During the Western Han Dynasty under Emperor Wen, officials and landlords intensified their exploitation of peasants, causing immense suffering. Many farmers were ruined and forced to flee.

Chao Cuo, the Household Administrator to the Crown Prince, submitted a memorial titled "On Valuing Grain."

In his submission to the emperor, he proposed cracking down on merchant speculation, restricting the exploitation of peasants by officials and landlords, advocating for stable policies without frequent changes (朝令暮改), and emphasizing the development of agricultural production.