Chapter 1016: Chapter 972: 1 coin defeats a hero Han

Time rewinds to a month ago, Zhao Yun and Ma Yunlu have already arrived at Mount Tai. Compared to Ma Yunlu’s carefree attitude, Zhao Yun has a lot on his plate. By this time, news of Liu Bei’s victory was already spreading around Mount Tai.

Naturally, when Zhao Yun returned, many of the local populace asked him questions. Compared to Guan Yu’s stern and aloof nature, Zhao Yun was very approachable. During Mount Tai’s most difficult times, Zhao Yun ran around trying his best to help them. It was precisely because of this effort that the people of Mount Tai were well aware of Zhao Yun’s good temper.

After entering Mount Tai, Ma Yunlu’s strongest impression was its prosperity. The appearance of the populace had undergone a significant transformation. If the faces of the Yanzhou people seemed malnourished, and the Jizhou wartime citizens had vacant stares, then the people of Mount Tai were filled with hope, and each citizen appeared strong and robust.

In other regions, Zhao Yun may be considered famous across the Central Plains, but in Mount Tai, he was absolutely a household name among the local populace, not due to his martial force but because of his contributions from years ago. As he passed by, most of the people could recognize Zhao Yun, and naturally, many greeted him warmly.

This could be said to be Zhao Yun’s proudest achievement over the years. Though Chen Xi was also immensely renowned, he hardly went out, and those who truly knew him were mostly neighbors or Liu Bei’s subordinates–the local populace rarely knew Chen Xi.

For Zhao Yun, it was entirely different. The image of the White Horse Silver Spear was the most familiar among all citizens, and thus Zhao Yun gained considerably from this as he traveled with Ma Yunlu.

Eventually, the people of Mount Tai started calling Ma Yunlu “Madam Zhao”, and Ma Yunlu no longer blushed at this. Previously, she would argue against it with a red face, but now, encountering citizen after citizen calling out General Zhao and Madam Zhao, Ma Yunlu truly no longer felt like arguing.

Zhao Yun chuckled quietly–Mount Tai’s people did a splendid job. Throughout the journey, he barely spoke, yet his goals had been nearly fully accomplished. All that was left was to find a good opportunity to unveil his intentions.

When finally entering the Fenggao region, Ma Yunlu felt her eyes overwhelmed; everything before her far exceeded her expectations, and the so-called imperial atmosphere finally had a clear impression.

“What do you think? Isn’t Fenggao incredibly bustling?” Zhao Yun asked Ma Yunlu proudly. Though they hadn’t truly reached Fenggao yet, they were already within the range defined by Chen Xi. Apart from the Land of Sichuan and Shu, Shouchun, and Xiangyang, no other place could compare now.

“It’s truly beautiful,” Ma Yunlu exclaimed in awe.

Looking at the dazzling reflections from the distant pavilion, Ma Yunlu was almost incredulous–it really was magnificent, though lacking the historical depth of the Chang’an Imperial Court; the vibrant glow truly captured her gaze.

“That’s the Library Pavilion, considered the most important architectural facility in Mount Tai, housing fifty percent of the books from the Eastern Pavilion. The remaining portion is being supplemented by Cai Zhaoji, and in a few years, the collection might be restored again, even grander than five years ago,” Zhao Yun said with admiration. Cai Zhaoji’s talent is indeed astonishing.

“Can I go in?” Ma Yunlu asked curiously.

“That place never restricts entry, but the books inside aren’t allowed to be taken out. There are twenty teams of city management guards stationed there, and Cai Zhaoji herself is accompanied by five guarding teams. Generally speaking, it’s as safe as the Lord’s manor,” Zhao Yun said slowly.

“Then I’ll go have a look!” Ma Yunlu said excitedly.

Zhao Yun reached out to hold Ma Yunlu’s shoulder; over time, Ma Yunlu had become used to Zhao Yun’s occasional disregard for boundaries, whereas before, such gestures might have prompted a fight from her.

“Why are you grabbing me?” Ma Yunlu asked, looking at Zhao Yun with her big eyes in dissatisfaction. Everyone from an aristocratic family or local tyrants, upon arriving at Mount Tai, reacted by wanting to dash inside.

“You need a household registration here; you’re not a local, and borrowing has many regulations. Otherwise, think about it–even if the library had three hundred thousand volumes, they wouldn’t be enough to share!” Zhao Yun explained with a laugh, “Let’s first proceed to Fenggao, I’ll go through the process to arrange everything for you, then you can enter.”

“Tsk, abusing power for personal gain!” Ma Yunlu’s eyes rolled around as she looked at Zhao Yun.

“If you don’t wish to go in and have a look, then forget it,” Zhao Yun replied offhandedly. Indeed, Mount Tai isn’t without special privileges; both Chen Xi and Mann Chong acknowledge their existence, but corresponding obligations are required.

“Hmph!” Ma Yunlu turned her head haughtily, refusing to speak, while Zhao Yun smiled, leaning over to grab the reins of the little red horse and leading it towards Fenggao City, with Ma Yunlu following suit, merely pursing her lips.

Upon entering the city, the row of stores originally built on both sides of the main street had already disappeared. Those stores used to have walls as thick as five feet or even a zhang. But now, there was no need to worry about enemies attacking. With public sentiment as a safeguard, such precautions could put to rest.

“So many things being sold.” Ma Yunlu immediately intended to search herself for money, but unfortunately, whether from the previously taboo purple attire or the currently taboo purple attire, Zhao Yun hadn’t added a money pouch.

“What are you doing?” Zhao Yun asked, watching as Ma Yunlu turned her head sideways, stretching out her slender white hand, leaving him only with a view of her black hair, clueless about what she wanted.

“Give me money!” Ma Yunlu pouted in dissatisfaction.

“I have no money either,” Zhao Yun replied with a sidelong glance.

Zhao Yun, as a general, neither having a wife like Guan Yu nor concubines like Zhang Fei and Hua Xiong, lived as a solitary man, residing with his troops in the barracks, without the need for expenditures. Both his stipend and rewards were conveniently stored under his name at the Money Exchange, without ever needing to withdraw them…

“…” Ma Yunlu fell silent for a moment. Finally, after some time, she spoke, “You’re not going to make me just watch, are you?”

Zhao Yun felt pressured; letting Ma Yunlu simply watch the various street foods was indeed rather inhumane. Zhao Yun had never been particular about satisfying his cravings, and he could easily get free samples from food vendors just by making an appearance, but doing so would be too humiliating for Zhao Yun.

“Does Zhangming have any money?” Zhao Yun turned to ask, Xue Shao also shook his head. Like Zhao Yun, he was a solitary man, spending days in the military camp; no one carried money, staying at postal stations along the way cost nothing.

“Ahem, let’s go to the Money Exchange,” Zhao Yun coughed twice to lighten the mood, saying, “One penny short can stump a hero.” (To be continued. If you like this book, you are welcome to come to Qidian (wuxiaworld.site) to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.wuxiaworld.site.)