After listening to Qin Hui's words, even Xu Churen, a seasoned old fox, couldn't help but have his pupils constrict.
Putting aside other matters, Qin Hui's ability to stir up trouble alone had already made Xu Churen view him in a new light.
He clearly intended to help Zhao Zhen snatch Han Mo's credit, yet here he was claiming they were considering Han Mo's well-being!
"With Lord Han's talent, giving him such an unparalleled achievement would be nothing short of a fatal promotion!"
"So, if we go by your logic, you're actually looking out for Brother Han?"
Hearing such shameless rhetoric, Zhong Yanchong could no longer contain himself.
They were clearly seizing someone else's accomplishment, yet they presented it so nobly. Even though it was inconvenient for him to voice his opinion at this moment, seeing Zhao Zhen nod repeatedly, he couldn't help but scoff.
"This, this..."
After his remark, Qin Hui's face was filled with embarrassment.
Often, one could deceive others but not oneself.
While Qin Hui, the instigator, was mortified, Zhao Zhen, sitting beside him, fared no better!
His once ruddy face instantly turned ashen.
He had the urge to retaliate, but looking at Xu Churen, who remained silent, he ultimately fell silent again.
Master Zhong had helped him so much, both emotionally and practically. There was no reason for him to fly into a rage at Zhong Yanchong!
"Your Highness, Brother Han is different from others. Let alone one achievement, how much has Brother Han done for you since he pledged his loyalty? If Your Highness is willing, why not write a letter directly to Brother Han and state your intentions? I believe he is not a petty person; it's just one achievement, what does it matter?"
"Instead of listening to this vile scoundrel stir up trouble, it would be more straightforward for Your Highness to personally write a letter outlining the situation!"
After speaking, Zhong Yanchong stood up, cupped his hands towards Zhao Zhen, and turned to leave.
"Your Highness, he is an honest man. Please forgive his disrespect! I will go and speak with him!"
Seeing Zhong Yanchong depart, Xu Churen cleared his throat, stood up, apologized to Zhao Zhen, and walked out the door.
Their consecutive departures left Zhao Zhen's expression extremely grim.
"Your Highness, they clearly don't take you seriously!"
Having suffered such humiliation, Qin Hui now truly harbored resentment towards Xu Churen and Zhong Yanchong!
"Enough, stop talking!"
Just as Qin Hui was about to instigate more discord, Zhao Zhen glared at him fiercely and also left.
"Young man, you're never this agitated in normal times. What's gotten into you today? It's just a few sarcastic remarks; why are you taking it to heart?"
After catching up with Zhong Yanchong a long distance away, Xu Churen called him to a secluded spot. Looking around to ensure no one was present, he lowered his voice and said.
"I've caused you trouble, my lord! Actually, what that Qin fellow said wasn't entirely unreasonable. I was just angry at Prince Xin's demeanor just now! Brother Han risked so much, traveling a thousand miles to deliver grain to help him achieve his grand ambition, but what about him?"
"Please don't tell me you didn't see the expression on his face just now? That Qin fellow merely stirred up a few rumors, and he was already overcome with gratitude!"
Zhong Yanchong became more and more indignant as he spoke, his voice involuntarily rising by a few decibels at the end.
"Enough, you are also of noble lineage; can't you see through these matters?"
After hearing his words, Xu Churen couldn't help but sigh.
At this moment, he began to doubt his own judgment. Was Zhao Zhen truly the best choice?
Even before taking the throne, he could be so overcome with gratitude for a few words of flattery, while neglecting those who truly helped him.
This behavior was truly disappointing!
With Xu Churen's astuteness, he understood that since Han Mo had told Zhao Zhen everything, he had originally intended to cede this credit to Zhao Zhen.
All Han Mo wanted was a show of attitude from Zhao Zhen, just a letter, and Zhao Zhen was unwilling!
Instead, he allowed such a vile scoundrel to sow discord, attempting to have Xu Churen take the blame for him!
If Zhong Yanchong couldn't bear to watch, could Xu Churen?
"It's precisely because I see things too clearly that I feel so suffocated! My Brother Han!"
As he spoke the last words, Zhong Yanchong, ultimately, heavily punched a nearby flowering tree, scattering a shower of petals.
At this moment, whether he was indignant on behalf of Han Mo or felt his grandfather's efforts were in vain, perhaps even he himself was unsure...
"Alright, that's how things are in this world. No gold is pure, and no person is perfect. Let's observe for now!"
Placing a hand on his shoulder, Xu Churen turned and left.
After angrily kicking the flowering tree again, Zhong Yanchong could only follow.
Regardless of their anger, they still had countless tasks to attend to. The vast amount of grain delivered by Han Mo was a monumental undertaking to transport back!
Returning to his room in a huff and closing the door, Zhao Zhen transformed, sitting venomously on a nearby chair.
Although Xu Churen had said nothing, his attitude was clear. Between Zhao Zhen and Han Mo, Xu Churen had sided with Han Mo...
This choice by Xu Churen was a significant blow to Zhao Zhen, especially since Xu Churen was his teacher!
Even though he was furious to the extreme at this moment, Zhao Zhen still did not show it.
He understood better than anyone that he needed the support of Xu Churen and Zhong Yanchong more than ever. Without the two of them, let alone conquering the world, Zhao Zhen would struggle even to establish a foothold in Hebei!
While Zhao Zhen was sulking, the Jurchens' first probing attack on Bianliang had begun!
Although Wang Wanyan and Wan Yan Zonghan, brothers by name, often schemed against each other, looking at the majestic ancient city before them, they were surprisingly silent.
Unlike any city they remembered, Bianliang's grandeur far exceeded their imagination, and the Song people's wealth also surpassed their wildest expectations.
They had never imagined that a city could reach such a state of magnificence!
However, shock or no shock, the primal, destructive, and conquering genes flowing in the veins of the Jurchens had once again asserted their dominance...
"Attack!"