After listening to Han Mo’s words, Zhao Zhen was at a loss for what to say.
It was truly that what is easy for one person is difficult for another.
Such a simple excuse had directly solved his pressing problem…
Indeed, every man must stick to his own trade.
He, the Grand Inspector of the Six Routes of the Southeast, was established precisely to resolve the Fang La rebellion. Now that Fang La had already surrendered, even if there were still some minor rebellions in various places, local officials could directly resolve them on their own. Once the main army was withdrawn from the region, his Grand Inspectorate should naturally be disbanded along with the army.
“What if someone believes that this King should remain in the region to restore livelihoods?”
Despite his joy, after a brief moment of happiness, Zhao Zhen suddenly thought of another possibility.
There were certainly many people in the imperial court who would not want to see him return to the capital at this time. Even the slightest excuse required him to consider a solution.
“This is actually even simpler. Your Highness is a prince. With a prince’s status, to hold supreme command over the military and governance would be contrary to ancestral regulations. With the Crown Prince still present, how can Your Highness always cling to military and political power without letting go?”
“Of course, if Your Highness is prepared to return to the capital, Han Mo has prepared a grand gift for Your Highness!”
“A grand gift? Where is it?”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhen’s interest was immediately piqued.
“It is this. What does Your Highness think of it?”
As Han Mo spoke, he extended what he had just written at his desk to Zhao Zhen.
Taking what he was handed and glancing at it, Zhao Zhen was momentarily stunned.
This was no gift at all; it was clearly a memorial impeaching him!
Furthermore, the crime alleged was the embezzlement of millions of guan in military funds…
“I say, Brother Han, you…”
“Has Your Highness forgotten? Before you left the capital, you received a sum of copper coins from the Ministry of Revenue. After completing the procedures, this sum of copper coins…”
As Han Mo spoke, Zhao Zhen’s expression became somewhat peculiar.
What was the deal with that money?
No one knew better than himself. After he completed the procedures, that money had not even left the treasury of the Ministry of Revenue; it had been directly transferred to the Inner Court’s account.
In other words, he, the son, had embezzled a sum of money and given it to the Emperor, who then used that money directly to complete the final stages of the Geyue project…
“Then, Brother Han, to whom do you think this should be given?”
Understanding Han Mo’s implication, Zhao Zhen suddenly blinked and asked.
“What does Your Highness think?”
Instead of answering his question, Han Mo countered.
“Hahahaha, Brother Han, you are truly my Zhang Zifang!”
Did such a question even need asking?
At this time, the person who most wished Zhao Zhen dead would undoubtedly be his second imperial brother!
If he didn’t scheme against him properly, it would be a disservice to himself!
“Brother Han, there’s no need for such humility. Today, I offer this gift in your honor. I’ll pour you a drink!”
As Zhao Zhen spoke, he quickly reached for the wine pot on the table and personally poured Han Mo a cup of wine.
“Thank you, Your Highness!”
Han Mo did not stand on ceremony and directly raised his cup, drinking it down in one go.
Although the meal was indeed simple, Zhao Zhen still accompanied Han Mo, eating a large bowl of rice. After the pot of wine was finished, he excitedly took what Han Mo had given him and, turning, headed back to his own Grand Inspectorate.
Being able to obtain this item was truly an unexpected joy for him.
When Han Mo had asked him to handle this matter previously, although he was somewhat reluctant, he had not said much.
After heading south, he had completely forgotten about the matter himself. He had never expected that Han Mo would have prepared such a great surprise for him here.
“Pack up your belongings. We are preparing to return to Mingzhou! Oh, and have them prepare more carriages. We will likely have several dozen more people accompanying us this time!”
Only after watching Zhao Zhen depart did Han Mo stretch out with a long sigh.
“Several dozen more? You mean those master craftsmen from the gunpowder workshops?”
Hearing him say this, Jiang Yan’s eyes suddenly widened.
Han Mo’s visit to Suzhou this time was partly to handle matters concerning Zhao Zhen, and partly to obtain some gunpowder craftsmen from Zhao Zhen to take back with him.
Although Han Mo was a transmigrator from the future, this was truly a specialized field.
Moreover, compared to other research projects, this was indeed too dangerous. Even with the utmost caution, the craftsmen with no basic foundation working on such matters had already suffered several accidents consecutively.
Compared to slowly nurturing talent himself, Han Mo preferred to receive assistance from Zhao Zhen.
“You are quite sharp this time, young man. You solved such a big problem for him, and he should reciprocate, shouldn’t he?”
Han Mo spoke while humming a little tune and leisurely returned to his room.
“Brother Han, Brother Han!”
The next morning, just as Han Mo finished breakfast and was about to do some light exercises before reviewing official documents, Zong Ying entered with a beaming face.
“Looking at your expression, you must have some good news for me, right?”
Seeing the smile on his face, Han Mo couldn’t help but smile as well.
“That’s right, there is indeed good news for you. The matter you requested has been approved by His Highness. All twenty people sent from Bianliang City have been given to you!”
“All of them have been given to me?”
Hearing this, Han Mo was truly a little surprised. He had really not expected Zhao Zhen to be so generous this time.
He had initially thought that Zhao Zhen would at most give him three to five people, perhaps totaling twenty to thirty with their families.
However, he had not expected Zhao Zhen to wave his hand and give him all of them.
“What are you saying? You are the prince’s foremost strategist. Isn’t this only natural?”
“Then I must truly thank His Highness!”
Thinking of Zhao Zhen’s generosity and comparing it to the caution of the Emperor and Liang Shicheng, Han Mo couldn’t help but secretly chuckle. This was truly like a son selling his father’s fields without a care!
“By the way, Brother Han, there’s one more thing!”
As Zong Ying spoke, he lowered his voice and gave Han Mo a knowing look.
“You all go out first!”
Seeing his hesitant demeanor, Han Mo directly waved his hand, signaling those serving him to leave the room.
“Last night, news came from Hebei. You guessed correctly; the Jin people have mobilized…”