Qin and Han · Merchant and Landowner

Ren 任氏

Attested BC 207 - BC 203

Passages: 5
Chapters: 1
Histories: 1

Overview

Ren was a Merchant and Landowner.

Life and dates

Attested activity

BC 205 to BC 203 楚、漢相距滎陽
Directly stated · Book of Han 103, passage 110
BC 207 秦之敗也
Directly stated · Book of Han 103, passage 109

Family

Kin of Elder Ren (任公)
elder/patriarch 公
Strongly inferred · Book of Han 103, passage 113

Kinship Role ancestors · granary clerks on transport roads · Count 2
Directly stated · Book of Han 103, passage 108

Career and standing

farmer and livestock raiser 力田畜
Directly stated · Book of Han 103, passage 111
granary clerk (ancestors) 督道倉吏
Directly stated · Book of Han 103, passage 108

Events and relationships

Became wealthy
BC 205 to BC 203 楚、漢相距滎陽 · Commercial · Grain hoarder
Directly stated · Book of Han 103, passages 109-110

References in the histories

Book of Han, Chapter 103Volume 91: Usurers · 5 passages

宣曲任氏，其先為督道倉吏。 The Ren family of Xuancu began as lowly clerks who kept the imperial granaries along the supply routes.

秦之敗也，豪桀爭取金玉，任氏獨窖倉粟。 When Qin collapsed, every warlord grabbed bullion, yet the Rens quietly walled up wagonloads of millet.

楚、漢相距滎陽，民不得耕種，米石至萬，而豪桀金玉盡歸任氏，任氏以此起富。 While Chu and Han locked horns at Xingyang and fields lay idle, grain soared to ten thousand cash a shi; desperate lords traded heirlooms to the Rens for food, and that is how the family bought its first fortune.

富人奢侈，而任氏折節為力田畜。 Other magnates flaunted silk while the Rens swallowed pride and plowed like yeomen.

人爭取賤賈，任氏獨取貴善，富者數世。 When neighbors panic-sold at giveaway prices, the Rens paid top coin for prime stock and stayed rich for generations.