Daoist Youde

Under Shennong's governance, the Human Race grew even more prosperous.

Free from fear of natural disasters and disease, people's lives steadily improved, and every household enjoyed abundance.

Then barter emerged, and the earliest trade was born.

While inspecting the lands, Shennong saw two households exchanging handwoven goods for millet and meat.

He was immediately struck by insight. To facilitate management and exchanges among the people, he established marketplaces.

The various tribes followed suit, clearing open spaces in their central areas specifically for clansmen to barter with one another.

Then, because disputes arose over the value of different goods, currency was born as well.

However, what should be used as currency was still under discussion.

"Do you think shells would be better for currency, or animal hides?"

"Common Sovereign, neither animal hides nor shells are suitable for measuring the value of goods."

"Because neither shells nor animal hides are one of a kind, and their quantities are limited.

"Otherwise, people may pass off fakes as genuine, throwing the marketplaces into chaos."

"Indeed."

"You may return for now. I shall consider it further. We will discuss it again tomorrow."

After half a day of discussion without deciding what kind of currency would be suitable, Shennong looked at the darkening sky and dismissed them.

With their strength, they would not grow tired even after discussing matters for ten days and nights, but...

"Father!"

A crisp, childish voice rang out. Then a little red bundle rushed in from outside and crashed into Shennong's arms.

She was an exquisite, adorable little girl with two lotus-bud buns atop her head.

She was the child Shennong had fathered with a woman from the Ancestral Court after becoming the Common Sovereign. Her name was Nuwa, and she was eight years old this year.

"Let's go home."

Shennong picked