Zài gǔdài, fàngzhài shì yī zhǒng chángjiàn de shēngcái fāngshì.
In ancient times, moneylending was a common way to make money.
Tips
usage
放债 implies lending money for profit (with interest). It carries a slightly negative connotation, especially in the context of 高利贷 (usury/loan sharking). Compare 借钱 (to borrow/lend money, neutral).
