing finances in the implementation of Mu-yi-fa. It also encouraged financial surplus when implementing Mu-yi-fa. As a result, Mu-yi-fa's original intentions changed significantly. It was for this reason that the exemption money was collected from the inferior household, or the exemption money was collected from farmers much more than needed.​

<Key Words>

Song dynasty, New policy, Wang An-shi, Mu-yi- fa, local officials​