This left Han Mo somewhat surprised. He hadn't realized what was wrong with his plan.
If everything could be implemented according to his plan, he had already meticulously deduced how much money each step of the plan could yield and to what extent it could be achieved. How could there be any fatal flaws?
"You've overlooked one thing!"
Seeing Han Mo's furrowed brow, Han Jiayan suddenly spoke.
"What have I overlooked? Please enlighten me, esteemed Uncle-Ancestor!"
"Do you know why the imperial court's Maritime Trade Supervisorate only earns less than a million guan annually?"
"I really haven't thought about this. Isn't it because those eunuchs are too greedy?"
Han Mo asked with some confusion.
"You absolutely cannot underestimate these eunuchs. Do you think these eunuchs are incapable of doing anything besides making money? If that's the case, then you are gravely mistaken!"
Although there was no one else present, Han Jiayan lowered his voice as he spoke.
"Indeed, many eunuchs in the imperial palace only know how to make money, their minds consumed by greed. Even Liang Shicheng is not immune to the allure of wealth. However, among the eunuchs sent to various parts of the country, there are quite a few talented individuals!"
"Then, if we follow what Uncle-Ancestor says, why is the Maritime Trade Supervisorate's revenue so low?"
"It's because all businesses related to foreigners have already been monopolized!"
After hearing Han Jiayan's words, Han Mo couldn't help but gasp.
It seemed he had indeed oversimplified things.
"Then, do you know who those people monopolizing these businesses are?"
After a moment of silence, Han Mo took a deep breath and asked again.
"The eight great families—Qian, Zhou, Huang, Pu, Wang, Zhang, Yu, and Cai—have almost monopolized all trade with foreigners. The money the Maritime Trade Supervisorate earns each year is merely a small token of appreciation they give to the Emperor as a reward..."
Hearing this, even Han Mo's mouth twitched.
Now he understood that the profitability of the Maritime Trade Supervisorate was entirely controlled by these powerful families.
His attempt to accomplish this would be akin to snatching meat from someone else's bowl!
As for other families, Han Mo might not be very clear, but the Qian clan of Wuyue was no joke!
Even though the Wuyue kingdom had fallen nearly a century ago, the hidden influence of the Qian clan was not something ordinary families could compare with!
After all, they were a family that had produced emperors. Even after surrendering to the Northern Song dynasty, their influence in the Liangzhe Circuit remained unparalleled.
"Then, if we follow what Uncle-Ancestor says, is there no hope for this matter?"
With a bitter smile, Han Mo looked at Han Jiayan again.
"You don't need to be overly pessimistic. If it were before, you would certainly have no chance. But now, it's different. Don't you forget that there's a war going on there!"
Hearing Han Jiayan's words, Han Mo seemed to understand his meaning. The old man wanted him to use the enemy as a tool.
"Uncle-Ancestor, just doing this..."
"As long as your methods are clean enough, there's nothing that cannot be done!"
As Han Jiayan said this, the sharp glint in his eyes receded, and he regained his gentle and refined demeanor.
"Han Mo accepts your teachings!"
Letting out a long breath, Han Mo said directly.
"Alright, you are a clever child. Many of these people are unruly. It's fine for you to reason with them, but if reasoning doesn't involve human lives, they won't listen!"
"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle-Ancestor!"
The phrase "involve human lives" truly opened Han Mo's eyes.
This was the son of Han Qi!
The world believed Han Jiayan to be gentle and refined. Not until today did Han Mo realize how truly profound his Uncle-Ancestor was!
If it weren't for the restrictions of his title as a驸马 (Imperial Son-in-law), his achievements would likely not be inferior to his elder brother, Han Zhongyan!
"Alright, I've said what I needed to say today. You've had your fill of food and drink, so you should go back and rest. As there's nothing much going on these few days, recuperate here in the mansion!"
Seeing that Han Mo understood his meaning, Han Jiayan nodded with satisfaction and waved him away.
After leaving the living room of the Han residence, Han Mo couldn't help but let out a long sigh. The eight great families—Qian, Zhou, Huang, Pu, Wang, Zhang, Yu, and Cai. It seemed his trip to Jiangnan would be quite busy!
"Mo Ge'er, the Grand Elder has arranged your courtyard in the back!"
"Mm, lead the way."
Although only a few months had passed, the servants in the Princess's mansion no longer dared to show any disrespect to Han Mo.
"Why have you drunk so much? You smell of alcohol. You should go and wash up first, you're almost suffocating me!"
As soon as he returned to his room, Zhe Yourong couldn't help but complain.
"You know it yourself, in a setting like today, how could I have control?"
Facing Zhe Yourong's complaint, Han Mo could only feel speechless.
"Alright, alright, I know you're in a difficult position. I've already asked someone to prepare bathwater for you. You should go wash up first!"
Seeing Han Mo's crestfallen face, Zhe Yourong said with a smile.
"By the way, have the manuscripts I placed on the desk been brought back?"
As he was about to leave, Han Mo suddenly asked.
"They were brought back, but they're all in boxes. You'll have to search for them yourself if you want to find them!"
Zhe Yourong spoke while pointing to a box placed by the head of the bed.
"As long as they aren't lost, that's all that matters. These are treasures!"
Hearing Zhe Yourong's words, Han Mo felt relieved and turned to the adjacent room to wash up.
After a hurried bath, even Han Mo felt genuinely tired.
Yawning, he returned to his room. Zhe Yourong had already sorted all the manuscripts and placed them on his desk. She was currently sitting on a nearby chair, engrossed in reading a stack of manuscripts.
"I wonder if you should ask a servant to bring in a few more candles. With just one candle, won't you blind yourself?"
Seeing her absorbed state, Han Mo couldn't help but say with a smile.
"These monks are too detestable! It serves them right that they are all being suppressed by those Daoists!"