After more than a year of development, especially with the boost from loans, Great Prosperity's growth had become even more vigorous.
Construction sites were everywhere, all bustling to rush through as much work as possible before winter set in.
The official road was packed with horse-drawn carts hauling goods, while Tongzhou's docks saw ship after ship unloading cargo. Dockworkers swarmed like ants, carrying all sorts of goods up and down.
The closer they got to the city, the greater the bustle became. An endless stream of pedestrians was heading toward the capital, the crowds stretching in vast, dark masses.
"So this is the capital. It's really lively." The old woman lifted the curtain and looked out at the magnificent scene, marveling at the great city.
"Mother, the capital was lively before too, but never this lively. It's all because Wang Yan governs so well that things have become this prosperous. Look—the common people's faces are glowing, and they're all dressed so neatly. Wang Yan truly governs well. Your son can't hold a candle to him."
"Then why do you always say he's a corrupt official?"
"It is a fact that he took money he should not have taken. We cannot overlook his greed simply because he brought Great Prosperity under good rule." Hai Rui was as principled as ever. "He even dared write to me directly, telling me he embezzled a hundred thousand taels of silver. He's simply lawless!"
The carriage slowly moved forward with the line. At the city gate, Hai Rui presented his documents to the soldiers and petty clerks conducting inspections, only to see the clerk instantly turn ingratiating.
"Greetings, Lord Hai!"
"You know me?"
"This is East City, Lord Hai. We all answer to the magistrate, and who doesn't know that you and the magistrate became