In 1344, the Yuan Dynasty in China further developed the use of paper money, which had been introduced earlier. This innovation facilitated trade and commerce across the vast empire, particularly in urban centers like Beijing. The widespread use of paper currency transformed economic practices and influenced cultural exchanges, shaping the social fabric of Chinese society.

The rise of paper money inspired poets to explore themes of wealth, value, and the ephemeral nature of material possessions in their works. This shift in economic practices can be seen in the poetry of the time, where poets like Su Shi reflected on the implications of wealth and its fleeting nature in their verses.