Herald of Steel

Chapter 1399 Revisiting The Eastern District

The eastern district used to be called the crime capital of the city, a dumping ground for all its 'unwanted' trash.

Gangs, gambling dens, opium houses, illegal prostitution, racketeering, exhortions... if you could name the vice, the distinct had you covered.

However much of the old legacy had been brutally erased under the iron boot of Alexander's reign. Most of the gang members were killed or captured following a few bloody raids- executed in public to the thrill of the masses or sent to the mines to work until their bones gave out, while their shoddy wooden lairs and dank and dark alleyways were replaced with widened streets and fresh, new multi storied stone and wooden buildings.

Of course usually such a huge displacement would draw the ire of many rats and unsavory characters, but due to the surrounding circumstances back then, Alexander was given a short yet very unique opportunity.

The city had been torn to shreds by war, many of its leaders were not present, and Alexander had with him a huge army.

So with him providing food, money, and even promising free housing, the people were more than willing to look over much of the collateral damage such raids caused.

....

The newly built houses in this part were first given to the soldiers' and officers' families, and the rest to the common people.

And with the garrison's presence, the old elements found it hard to germinate here effectively.

Thus as Alexander toured the place, he found the place to be born anew.

Judging by the color of the clothes the people were wearing and the quality of the products some of the surrounding shops were selling, it was clear this part of the city was doing much better than their northern counterparts.

As such, Alexander saw a small local market selling all types of general groceries, surrounded by a host of utilitarian shops like barbers, shoe polishers, tailors, and dyers to name only a few.

He was even occasionally greeted by the thick, heavy aroma of baked bread and pies, filled with meat, fish, and thickly chopped vegetables.

The only caveat was despite its 'advanced' status, Alexander still found this part of the city was still a bit below its affluent western counterpart.

If the western part of the city was meant for the upper middle class or even the affluent rich, and the northern part of the city was meant for the poor and lower class, then the eastern and southern parts were meant for all those in between- farmers, various small and medium sized shopkeepers, soldiers, free men, 'working' women, etc.

Basically people who were not quite poor, but still climbing that social ladder- with low social sophistication.

And this clearly revealed themselves in the form a train of less than pleasant odors that occasionally assaulted Alexander while he was touring the place.

The aqueducts and sewer systems were yet inadequate in these areas and the people were not self conscious enough to not dump trash right into the streets despite the fines it would incur.

Alexander had decreed a law that stated 'Any trash found in front of a man's house was to be fined half a day of his wages'.

However consulting about this to a local magistrate who was currently accompanying Alexander as his tour guide for the place, the pasha found that implementing this law had apparently proved much harder than expected.

"My lord, these scoundrels think of all types of creative ways to dodge our hands. The most common is blaming the jealous neighbor for dumping their trash on their doorstep. The people living in the lower parts especially like to do this, constantly pointing their fingers upwards!"

"Sometimes, they will also pretend not to be in the house when we come."

In fact, that was one of the reasons he was treated so well despite his status- his father was very honorable.

But now, the same father who had allowed him to become so plump and pampered began to disdain him to near the point of loathing.

This gossip originally reached Alexander via Cambyses, who had picked it up while meeting some of the noble ladies.

And then he managed to swoop in the neck of time to save the boy from being disowned and thrown out into the streets, negotiating with the father and employing him as one of the magistrates.

That is why Cyrus was also so grateful to Alexander, and why he felt so bad letting him down, mumbling in a bitter voice,

"We first used to beat them to stop! But that quickly became ineffective. People would rather get a beating than pay a fine or stop throwing trash."

"Then we started to throw them in lock ups, but there were too many. And now my lord... I am ashamed to say we simply ask them not to litter, and plead the rubbish carts and street sweepers to pick up the thrown rubbish!"

As Cyrus said this, his head heavily dropped downward, a blush painting his fatty overlapping cheeks.

'Hmmmm, this is a problem!' While hearing the unique situation, Alexander half lampooned, moaning, 'As they say, the devil is in the details'.

Then turning to the large man, he replied while slowly shaking his head,

"No, it's alright. You did your best. I can see now that the law itself has multiple loopholes. I will make an amendment so that the entire building is fined if trash is found in their footsteps. That will stop nine tenths of all the shenanigans."

"In the meantime, continue to try your level best. Employ more rubbish collecting carts and sweepers if you need. I will add another 10,000 ropals per month to your budget!"

The promise got a huge smile and a series of profuse thanks from the man.

.....

Alexander continued his tour following his brief interlude and found that in some place, subtle hints of the past still remained, like a lingering shadow under the glimmering renovations.

Such as alongside the numerous houses, the streets were filled with many small inns, hostels, restaurants and bars, providing food, drinks and lodging for the people after a long day's work.

In fact, this part of the city hosted the largest number of such establisements.

Let us say no to piracy! Don't take part in a crime! Don't patronize thieves!

Please come Here!

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