According to Old Master Tate, demand now outstripped supply. The supply chain had a serious gap, and domestic supply couldn't meet the people's daily needs. A black market was bound to emerge; it had been this way since ancient times.
For example, the Dawnlight Dynasty had always banned maritime trade, yet shipping continued to flourish. The common people never lacked for rare and curious goods from overseas. This was because there was demand—and exorbitant profits to be made. As a result, plenty of people were willing to risk beheading to smuggle goods from abroad. Naturally, it was the same now.
The south was full of port cities and was also close to HK. There was sure to be a group of bold people there, and Adrian Hawthorne wanted to find them.
