After a moment of silence, Zhao Zhen spoke again.
"Indeed, but as soon as I heard this news, I returned immediately to report to Your Highness..."
Seeing that Zhao Zhen had finally started asking about this matter proactively, Zong Ying felt somewhat relieved, thinking he wasn't that anxious after all. He had been talking for so long…
"What did he say?"
After Zhao Zhen finished speaking, though he maintained a casual demeanor, he perked up his ears secretly.
"I did ask Brother Han, but he said that at this time, it depends on Your Highness's wishes, and he doesn't want to act in vain…"
Hearing Zong Ying's words, Zhao Zhen couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. Zong Ying had also started to become cunning at some point!
Where was that fellow acting in vain?
This fellow was waiting for him to come to him to negotiate terms!
"Let me think about this further…"
After so much effort from hundreds of thousands of troops, in the end, two obscure young generals under Han Mo had reaped the rewards and snatched the prize.
Not only could he not be angry, but he also had to feign gratitude. The thought of that kid Han Mo's smiling face that night made Zhao Zhen grind his teeth with hatred.
Now, asking him to go and beg Han Mo personally was something he absolutely couldn't stomach!
"Your Highness, there are matters of greater and lesser urgency. If this great opportunity is missed, we will truly have to wait for several years, or even over ten years!"
Zong Ying naturally knew what this fellow was thinking, but on that matter, even Zong Ying felt that Han Mo had done nothing wrong.
At a time of national crisis, harboring bandits for one's own benefit – if such a thing were truly done, even if it could silence the court officials, it couldn't silence the gossip of the world!
From a great benefactor to a prince with ulterior motives, although it seemed like a gain on the surface, the loss incurred in secret could not be compared to mere power and position.
"Let me think about it again, let me think about it again!"
"Right, there's one more thing to tell Your Highness. Brother Han said he plans to set off for Mingzhou City in the next couple of days. When he returns, he asked me to give this to Your Highness!"
As Zong Ying spoke, he pulled out a resignation letter from his sleeve and placed it before Zhao Zhen.
"Damn it!"
Upon merely glancing at the content, Zhao Zhen almost exploded with anger.
This fellow wasn't bidding farewell; he was clearly forcing him to make a decision!
Not only was he forcing him to make a decision, but he was also conveniently setting a deadline. If he didn't make a decision within the specified time, this kid wouldn't play with him anymore!
Although he truly wanted to lose his temper at this moment, seeing Zong Ying's serious expression, he could only swallow his anger for the time being.
"I understand, sir. You may return and rest."
"Your humble servant takes his leave!"
Seeing his stubbornness to save face at the cost of suffering, Zong Ying didn't bother to waste any more words with him. After all, as Han Mo had said, you can never wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep.
He had said all he needed to say. What to do now depended entirely on Zhao Zhen's choice.
"Go and fetch Master Wang!"
Only after Zong Ying had left did the worried Zhao Zhen immediately send someone to invite Wang Xiang.
Although his relationship with Zhong Shidao was also good, it couldn't compare to Wang Xiang.
Even though there had been some unpleasantness before, and even though he had been tricked by Wang Xiang before, he still subconsciously thought of him at this moment.
However, Zhao Zhen himself couldn't be sure whether he was so eager to find Wang Xiang to seek advice or to get some psychological comfort.
After all, at this time, only old ministers like Wang Xiang could wholeheartedly stand on his side and consider matters for him.
"Yes!"
Although they didn't know why Zhao Zhen was acting so erratically tonight, the subordinate officials dared not delay and immediately sent someone to fetch Wang Xiang.
"Summoning an old minister so late, does Your Highness have something important?"
Hearing that Zhao Zhen had remembered him again, Wang Xiang was actually a little excited.
Ever since he had taken a great fall in Mingzhou and then botched the matter of the provisions, Zhao Zhen had not summoned him alone for a long time, especially at this sensitive juncture.
"Master Wang, I summoned you today regarding the matter of returning to the capital. Do you have any thoughts on this, Master Wang?"
If he had a choice, Zhao Zhen truly did not want to go directly to Han Mo for advice.
"This…"
Hearing his question, Wang Xiang suddenly felt a bit awkward.
When it came to power struggles, he was indeed capable, but this problem genuinely stumped him.
Normally speaking, the position of Pacification Commissioner was not a permanent one; it was established for specific events and abolished upon their completion.
However, at this time, although the great achievement had been made, the follow-up matters had not yet been completed.
Trying to return to the capital at this moment was truly not a simple matter!
Zhao Zhen had achieved such a great feat this time. If he were to return so quietly, what would that even mean?
Without a reasonable excuse, he would probably be impeached as soon as he set foot in the capital.
"There are rumors that His Majesty is currently considering candidates for the positions of Deputy Privy Councilor and Signatory of the Privy Council!"
Seeing the awkward expression on Wang Xiang's face, Zhao Zhen unhurriedly tapped the table again and said.
"Is this news reliable?"
Hearing this, Wang Xiang immediately became energized.
As one of the Deputy Pacification Commissioners for this mission, a position as a Signatory of the Privy Council was practically a sure thing.
If he were a bit luckier, or if Zhao Zhen could put in some effort for him, even the position of Deputy Privy Councilor might not be out of reach!
But if the emperor directly appointed someone before they returned to the capital, then things would truly become awkward!
He was already at his age. If several young people suddenly appeared to block his path, he might never have the chance to ascend to the position of Deputy Privy Councilor in his lifetime!
"The news is naturally reliable. However, if I, this king, cannot return to the capital in advance, who in Bianliang City can help Teacher secure this position?"