Map of the Kingdom's Warfare.

Summary

As December ended and the New Year approached, Zhongdu thrived as a bustling commercial hub, surpassing other cities in trade and population. The East and West Markets served as major trading centers, with the West Market being particularly busy as citizens prepared for the New Year. Zhang Xuan, disguised as a scholar, visited the West Market with companions to observe the economy, particularly the circulation of the Datong Tongbao coin, which had affected the value of the Kaiyuan Tongbao. They discussed the coins' qualities and learned about counterfeits of the Kaiyuan Tongbao, which surprised them. After leaving the tavern, they visited a rice shop, noting the importance of rice prices as an economic indicator. The rice trade was significant in Zhongdu, with major families controlling the market, reflecting the influence of the Hebei gentry. The three entered Yanshan Rice Shop, where they faced protests from the waiting crowd for not lining up.

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