Astragalus (Huangqi)

Astragalus is listed as a "superior grade" herb in the Classic of Materia Medica original: "Benjing" (本經), referring to the Shennong Bencao Jing, the foundational text of Chinese herbology.. There are several varieties; those produced in Shanxi and Mongolia are of the highest quality. The variety produced in Yunnan original: "Dian" (滇). An ancient name for Yunnan province. has a foul, rank smell and is not suitable for medicinal use.

The Farmer of Yulou original: "Yulounong" (雩婁農). The literary pseudonym of the author, Wu Qijun. He uses this persona to provide critical historical or moral commentary. says:

Astragalus is a product of the western regions. However, the Gazetteer of Chun'an County records that during the Jiajing era The reign of the Ming Emperor Shizong, 1522–1566., someone claimed the local area produced Astragalus. The local authorities issued an official demand for it. Since the plant did not actually grow there, the people attempted to substitute it with the roots of what is vulgarly called "Horse-head Alfalfa" original: "Mashou Muxu" (馬首苜蓿). A common plant substituted by desperate locals to satisfy unreasonable tax demands..

The physician sent to deliver the tribute was flogged and nearly died. In the end, they were forced to pay a bribe of thirty to forty gold pieces to settle the matter. Alas! The ancient kings assessed the natural suitability of the land to distribute resources for the people's benefit. How could later generations turn this benefit into a source of harm?

The system of "paying tribute based on the soil" original: "Rentuzuo’gong" (任土作貢). A principle from the Book of Documents where regions paid taxes in their unique local products. has remained unchanged since the Three Dynasties The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, regarded as the era of Sage Kings.. However, when official demands are excessive and the culture of gift-giving is widespread, it remains a burden for the people.

The "Flowers of the Children of Luoyang" Referring to the famous peonies of Luoyang, often transported at great cost to the imperial court. and the "Lychee Manuals of Putian" Putian in Fujian was famous for lychees; the author cites these as examples of local delicacies that became tools for political flattery.—transported across a thousand miles just to bring a moment's pleasure—leave wise men with lingering regrets.

In the past, Yuanjiang in Yunnan produced lychees. Because the demands for them were so frequent, the local people eventually cut down the trees to escape the burden. In the Kunming Sea referring to Dianchi Lake in Yunnan., there are also shrimp; fishermen there fear being required to provide them as tribute... ...?