In this cold weapon era of warfare, unless under special terrain or weather conditions, the number of soldiers, their physical fitness, the quality of their equipment, and the leadership ability of the generals were the primary factors determining the victory or defeat of a war.
In the current four factors, apart from not holding an absolute numerical advantage, in the other three aspects, Li Bao and his men were far superior to those Japanese warriors.
“You handle the killing and arson. Don’t disturb me unless it’s important. When I do too much of this, I feel a bit uneasy inside!”
After discussing important matters, Yuan Xingchi had no intention of continuing the conversation. He stretched lazily and directly kicked Li Bao out.
Watching the door close again, Li Bao couldn't help but twitch his lips. What did he mean by feeling uneasy inside when he did too much of this?
Weren’t these devilish, killing and arson plans conceived by this guy?
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“My son-in-law, why did you have to rush all the way to Suzhou? His Highness Prince Xin is not what he used to be…”
Seeing the Suzhou city looming ahead, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but mutter softly.
“What? Are you afraid he’ll place me under house arrest?”
Hearing Jiang Yan’s mumbling, Han Mo couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Aren’t you worried about that? What if he tries some trick against you…”
“Shut your foul mouth. Can’t you wish me some good fortune for once? This is the Great Song dynasty. If a prince dares to do something like that, how could he possibly navigate the imperial court afterward? Don’t forget, the current Emperor is not even forty years old!”
Compared to Jiang Yan’s unfounded worries, Han Mo felt much more relaxed.
At this moment, the rift between him and Zhao Zhen was indeed a bit deep, but that didn’t mean Zhao Zhen would dare to do anything to him.
As long as he had even a shred of desire to contend for the throne, he would have to firmly bind Han Mo to his war chariot.
“Brother Han! Brother Han!”
As the two were talking, a swift horse galloped towards them.
“As expected, only he comes to welcome me!”
Hearing Zong Ying’s voice, Han Mo’s smile brightened considerably.
“Hahahaha, I heard you were coming to Suzhou three days ago. I’ve been waiting for you here every day these past few days!”
Arriving at Han Mo’s horse, Zong Ying couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
“Enough with the nonsense. Since we’re on your turf, shouldn’t you at least treat me to a night of revelry!”
Seeing the smile on Zong Ying’s face, Han Mo also couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
“Hahahaha, treating you to a night of revelry is a small matter. I’m just worried that after I invite you out for drinks, my sister-in-law will come after me with a knife, and the servants at home won’t be able to stop her!”
“Get lost, why bring up sore subjects?”
After playfully hitting him, the two of them burst into laughter.
“This isn’t a place to talk. I’ve booked a table of excellent wine and food at a tavern in the city. Let’s eat and chat!”
Seeing the furtive soldiers at the city gate, Zong Ying lowered his voice and smiled.
“It seems your days haven’t been very smooth recently…”
After looking around, Han Mo also said with double meaning.
“I was even considering defecting to you. Things have changed so much…”
Zong Ying said this with a wry smile.
“Is it that serious?”
“You don’t know this yet? Zhang Bangchang was just promoted to Minister of the Left and Minister of Rites, becoming a Grand Councilor. Right after that, he wrote a letter of loyalty to the Prince. More than half of Wang Fu’s subordinates have defected to Prince Xin’s estate…”
As Zong Ying said this, Han Mo clearly saw a look of disdain in his eyes.
Zhang Bangchang defecting to Zhao Zhen with Wang Fu’s men was something Han Mo hadn’t expected, but upon closer thought, it seemed to be both out of the ordinary and within reason.
After all, at this time, the core forces of both the Crown Prince and Prince Yun had already taken shape.
If Zhang Bangchang wanted to rise, he could only come to Prince Xin and curry favor. Moreover, even if we take a step back, Prince Xin was currently the only prince holding military power.
Once the war in the south was settled, who could say that His Highness Prince Xin wouldn’t have a chance to ascend the throne?
For a political opportunist like Zhang Bangchang, doing such a thing posed no pressure whatsoever. As long as there were enough benefits, let alone turning to Prince Xin, if the Emperor intended to support another prince, he would undoubtedly flock to them.
Although for Zhao Zhen, this matter might not be a bad thing.
However, Han Mo knew well that, as the saying goes, those who are on different paths cannot plan together. With Zong Ying’s character, it would be very difficult for him to associate with those people!
And not just Zong Ying, but any self-righteous scholar would surely distance themselves from Zhao Zhen from now on.
Whether this deal was a loss or a gain seemed to have become a messy account for the time being…
“Is my uncle still in the city at this time?”
As the two arrived at the private room of the tavern and took their seats, Han Mo quietly asked.
“You know his temperament. The last incident had already caused a lot of unpleasantness, coupled with the matter of Zhang Bangchang, how could he bear to stay here…”
As Zong Ying said this, he again let out a wry smile.
“Then…”
“He went to Hebei and took up a position as the prefect of Cizhou…”
Pouring Han Mo a cup of wine, Zong Ying said with some vexation.
“Prefect of Cizhou?”
Hearing him say this, Han Mo also gave a wry smile. History was truly like a stubborn child. Even though everything had changed drastically due to Han Mo’s arrival.
Yet, as if an invisible force was controlling everything, even though everything was already unrecognizable, this force was still trying to correct everything…
“With Lord Xu there, I believe my uncle will also achieve something in Hebei!”
After exhaling a long breath, Han Mo reached out and patted Zong Ying on the shoulder.
“Sometimes I really don’t understand the Prince’s actions. With a scoundrel like Zhang Bangchang, which upright gentleman would dare to pledge allegiance to him in court?”
Zong Ying said while slamming the table heavily, looking like a complete radical.
“Actually, who can say for sure about such matters? Forget it, let’s just drink!”