The policy of rest and recuperation means that after the great turmoil or long-term war, the rulers do not consume people's money and impose heavy punishments on the people, but adopt a policy of lenient punishments and thin taxes to maintain the people's strength and increase the population, so as to achieve the purpose of restoring and developing the economy and stabilizing the rule.

The main measures of the rest policy are: returning to the fields after demobilization, persuading people to return home, releasing slaves for the people and paying fifteen taxes.

After several generations of rulers (Hui Di, Lv Hou, Wendi and Jingdi), it has been implemented for 60 or 70 years. The result is that "the country is rich and its national strength is enriched." During the reign of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, in order to be closely related to the people, the following measures were taken: (1) adjusting and establishing a new system; (2) suppressing businesses; Businessmen are forbidden to be officials, wear silk, carry weapons and ride horses; And impose heavy taxes on businessmen; (3) Destroy the Huns and their relatives; (4) sealing Wang with the same surname, such as killing Han Xin and Peng Yue for treason. On the other hand, a set of ruling system of the Western Han Dynasty was initially established, and the feudal superstructure established since Qin Dynasty was restored and perfected, which laid the foundation for the prosperity of the Western Han Dynasty.