The Emperor could tolerate Cai Jing's corruption, the selling of offices, and even the formation of cliques.
However, he absolutely would not allow his authority to be challenged. This was the Emperor's sensitive spot, and it was determined by the nature of imperial power.
Even Liang Shicheng hadn't expected that Han Mo, at such a young age and having never entered the officialdom, would have such a profound understanding of power dynamics.
"Grand Commandant, you flatter me! This humble one merely picks up scraps from others! Such examples are abundant in historical records!"
"Your Highness, if you could gain such a young and talented individual, it would be worth more than a hundred thousand troops!"
Liang Shicheng smiled and, with a satisfied nod, bowed to Zhao Huan.
"The Grand Commandant speaks the truth, but it is a pity he has not yet entered official service. Otherwise, I truly would wish to summon him to my side and consult him often!"
Zhao Huan also smiled at the opportune moment.
Han Mo hadn't expected this Crown Prince to suddenly become so astute at this juncture.
However, regardless of the circumstances, this timely remark had truly saved Han Mo a great deal of effort.
He had originally been contemplating how to secure some tangible benefits for himself. Currently, the only advantage he had gained was a small amount of military equipment.
While this was of great significance to the Zhe family, it yielded no personal gain for him.
He couldn't have worked so hard for nothing, only to gain some goodwill, which was not Han Mo's style.
Zhao Huan's remark had indeed been a great help.
"Hahahaha, Your Highness, why worry about that? Such a talented young man, what is a mere imperial examination to him?"
Liang Shicheng spoke, glancing at Han Mo again.
It seemed as if he was hinting at something, yet also saying nothing at all.
However, for Han Mo, this was sufficient. Everything was understood without words, which was better for everyone involved.
The two most crucial matters had been handled, and Han Mo finally felt a sense of relief. The remaining tasks were much simpler.
"Thank you for your appreciation, Your Highness the Crown Prince and Grand Commandant. Han Mo is deeply grateful! As the saying goes, a scholar dies for his confidant. This humble one has a meritorious deed to present to Your Highness!"
As Liang Shicheng listened, he suddenly felt something was amiss. Could this young man truly be so benevolent?
From the moment he entered, this fellow had been calculating. First, he had made an outrageous demand, insisting that Liang Shicheng procure tens of thousands of suits of armor for him. Yet, after a significant discount, the young man had readily agreed.
Following that, under the guise of offering advice, he had managed to secure some tangible benefits for himself.
And now, he was spouting such nonsense as "a scholar dies for his confidant." If Liang Shicheng believed him, he might as well believe that pigs could fly.
"A meritorious deed? What meritorious deed?"
Compared to Liang Shicheng's shrewd calculations, Prince Zhao Huan was undeniably much more naive.
"Does Your Highness know that there are refugees from Huaixi everywhere south of the city?"
Seeing that the Crown Prince had taken the bait, Han Mo felt a slight pang of guilt, but he quickly cast it aside.
"I have heard something about this, but what does it have to do with a meritorious deed?"
Zhao Huan frowned, looking at Han Mo with some confusion.
"It is said that His Highness Prince Xin is doing a commendable job. Are you implying...?"
Liang Shicheng frowned, not quite understanding Han Mo's intention. Was he suggesting he steal the credit?
"His Highness Prince Xin is indeed doing a commendable job. However, that is all he can do. He cannot mobilize further resources, and the court officials are naturally unable to do much more. They can only ensure the refugees do not go hungry, but they are powerless in all other matters!"
Han Mo smiled and continued.
"Are you suggesting that the Crown Prince should assist Prince Xin in disaster relief?"
Liang Shicheng said thoughtfully.
"Although His Highness Prince Xin is reckless, he has handled this matter exceptionally well. The banner he is flying is 'Disaster Relief on Behalf of the Father'!"
"'Disaster Relief on Behalf of the Father'? Isn't that spreading a false imperial decree?"
Zhao Huan frowned and asked in confusion.
After hearing him speak, even Liang Shicheng couldn't help but sigh.
Compared to Prince Yun, this Crown Prince was far too cautious.
However, such a matter was understandable. After all, he had been suppressed too severely before, and now he was like a snake bitten by the grass, fearing the well rope for ten years.
Yet, this was not the bearing expected of a Crown Prince of a nation...
"Even if it is a false imperial decree, so what? The Jin envoys are still in Bianliang City. The refugees are already gathering near the southern city, and in a few more days, their numbers will reach at least two hundred thousand. Such a large scale cannot be hidden. At this critical juncture, isn't this embarrassing the Emperor?"
"Are you suggesting I mobilize the personnel and resources of Kaifeng Prefecture in the name of the Crown Prince?"
Zhao Huan asked thoughtfully.
"No, no, no. Your Highness will mobilize the personnel of Kaifeng Prefecture, as well as all the runners, servants, and guards in the Crown Prince's yamen! As for the supplies, Prince Xin has already secured the most valuable grain! Your Highness only needs to procure some medicinal herbs and lime!"
"But, Eighteenth Brother, won't he accuse me of stealing credit...?"
Zhao Huan was, after all, more benevolent and indeed very timid. He was even wary of a prince like Zhao Zhen, who had no foundation.
"If Your Highness does not intervene in this matter, Prince Yun might not care. However, if Your Highness intervenes, Prince Yun's hostility will inevitably be directed at you!"
Han Mo spoke while observing Liang Shicheng's expression.
To his disappointment, Liang Shicheng, a man of deep and gloomy thoughts, maintained a calm and composed demeanor, as if he hadn't heard Han Mo's words at all.
"Brilliant, truly brilliant!"
Zhao Huan didn't understand, but Liang Shicheng did.
In that case, Zhao Huan would not need to contend for credit. Prince Yun and his faction would naturally pin all the blame on him.
"They are pinning the blame on me, and that is brilliant?"
Zhao Huan's eyes widened.
"Your Highness, rest assured. By doing this, aren't you bringing glory to the Emperor? And you can also display the prosperity of our Great Song Dynasty to those Jin envoys! Hundreds of thousands of refugees don't even require the court's intervention; the achievements are handled by two princes alone. What financial and material strength is this!"
After Liang Shicheng finished speaking, Zhao Huan finally understood...
"However, doing this seems a bit unfair to Eighteenth Brother..."
"What is such a matter? His Highness Prince Xin has a chivalrous heart. He only cares about the survival of the common people; what does he want with this credit? Moreover, as long as Your Highness ascends the throne in the future, remember this sentiment and treat him well!"