The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

Upon hearing that the man was a newly recruited general, the old shopkeeper's expression immediately became even more respectful. He took the military badge with both hands, examined it carefully, and then his smile widened.
"So it's General Xu! My apologies for my lack of respect! There are indeed preferential policies for military personnel. You can certainly buy these three books, and you can even get a 20% discount!"

Xu Shiji's heart skipped a beat; he hadn't expected military service to come with such benefits. He paid the money, but then his eyes fell on the stacks of high-quality, inexpensive rough-edged paper and thread-bound books beside him, and he felt a strong urge to buy them. He had a long-standing habit of copying notes and drawing maps, and had a great need for good paper.

"Shopkeeper, I don't know about this paper..."

The old shopkeeper understood and smiled, "General, the same goes for paper. With military rank, you can purchase an extra forty sheets of rough-edged paper or ten bound volumes per month. The price is also 20% of the official price. How much do you need?"

Xu Shiji was overjoyed. After a quick calculation, he said, "Then I'll take another forty sheets of rough-edged paper and five volumes of thread-bound books." These would be enough for him to use for a while.

"okay!"

The old shopkeeper deftly counted the papers and notebooks, wrapped them in thick straw paper, and skillfully tied them securely with thin hemp rope. Finally, he handed the books and the paper package to Xu Shiji: "General Xu, please keep this safe. You are welcome to visit often."

Xu Shiji accepted the heavy package, and a sense of indescribable satisfaction welled up inside him, far more fulfilling than receiving any gold or silver reward. He solemnly thanked the old shopkeeper and the young steward.

As he stepped out of the bookstore, dusk was approaching. Wang Bodang and Cheng Yaojin were curiously peering out from the doorway. When they saw him come out carrying such a large bag, they both laughed.

"Old Xu, are you going to empty out the bookstore?" Cheng Yaojin joked.

Xu Shiji's face broke into a rare, hearty smile as he weighed the books in his hand: "These are all rare items, priced at less than a tenth of what they are outside, and military personnel even get a discount. Bodang, Zhijie, if you're interested, you should go in and take a look."

Wang Bodang's eyes also showed interest, but Cheng Yaojin scratched his head and said, "I, Old Cheng, don't even know a basketful of characters, so I won't go through that trouble. But the paper is good paper; it'll definitely be great for wiping my butt!"

"Bastard!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Shiji was both amused and exasperated. He glared at him irritably, but was secretly pleased to have acquired the book paper he desired, and didn't hold it against him.

Leaving the bookstore, you don't have to walk far before you hear the clanging of blacksmiths striking metal, and the air is filled with the smell of coal and metal. There are seven or eight blacksmith shops on one street, and they are all doing very well.

Unlike ordinary blacksmith shops that mostly forge swords and weapons, these shops display a variety of novel farm tools and kitchen utensils.

Cheng Yaojin curiously approached the largest shop and saw a row of plowshares hanging on the wall. Their shape was completely different from the curved plows he was used to; the plowshares were narrower and sharper, gleaming with a dark blue luster from quenching. He couldn't help but look at the blacksmith:
"Shopkeeper, why does this plow look like this?"

The shopkeeper, a burly, shirtless man with bulging muscles, laughed and said, "Gentlemen, you must be from out of town. This is a new type of plow promoted by the Alliance's 'Craftsmanship Bureau,' called the 'Xiangyang Plow'! The plowshare is sharp and narrow, digs deep into the soil, and has little resistance. A strong ox can pull it with incredible speed. It requires half the effort of the old-fashioned plow and turns the soil much deeper! People in the countryside are going crazy for it!"

He then pointed to a pile of oddly shaped ironware beside him: "And this, a grass-chopping knife with wheels, so it saves effort! This, a new-style spatula, it doesn't burn food easily! This stove, it uses much less firewood and produces less smoke..."

Wang Bodang picked up a new type of woodcutter's knife. He noticed that the blade had a smooth curve, a thick back, and a thin but sharp edge. The handle was also polished very smoothly, making it obviously very practical.

"These...were all made by artisans within the alliance?"

"Mostly!"

The shopkeeper said proudly, "The leader said that good iron shouldn't just be forged into blades to kill people, but also to make ordinary people live a comfortable life! The master craftsmen in the workshop have come up with a lot of good things. We learn from them, and our products sell well!"

Xu Shiji watched all this silently, his heart filled with renewed emotion. Prioritizing the use of high-quality steel and exquisite craftsmanship for the benefit of the people, rather than for warfare—this vision and foresight once again exceeded his expectations.

Further on, you enter a bustling market area. The sounds of vendors hawking their wares rise and fall, offering a dazzling array of goods: vegetables, fruits, poultry, meat, eggs, fish, fabrics, and sundries. But what catches the eye most are the several stalls with long queues.

A peculiar, slightly fragrant scent of soapberry wafted through the air. On one stall, there were square, yellowish-brown bars of soap with a sign that read "Laundry Soap." Next to them was a small pile of whiter soaps, some even with a faint floral fragrance, called "Facial Soap" (scented soap). Many women gathered around, marveling at the sight.

"Is this stuff really better than soapberry?"

"It works so much better! Just a couple of rubs and it lathers up so much, and the oil stains are gone in no time!"

"How much are these scented ones? My daughter wants some..."

Another stall emitted an enticing sweet aroma. On it lay sugar, pure white and fine as sand! Real white sugar! Not the more common reddish-brown maltose or rock sugar! Next to it were also pieces of fine, snow-white salt!

Cheng Yaojin's eyes widened, and he almost drooled: "White...white sugar?! How much does this cost?"

However, they soon discovered that although the two stalls were crowded, only those with household registration certificates could actually buy sugar and salt, and there were also limits on the quantity that could be purchased. The stall owner shouted loudly, "Neighbors, listen up! Top-quality white sugar, one jin per household per month, limited to one jin per month, with a household registration certificate! Three jin of refined salt per household! Fair prices, absolutely no bargaining!"

The steward whispered, “These two items are strategic resources and essential to people’s livelihood. The Alliance Leader has strictly ordered that they be exclusively sold within the Alliance, at a reasonable price and in limited quantities to registered residents of this city. This is to prevent unscrupulous merchants from hoarding and raising prices, to ensure that everyone can obtain them, and to attract displaced people to settle here. As for the soap and scented soap, there are no restrictions. They are new products from the workshop and are quite popular.”

Wang Bodang watched as ordinary citizens, holding their household registration certificates, carefully weighed out small packets of sugar or salt, their faces beaming with satisfaction. He was filled with emotion. Sugar and salt—items that were once luxuries reserved for the wealthy or manipulated by powerful merchants for exorbitant profits—had now become so commonplace. Though limited, this was unprecedented!

As the sun sets, its golden afterglow bathes the city of Xiangyang in a warm hue.

The three stood at the bustling street corner, gazing at the vibrant scene of traffic and people before them, speechless for a long time.

The strict discipline of the military camp, the fragrance of ink in the bookstore, the clanging of the blacksmith's shop, the bustling noise of the market... all these intertwine to create a picture that is far more complex, grander, and more exciting than the battles on the battlefield.

Cheng Yaojin smacked his lips and finally muttered, "Damn it... good soldiers, good books, good plows, and even candy... This Heavenly Alliance... seems really different!"

Xu Shiji gazed into the distance and said slowly, "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world. What the Alliance Leader has gained is far more than just the hearts of the people."

What he witnessed was a deeper, more comprehensive reform and a powerful centripetal force, encompassing everything from systems and tools to the spirit and the material. Wang Bodang nodded heavily, gripped the token in his hand, and looked towards the majestic prefectural government building in the city center, all traces of doubt in his eyes vanishing.

As the sun completely sank behind the western mountains, only a brilliant orange-red sunset remained on the horizon, illuminating the rows of rooftops and wisps of smoke rising from the chimneys of Xiangyang. The city, bustling all day, did not fall silent; instead, as twilight descended, it ignited a new kind of vitality. Lanterns were hung along the streets, their warm glow blending seamlessly with the afterglow of the sunset.

The young steward glanced at the sky and respectfully said to the three men who were still reluctant to leave, "Generals, it's getting late. In another hour, the city gates will be locked and the camp gates will be closed. We must return now."

Cheng Yaojin was staring at a stall selling flatbreads, drooling, when he heard this and rubbed his rumbling stomach, exclaiming, "Oh dear! I've been so busy looking at it that my stomach is already rebelling! I'm afraid we won't make it back to the camp for dinner. Let's find a place to satisfy our hunger before we go back?"

Wang Bodang and Xu Shiji also felt hungry and were curious about the food in Xiangyang City, so they nodded in agreement.

The steward smiled and said, "Since the three generals have this intention, there is a famous restaurant called 'Linjiangxian' not far ahead. You may want to give it a try."

The "Linjiangxian" restaurant is situated on a corner of a relatively bustling street. It's a three-story wooden and stone building with upturned eaves, exuding an impressive air. Numerous carriages and horses were parked in front, and the diners coming and going were well-dressed, clearly indicating the restaurant's popularity. The sharp-eyed waiter at the door, noticing the four men's distinguished bearing—especially Cheng Yaojin's robust physique and Xu Shiji's refined, scholarly demeanor—immediately greeted them with a beaming smile.

"Please come in, esteemed guests! We also have a private room overlooking the river with the best view!"

Stepping into the restaurant, a wave of heat, a mixture of food aromas, alcohol, and lively chatter, hits you. The lobby on the first floor is almost full, filled with the sounds of drinking games, laughter, and the crisp calls of the waiters—a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. A peculiar, complex aroma permeates the air, not simply the smell of oil and seasonings, but also an indescribable, intensely appetizing savory fragrance.

The waiter led them up to the third floor and into a private room that indeed overlooked the river. Pushing open the carved wooden window, they could see the Han River shimmering in the twilight, dotted with fishing lights. A gentle river breeze, carrying the coolness of the water vapor, instantly dispelled some of the noise and heat downstairs.

The private room was elegantly furnished, with several ink paintings of landscapes hanging on the walls and a pot of lush green orchids in the corner. The four people took their seats as host and guest.

The waiter handed over an exquisitely crafted menu. Cheng Yaojin grabbed it, glanced at it, and his eyes widened: "My goodness! These dish names are so fancy, I can't understand a word! What is 'Golden Jade Abundance'? And what is 'Phoenix Dancing in the Nine Heavens'? And these prices… ugh…"

Looking at the price tag, he gasped and pointed to one of the dishes: "This stuff is enough for me, Old Cheng, to eat in Wagangzhai for a month!"

Xu Shiji took the menu and examined it closely, raising an eyebrow slightly. The prices were indeed exorbitant, far beyond the reach of ordinary people. However, many dishes were marked with small labels such as "secret spices" and "flavor-enhancing powder."

The steward explained in a low voice, “Please forgive us, Generals. Although the alliance has made great efforts to stabilize the prices of necessities such as rice and cloth, it has not imposed too many restrictions on pleasures such as restaurants, fine wines and spirits. In particular, dishes that use the ‘special spices’ and ‘essence of flavor’ (MSG) provided by the alliance leader are indeed expensive due to cost and process. This is also a way to increase tax revenue.”

Wang Bodang suddenly realized that the leader of the alliance was not simply pursuing low prices, but rather distinguishing between necessities and enjoyment, and striking a balance.

Finally, Xu Shiji took the lead and ordered several reasonably priced signature dishes that were labeled as using "flavor enhancer powder": a braised river carp, a pan-fried tofu, a stir-fried seasonal vegetables, a large bowl of millet rice, and a minced meat soup.

After ordering the food, drinks were naturally next. The waiter brought over a drinks menu.

The wine list was an eye-opener for the three of them. There was a wide variety of drinks, with elegant and unique names, but the prices varied greatly.

The cheapest is a low-alcohol, cloudy liquor called "Maili," which is affordable. Slightly better are various fruit wines, such as "Taoxichun," "Meizi Niang," and "Sangshen Zui," which are moderately priced.

The truly expensive ones are those labeled "distilled" or "high-proof spirits," such as "Xiangyang Shao," "Hanshui Chun," and "Sanzheng Lie," which cost ten or even dozens of times more than barley liquor! There's also a small note next to them: "Directly operated by the government, limited quantity available."

"Distillation? High-proof spirits?"

Cheng Yaojin licked his lips, his eyes gleaming: "What is this? It sounds amazing! Buddy, give me two jin of this 'Xiangyang Shao'!"

The waiter was startled and quickly said, "Sir, this 'Xiangyang Shao' is extremely strong, much more potent than ordinary liquor! An average strong man would be knocked out after half a jin! Would you like two jin...?"

Cheng Yaojin glared at him: "What? Are you afraid I, Old Cheng, can't afford to pay or can't afford to drink? I'll take two jin! Hurry up!"

Wang Bodang, being relatively cautious, ordered a pot of medium-strength "Hanshui Chun". Xu Shiji, whose injuries had not yet healed, ordered a pot of mild "Taoxi Chun" fruit wine, just like the steward.

The waiter dared not say anything more and hurriedly went to prepare.

While waiting for the food, the steward explained to the three of them: "This strong liquor is also brewed using a new method brought by the Alliance Leader. Traditionally brewed liquor has a limited alcohol content... uh, that is, limited potency. The Alliance Leader provided a diagram of a 'stillation apparatus,' which reheats the brewed liquor, collects the steam, and cools it to obtain a 'strong liquor' with a potency far exceeding that of the original liquor. It is as fiery as fire and as sharp as a knife on the palate, hence its scarcity and high price. The Alliance Leader ordered that the brewing method for this kind of strong liquor is complex and consumes a lot of grain, so it is directly managed by the government, with strict control over production and distribution. This is to ensure quality, prevent private brewing from wasting grain, and is also an important source of tax revenue."

Xu Shiji's eyes lit up upon hearing this: "Distillation... collecting the vapor... such a wonderful method! Alliance Leader is truly a genius!"

Before long, the food and drinks were served one after another.

The dishes were vibrant in color and incredibly fragrant, especially that unique and irresistible aroma that made one's mouth water. Cheng Yaojin couldn't wait to pick up a large piece of braised carp and put it in his mouth. He found the fish incredibly tender and the flavors extremely rich and complex. The salty and savory taste had an indescribable, exquisite freshness that completely masked any slight earthy taste in the fish, leaving him with an unforgettable aftertaste!
"Delicious! It's fucking delicious!"

Cheng Yaojin praised vaguely, his chopsticks dancing incredibly fast.

After tasting it, Wang Bodang and Xu Shiji were also amazed. It wasn't that they hadn't eaten delicious food before, but this umami flavor seemed to surpass all their previous cooking experiences, as if it had brought out the original taste of the food to its fullest extent.

"This is thanks to the 'essence of flavor' (MSG),"

The steward laughed and said, "It is also a divine object bestowed by the Alliance Leader. Only a small amount is needed to turn the rotten into the miraculous. Nowadays, all the major restaurants in Xiangyang consider it an honor to be able to use this item."

Looking at the capable and articulate young steward before him, Xu Shiji felt a sense of goodwill and couldn't help but ask:
"I have yet to ask your honorable name, sir? I have benefited greatly from your explanations and guidance today, but I do not know how to address you, which is truly impolite."

Upon hearing this, the young deacon immediately straightened his posture, cupped his hands in a humble manner, and said:

"General Xu, you flatter me. This is merely my duty. My name is Su Lie, courtesy name Dingfang, and I am from Wuyi County, Jizhou. It is my honor to guide you, General Cheng, and General Wang." (End of Chapter)