“Your Majesty is wealthy beyond the seas, but in the end, no matter how diligently you govern and love your people, it will always be through the mediation of layers of officials. If Your Majesty does not look after them, then select one of the Princes to go out among the common folk in Your Majesty’s stead!”
After Han Mo finished speaking, he bowed deeply to Zhao Ji.
In matters like this, he originally had no right to speak.
However, after reading Cai Jing’s ledger, even Han Mo felt that the people’s lives had likely reached a point of unbearable hardship.
Although he didn’t consider himself a saint, at this juncture, if he could leave a good impression on the Emperor through this matter, it would be very beneficial for his future plans.
“This method is quite novel!”
Zhao Ji was taken aback. After a long moment, he smiled at Han Mo.
“Your Majesty, this child is merely speaking casually. If he says anything wrong, please do not hold it against him!”
Although Zhao Ji was smiling on the surface, Zhao Shu knew that accompanying the ruler was like accompanying a tiger.
While Emperor Taizu had indeed left behind a sworn stone tablet stating that the dynasty would not kill scholars or those who offered advice,
As a princess of royal blood like herself, she knew there were countless ways to make life worse than death.
Moreover, although Han Mo’s suggestion was simple, if it fell into the ears of those with ulterior motives, it would likely bring him a lot of unnecessary trouble.
“Elder Sister, you are too concerned. This child speaks very pertinently. Although I am wealthy beyond the seas, in the end, what I hear and see is only what others wish me to see! Just like our Minister Cai, even the servants in his household have their roles to play!”
Upon hearing Zhao Ji’s words, Han Mo’s eyes immediately lit up.
This sentence carried a great deal of information!
Cai Jing’s selling of offices and titles was actually no longer a fresh topic in the court.
It was simply that Cai Jing and his son held power, supported by countless party members outside, and the Emperor had the backing of great eunuchs like Tong Guan, Wang Fu, and Liang Shicheng.
Coupled with Emperor Huizong’s limitless indulgence towards him, no one could touch him.
But now, it seemed that this Emperor of calligraphy and painting was losing patience with Cai Jing.
Should he reveal what he had?
Han Mo hesitated for only a moment before immediately abandoning the tempting thought.
A dying camel was still larger than a horse. He was merely a tiny ant at the moment.
Hiding to the side and fanning the flames of discord and stoking phantom fires was enough.
As for the rest, it was best left to the major players.
With Emperor Huizong having spoken to this extent, neither Princess Qi Guo nor Han Mo could continue the conversation.
Therefore, Han Mo could only feign ignorance. Fortunately, Emperor Huizong quickly recovered.
“Your idea is indeed excellent. I must reward you with something!”
After appraising Han Mo from head to toe, the Emperor’s eyes suddenly brightened.
“I recall you are a student of the Imperial Academy, an Inner Scholar?”
Emperor Huizong suddenly became interested.
“Replying to Your Majesty, this junior has shamed his ancestors!”
Speaking of his predecessor’s glorious achievements, even Han Mo felt a little embarrassed.
As long as the Emperor investigated a little, he would know that his status as an Inner Scholar was quite inflated.
If not for Han Jiayan’s connections, he would have been expelled from the Imperial Academy long ago.
“Young people are sometimes impetuous. Even in their youth, they experience recklessness. Since you are from a loyal lineage and wish to contribute to the court, how about I grant you an official position?”
Zhao Ji spoke, looking at Han Mo with interest.
“This junior thanks Your Majesty for your bestowed honor. However, this junior still wishes to earn an official position through his own efforts!”
Upon hearing the Emperor’s words, Han Mo felt a surge of ecstasy, but after the ecstasy, he immediately reacted.
He was already an Inner Scholar. If he could find a way to participate in this year’s imperial examination, coupled with that box of exam papers and the incredibly high pass rate,
He should at least be able to secure a jinshi by examination.
If luck were on his side, perhaps the Emperor, in a moment of joy, might even grant him a jinshi degree.
Either of these outcomes was far better than being directly granted an official position by the Emperor.
One had to know that in the officialdom of the Great Song Dynasty, there was a hierarchy of disdain.
Except for those who graduated from the jinshi examinations, others were not even considered peers by the civil officials of the realm.
In any case, it was only a matter of one or two months. Although Han Mo was anxious, he could distinguish the priorities in this matter.
“In that case, how about this? According to the law, you are not qualified to participate in this year’s grand examination. How about I grant you the qualification to participate?”
Zhao Ji was taken aback, but his gaze towards Han Mo held even more admiration.
“Your student Han Mo thanks Your Majesty for this bestowal!”
Han Mo was overjoyed and immediately cupped his hands in a bow to Zhao Ji again.
“Your Majesty, this is a bit like pulling up seedlings to help them grow! If Brother Mo fails to pass, how will he face himself?”
At this moment, Zhao Shu, the divine assist, once again helped Han Mo from behind.
“Hahahaha, Elder Sister, you jest. How could someone I favor fail to pass?”
“Brother Mo, quickly thank Your Majesty!”
This time, it was truly secured.
Han Mo’s heart finally felt at ease.
What was the difference between this and directly announcing his jinshi degree? The Emperor’s words were as good as gold!
“Han Mo thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!”
“Alright, rise. Today is not a formal occasion, so there is no need for so many courtesies.”
It had to be said, Han Mo’s face was a significant advantage.
Especially before Emperor Huizong, an Emperor of calligraphy and painting, the Emperor’s first impression of him was excellent. Coupled with Han Mo’s small suggestion earlier, and his noble lineage.
Of course, not to forget that poem “Po Zhenzi”!
With these factors combined, even if Han Mo wanted to remain obscure, it would be impossible!
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, it is time to dine!”
At this moment, a maidservant from outside the door walked in and said gently.
“I am hungry today. Elder Sister, then I shall not be polite today!”
Seizing this opportunity, Han Mo finally let out a long sigh of relief. After so many days of trepidation, there was finally some glimmer of hope.
“Your Majesty, please try this Braised Carp. I guarantee Your Majesty has never tasted it before!”
“Oh?”
Upon hearing Zhao Shu’s words, Zhao Ji’s interest was piqued. He picked up his chopsticks, took a piece from the fish’s belly, and placed it directly into his mouth.
“Huh?”