Chapter 985: Release of the Ranking of Fierce Generals

In the end, Zhao Yun gave up on the idea of relying on his face for favors. Although he knew that even without asking, many of the small traders along the way would offer him snacks, this kind of passive gesture was different from the active behavior of using one’s reputation. So, Zhao Yun decided to withdraw some money.

When Zhao Yun saw the eight-figure balance in his account, even though it started with a "1," he was still shocked. He couldn't recall ever receiving such a large amount of salary and rewards.

It wasn't until the banker explained that Zhao Yun understood. All this money was actually the result of Chen Xi's financial management. Initially, Zhao Yun's balance was only a few million coins, but seeing that Zhao Yun never withdrew his funds, Chen Xi had moved the money to invest in various construction projects, making the money grow.

Over three years, the initial millions had become tens of millions under Chen Xi's management. However, Zhao Yun was only given a 100% profit share, as Chen Xi figured that Zhao Yun wouldn’t need it anyway, so letting it sit was a waste.

"So, this is the money Zichuan earned?" Zhao Yun frowned, shaking his head. "I can't accept it. The money that Zichuan made rightfully belongs to him. Even if it was my funds he used to invest, it feels wrong to take advantage of it. Zichuan used my money just to set my mind at ease. It’s not like he’s short of money."

"General Zhao, please just take it. If you're concerned, just withdraw some of it. As long as you don’t withdraw it all at once, the balance will continue to grow slowly. I don’t know exactly why that is, but if you're still uncomfortable, you should talk to Chen Hou directly," the banker replied, not particularly interested in Zhao Yun's hesitation, as he was only in charge of the vouchers. If Zhao Yun wanted to return the money, he'd need to deal with Chen Xi himself.

"Alright," Zhao Yun reluctantly agreed, knowing that the banker wasn't the person to negotiate with. The only ones with authority over the treasury were Mi Zhu and Chen Xi.

"General Zhao, how much would you like to withdraw?" The banker asked with a smile, knowing there was no limit to how much Zhao Yun could take out at the Taishan bank.

"Withdraw a thousand coins, and give me a voucher for ten thousand," Zhao Yun said, glancing at Ma Yunlu behind him. Not accustomed to spending money himself, he figured it would be wise to have a little extra just in case.

"Understood." The banker ordered a clerk to count out a thousand five-zhu coins for Zhao Yun, packaged them up, and handed Zhao Yun a ten-thousand-coin voucher.

"Tsk tsk, it's all five-zhu coins," Ma Yunlu marveled. After all, five-zhu coins were the most widely used currency in this late Han period.

"Here’s a thousand coins for you, and this voucher too. You can buy whatever you want. I suddenly realized I’m quite wealthy," Zhao Yun laughed, handing the coins and the voucher to Ma Yunlu.

"What’s this?" Ma Yunlu asked, confused.

"It’s ten thousand coins. Didn’t you see the writing? This voucher can be exchanged for ten thousand coins at any bank. It’s like a receipt. I’ve already signed it, so you can just use it to withdraw the money," Zhao Yun explained.

"Seems like you’re quite rich," Ma Yunlu remarked, giving Zhao Yun an appraising look. Her prized chestnut horse, considered one of the best steeds from the borderlands, was only worth ten thousand coins. Yet Zhao Yun’s apparent wealth and generosity made her want to take advantage of him.

"I’m surprised myself," Zhao Yun chuckled, scratching his head. He hadn’t realized he had accumulated so much wealth.

Ma Yunlu pursed her lips. She had seen the figures on the bank slip earlier and confirmed that Zhao Yun was indeed a wealthy bachelor. He was like a prime candidate for a marriage alliance.

Throughout their journey together, Ma Yunlu had learned Zhao Yun’s true age. Though he appeared as youthful as her brother, Ma Chao, in reality, Zhao Yun was old enough to be Ma Chao's uncle, without any awkwardness.

But in this world, age didn’t matter—only appearance did. And to Ma Yunlu, Zhao Yun was still a handsome, wealthy young man.

"I’ll take you to see Lady Cai. After that, I’ll need to inform the families of those in Taishan," Zhao Yun said as Ma Yunlu had already begun shopping, picking out items left and right.

By the time they walked through one street, Yezhao Yushi, Zhao Yun's famous steed, was already laden with various gifts and clothing. The bustling commercial street was a paradise for Ma Yunlu, who had never encountered such sights back in Xiliang.

Naturally, by this point, the ten thousand coins had been exchanged into smaller denominations. The biggest expenses had been on bracelets and golden hairpins. Even though the shopkeeper from the Wu family had initially refused to charge them, Zhao Yun insisted on paying. Despite being given the lowest price, it still cost a considerable amount.

Seeing Ma Yunlu’s reluctant expression as they left the commercial district, Zhao Yun felt a sudden pressure. It seemed the money was being spent quite quickly—ten thousand and one thousand coins had dwindled down to just a little change. Although Ma Yunlu promised she would repay him, Zhao Yun could only smile wryly.

"Zichuan, for the sake of a brother’s future, I’ll keep the money for now. I’ll repay you when I have the funds," Zhao Yun thought silently. He had already decided to spend the next few days taking Ma Yunlu on a shopping spree, hoping to help her understand the value of money. He figured that with his wealth, he could handle it.

"Zijian, is this the ranking of fierce generals that you’re releasing?" Liu Yan glanced at the list in Xu Shao’s hand, his eye twitching. "If you release this, you’re going to get beaten up."

"Tsk, people want to see the list of strategists too, so I doubt I’ll get killed," Xu Shao replied dismissively. "Besides, there’s no way to properly rank the martial generals. I’ve racked my brains but still couldn’t come up with a satisfactory list, so I’m just going with this. Everyone should be happy with it."

"...," Liu Yan rolled his eyes. "I’ll go reserve a bed for you with Doctor Hua. You’re definitely going to get beaten."

"How could I abandon such an important task over the mere possibility of injury? I am Xu Zijian. I’ve never falsified a ranking list. If they don’t like it, that’s their problem. I’m just telling the truth," Xu Shao said confidently, though even Liu Yan felt swayed by his conviction.

"Still, maybe you should reserve a bed for me, just in case. If I really do get beaten to a pulp, it’ll be good to have a place to recover," Xu Shao coughed, feeling a little more hesitant under Liu Yan’s admiring gaze.

"I thought you weren’t afraid of death," Liu Yan said, exasperated.

"I can’t die before I release the strategist rankings. Go ahead and book a nice bed for me," Xu Shao added shamelessly.

"Don’t worry, I’ll ask Bo Ning to lend us ten city patrol squads to protect you. You go ahead and release the list. I’ll take care of the hospital bed," Liu Yan said helplessly, sensing that Xu Shao was walking further down the path of self-destruction.

That winter, a month after the last ranking was released, the Ranking of Fierce Generals was issued by Xu Zijian. Once again, the nation erupted, and soon after, a flood of curses followed. Not long after that, Xu Zijian was assaulted by unknown assailants and ended up in the hospital bed that had been reserved for him.

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