This paper explores the interrelated notions of market and consumption in Qing China as they were articulated within the framework of minsheng (民生 People's Livelihood)—an important trope of imperial political legitimacy which assigned to the state the responsibility for guaranteeing the people's livelihood (養民 "nurturing the people") and maintaining political stability (安民 "pacifying the people"). Drawing from the writings of Qing officials and intellectuals, this paper argues that, far from being rigid and formulaic, this general framework allowed much flexibility. Diverse and competing views on the market emerged, influenced by local economic circumstances and historically contingent factors.

Alternative conceptualizations, however, continued to rely on minsheng legitimacy. A tension arose between pragmatic economic views and the desire to avoid political destabilization.