In the sixth year of Jianning, in mid-June.

The blazing sun hung high in the sky, its intense heat causing ripples in the air.

Even in such high temperatures, the streets of Luoyang are still bustling with traffic and people.

Merchants from all over the country were constantly moving in and out of the market with their carts full of goods, while small vendors were constantly hawking their wares.

On the bustling street, Liu Hong, dressed in casual clothes, held a folding fan and kept looking around as he walked.

Xi Zhicai, Lü Bu, Huang Zhong, Dong Zhuo and others followed behind Liu Hong. Among them was a little guy, Zhao Yun.

Because Tong Yuan was busy training the Imperial Guards Cavalry, he handed Zhao Yun over to his senior brother, Lü Bu.

Although Lü Bu's spear skills were not as good as Tong Yuan's, he was more than capable of teaching the seven-year-old Zhao Yun.

There haven't been many official duties lately, and Liu Hong was quite bored in the palace, so he summoned his favorite generals to accompany him shopping.

Before long, the group arrived at Dongfang City.

Today, after several expansions by the Royal Trading Company, Dongfang City has become the largest commodity trading place in the Han Dynasty.

The market is divided into three areas based on the nature of the goods and transactions.

The first area is a trading area for various small commodities and daily necessities, which is exclusively for ordinary people to buy. Most of the products come from small workshops.

The second area is the region where merchants from various places conduct large-scale commodity transactions and purchases, such as spices, silk, porcelain, paper, and tea.

The third was a designated area for merchants from various parts of Zhou Bang to sell local specialties, such as medicinal herbs, slaves, agate, jade, and so on.

The Luoyang government and the royal trading companies were responsible for managing the markets and acted as intermediaries to ensure fair and impartial transactions.

"It's been a while since I've been out, and Luoyang is getting more and more lively!"

Looking at the bustling crowd in the market, Liu Hong smiled with satisfaction.

As commerce flourishes, people's incomes gradually increase, and their lives become more prosperous than in previous years.

Xi Zhicai, standing to the side, laughed and said, "Young master, with the roads being built in various places, it is more convenient for people and merchants to travel, and trade has naturally become much more frequent."

Liu Hong nodded: "Yes, for a place to develop, roads are the most important factor."

As they spoke, the group entered the market and headed towards the small commodities trading area.

The goods here, though made in small workshops and of inferior materials, are exceptionally exquisite and inexpensive, making them very popular with the locals.

Looking at the dazzling array of goods on each stall, Liu Hong couldn't help but think of the Yiwu Commodity Wholesale City of later generations. The goods here, while not all-encompassing, were enough to meet the daily needs of the people.

Immediately, Liu Hong led the group toward a stall that specialized in selling jewelry.

The stall displayed exquisitely crafted wooden combs and hairpins, as well as necklaces, bracelets, pendants, and other items of unknown material.

"Welcome, esteemed guests. Is there anything you need?"

Upon seeing the visitors, the stall owner behind the stall quickly stood up, a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum blooming on his face.

"Let's take a look first!"

Liu Hong said with a smile, then picked up a wooden hairpin and examined it closely.

Although the material of the wooden hairpin is quite ordinary, its exquisite craftsmanship is enough to show that the maker's skills are quite good.

Liu Hong looked at the stall owner and asked with a laugh, "Did you make this yourself?"

The stall owner replied, "In response to your question, sir, these were all made by my son!"

Liu Hong nodded: "Your craftsmanship is good. Is your family a carpentry family?"

The stall owner smiled and shook his head: "My family used to be farmers. Later, we saw Li the carpenter from the same village. He made money by making some small things and got married. So we asked my son to go and learn the craft so that he could earn some money to help support the family."

Liu Hong raised an eyebrow: "Oh? So those craftsmen are quite popular where you are?"

The stall owner nodded: "That's right, people used to look down on blacksmiths, carpenters, bamboo weavers and the like."

But now, thanks to their skills, they have no worries about food and drink, and their lives are getting better and better. Naturally, we're all incredibly envious!

The stall owner paused for a moment and continued, "Besides, the current emperor has even established an engineering college, so everyone is naturally happy to learn some skills."

People are living more comfortably now, and having a skill to rely on is always a good thing, don't you think?

Liu Hong smiled and nodded: "That's right!"

As the economy of the Han Dynasty improved and social customs gradually changed, the handicraft industry, which was once looked down upon, has gradually gained attention from the people, and more and more people are starting to work as craftsmen in their spare time.

Liu Hong was naturally pleased with this situation. He had been dedicated to improving the social status of craftsmen, and now his efforts were finally beginning to bear fruit.

With ordinary people actively participating in the ranks of craftsmen, there will surely be more and more new and practical inventions in the future.

"Well... young master, would you like to buy some to take home?"

Seeing that Liu Hong had listened to him ramble on for so long, the stall owner couldn't help but ask with anticipation.

"Yes, of course I want it!!"

Liu Hong nodded, then looked at the jewelry on the stall and said with a smile, "Give me seven of each of these!"

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