I have been a county magistrate for ten years. My subordinates insist on giving me a yellow robe.

"What are you talking about? Our County Magistrate Jiang is dedicated to the people!" the waiter retorted.

Duanmu Xiongtu couldn't help but sigh. He was so devoted to the people, but he didn't know what Tai'an County had become.

This is the world I conquered!

"Okay, let's go check out your specialties."

The waiter immediately pointed to the signs on both sides of the street and said, "Sir, this is the largest trading market in Taiping County. Here, you can buy anything you can't imagine!"

"Oh, is it really that exaggerated? Then I'd like to take a closer look." Duanmu Xiongtu looked at the trading market curiously.

The entire market runs through a street with people coming and going, including merchants driving caravans and pedestrians in groups of three or four.

As the three of them entered the trading market, several big men came towards them. They were wearing animal skins and dressed like nomads.

Duanmu Xiongtu immediately frowned. How could there be nomadic peoples in such a great country like Dadu?

Could it be that Taiping County is actually a city supported by nomadic people?

"What's going on? Why are there nomadic people here?" Duanmu Xiongtu's face darkened.

The waiter waved his hand dismissively, "Don't be alarmed, sir. These nomads were only allowed in after being interrogated."

"We in Taiping County not only do business with people in China, but also with some nomadic tribes. It's all thanks to the County Magistrate. If he hadn't defeated the horse bandits last time, these people wouldn't be so obedient."

Duanmu Xiongtu's expression gradually relaxed. So that's how it was. His worries were unnecessary.

"No! Since we have defeated the horse bandits, the two sides must be enemies. Why would we let them enter the city?" Chen Liu said sternly.

"Oh, that's nothing. They were defeated and surrendered at the city gate the next day. And thanks to the kindness of our county magistrate, he was willing to exchange rice and flour for their beef, mutton, and various dairy products."

Duanmu Xiongtu's mouth twitched a few times. Kind-hearted, what a bullshit kindness!

Exchanging rice and flour for other people's meat, this is a huge bargain and you still say you are kind.

But suddenly, Duanmu Xiongtu was shocked. Why did Daliang go to war with Daduan? Wasn't it because Daliang was located in a poor and barren place and could not grow any food?

If I were to do the same as Jiang Yuan, defeat him and then choose to trade with him, wouldn't that avoid many wars?

Before they knew it, the three of them walked to a small stall. Duanmu Xiongtu, who had just come to his senses, suddenly widened his eyes.

"Watermelon? How can there be watermelon in this season?"

Although it is spring, it is only March now. Shouldn't watermelon be available in August?

"Boss, what are you selling at your stall?" Duanmu Xiongtu asked without thinking.

As soon as he asked the question, Duanmu Xiongtu regretted it.

Who the hell doesn’t know watermelon? I feel like a fool for asking this question.

The stall owner immediately picked up a kitchen knife and looked at the three people with a stern expression: "Watermelon, want one?"

"Where can you get watermelons in this season? Are you a greenhorn?" Chen Liu patted the watermelon and looked at the stall owner.

The stall owner couldn't help but clench the kitchen knife in his hand: "I'm a melon seller, how can I sell you a greenhorn?"

"Is your melon bag ripe?" Duanmu Xiongtu asked curiously.

Can watermelons really ripen in this cold winter?

“It’s packed!”

"I want one, Chenliu, and I'll pay for it." Duanmu Xiongtu waved his hand and said, "I want to see if this watermelon is ripe."

Chen Liu looked at the stall owner with a dark face: "How much?"

"Five hundred coins."

"What?! You ask me for five hundred coins for a watermelon? Why don't you just rob it?" Chen Liu widened his eyes.

It's fine if you take advantage of me, but you can't just ask for money without even lying to me.

"Hey, you two are wrong. Think about it carefully. Watermelon is only produced in August. It's only March now. Do you think it can be expensive?"

"It's like drinking at home for only a few dollars, but if you go to a brothel, it will cost a lot of money. I'm not cheating anyone, the goods are genuine and the prices are fair."

Chen Liu wanted to argue a few more times, but after seeing Duanmu Xiongtu's gaze, he decisively took out the silver and paid.

I am the king of a country, and you have to bargain when you buy something from me. It's really beneath your dignity!

Duanmu Xiongtu glared at Chen Liu, then turned around and continued walking inside.

The waiter immediately began to introduce other specialties to him.

Chen Liu was so angry that he was fuming. Well, after he figured out who was the boss, he just ignored me.

Why are you such a servile boy? You are really a good material to be a eunuch. When I have time, I will definitely recruit you into the East Factory!

Before he knew it, it was already evening. Duanmu Xiongtu looked up at the trading market.

We're only halfway through, and I really don't know what else this street is hiding.

But just this half was enough to shock Duanmu Xiongtu so much that his eyes hurt.

Out-of-season fruits and vegetables have become extremely common, and there are all kinds of things that have never been heard of before.

Noodles fried until golden brown are called instant noodles and can be eaten by just mixing them with boiling water.

"Let's go back and eat first." Duanmu Xiongtu said with lingering feelings.

Chen Liu, who was holding a big watermelon behind him, almost cried.

Master, you are finally back. My hands are almost broken.

The waiter also breathed a sigh of relief. Damn, this guy is so ignorant. He asks questions about everything. He has been talking all night and his throat is about to smoke.

The three of them returned all the way to the inn. Just as they were about to enter, two people with red ribbons on their shoulders came up to them.

"You two aren't from here, are you? Do you want a house? Do you want land?"

"I don't have money and can't afford it!" Chen Liu said unhappily.

As he said this, he was about to walk around the two of them.

"Hey! Don't be in such a hurry to leave. It's free! I can even arrange a stable job for you for free."

Duanmu Xiongtu actually stopped and looked incredulous.

Is there such a good thing in the world? Free house and land, and also a job introduction?

"Is it really free?" Duanmu Xiongtu asked subconsciously.

The two men's eyes rolled, one of them swiftly took out a few pieces of paper from his pocket, and the other quickly took out a red box.

"It's really free, you two! As long as you sign and seal this, the house, the land, and the job will all be given to you. I can arrange it for you tomorrow."

Duanmu Xiongtu had an idea and couldn't resist his curiosity. He took the paper and took a few glances at it. It was quite formal and there were no traps.

"Chen Liu, sign and seal this!" Duanmu Xiongtu handed the paper over directly.

Chen Liu's expression froze a little: "Master, let's forget it. There shouldn't be such a thing as taking advantage of others in this world."

"Stop talking nonsense, just sign it when I ask you to!" Duanmu Xiongtu was eager to know what these two people were up to.

After Chen Liu signed with a bitter face, the two men immediately put away the papers excitedly.

"Congratulations to this guest on officially becoming a member of our Taiping County. Starting tomorrow, you can report to the county government office, and the county magistrate will personally arrange a job for you."

"As long as you work hard, you can be free in 30 years!"

Chen Liu listened to their conversation in a daze. Thirty years? Did I sell myself out?