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Chen Xi, hailing from another time and space, was well aware of which industries in this era could quickly earn money. Of course, ample martial force was essential to back these sectors, or else one would only invite trouble by possessing valuables without strength.
Papermaking technique, in this era where books are treasured like life itself, was akin to printing money, as was the printing technique, and the same applied to glassmaking, and lime. Such fundamental things, at this time, were all surefire ways to amass wealth. Do not assume that just because the common folk of the Late Eastern Han Dynasty were poor that the era was devoid of wealth.