Luting County grew ever more prosperous.
For one thing, the Court had waived most of Luting County's taxes and dissolved its local government. The advantages of its location beside the capital began to shine, and merchants from every corner of the land flocked there at the news.
For another, martial sects throughout the jianghu, hoping to build ties with Yang Ge-the "Central Divine Lord" whose seat as the greatest in the world grew ever more secure-quietly sent disciples to open martial arts schools in Luting County and lend him their support.
Meanwhile, rumors spread among the common folk that Yang Erlang, the "Manifest Sage Lord," personally presided over Luting County, where the people were honest, lost belongings lay untouched on the roads, and no officials extorted money or demanded bribes... This drew countless wealthy households to buy property and settle there.
With all these forces working together, Luting County's economy transformed by the day.
Every day, wealthy households eager to appeal to Yang Ge's tastes distributed porridge outside the gates, while lion-dance troupes paraded through the streets to celebrate new shops opening.
Countless dilapidated houses on the verge of collapse were torn down, and grand, imposing buildings rose from the ground. For the first time, phrases like "every inch of land was worth its weight in gold" appeared in Luting's streets and alleys...
In early August, sixteen major merchants jointly submitted a request to expand the town to the Upper Right Office of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which oversaw Luting's military affairs, administration, and public security. They offered to cover the entire cost, asking only that the authorities allocate them land to build on.
Fang Ke came to ask Yang Ge's opinion. After long and careful consideration, Yang Ge approved the merchants' request to expand the town, but imposed two