Jia Xu vs Solon

After Dong Zhuo's death, Jia Xu advised his subordinates Li Jue and Guo Si to gather their troops and attack Chang'an rather than disbanding. This led to the capture of the capital and the restoration of their power, though it plunged the region into further chaos.

Jia Xu left Zhang Xiu's service and joined Cao Cao, bringing with him strategic advice. Cao Cao welcomed him and later relied on his counsel for major decisions.

When Cao Cao hesitated to engage Yuan Shao due to lack of supplies, Jia Xu argued that Cao Cao's strategic acumen and the morale of his troops outweighed Yuan Shao's numerical advantage. Cao Cao followed the advice and won the Battle of Guandu.

After Cao Cao's defeat at Red Cliffs, Jia Xu advised against a hasty second invasion of Jiangdong, arguing that Cao Cao should consolidate his gains first. Cao Cao did not follow this advice and suffered further setbacks.

Jia Xu recommended that Cao Cao launch a campaign against Zhang Lu in Hanzhong using a mountain route. The campaign succeeded, and Cao Cao gained control of Hanzhong.

Solon canceled all outstanding debts and freed Athenians enslaved for debt. He abolished debt bondage and prohibited using personal freedom as collateral for loans, addressing the severe economic crisis and social unrest caused by the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy.

Solon divided Athenian citizens into four property classes (pentakosiomedimnoi, hippeis, zeugitai, thetes) determining political rights. He created the Council of 400 and the popular courts (Heliaia), opening political participation to a broader segment of the population while retaining aristocratic elements.

Solon reformed Athenian coinage and weights and measures, standardizing them to facilitate trade. He encouraged the cultivation of olives and the export of olive oil, while banning the export of grain to ensure local food supply, stimulating the Athenian economy.

Solon introduced laws regulating marriage, inheritance, and family property. He allowed childless men to adopt heirs and restricted the dowry system, aiming to protect family estates and prevent the concentration of wealth in a few hands.