Night on the Tongtian River, a merchant ship lit by lanterns was heading towards Wanling Country.
Inside the cabin, a woman was reading a book when suddenly a dark shadow flew in.
"Coinage technology?"
The woman put down her book, her eyes gleaming: "What coin are they making?"
"Copper coins."
The elder who had just returned stood by, respectfully responding.
"Did you rush to find me just to tell me this?"
The woman smiled and said, "Just copper coins, what's the big deal?"
Seeing that she did not take it seriously, the elder frowned, "Madam must not underestimate copper coins. Although they are of low value, they are the main currency in circulation in the world, used by people across all continents on a daily basis."
The woman was extremely intelligent but indeed knew little about currencies.
She couldn't help asking: "I heard that currencies are based on the standard of the Southern Continent, what is so mysterious about it?"
"Reporting to madam..."
The elder earnestly replied, "The Southern Continent is a major human nation, regarded by the Four Great Continents as the Heavenly Dynasty."
After Qin destroyed the six nations, the Qin Coin was adopted as the national currency in the Southern Continent. The copper coin was called the Lower Coin, symmetrical to the Upper Coin, gold, and was minted nationwide.
"It is used daily and is more important than gold."
The elder narrated the history of the currency to the woman.
After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, the currency system was chaotic. Emperor Gaozu once allowed private coin minting, which resulted in increasingly smaller coins, known as 'Jia Coins.' Later, private minting was banned. Under the reign of Empress Lü, respecting 'Heavenly Craftsmanship', new style copper coins were minted. This technique was very advanced; the coins were beautifully styled, neatly bordered, and accurately weighted, setting the standard among currencies. Within just a few decades, it spread across the Four Great Continents.
"Nowadays, every country learns from the Southern Continent, where the right to mint coins is held by the government, producing copper coins mostly made from a mixture of six parts copper to four parts lead," the elder explained, "That master's coinage technique is even more advanced."
"Oh?"
The woman showed some interest now, "What's advanced about it?"
"Rumors say he improved the process and reduced the amount of copper."
The elder answered, "With the new technology, they can make coins with a mix of five parts copper to five parts lead, while keeping the style of the copper coins unchanged."
The woman's expression suddenly changed: "Is this true?"
"Indeed."
The elder nodded.
The woman then stood up, immediately sensing the scent of profit upon hearing this.
"Who is that master?"
She continued to ask.
"Just a human who can hardly trap a chicken."
The elder replied: "This person has been browsing the Heavenly Book in the library of Wanling City for years, scholarly and highly respected."
"If that's the case, he's indeed not ordinary."
The woman grew more interested: "With such distinction, why haven't I heard of him before?"
"He keeps a low profile."
The elder gave a bitter smile, shaking his head: "Mountain and Sea City has invited him several times to teach, but he has continuously refused."
"Why is that?"
The woman showed a surprised expression.
"He is aiming for a career in politics."
The elder answered: "Recently, the Jade-faced Fox invited him to negotiate with different countries, and he agreed immediately. However, the negotiations ultimately failed, and he wasn't promoted, so he returned to the library."
"That's not his fault, even the Great Saint himself wouldn't likely succeed."
The woman shook her head; she knew that behind all nations, there was a mastermind.
This mastermind had the intention of manipulating the nations; not just any mortal, even the Great Saint personally going there might not gain any advantage.
"Such a talent would truly be a waste not to utilize."
The woman began contemplating.
She had been granted the fragrant flower treasure candle by the Buddha and then set free to leave. Although the Buddha did not speak, she encountered good fortune in the Western Continent and understood the Buddha's intentions.
She wanted to repay kindness with kindness, exert some effort on behalf of the Buddha, to potentially earn a splendid future; however, she was always preempted by the followers of the Heavenly Palace.
Under no other choice, she began running a merchant caravan here.
To snatch the initiative from Heavenly Palace, talented helpers were absolutely necessary.
"I want to see him in person."
The woman made her decision swiftly: "You shall be my protector."
"By your command."
The elderly man agreed with a bow.
The next day, Sun Wukong was reading in the library as usual, when a fragrant breeze appeared beside him.
"I've heard that sir possesses great talent; I have a question and wonder if sir could enlighten me."
The fragrant breeze stopped beside him, it was a human woman of blooming beauty.
Sun Wukong glanced at her; a flash of unnoticed golden light passed through his eyes.
Golden Nose White Fur Old Rat Demon, also known as Lady Earth Flow, was one of the individuals he was assessing.
"What would the lady like to ask?"
Sun Wukong asked nonchalantly.
Lady Earth Flow smiled slightly, "I've heard that sir has improved the coinage technology, is it true?"
Sun Wukong nodded, "In a few days, I'll distribute this technology to other nations to promote it."
"That's a mistake," Lady Earth Flow smiled. "If you introduce the technology to one nation, and it mints new coins, won't it gain an advantage when exchanged one-to-one with other nations?"
Sun Wukong instantly showed a look of distaste and stood up to leave.
"This guy must be a bookworm."
Thinking to herself, Lady Earth Flow then laughed, "Sir, don't be angry, I was just joking. How could other nations be so foolish to allow differences in the copper content?"
Sun Wukong nodded again and sat back down.
Lady Earth Flow continued with a smile, "How did sir think of advancing coinage technology?"
"Every country struggles with the scarcity of copper mines to different extents,"
Sun Wukong said, "If we adopt this new technology, we can mint more copper coins, enhance currency circulation, and benefit the populace."
Indeed, this new technology he created could help many countries solve their financial problems.
However, Lady Earth Flow inwardly scorned, thinking he was foolish for wanting to benefit the populace, definitely a simpleton.
But this person, despite being simple, was knowledgeable and talented.
"Sir is truly talented."
Lady Earth Flow complimented repeatedly, then changed the subject, "I've heard sir intends to offer his service to governments. Wanling Country doesn't appreciate you; why not seek opportunities elsewhere?"
"With your abilities, sir could easily become a Prime Minister elsewhere."
Lady Earth Flow said with a light laugh, "I could also lend sir a hand."
Sun Wukong stared at her for a long time and asked, "What is your purpose?"
"Just admiring your talent," Lady Earth Flow replied. "If sir hands the technology over to me, I could help realize your dreams. To speak of being a Prime Minister, even King is not out of the question…"
Before she could finish, Sun Wukong suddenly stood up and walked away.
"Sir!"
Lady Earth Flow cursed silently, calling him a dead simpleton, and chased after him.
"Sir, don't be hasty to refuse."
She blocked Sun Wukong's path, smiling brightly at him, "I truly have no ill intentions."
Sun Wukong paused, stunned.
This Charming Technique is so cheap? But it's probably suffice for humans.
After a while, he finally responded, "Is that true?"
"Of course, it's true."
Lady Earth Flow was delighted to see him zoning out, thinking that humans are indeed simple to charm.
Sun Wukong nodded to himself, thinking this old rat demon was somewhat cunning and could be of use.
He chose her.
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