a) The Chinese rulers controlled the foreign trade and maritime sea trade to enhance revenue and economy of the empire. Emperor Taizu of the Song dynasty was one among many rulers who focused on controlling foreign trade route to uplift the economy.
Emperor Taizu established administrative forces to oversee trade activities with various countries and merchants who brought goods to the empire. It was an effecient policy of overseeing trade activities which in return contributed to the economy of the empire.
b) One way in which the passage illustrates the political development of Europe in the period 1200 - 1450 is that women acquired higher positions which was not apparent in this time period.