Transmigrated To Ancient Time: Thrive With An Auction System!

Chapter 441: Issuing The Business Permit ( 1 )

This became a vicious cycle without a solution. They thought they would have to spend money to buy connections. Unexpectedly, before they could take the first step, they received news about the regulations.

Without wasting time, they tidied themselves up, prepared some gifts, and left the inn. All of them headed in the same direction—the Magistrate’s office.

When they arrived, there was already a large group of people waiting at the entrance of the Magistrate’s office.

The merchants never expected that after the new regulations were established, there would be so many people interested in starting businesses.

From what they observed, while the commoners living in Northeast City had food and water, they had no money at all. Therefore, the possibility of them spending money to buy goods was very low.

Unbeknownst to them, these people were not locals. They had been sent by merchant families living in nearby cities and towns. They had been observing the situation for days before finally receiving such good news.

Although it was risky to start a business now, the benefits offered by the local government were tempting. Carrying their masters’ orders and money, they couldn’t miss the opportunity to establish businesses in this city.

Seeing that more and more people were gathering outside the Magistrate’s office, one of the guards ran inside to inform the Chief Clerk.

Sitting in his office, the Chief Clerk was still complaining about the military intervening in the city government when the guard’s shout startled him.

“Sir, something big happened!”

Wu Dashu’s hand trembled, and a blob of ink stained the document he had painstakingly written for so long. Looking at the ruined document, he snapped.

“Did your house catch fire?! Why are you shouting so loudly?!”

The guard was startled by his anger and swallowed the words at the tip of his tongue. He cupped his fists and bowed to him.

“Sir, this subordinate didn’t mean to disturb you, but a large group of people has gathered outside.”

Frowning, Wu Dashu asked, “Do you still need me to teach you how to control those people?”

The guard shook his head and continued, “Sir, those people are merchants who came for business permits. They insist on meeting you, or they won’t leave.”

Hearing this, Wu Dashu was taken aback. He never thought there would really be merchants interested in doing business right now.

The city was a mess, and the situation was chaotic. People were barely able to fill their stomachs. Where would they get the money to buy goods?

Although he had his doubts, he still put down his brush and stood up. “I want to see who dares to make a scene outside the Magistrate’s office. Let’s go!”

The guard quickly followed him.

Before they even reached the entrance, they could already hear the complaints, pleas, and discussions among the merchants and guards outside.

Seeing him coming, the guards quickly opened the gate and greeted him.

“Greetings, Sir Wu.”

Wu Dashu waved his hand and asked, “What’s going on here? Why have all of you gathered here?”

The moment the merchants saw his official robes, their eyes lit up. In the absence of the Prefect and Vice Prefect, he held the highest-ranking civil official position in the city.

Realizing that they had finally met the person in charge, one of the merchants stepped forward. He cupped his fists and bowed while saying, “Greetings, Sir. My surname is Bao, and I am from Lian Feng City.”

He then held up the gifts he had prepared beforehand and added, “Here is some speciality I brought from Lian Feng City. I hope Sir won’t find it lacking.”

Wu Dashu glanced at the gift boxes being offered and clenched his fists.

If it were before, he would surely have accepted the gifts and smoothed the process for those paying the tea money. But after receiving Battalion Commander Gao’s warning, he didn’t dare, even if he wanted to.

Recalling how that rough man had split a chair in half with a single strike, he shuddered and shook his head.

He stared at the merchant and asked coldly, “What do you mean by this? Are you trying to bribe me?”

The moment the guards heard his words, they were dumbfounded. Most of the guards who had managed to survive until now were people who knew how to bend with the wind.

When the city was under the barbarians’ rule, they had even lowered themselves to becoming the barbarians’ dogs just for their survival. Now that they had finally been reassigned to their posts, they thought they would return to their old practices.

They never imagined that the most corrupt official in the entire city would one day refuse a bribe delivered directly to his door!

Noticing the guards’ astonishment, Wu Dashu kicked the nearest guard and barked, “What are you staring at?!”

The guards quickly averted their gazes and schooled their expressions.

The merchants were also stunned by his reaction. Normally, it was an unwritten rule for them to offer some “tea money” to officials. They were willing to pay as long as it helped smooth the process.

This was the first time they had met such a just and incorruptible official.

When this realization struck them, their trust in the local government increased significantly. With such an official, it was only a matter of time before the city recovered and prospered.

Without corrupt officials, tax revenue would be used to develop the city and improve the lives of the commoners. As long as the commoners lived well, they would have money to spend.

This was the virtuous cycle every merchant hoped for.

Unaware of the merchants’ thoughts, Wu Dashu was feeling heartache over the loss of the gifts. He loved money, but he treasured his life more.

Gritting his teeth, he said, “Take back the gifts. Everyone should go back now. If you want to obtain a business permit, you may return tomorrow. The office will open at 9 o’clock in the morning.”

As soon as he finished speaking, he flicked his sleeves and walked back into the Magistrate’s office. After taking several steps, he stopped and turned around.