Above the mage!

Chapter 626 The Northern Monetary Revolution
The multicolored light of the astral teleportation faded like a tide, leaving only ripples of magic in the air.

Gao De's figure appeared beneath the massive canopy of Yugathira.

The leaves of Yugathira rustled without wind, making a clear and melodious sound like wind chimes, welcoming Gaode's return.

After submitting his application for a semi-full-time position and confirming Eli's status as a business agent, he announced that he was going into seclusion and then returned to the North via astral teleportation.

For him, the safest and most trustworthy place was always the North.

For something as important as the Ring Ascension, he naturally chose the Northern Territory.

Another point is that Gaode wants to leverage the Northern environment's influence on "The Secret of Zhenbing" to upgrade both "The Longevity Scripture of Qingmu" and "The Secret of Zhenbing" to the third ring.

Although the progress of "The Secret of True Ice" is currently only at the early stage of the second ring, its improvement speed cannot be measured by common sense in the environment of the Northern Territory.

—Sunaifa, who also possesses the Zhenbing bloodline, only took two years to advance from the first ring to the fourth ring.

With the completion of Highway 318 and the complete submission of the Frostwolf Clan, the transportation network in the North has begun to take shape.

Traffic flow between Vallar Bay and Phoenix has improved to a level previously unimaginable.

On his way to Phoenix on his snow wolf, Gaode saw groups of Frostwolf clansmen driving snow wolf wagons back and forth between the two places.

In addition, you can often see people riding alone like him.

Less than three hours later, Gao De, who had just returned to the North, appeared in Phoenix City Hall.

Sunafa and Elsa are both eagerly anticipating Gaode's return.

So, Gaode had barely sat down in his office chair when there was a knock on the door.

The door was pushed open, and Sunefa and Elsa walked in together.

The two men came to discuss matters of currency.

This is also the last reason why Gaode had to come back:
The establishment of the Northern monetary system requires his return to take charge.

Although the minting system was finalized at the beginning of the year, the establishment of a monetary system is not simply a matter of minting money.

Prior to this, the North had been a society based solely on rationing.

People bartered goods and never had the concept of "currency".

This purely physical economic model can operate in the North, where the population is small and transactions are simple and fashionable.

However, with improved transportation and booming trade, the drawbacks of barter have become increasingly apparent.

Their value was difficult to measure, they were inconvenient to carry, and their trading efficiency was low, which severely restricted the development of the North.

The establishment and implementation of a monetary system is essential.

However, in a purely physical economy, the emergence of currency would be too abrupt.

Although Gaud and Sunaf held absolute authority in the North, enough to forcibly implement their currency.

However, Gaode is well aware that such forced changes pose endless hidden dangers and could easily trigger social unrest.

If the public cannot truly understand and accept the value of currency, and if a smooth transition plan cannot be designed, it may lead to price chaos, public discontent, and even affect the stability of the North.

"In the two months you were gone, we have been following your instructions and pushing forward with the preliminary preparations for currency reform," Elsa reported calmly, opening the documents in her hand.

"The mint has been producing coins continuously for the past two months, increasing the total amount of currency we hold. Our reserves have now reached the basic level you requested."

"Public awareness campaigns are also underway. During this period, we have been continuously educating the public about the uses and benefits of currency through clan elders and officials."

The three of them discussed things in the office for four hours straight, finalizing everything from the details of currency circulation to potential risks, from publicity strategies to oversight mechanisms.

"Let's proceed with this plan." Gao De made the final decision, his tone filled with confidence. "The establishment of a monetary system is a crucial step for the North to achieve prosperity."

"As long as we follow this plan and proceed steadily, the monetary system can be popularized throughout the North within a year and become an indispensable part of people's lives."

Elsa put away the documents and nodded: "I'll arrange for someone to carry out all the tasks tomorrow."

The midday sun in the North shone through sparse clouds onto the construction site of the Phoenix Roads Expansion Phase III project.

The opening of Highway 318 has created a vital transportation link between Phoenix and Vallar Bay.

The ongoing Phase III road construction project is a crucial part of the "Phoenix internal road network".

Its purpose is to completely connect the newly expanded residential and industrial areas with the administrative and commercial districts in the city center.

On the construction site, the cold wind did nothing to dampen the workers' enthusiasm.

They wielded shovels and crowbars inlaid with iron to lay thick, non-slip stone slabs on the compacted roadbed.

Barov was one of the most hardworking.

This burly man, who came from a small clan, migrated to Phoenix a year ago with his tribe under Gaode's strong promotion of the tribal integration plan, becoming one of the first workers in the city's expansion.

He was tall and burly, with clearly defined muscles on his arms. He swung his shovel with a gust of wind, making him a full third faster than others.

The grooves along the edges of the slate have been carefully polished, a new method proposed by Barov last week: using the interlocking edges of the slate to resist the freezing and thawing of the permafrost in the northern winter.

This method not only greatly improves the stability of the road surface, but also prevents the road from being damaged by the pressure of pedestrian and logistics flow after urban expansion, which can save a lot of repair costs for the project.

The Ministry of Construction staff praised Barov for his quick thinking and said they would help him report to his superiors and apply for an award, but nothing came of it.

Barov just listened to it and didn't take it too seriously.

As the sun rose higher, everyone's faces lit up with joy when the clock tower in the distance struck twelve times in a row.

According to regulations, lunchtime is at 12 o'clock.

The workers put down their tools and rushed to the temporary kitchen at the edge of the construction site.

Inside, steaming hot wheat rice and stewed meat soup were already laid out.

The stew is made with snow pheasant meat, which is unique to the North. It is rich and fragrant and can dispel the cold from the body.

This is the basic food ration promised by the city hall, and it is also their obligation as city builders to ensure this.

Barov was about to speak when the captain called out to him, "Barov, come with me."

The captain's tone was somewhat solemn. Barov, puzzled, put down his bowl and followed.

The two walked into the makeshift stone shed.

The shed was set up next to the houses, with animal hides wrapped around the beams and pillars for warmth, and measuring rulers and compasses piled up in the corner.

The captain took out a small leather bag from his pocket. The bag was made of snow wolf skin and embroidered with simple tree branch patterns. He handed it to him and said, "Open it and take a look."

Barov did as instructed, untying the leather cord and carefully pouring out dozens of coins into his palm.

In an instant, a soft silver-white light and a dazzling golden light came into view.

He instinctively tightened his grip, feeling the cool, warm touch coming from his fingertips.

"What is this?" Barov asked, his eyes wide with surprise as he held the coins in his hand.

"These are Purple Jade Gold and Silver Frost Coins, the currency of the Northern Territory," the captain explained with a smile.

“You previously suggested an idea to improve the paving method, and the officials at the Ministry of Construction said they would apply for an award for you. Here it is: ten Purple Jade Gold and ten Silver Frost Coins.” He paused, then added, “A new First Market has opened in the commercial district, and it contains many rare items.”

They were all transported from the outside world via the Valar Bay shipping route. The North never saw them before; they were only sold with money. You can go take a look after work.”

Upon hearing this, Barov was startled and repeatedly stroked the coins in his hand that gleamed with gold and silver.

This was something he had never seen before.

But the cool touch of this unfamiliar metal seemed to possess a magical power, relieving much of his fatigue.

He instinctively clutched the leather bag tightly in his hand, as if he were holding some rare treasure.

When they returned to the kitchen, their companions had almost finished eating.

When Barov returned, everyone crowded around him, their eyes full of curiosity.

"Barov, what are you holding in your hand? And why did the captain call you over?" Lem, who was sitting next to him, asked, craning his neck.

Lyme and he came from the same tribe and grew up together, having a very good relationship.

"This is my reward. Didn't I suggest paving with stone slabs to the officials in the Ministry of Construction before?" He said, unfolding the leather bag to show Lym.

The gleaming purple gold and silver coins inside immediately attracted the attention of Lyme and the other workers. The kitchen fell silent instantly, with only the crisp sound of the coins clinking together.

"What is this?" someone couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

“Purple Jade Gold and Silver Frost Coins.” Barov tried hard to recall what his captain had said, and finally remembered the two not-too-difficult-to-pronounce names, his tone filled with undisguised pride.

He gently shook the leather bag, and a crisp metallic clanging sound rang out clearly in the kitchen.

"Purple Gold, Silver Frost Coins? Are those the currencies that the city hall officials were promoting in the city square a while ago?" another older worker, Thordin, asked.

He is a long-time resident of Phoenix and has witnessed the city's transformation from a dilapidated place to its current size. He has watched new roads and buildings take shape little by little and has great trust in the planning of Gaode and Sunafa.

Therefore, he had always been very curious about the currency promoted by the city hall officials, but he had never seen the actual currency.

“Yes.” Barov nodded heavily, took the purple gold and silver frost coins out of his leather bag, and held them high so that everyone could see them clearly.

"The captain said that this is an extra reward from the King and Zhanmu for those who have exceeded their work quota. In addition to the usual food rations, it is a special reward for those who are hardworking and make contributions."

"An extra reward?" Lym's eyes widened. "What's the point of this? You can't eat it or wear it, is it just for decoration?"

“Of course not!” Barov retorted immediately, his face flushed with excitement.

"The captain said that a market has opened in the city center, with lots of good things on display. You can only buy things with this currency; barter is not accepted, and it's not a free distribution. I'll go check it out after I finish work!"

His words were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating ripples among the crowd.

The workers started discussing it, their eyes filled with longing.

"Really? Lots of good stuff? Barov, after work, let's go to that market together." Lem rubbed his hands together, his tone eager.

“No problem.” Barov readily agreed.

As the sun began to set, the clock tower in the distance rang five times in succession, its clear chimes echoing through the air.

This is also a signal that work is done.

The bell tolls eight times in the morning, signaling the start of work.

Five rings in the afternoon signal the end of the workday.

This regulation was personally established by the Ministry of Construction.

As soon as work was over, Barov took Lyme and practically ran all the way to the market in the city center.

Following the old route, it would take him an hour to walk around the old town.

Now, the main road of the third phase of the project has been mostly completed. He walked briskly along the not-yet-completed road and arrived at his destination in less than an hour.

From afar, he saw a lively scene:

Under a large shed built of bluish-gray stones, all sorts of goods were displayed.

The colorful fabrics swayed gently in the wind, the gleaming ironware shone with a cold light, the exquisite pottery was painted with unfamiliar patterns, and the fruits exuded a sweet fragrance, attracting many residents to stop and watch, marveling in hushed tones.

The market was bustling with people, mostly workers like Barov, as well as some elderly people and children from the tribe, all curiously examining the goods on the shelves.

Next to each item hung a polished wooden plaque with the price clearly written in the Ais language: how much Purple Jade Gold, how much Silver Frost Coins, all clearly displayed.

Even illiterate people can listen to the stall owner's patient explanation.

"What is this?" Barov walked up to a stall and asked, pointing to a bag woven with colorful silk threads, his eyes full of confusion.

The bag, embroidered with vibrant floral patterns, was particularly eye-catching to Barov, who had always lived in the North.

"This is a calming sachet," the stall owner replied with a smile. He was a manager specially assigned by the city hall to introduce products and prices to the public.

He spoke in a gentle tone and with great patience.

Immediately, the stall owner picked up a sachet, gently untied the ribbon, and a refreshing fragrance instantly wafted out, carrying the freshness of grass and trees, making people feel comfortable all over, and even the fatigue from the journey just now dissipated a lot.

The sachet contains dried calming herbs, specially cultivated by the monk, which can calm the mind and concentrate the spirit.

As the stall owner spoke, he held the sachet to Barov's nose, saying, "Wearing it on your body can not only help apprentice monks enter a meditative state more quickly, but ordinary people can also sleep much more peacefully at night."

Barov took a deep breath, and the refreshing fragrance entered his lungs through his nasal cavity. Sure enough, he felt much calmer and the chaotic thoughts in his mind faded away.

I touched the sachet again; it felt soft and smooth, unlike the heavy animal hide or the rough linen.

He immediately thought of his younger sister.

She is receiving compulsory education in Phoenix and recently started a shaman course, where she was taught meditation and guided practices.

However, for some reason, my younger sister is very slow to enter a meditative state. She says she has fallen behind her classmates, which has made her feel dejected these past few days, and even her eyes have turned red.

Barov was anxious, but there was nothing he could do.

If I had this sachet, it might be of some help?

Barov's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "How much does this cost?"

“Five pieces of Purple Jade Gold,” the stall owner replied with a smile, pointing to the wooden sign next to him. “This is a special opening price now. The price will go up if you come back in a while. If you need it, now is the best time to buy.”

"I'll take it." Barov said through gritted teeth, even though he thought it was a bit expensive.

Then, he pointed to a pile of round, golden-yellow fruit on a nearby shelf and asked, "What is this?"

"This is a sun-dried fruit, also brought in from elsewhere. The flesh is sweet and juicy, and can be eaten directly or used to make fruit wine and blend spices," the stall owner replied.

"This stuff is cheap outside, but it's expensive to transport it from this far away."

"However, it is said that the Forestry Office is already planning to plant these fruit trees. With Lady Flora here, planting these fruit trees will definitely not be a problem."

"If you're not in a hurry, you should be able to buy them at a cheaper price in a while, but if you want to try them now, you'll have to spend a lot of money."

"The current price is five for one silver frost coin."

(End of this chapter)