If it had been a completely unrelated person, refusing this task at this moment would have been perfectly acceptable.
However, the problem was that Wang Fu was simply too greedy!
After the Pu family's affairs had concluded, he had personally swallowed all of the Pu family's remaining wealth. Now, whether it was their estates or their land, the Wang family's mark was likely upon them!
If he investigated it himself, he could still leave himself some room to maneuver. But if someone else, like Cai Jing or Cai You, were to take on the case, the final outcome would be anyone's guess!
"What? Is Lord Wang unwilling?"
Seeing his hesitant demeanor, Zhao Ji suddenly asked with a cold smile.
"To serve His Majesty is my duty as a minister; how could I be unwilling!"
Wang Fu had no choice but to swallow his pride. Even though he was unwilling in his heart of hearts, he had to grit his teeth and agree at this moment.
Although he was wealthy, being able to produce so much money instantly, especially on short notice, was by no means an easy feat!
"Since that is the case, then this matter will trouble Lord Wang!"
Seeing Wang Fu agree, Zhao Ji nodded with satisfaction.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, your humble servant has another letter here, obtained from Huang Qian Shan's residence. Please examine it, Your Majesty!"
Just as Zhao Ji was about to conclude the day's Grand Court Assembly, Yang Cheng Chou suddenly stepped out from the crowd and knelt on the ground.
"This is Yang Cheng Chou, the Judge of Kaifeng Prefecture!"
Seeing his slightly unfamiliar face, the young eunuch standing beside Zhao Ji quickly whispered.
"Present it!"
"Yes!"
Upon hearing the emperor's command, a young eunuch nearby quickly stepped forward, accepted the letter from Yang Cheng Chou, and placed it with both hands before Zhao Ji.
"Well done, Huang Qian Shan, the epitome of loyalty and righteousness!"
After reading the letter in his hand, Zhao Ji's face darkened as if it were the bottom of a pot.
In a fit of uncontrollable rage, he tore the letter to shreds. Although he was cursing Huang Qian Shan, his eyes were fixed intently on the Crown Prince.
Seeing the emperor's fierce gaze, Crown Prince Zhao Huan was truly trembling at this moment, barely refraining from falling to his knees.
"Summon someone to strip Huang Qian Shan of his official robes, revoke his official documents, and exile him to Lingnan, with no amnesty!"
The emperor's sudden outburst caused Cai You, who was standing nearby, to tremble all over.
He was eager to ask what was written in the letter, but judging by the emperor's current state, it was evident that he was beyond fury.
With his intelligence and wit, he certainly wouldn't foolishly rush forward at this moment.
"Yes!"
Upon receiving his command, Gao Qiu waved his hand, and several Imperial Guards quickly stepped forward, dragged Huang Qian Shan away, and marched him out.
In just a short moment, his most trusted confidant was utterly ruined by the emperor. Zhao Huan didn't even know how he had returned to the Eastern Palace...
Compared to his dejected state, Cai Jing and Cai Tao were truly exultant today.
Cai You suffered a great loss today, not only losing the position of Shao Yin of Kaifeng Prefecture but also that of Minister of Justice. His already strained influence was now even more stretched thin.
As for Wang Fu, he was also in a state of utter disarray at this moment.
Han Mo had already made it very clear that those account books were already on their way. Time was running out for him. If he couldn't erase his traces before those account books surfaced, then the fate of Huang Qian Shan and the others would likely be his own future...
Under these circumstances, how could the two of them possibly have the leisure to continue making trouble for Cai Jing?
"Lord Han truly lives up to his reputation as a talented young man. I have truly witnessed it today!"
As he walked out of the Daqing Hall, Cai Jing deliberately slowed his pace. As he passed Han Mo, he suddenly turned his head and said with a knowing smile.
"Your Excellency flatters me! Han is merely a trifling wit; how can it compare to Your Excellency's profound wisdom!"
Han Mo certainly understood his veiled meaning and responded with a smile.
"Look at me, old and frail, where do I have any profound wisdom? It is rather individuals like Lord Han, young and talented, that have made this old man realize today what it means to be a pillar of the nation!"
Regardless of anything else, Han Mo and the Cai Party's cooperation today was seamless.
Through this maneuver, Cai Jing had thoroughly witnessed the extraordinary potential of this young man, Han Mo.
If it weren't for the fact that this lad was already married, he would have truly wanted to select a suitable granddaughter for him.
"Your Excellency, if you continue to praise me, I fear I shall lose my bearings!"
"Hahahaha, the New Year's Day is fast approaching. If Lord Han has any free time, perhaps you could visit my humble abode for a drink or two?"
Cai Jing truly wished to cultivate a closer relationship with such an understanding, discerning, capable, and well-connected young man.
"Then I shall truly bother Your Excellency when I have the time. At that time, please do not turn me away!"
"Hahahaha!"
Following Cai Jing's hearty laughter, those officials who had previously submitted memorials impeaching Cai Tao now wore expressions as if their parents had just died.
At this moment, all they could do was hope that Cai Jing would focus his attention on the higher-ranking officials and pay them no mind...
"Hahahaha, exhilarating, truly exhilarating!"
Just as Han Mo was about to exit the Imperial Palace, Nie Shan suddenly caught up with him, clapped him heavily on the shoulder, and said with a hearty laugh.
Han Mo naturally understood that this fellow was referring to Wang Fu's situation. Having served as the Shao Yin of Kaifeng Prefecture for so many years, he was, of course, somewhat aware of the Pu family's affairs.
Furthermore, his enmity with Wang Fu was not a matter of a day or two. If it weren't for Wang Fu's powerful influence, which prevented him from dealing with Wang Fu, he would have long since confronted him.
Seeing him suffer such misfortune today, Nie Shan was naturally ecstatic.
"This is just the beginning. If Your Excellency has the patience, you might as well keep watching!"
Since things had reached this point, whether it was one stab or two, Han Mo had no more reservations. He lowered his voice and smiled.
"There are still more moves?"
Nie Shan looked at Han Mo with delight, his expectations soaring.
"Of course, there are more moves. If I don't act, I won't act at all; when I do, I shall startle the world!"
After looking at him deeply, Han Mo suddenly declared with finality.