"Lord Pang is truly selfless. Han Mo admires, admires!"
Seeing the sarcastic expression on Han Mo's face, Pang Yue felt a surge of embarrassment. Although he wanted to retort, the words got stuck in his throat. Upon seeing Zhong Yanchong's playful smile, he immediately held back.
"Alright, since the case has been clarified, does Lord Pang have any other matters?"
Regardless, this matter had temporarily reached a conclusion, and Zhong Yanchong did not push too hard.
"No, no, this subordinate has no other matters. It is rare for Your Lordship to have leisure time, why not have a drink with Lord Han here today? As for the affairs of Tangyin County, this subordinate can assist you!"
"That might not be too good..."
Just as Zhong Yanchong was about to refuse, he suddenly saw Han Mo winking at him.
The words that were on the tip of his tongue suddenly stopped.
"This is merely acting as a vanguard for Your Lordship. If Your Lordship minds, then consider me as if I hadn't spoken!"
Although he didn't know why Han Mo had helped him at this moment, Pang Yue quickly used a strategic retreat to advance and maneuver Zhong Yanchong.
"We haven't seen each other for quite some time, and it's already this late. Even if there are any urgent official duties, they can wait until tomorrow!" Han Mo coughed lightly and said casually.
"Since Brother Han has said so, then the matters of Tangyin will trouble you, Lord Pang!"
Although he didn't know what trick Han Mo was playing, Zhong Yanchong instinctively chose to trust him.
"Your Lordship is too kind. It's just running errands, nothing significant! Then this subordinate shall take his leave?"
"Thank you for your hard work, Lord Pang!"
Hearing Zhong Yanchong say this, Pang Yue felt as if he had been granted a general amnesty. He led Liao Wenxing out of the Neihuang County yamen.
"Why did you stop me just now? After a night has passed, by the time we investigate again tomorrow morning, there will truly be no problems left in Tangyin County!" Zhong Yanchong asked with a frown after dismissing all the servants.
"Why are you in such a hurry? Could it be that I would harm you?" Han Mo said as he stood up and stretched lazily.
"What is our relationship? If I didn't trust your words, I wouldn't have come today!" Zhong Yanchong retorted with a glare.
"That settles it! Let's go. Your sister-in-law is also here, so let's find a place to have a good drink. We can discuss any matters tomorrow morning!"
"My good Brother Han, please spare me. If you don't explain things clearly, how can I possibly drink?" Looking at Han Mo's nonchalant demeanor, Zhong Yanchong appeared helpless.
He had come out partly to seek Han Mo's opinion and partly to test the waters of the officialdom in Hebei. If he returned empty-handed this time, how would their subsequent plans be implemented?
"This is not a place to talk. Let's move to another location!" Han Mo said with a wry smile, shaking his head as he looked at the drafty main hall.
"You are the host, so as a guest, I shall follow your lead!" Seeing his current state, Zhong Yanchong knew that this fellow definitely had something to say and immediately stood up.
"Let's go, we'll talk in the study!"
Although they had not known each other for very long, in reality, only a few months had passed. However, Han Mo had a very accurate grasp of Zhong Yanchong's personality. While he was meticulous, he was also impatient, especially on such important matters. If Han Mo did not make things perfectly clear, let alone drink, Zhong Yanchong would probably not be able to sleep tonight.
"I say, Brother Han, your study is a bit too dilapidated. While it's true that officials shouldn't focus on their residences, aren't you afraid the house might collapse and crush you someday?" As soon as Zhong Yanchong entered Han Mo's study, he couldn't help but frown.
"Stop joking. Don't you know what's going on? Hebei Road is overrun with bandits. If I weren't lucky, I would have become a withered bone by the roadside by now. How could I have the time to worry about such things!"
"Brother Han is right. How about this, after I return, I'll immediately ask the Governor to allocate a sum of money from the public funds to properly renovate your yamen. How does that sound?"
"Alright, alright. We know each other well enough. Stop trying to sweeten me up! I say, you kid, you're quite something. In just over a month, you've already learned to draw cakes to satisfy hunger..." Although this kid had made a breakthrough, even the Prefectural Commissioner of Hebei East Road would have to respectfully address him as Zhong Jiyi. However, renovating a yamen was not something that reached his level of authority.
"This is not drawing cakes for you. I may not be able to do other things, but I can certainly accomplish this matter!" Zhong Yanchong quickly stood up and patted his chest to guarantee it.
"I appreciate your intentions. However, you know my position. If I were to stay here for three to five years, that would truly be a sign of madness..." In any case, Han Mo had no intention of staying here for a long time, so renovating the yamen was something he had never placed on the agenda from the beginning. He would not spend time, effort, reputation, and favors to end up doing work for others.
"You see, it still has to be you. We are all painstakingly accumulating experience, while Brother Han, in the blink of an eye, is soaring to great heights!"
"If others said this, it would be one thing, but you, kid, saying this to me, don't you feel embarrassed?" Han Mo rolled his eyes so hard they almost reached the heavens. This kid was truly speaking without understanding his own situation.
Among the scholars from their cohort, others were still diligently slogging away in their eighth-rank official positions. Some unlucky ones were even still waiting in Bianliang City for assignments from the Ministry of Personnel. And Zhong Yanchong? Although his official rank had not changed much, the power he wielded was terrifying. In just one month, he had become a capable assistant to Xu Churen. As long as Xu Churen achieved results, he would be the first to be promoted!
Furthermore, judging by the current situation, the war of annihilation between the court and the Liao kingdom seemed unavoidable. Under this grand backdrop, Xu Churen, who was responsible for organizing military affairs and preparing for defense against the enemy, would not be harmed by mere rumors from official circles, as long as he did not make any fundamental mistakes and as long as the military affairs in Hebei could be put in order. Moreover, before taking office, Xu Churen had already gained the understanding of Tong Guan, and he himself was recommended by Liang Shicheng!
With Han Mo's assistance, Xu Churen now possessed all the advantages of timing, location, and human relations. His ascent was already unstoppable! And Zhong Yanchong, as his capable and favored subordinate, could even be considered to have limitless prospects, and that might even be an understatement...