The Easygoing Devil's Convenience Store

“You know, during the Western Han dynasty, the Han population was seventy million. But from the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties through the Ming and Qing, it never exceeded a hundred million. That’s because the land can only produce so much, and can’t support too many people. When the population grows too large, a war breaks out, killing tens of millions to bring things back into balance.” The Demon Grand Duke Qiao Zhi spoke solemnly to the emperor before him, who wore a black robe embroidered with dragons. “This civilization-class divine artifact in my hands can help you escape this cursed cycle. Three cities and five thousand young maidens isn’t too expensive, is it?”

The emperor nodded unconsciously. “Not at all, not at all. May I ask, Grand Duke, what is this civilization-class divine artifact called?”

“It’s called a potato. Or, well... a sprouted potato.”