Jieyong (节用) means economy, or frugality of usage. Jieyong is an attitude regarding material property; that is, using property sparingly and reducing its unnecessary consumption. This term was often used to point out that those in government should not abuse the powers of their office to seize wealth from the people to meet their own needs or for extravagances. Jieyong in those who govern is a manifestation of their care and concern for their people. Different schools of thought like the Confucians and the Mohists all advocated jieyong, but they had different views about its criteria and scope.

Confucius said, “When governing a powerful state which is a thousand chariots strong, one must be dedicated and trustworthy, act economically, show love for others, and have the people serve their corvée during the right seasons.” The Analects

Therefore the ancient sage-kings laid out the principles of economy as follows. For all the craftsmen in the land, whether they be wheelwrights or carriage-builders, whether they be tanners or potters, whether they work with metal or wood – let them all make the best use of their skills. Stop once they have made enough to meet the needs of the people. Sage-kings do not do things which increase expenditures without bringing added benefits to the people. Mozi