Han Mo's expression also turned somewhat peculiar.
No wonder this fellow could build such a large business. Just based on this discerning eye, it seemed this person truly could be saved.
"What's wrong with this mansion?"
Hearing him say that, Zong Ying was completely taken aback.
Watching Han Mo appear deep in thought, Zong Ying couldn't help but wonder if this young man actually knew anything about feng shui and geomancy.
"I did indeed notice some issues, but not the supernatural kind you're thinking of!"
After pondering for a moment, Han Mo chose his words carefully.
After all, Zong Ying was present today. As Confucius said, one should not discuss the strange, the feats of strength, the disorders, or the gods. He didn't want to talk about imaginary things in front of Zong Ying.
"Please, Officer, speak directly!"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Feng Yuanbao became even more convinced.
"This is not the place to talk. I see the scenery is nice over there. Why don't we sit by the river? What do you say?"
Given that this place was crowded and full of prying eyes, Han Mo didn't want to waste any more words here.
"I'll follow Officer's arrangements. You all stay here and guard this place!"
Feng Yuanbao, being a man of such astute understanding, naturally grasped Han Mo's meaning. He immediately instructed the servants of his mansion.
"Yes!"
After sending all the servants aside, Han Mo, Feng Yuanbao, and Zong Ying walked to the edge of the Bian River.
Feng Yuanbao very thoughtfully brushed the dust off the stone stools with his sleeve before gesturing to Han Mo and Zong Ying.
"Steward Feng, look around your mansion. All the surrounding residences belong to high officials and noblemen. This Bianliang city is filled with wealthy merchants, yet why does no one dare to purchase property in Zhaode Ward? Have you ever considered the reason behind this?"
Han Mo didn't stand on ceremony. After sitting down, he began to question.
"This..."
He hadn't really thought about this question before. Moreover, he himself had considered this situation a point of pride.
After all, living as neighbors with these high officials and noblemen made him feel as if his own status had been elevated.
Of course, this was also related to the consistently lenient internal policies of the early Song dynasty.
The most typical example was on the seventeenth day of the ninth month of the second year of the Yongxi era. The palace of the King of Chu caught fire. Emperor Taizong of Song decided to take the opportunity to expand the imperial palace.
Thus, he ordered the relevant authorities to begin drawing up plans. Once the plans were completed, he discovered that a large area of civilian housing would need to be demolished.
Such a matter, in other dynasties, would have been a simple imperial decree.
However, in the Song dynasty, this matter proved somewhat difficult.
After all, the entire court was filled with Confucian scholars, who spoke of benevolence and righteousness, and constantly cited morality.
If he were to forcefully demolish the houses, he feared that even before the common people could voice their complaints, the torrent of arguments from the assembled officials would drown him.
Unable to do anything else, he had to find someone to negotiate with the common people. Although very generous terms were offered at the time, six households still refused to move, citing their ancestral homes as an excuse.
The expansion of the imperial palace had to be abandoned due to the refusal of these six households to move.
If even Emperor Taizong couldn't accomplish such a task, much less could the emperors of later generations.
Therefore, this fostered a habitual way of thinking for many, including Feng Yuanbao, who felt that living next to high officials and noblemen would not pose any problems.
"You don't think it's because they can't afford it, do you?"
Seeing the expression on his face, Han Mo chuckled disdainfully.
"I'm not afraid Officer will laugh, but this humble person truly doesn't understand Officer's meaning..."
Feng Yuanbao said somewhat awkwardly.
"Then I shall explain more clearly. His Majesty, the current Emperor, certainly considers the welfare of the people in all matters and does not wish to disturb them. However, Steward Feng, have you never heard the saying, 'A county magistrate ruins a family, a prefect annihilates a lineage'?"
As soon as Han Mo uttered this sentence, Feng Yuanbao's entire body trembled.
"But, but these neighbors, sir, they are all..."
"They are all loyal and upright individuals, that is true. But is every single person in the court a loyal and righteous minister?"
Han Mo sneered contemptuously.
"The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be destroyed by the wind. You are so high-profile now, aren't you afraid of being targeted? Are there not countless instances of families being ruined and lineages annihilated in this world?"
"Thank you, Officer, for saving my entire family!"
Upon hearing these words, Feng Yuanbao immediately fell to his knees with a thud.
At this moment, he finally understood why, when he sent out his invitations, not a single wealthy merchant in the city dared to come to his mansion to offer congratulations.
He had initially thought those people were all envious and jealous, but now it seemed they were simply waiting to mock him.
Everyone was waiting for his family to be ruined and his lineage to be destroyed!
While other emperors of the Great Song dynasty would not act against minor figures like him, who could guarantee that this emperor would not?
The Genyue project was a bottomless pit. To skim off vast sums of money, the Emperor had even abolished the old standards and implemented the Yuechi.
As the saying goes: "What the superior likes, the subordinates will do."
The Emperor was so short of money, and all the corrupt officials in the court were racking their brains to make money.
And at this very moment, he had emerged into prominence. Wasn't that like stepping one foot into the gates of hell?
"Please rise first. I was merely speaking casually and do not deserve such a grand gesture from you."
Han Mo smiled and gestured for him to rise and speak.
"Officer, you have truly enlightened me. If not for your reminder, my entire family would be doomed! How can such a life-saving kindness not be repaid? Officer, please accept this bow from Feng Yuan!"
This time, he was utterly convinced. No wonder this young officer was so highly valued by the Emperor.
Although Han Mo vehemently denied it, claiming he saw these things not because of any supernatural matters, the reality was often such that the more Han Mo explained, the more Feng Yuanbao believed.
"Brother Han truly has an insightful eye. I, Zong, am impressed!"
Not only Feng Yuanbao was convinced, but Zong Ying was also impressed.
Previously, he had only seen the mansion's opulence and felt a bit of disdain for such nouveau riche behavior.
As for other matters, he hadn't noticed anything at all.
"I suggest you two stop flattering me. I just spoke a few words offhand. If you continue to flatter me like this, I truly won't know what to say."
His objective achieved, Han Mo decided not to say any more.
"Steward Feng, since Brother Han has already spoken, you should get up. It's awkward for us to talk with you kneeling on the ground."
Seeing Feng Yuanbao's humble demeanor, Zong Ying finally felt somewhat satisfied.
"Officer, is there anything you require of Feng Yuan today? If there is anything you need to instruct, please do not hesitate to ask, Officer!"
Feng Yuanbao wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, then stood up and cupped his fists towards Han Mo.
"We have indeed come today with a matter that requires Steward Feng's assistance. Do you know what this is?"
Han Mo smiled and then took out a small box from his sleeve.