Seeing the city lord's arrogance, Xu Nian wasn't in a hurry to argue, but instead asked, "Oh? So, what do you think constitutes a victory?"

Upon hearing this, the city lord said with great pride, "Naturally, it's like me, possessing countless gold and silver, a luxurious mansion, and loyal subordinates."

As he spoke, he glanced disdainfully at the people around him who were struggling to get up, and rolled his eyes.

"What do you lowly commoners have to fight me with?"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding people, enduring their excruciating pain, spoke with cold laughter.

"We are the lowest of the low, and what are you? A city that can't even provide basic food and clothing for its people, yet you dare to boast that you're managing things perfectly. Bah!"

As soon as one person spoke up, the others chimed in to echo his sentiments.

"Exactly! This competition is about who governs better. Shouldn't it be about whose people live a better life?"

"Your gold and silver were obtained by stepping on our heads, what's there to brag about!"

"Aren't you afraid of a contest? Let us see if your people are living as well as we are!"

Everyone chimed in with their own opinions, angrily criticizing the foolish and oblivious city lord.

Xu Nian didn't stop her, but added with great interest, "It seems you've got the target wrong from the start."

"What does it matter if you live well yourself? True ability lies in making your subordinates live well."

As she spoke, Xu Nian pointed around, “Those things you despise and consider insignificant were all made by their own hands. People who used to go hungry now not only have enough to eat, but also have a considerable income.”

The more the city lord listened, the more terrified he became.

How could that be!

How could a mere commoner govern this place so perfectly?

But clinging to his unfounded pride, he stubbornly insisted, "Heh, let's compete then. Do you think I'm afraid of you?"

So, the group followed Xu Nian's footsteps and arrived at the center of the city.

Looking at the bustling streets, the city lord's face revealed a smug expression. "See that?"

"These are all my people, and everyone is living a wonderful life!"

Immediately afterwards, he eagerly went into a grain store, wanting to demonstrate his excellent management skills.

But as soon as they entered the store, everyone's attention was drawn to the sound of a child crying.

"Waaah!" A boy of about seven or eight years old sat on the ground and cried loudly.

His father stood beside him, gently advising, "Son, we have to go now!"

The boy shook his head, pointed to the bags of grain on the ground, and asked, "Why can't we eat fragrant rice? Why do we have to drink rice water every day? I never want to drink rice water again! Waaah!"

As he spoke, he began to wail again.

The shop owner ignored it, fiddling with his abacus.

For a moment, the room was filled with a chaotic commotion, like chickens running and dogs barking.

Seeing this, the city lord couldn't help but feel embarrassed and coughed lightly to try and cover up his awkwardness.

But Xu Nian stepped forward, picked up the bag of grain, and asked, "How much is this?"

When the shopkeeper saw someone wanting to buy, he merely glanced at them and casually replied, "One tael of silver."

This price immediately aroused the indignation of everyone present.

"This bag of grain probably weighs less than half a pound. Why are you selling it for one tael of silver?"

"Yeah, why not just rob someone!"

Faced with the crowd's doubts, the shop owner seemed unfazed, waving his hand impatiently and saying, "If you're not going to buy, then get out! After paying taxes to the city lord, I don't have a single penny left. Where would I get the money to bargain with you?"

Xu Nian immediately sneered, "What a 'benevolent' city lord!"

These sarcastic remarks made the city lord's face turn red, but he was powerless to refute them.

Indeed, the matter of paying taxes had been going on for a long time, and it could be said that his magnificent mansion was built because of this.

Seeing that no one was speaking, the shopkeeper couldn't help but sigh, "Alas, with this famine, everyone is having a hard time."

"I came here thinking that I could have enough to eat in this city, but I ended up being a free laborer, living in constant fear."

These words immediately garnered the approval of many people.

"Yes, they clearly agreed that once we entered the city, they would take full responsibility for our food and clothing."

"And the result? They want us to build him a palace!"

"And we can't even leave! I really don't know where the justice and morality are in this world!"

Many people in the shop echoed his sentiments, their dissatisfaction evident in their words.

The city lord could no longer contain himself. With a gloomy face, he pushed open the door and rushed out.

If you keep listening, they might say something bad about you!

Seeing this, Xu Nian curled her lips in a mocking smile and followed him out.

Having already made his bold statement, the city lord had no chance to escape and could only grit his teeth and continue forward.

Not far away, they arrived at the porridge distribution area.

The city lord was overjoyed.

"See this? This is a soup kitchen I specially arranged for people who don't have enough to eat! It's incredibly delicious!"

He spoke with great pride, as if the meal were free.

In response, Xu Nian simply said calmly, "In that case, why don't we try it together?"

The city lord naturally wouldn't refuse. He strode forward arrogantly, slapped the table, and said, "Bring me a bowl of porridge!"

The guard, who was dozing off, was suddenly awakened and immediately became furious.

He scooped up a spoonful of rice porridge, slammed it on the table, and said viciously, "One copper coin!"

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