In 1359, the use of paper money began to spread in China, introduced by the Yuan Dynasty as a means to facilitate trade and economic stability. This innovation represented a significant shift in economic practices, moving away from traditional coinage and allowing for more efficient transactions. The introduction of paper money would later influence global trade and economic systems.

The advent of paper money inspired poets to explore themes of wealth, value, and the nature of commerce in their works. Poets like Su Shi reflected on the complexities of wealth and morality, while later poets would engage with the implications of economic change in their literary expressions, shaping the discourse around materialism and human experience.