The commoners entering and exiting the gates of the county city were all people from surrounding villages and towns who came for important matters or trade. Zheng Jun was, naturally, extremely good to them.
Upon seeing Zheng Jun, they erupted with an enthusiasm even greater than that of the Black Officials and soldiers. Some vegetable farmers even held up the fruits and vegetables they intended to sell, offering them to Zheng Jun. They knew who treated them well. Before Zheng Jun arrived, they had been filled with fear every time they entered the city, terrified of being intercepted and killed by bandits on the road. The Black Officials and soldiers at the city gates would also extract their share of grease, extorting silver coins or taking a few fruits. In short, they used every means possible. When they returned to their villages and towns, they faced the oppression and humiliation of the local Gentry, working as Tenants to till the land and pay taxes for the landlords.
