中一作業p45-73

Development of the Jiangnan Region

The term "Jiangnan" ($\text{江南}$) refers specifically to the region located south of the Yangtze River ($\text{長江以南}$). During the late Western Jin ($\text{西晉}$) and through the Eastern Jin ($\text{東晉}$) period, a massive migration occurred as people from the Central Plains fled southward to escape warfare and turmoil. By the end of the Eastern Jin, these northern migrants accounted for approximately $\frac{1}{6}$ of the total population in the Jiangnan region. To settle these displaced individuals, the Eastern Jin government established "Qiaozhi" ($\text{僑置}$) counties and prefectures, which were most densely concentrated in the regions of Xuzhou ($\text{徐州}$) and Yangzhou ($\text{揚州}$).

The influx of northern migrants brought advanced agricultural technologies and labor, which catalyzed the development of the south. Migrants introduced northern crops such as wheat ($\text{小麥}$), millet ($\text{粟}$), and broomcorn millet ($\text{黍}$). They also implemented advanced farming techniques including the use of iron plows ($\text{鐵犁}$), cattle farming ($\text{牛耕}$), and the "Daitian" method ($\text{代田法}$). These innovations led to a significant increase in agricultural yields and the diversification of products. Handcraft industries also saw major advancements: celadon ($\text{青瓷}$) production became more refined, silk weaving ($\text{絲織}$) replaced older methods, and the quality of papermaking improved, with paper made from rattan or vine bark ($\text{藤皮}$) considered to be of the highest quality. This economic boom fostered commercial prosperity in cities such as Jiankang ($\text{建康}$).

Social and Cultural Development in the Wei and Jin Dynasties

The social structure of this era was dominated by the scholar-gentry class ($\text{士族}$). Under the "Nine-Rank System" ($\text{九品中正制}$), official positions were monopolized based on family lineage rather than merit, allowing the gentry to control high-ranking government posts. The lifestyle of these aristocrats was marked by extreme extravagance; for example, He Zeng ($\text{何曾}$) was known to spend over $\$10,000$ on his daily meals. To escape the pressures of the political world, many gentry members engaged in "Pure Talk" ($\text{清談}$), focusing on Metaphysics ($\text{玄學}$) while holding "Zhuwei" ($\text{麈尾}$) or yak-tail whisks. They often used white facial powder for makeup and sought psychological escapes through literature or the consumption of "Five-Mineral Powder" ($\text{五石散}$).

Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei ($\text{北魏孝文帝}$) initiated significant Sinicization reforms. To overcome resistance from conservative Xianbei ($\text{鮮卑}$) aristocrats—including Crown Prince Yuan Xun ($\text{元恂}$)—who preferred the northern climate, the Emperor used the pretext of a "Southward Expedition" ($\text{南征}$) to force the capital's relocation to Luoyang ($\text{洛陽}$). While this made Luoyang a prosperous center of Chinese culture, it marginalized the soldiers guarding the "Six Frontier Towns" ($\text{六鎮}$). Their declining political status and resentment toward the Luoyang-based aristocrats eventually triggered the "Six Frontier Towns Rebellion" ($\text{六鎮之亂}$), which destabilized the dynasty.

Founding and Governance of the Sui Dynasty

The Sui Dynasty ($\text{隋朝}$) was founded by Yang Jian ($\text{楊堅}$), known as Sui Wendi ($\text{隋文帝}$). He previously held the title of Duke of Sui ($\text{隨國公}$) and served as a regent for the $7$-year-old Emperor Jing of Northern Zhou before usurping the throne. In his quest to unify China, he dispatched his son Yang Guang ($\text{楊廣}$) with an army of $500,000$ soldiers to conquer the Chen ($\text{陳}$) Dynasty. The last ruler of Chen, Chen Shubao ($\text{陳叔寶}$), surrendered, ending the long period of division.

During the "Kaihuang Reign" ($$\text{開