Chapter 345: Chapter 0345: End of Section 1_1

In the black market, there were still those who wanted grain instead of money, for food remained of paramount importance.

Food prices had dropped. A four or five gram gold necklace could now be sold for more than ten dollars, and a silver dollar was worth ninety cents. Both were lower than the bank's purchase price, unlike before when it took several silver dollars to exchange for a pound of fine grain or several pounds of coarse grain.

Jewelry and jades that banks refused to accept were still deemed worthless in the black market, just as before. They could be purchased with just a few dollars, or exchanged for a few pounds of rice or flour. Particularly beautiful jewelry that looked expensive could be acquired in exchange for just ten or twenty pounds of coarse grain. Prices had risen slightly, but the increase was marginal.

Food could be sold for money and used to buy anything you desired, while money couldn't necessarily buy everything.