Currency is a system, as well as a rule: the stability of currency implies the stability of the situation.
Places like Zhongzhou and Tian Nan, which are rich and prosperous, have already developed alternatives to metal currency, such as banknotes, IOUs, and exchange bills.
Merchants, too, thrive, connecting east with west; vast cities home to millions animate countless more.
And so, as a port city neighboring Yan Fu City, Danmu Town naturally attracted many young people dreaming of wealth.
Some were beguiled and swindled into ruin, while others struck it rich and filled their coffers.
The once colossally wealthy Zhen Clan of Danmu Town had grown rich through ceaseless trade.
But with great wealth, the hearts of the people scattered, and after the death of old Lord Zhen, his three sons divided the estate, and the Zhen Clan's fortunes plummeted.
