Chapter 972: A Penny Troubles a Hero

One month ago, Zhao Yun and Ma Yunlu arrived at Mount Tai. Unlike Ma Yunlu's carefree demeanor, Zhao Yun had many responsibilities to attend to. By this time, news of Liu Bei’s victory had already spread throughout Mount Tai.

Naturally, upon Zhao Yun's return, many commoners approached him with inquiries. Unlike the stern and aloof figure of Guan Yu, Zhao Yun was very approachable. During the most difficult times for the people of Mount Tai, Zhao Yun had tirelessly run around, doing his utmost to assist them. It was because of this dedication that the people of Mount Tai knew Zhao Yun’s temperament well and admired him greatly.

As they entered Mount Tai, Ma Yunlu immediately noticed the prosperity around her. The faces of the people had drastically changed. If the people of Yanzhou appeared gaunt and the eyes of those from the war-torn Jizhou were hollow, then the people of Mount Tai were filled with hope. Moreover, they all looked strong and healthy.

While Zhao Yun was renowned throughout the Central Plains, in Mount Tai, he was a household name, not for his martial prowess, but because of his contributions. Most of the people they encountered recognized Zhao Yun, and many greeted him warmly along the way.

This was perhaps Zhao Yun’s proudest achievement over the past few years. While Chen Xi was also famous, he rarely left his residence, so those who truly knew him were mostly neighbors and Liu Bei’s subordinates. In contrast, many commoners were familiar with Zhao Yun.

White horse and silver spear—this image of Zhao Yun was deeply ingrained in the minds of the people. As a result, Zhao Yun was recognized everywhere they went, much to Ma Yunlu’s amusement.

Eventually, the people of Mount Tai began addressing Ma Yunlu as "Madam Zhao." At first, she would blush and attempt to correct them, but after hearing it from so many people, she no longer bothered to explain.

Zhao Yun chuckled quietly to himself the entire way. The people of Mount Tai were doing a marvelous job. Without needing to say much, Zhao Yun’s goals were already 90% complete—now, all that was left was to find the right moment to make things official.

As they approached the Fenggao region, Ma Yunlu was completely dazzled. Everything before her far exceeded her expectations. For the first time, she had a true sense of what an imperial capital could look like.

“What do you think? Isn’t Fenggao incredibly prosperous?” Zhao Yun asked Ma Yunlu with pride. Although they had not yet reached the heart of Fenggao, they were already within the influence of Chen Xi’s vision. Apart from the fertile lands of Sichuan and the cities of Shouchun and Xiangyang, few places could compare.

“It’s so beautiful,” Ma Yunlu marveled.

Looking at the distant buildings reflecting a brilliant glow, Ma Yunlu found it hard to believe. The place was truly dazzling, like gold and jade. While it lacked the historical weight of Chang’an’s palace, the brilliance of the city was enough to captivate her.

“That’s the library pavilion, one of the most important structures in Mount Tai. It holds half of the Eastern Library’s collection. The rest is being compiled by Cai Zhaoji. In a few years, the Eastern Library will be fully restored and even more magnificent than five years ago,” Zhao Yun said with admiration. Cai Zhaoji’s talent truly left him in awe.

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

“The library is open to everyone. However, no books are allowed to be taken out. There are 20 squads of city guards stationed there, and Cai Zhaoji herself has five squads protecting her at all times. It’s as secure as the lord’s residence,” Zhao Yun explained.

“Then I’ll go take a look!” Ma Yunlu said eagerly.

Zhao Yun reached out and grabbed her by the shoulder. By now, Ma Yunlu had grown accustomed to his occasional bold gestures, something she would’ve fought against in the past.

“Why are you pulling me?” Ma Yunlu asked, her wide eyes blinking in displeasure. It was a common reaction for anyone from a noble family to want to rush inside after seeing such a place.

“You need residency to enter. You’re not from here, and there are strict rules about borrowing books. Think about it—even with 300,000 volumes, the library wouldn’t have enough for everyone without some order,” Zhao Yun explained with a smile. “Let’s head to Fenggao first. I’ll get everything arranged for you, and then you can go in.”

“Tsk, abusing your power for personal gain,” Ma Yunlu teased, her eyes gleaming mischievously.

“If you don’t want to see the library, then we can forget about it,” Zhao Yun replied casually. It wasn’t as if Mount Tai lacked privileges. Both Chen Xi and Man Chong had acknowledged the necessity of privileges, as long as they were balanced with corresponding responsibilities.

“Hmph!” Ma Yunlu huffed and turned her head away, but she made no further objections. Zhao Yun smiled and tugged at the reins of his horse, leading them toward Fenggao, while Ma Yunlu, after a brief pout, followed silently.

Once they entered the city, the old row of shops along the main street had disappeared. These stores once had walls five to ten feet thick to defend against possible attacks, but now, such measures were unnecessary. With the people’s hearts on their side, these defenses were no longer needed.

“So many things for sale!” Ma Yunlu exclaimed, excitedly patting her clothes in search of money. Unfortunately, neither her previous purple attire nor her current outfit, both of which Zhao Yun had deemed inappropriate, had any money pouches.

“What are you doing?” Zhao Yun asked, glancing over at Ma Yunlu, who had turned her head, extending a pale hand toward him while giving him the back of her head.

“Give me some money!” Ma Yunlu demanded, pouting.

“I don’t have any either,” Zhao Yun said with a sideways glance.

As a general without a wife like Guan Yu or concubines like Zhang Fei or Hua Xiong, Zhao Yun lived alone, spending most of his time in the military camp. He had no need for money, so his salary and rewards were all deposited directly into his account at the local bank, where he rarely withdrew any.

“…,” Ma Yunlu was speechless. After a long pause, she finally asked, “Are you really going to make me just stand here and watch?”

Zhao Yun felt the pressure. A whole street full of enticing snacks, and Ma Yunlu couldn’t buy a single one. It wasn’t humane to leave her like that. Zhao Yun himself had never been particularly concerned with food, and vendors often gave him things for free out of respect, but it would be too embarrassing to do that in front of Ma Yunlu.

“Zhangming, do you have any money?” Zhao Yun turned to ask Xue Shao, who shook his head. Like Zhao Yun, he lived a simple life in the camp, rarely carrying money.

“Ahem, let’s stop by the bank first.” Truly, even a penny can trouble a hero. Zhao Yun coughed awkwardly, trying to ease the situation.

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