The Three Great Han Dynasties: Awaken Liu Bei with a scolding; you weave mats and sell sandals.

Upon seeing this comment, Liu Hong sighed inwardly, noting that it was quite similar to Zhao Yun's previous stats.

The term "lone star" refers to someone who is independent and loyal enough to be a true idealist.

Even on a historical timeline, due to its excessive perfection and independence, it was never able to enter the core decision-making circle of Shu Han during dynasties that emphasized clan and local ties, and remained in an isolated position.

Moreover, when Liu Bei was preparing to attack Wu due to personal grudges, he openly opposed it.

Perhaps, his ideal of benevolent governance and virtuous rule was his destiny.

Otherwise, how could the famous Zhao Zilong of Changshan still be just a lowly guard?

Liu Hong was reluctant, so he decided to try again.

However, the right opportunity was not so easy to come by, and nearly half a month had passed in the blink of an eye.

……

On this day, deep within the Liu family manor.

The production of the new batch of salt is sufficient to be sold again to Youzhou and even further afield.

After years of business accumulation, the Liu family now has not only the finished wine they recently sold, but also Zhuojun salt, the profits of which are much higher than those of goods sold through the Yuan family's connections.

Upon arriving at the heart of the manor, Liu Hong saw the craftsmen around him bowing respectfully.

He waved his hand, not bothered by these formalities, and simply looked at the strands of white salt that had been separated.

This salt is not as naturally formed as snowflakes; it has some imperfections.

Without a doubt, this was something he did on purpose.

If genuine snowflake salt were to be brewed, based on the experience of later generations, the gentry would certainly exert pressure, and even another branch of the Han imperial family in Youzhou would likely intervene.

It's even possible that Emperor Liu Hong in the palace will send someone to demand it in the future.

Snowflake salt is like a rare treasure; selling it so openly will surely bring disaster.

Therefore, in order to avoid this situation, Liu Hong had no choice but to resort to this desperate measure: to earn a lot of money for the Liu family while compressing the quality of the salt to the first-class level of today, rather than the best quality. This was the limit that the Liu family could currently control.

It also gives them a good explanation to the outside world.

The four characters "Han clan" are the best explanation. Are we not allowed to allow the descendants of King Jing of Zhongshan to leave some heritage for their own branch?

The salt-making methods recorded in these ancient books were preserved by various clans to varying degrees, making it difficult for outsiders to interfere.

"It's time to send Zilong out for a trip."

Liu Hong murmured to himself.

During this period of waiting for the right opportunity.

He would occasionally use his aura-reading technique on Zhao Yun and obtain the following information.

Name: Zhao Yun

Age: Sixteen

[Aura: Gold]

[Destiny: A solitary star shining brightly in the world, with a long and prosperous martial career; possessing wisdom and resourcefulness, and unwavering loyalty and courage]

[Today's fortune: You will encounter a wise ruler, which may bring a turning point and a sudden change in your destiny. In the next few days, when you are escorting goods to Bohai County, someone will intercept and kill you on the way. This is the opportunity to change your fate.]

Since the panel already displayed this, all Liu Hong could do was believe it.

……

Half a day later, Zhao Yun, who had received instructions early on, appeared outside the Liu family manor. He and his entourage, Su Shuang and others had been ready to set off for some time.

As usual, Liu Hong instructed Su Shuang and his followers: "If you encounter a strong enemy, you can retreat, but you must not risk your life for the sake of goods."

Su Shuang and his followers were naturally grateful and accepted the order.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Hong called Zhao Yun aside. Su Shuang looked on with envy, as did the other followers, though it was all done openly.

After all, Zhao Yun had entered the Liu family's private school and joined the Young Lin Class, and most importantly—

He even received a comment from Cui Yan.

To know.

Within the Liu family's private school, everyone who has received Cui Yan's evaluation so far is considered a great talent of the Liu family.

Therefore, although Zhao Yun is now just a minor loyal follower, his status and position have already undergone tremendous changes.

In everyone's eyes, he was the Liu family's key protégé, and he was different from them. Even if they envied him, they kept it within limits.

"Zilong, today I ask you, if you encounter bandits while escorting goods, what would you do?"

Liu Hong asked the question with his hands behind his back.

After a moment's thought, Zhao Yun replied, "Repel them and protect the goods so they can continue their journey."

"But what if the bandits are too powerful?"

Liu Hong asked again.

Zhao Yun replied, "Protect the goods as much as possible. Otherwise, retreat with the brothers. If there is a hidden opportunity, strike decisively. If not, protect the people first."

Liu Hong was satisfied with these answers, but what followed was his real purpose: "Zilong, have you ever killed anyone?"

Zhao Yun shook his head in confusion.

"If it were up to you to kill someone this time, could you bring yourself to do it?"

Liu Hong asked again.

This time, Zhao Yun did not respond.

At sixteen years old, even nowadays, you're not exactly young, but you're not exactly old either.

In addition, Zhao Yun had the protection of his elder brother Zhao Feng, so even though his parents died at a young age, he was still safe and sound.

Although his elder brother Zhao Feng had made a name for himself in Zhen Ding County, Changshan, it was limited to his violent fights among wandering knights and had little to do with killing people.

It's normal for young people to feel confused and hesitant when faced with such a problem.

Liu Hong did not force it. If it could be accomplished, that would be best. If not, he would have done his best and fulfilled his wish.

"Alright, go ahead."

Liu Hong waved his hand.

Zhao Yun opened his mouth, but hesitated to speak.

He could see Liu Hong's disappointment, but at that moment he couldn't come up with a better answer, so he could only hang his head and return to the group.

The leader of this caravan was not Zhao Yun, but Liu Zongran, the leader who had been commanding this group of volunteers!

"Liu Family Caravan, let's go."

With a loud shout from Liu Zongran, the entire procession marched forward along the official road.

"We've done our best; now we can only leave the rest to fate."

Liu Hong watched the caravan disappear into the distance, then returned to the manor behind him.

……

Bohai County is not close, but the farther away the place, the higher the price the Liu family's bamboo salt sells for.

Along the way.

The Liu family caravan had already established a formidable reputation along its established routes, and bandits from all over dared not provoke them, so they had always remained safe and sound.

Along the way, the group of loyal followers would spar from time to time, and Zhao Yun naturally joined in.

Although he was young, his body was already fully developed, and coupled with his superb marksmanship, even if he had not yet reached the pinnacle, he could definitely be considered one of the top members of the Liu family's retinue.

"Zilong, you're amazing. I'm impressed."

Another player, once a formidable opponent, has been defeated, and he accepts the defeat wholeheartedly, given the obvious difference in skill between the two sides.

Zhao Yun smiled modestly: "Brother, you're showing mercy; you're letting me win."

Zhao Yun was somewhat savvy in dealing with people and situations, having once been a wandering knight-errant, but he seemed to lack quick thinking in the face of adversity.

"Everyone on alert."

Liu Zongran suddenly shouted, and all the sworn brothers who had been playing around immediately mounted their horses and stood guard around.