"Since Han Mo became acquainted with the Grand Tutor, His Grace has treated me like a nephew. Han Mo has long regarded His Grace as an elder!"
"Hahahaha! I've been navigating the officialdom for so many years, and I consider myself to have met countless individuals. However, among all of them, I am truly deeply impressed by you, young man! Since you've said it this way today, I shall take the liberty of acting as your elder!"
"Please, Grand Tutor, bestow upon me a courtesy name!"
As Han Mo spoke, he straightened his clothes, stood up respectfully, and bowed to Liang Shicheng.
"Although you are intelligent, your wisdom bordering on the supernatural, I observe that in your conduct, you always tend to take unconventional paths. How about we choose the characters 'Shou Zheng' for your courtesy name?"
"'Shou Zheng'? Thank you, Grand Tutor, for bestowing this name!"
"The art of war states: 'Engage with the straight, win with the unexpected!' Unless it is an absolute last resort, it is best not to venture into perilous maneuvers. After all, a single misstep could lead to a complete downfall! In the official arena, losing often signifies ruin and disgrace!"
Liang Shicheng himself knew that by bestowing this courtesy name, his relationship with Han Mo would transform from mere partners to something akin to that of an elder and a junior.
However, for both him and Han Mo, this was truly a win-win choice.
Although Han Mo's current strength was still weak, with the Emperor's high regard for him, coupled with Han Mo's own intelligence, methods, and talent, given time, the accumulation of power to dominate the realm was merely a matter of time!
As for Liang Shicheng, by the time Han Mo truly matured, he himself would likely have already retired from court.
With Han Mo's protection, he could comfortably find a place to live out his remaining years peacefully, without worrying about whether he would be held accountable by the civil officials.
"Thank you for your teachings, Grand Tutor. Shou Zheng is honored to receive them!"
Regardless of Liang Shicheng's personal character, his words alone today were enough to warrant Han Mo's respectful bow.
"Grand Tutor, you are a rare visitor. I have recently prepared a banquet at my residence, and everything is now ready. Shall we have a drink today?"
As the two had just finished their conversation, Han Jiayan walked in, laughing heartily.
"Then I shall not be polite. By the way, I have also taken the liberty of bestowing a courtesy name upon this young man today. I hope the驸马 (Fu Ma - Emperor's son-in-law) will not be offended!"
Seeing Han Jiayan enter, Liang Shicheng said with a smile.
"Is that so? May I ask what two characters the Grand Tutor has chosen?"
Upon hearing Liang Shicheng's words, Han Jiayan immediately asked with a hearty laugh.
With his shrewdness, he could naturally discern what Liang Shicheng's bestowing of a courtesy name signified!
Han Mo's ability to further deepen his relationship with Liang Shicheng was not only beneficial to Han Mo but also greatly advantageous to the Han family. Therefore, he naturally showed no displeasure in this matter.
"The art of war states: 'Engage with the straight, win with the unexpected.' Therefore, I have chosen the courtesy name 'Shou Zheng' for this young man. What are your thoughts, esteemed 驸马?"
"An excellent name, an excellent name! He has achieved success at a young age and his actions are inevitably somewhat unrestrained. I myself have been contemplating what courtesy name to give him these past few days, and now this task is conveniently resolved!"
As Han Jiayan spoke, he also cupped his hands towards Liang Shicheng.
Upon seeing Han Jiayan's approval, Liang Shicheng immediately inclined his body slightly, accepting only half a bow from Han Jiayan.
"You are too kind, esteemed 驸马. With this child around, the prosperity and flourishing of the Han family are just around the corner!"
"Hahahaha, then I shall take your auspicious words as prophecy!"
After exchanging pleasantries for a few moments, the three then resumed their seats.
Although Han Mo had already eaten, in this occasion, he could only accompany the two elders and continue to drink with them.
Just as the three were drinking heartily, a fleet composed of fifteen large ships finally docked at the pier.
"What vessels are you returning with?"
Seeing the fleet dock, a few clerks from the Maritime Trade Office immediately approached.
"This is our manifest, please examine it, sir!"
"East India Company? Why is this name so peculiar?"
Looking at the name written on the manifest, a clerk couldn't help but mutter.
"Brother Chen, exercise caution!"
As soon as the man's words fell, his companion standing beside him immediately reprimanded him.
"What is it? Is there something wrong?"
"Look carefully, the seal affixed here!"
Upon hearing his companion's words, Chen Jie looked again at the bright red seal on the manifest.
"The Commissioner for the Coastal Areas of Liangzhe and Fujian, Lord Han, Lord Han!"
"Hiss!"
"Well? Have you two finished your inspection?"
Seeing their shocked expressions, the leader, Zhe Yanbin, chuckled lightly.
Although he was a distant descendant of the Zhe family and had no prior experience sailing at sea, after this voyage, he truly felt a sense of sudden enlightenment.
"May I inquire about your esteemed name?"
"It's easy to say, I am Zhe Yanbin!"
"So it is Brother Zhe. Your fleet is truly immense. Why don't you return with us to the yamen to complete the formalities?"
"That would be fine. It has been a long time since I've seen Uncle Han. Please wait here for a moment, I need to prepare something back on the ship and will be right back!"
Upon hearing the word "Uncle Han," Chen Jie's entire body trembled.
In Quanzhou's Maritime Trade Office, there was only one person surnamed Han, and that was their immediate superior, Han Zhao!
"Young man, I heard you mention your surname is Zhe. May I ask if you are related to our Maritime Trade Office's Supervisor Han?"
"Hahahaha, Lady Han is my cousin!"
"Oh dear, it seems like the Dragon King's temple has been flooded by the Dragon King's own temple!"
Hearing Zhe Yanbin's words, the faces of the people from the Maritime Trade Office immediately broke into radiant smiles.
What was there left to investigate?
If they investigated further, they might even lose their livelihoods!
Even Chen Jie felt a sense of secret relief at this moment, fortunately, he hadn't said anything foolish earlier, otherwise, he would be the one to suffer today!
"You are merely fulfilling your duties, no harm done, no harm done. By the way, this is some spice we brought back from Jiaozhi on this trip. Please trouble the two gentlemen to distribute it among the brothers. It is merely a token of our appreciation!"
It's easy to deal with the King of Hell, but difficult to deal with minor devils. Although these people were all subordinates of Han Zhao, there would be many more interactions in the future. Zhe Yanbin generously had two bags of nutmeg brought down from the ship and placed them before them.
"No, no, no, how can we accept this?"
"What's there to be embarrassed about? This item is not worth much in Jiaozhi. These two bags are merely the cost of a few drinks. If you refuse, it means you look down on me!"
"Then... then thank you, Brother Zhe!"
In just a moment, Zhe Yanbin and Chen Jie had already become quite familiar with each other...