The history of mankind is deeply intertwined with human desires, which have shaped the course of civilization. My research focuses on three fundamental human desires: food, land, and money. In 2008, I published a book titled “The Price of Rice,” which shed light on China’s market development during the eighteenth century. I highlighted that the rice market, being the most crucial commodity, experienced sporadic integration at that time. Another area of my research interest is land management. In 2013, I published a book on the land history of Kowloon, and in 2017, I edited a volume titled “Colonial Administration and Land Reform in East Asia.” I firmly believe that the introduction of Western property law of succession and the utilization of triangulation in land surveys significantly bolstered state power over landlords. Consequently, these developments brought about a restructuring of the social fabric in various parts of Asia. Lastly, my research delves into the realm of money. In 2024, I published a book titled “Copper Coins and the Emperor’s Wallet,” which presents a revealing history of Ming China. In this work, I argue that the breakdown of the household system necessitated the creation of new sources of income to sustain the emperor’s domain in Beijing. By examining the role of copper coins, I shed light on the economic strategies employed during that era. Through my research, I aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these three basic human desires—food, money, and land—have influenced historical developments and shaped societies across different periods.