"Uncle, the gifts have been sent for. You have traveled far, so I will not disturb you further today. How about I host a welcoming banquet for you tomorrow evening?"
Seeing that all that needed to be said had been said and all that needed to be seen had been seen, Han Mo cupped his hands towards Li Gang and rose to take his leave.
"What do you think of Lord Han?"
After seeing Han Mo off to the manor gate, Li Gang slowly turned to his son and asked.
"Although he is young, his consideration of matters is meticulous and his demeanor is cautious. Your son cannot compare!"
After much contemplation, Li Zong finally spoke.
"Is that all?"
After hearing his son's words, Li Gang turned and gave him another deep look.
"Please enlighten me, Father!"
"During our journey through various prefectures and counties, have you truly seen any other place comparable to Mingzhou City? War is raging everywhere. Mingzhou itself experienced a fierce battle, yet the people in the city can still live their lives normally. There are even very few beggars on the streets. Is this all you have observed?"
Although Li Gang knew that his son had always been honest since childhood and certainly not as cunning as Han Mo, and that such things couldn't be achieved overnight, as a father, seeing his son's shallow insight made him feel an inexplicable discomfort.
"Son, son, I didn't think in that direction..."
"Forget it. I have already spoken to him today. After settling down these past couple of days, you will go to his side and assist him with official duties!"
Seeing the nervous expression on Li Zong's face, Li Gang couldn't help but sigh again.
"My lord, the bathwater is ready, and the gifts have been retrieved. Perhaps you should bathe first?"
"That would be good. The journey has been arduous. A good bath is also one of life's great pleasures!"
Although father and son had been in Mingzhou City for more than a day or two, they had been staying in a temple before. Even wanting a hot bath was not an easy task.
Now that the conditions were met, Li Gang was truly tempted.
"My Lord, Lord Han from the Maritime Trade Office just sent word that the spices that Scholar Shao and the others sent back have arrived at the docks!"
Not long after leaving Li Gang's manor, a guard from Han Mo's manor rushed over to report.
"Oh? Is that so? Turn the carriage around, let's go to the docks to take a look!"
Upon hearing this, Han Mo's interest was immediately piqued. Although he knew that the Spice Islands were rich in spices, he himself was seeing the quality of these spices for the first time.
"Yes!"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Jiang Yan immediately turned the carriage and sped towards the docks.
By the time his carriage arrived at the docks, the entire dock area was already bustling with activity.
The Maritime Trade Office had prepared laborers many days in advance, so as soon as the ships docked, unloading could begin immediately.
"My Lord!"
Seeing Han Mo's carriage arrive, the officials from the Maritime Trade Office, their faces beaming with joy, came forward to greet him.
After all, the goods on the returning ships were the property of the Maritime Trade Office. Apart from what was supplied to the imperial court, the rest was sold by themselves.
Naturally, if the Maritime Trade Office made a lot of money, they would also benefit greatly.
Although they had not been in contact with Han Mo for a long time, Han Mo had previously assured them that as long as the Maritime Trade Office made money, all of them would receive bonuses!
"There's no need for formalities here. You should all get back to your work. Ensure all the goods are accounted for and there are no mistakes. This is, after all, our first major transaction. Let everyone work hard. After this is done, everyone, from top to bottom, will receive a bonus!"
The Emperor had already stated that Han Mo could act with discretion in all matters concerning the Maritime Trade Office.
Upon hearing his words, everyone in the Maritime Trade Office, from officials to runners, was beaming with joy.
Who in Mingzhou City didn't know that their Lord Han was famous for his generosity!
"Big Brother!"
Just as Han Mo was about to board the ship, Han Shizhong's voice suddenly came from behind him.
"You've arrived at the perfect time. Come, let's go together and see the spices that Scholar Shao and the others brought back!"
Seeing Han Shizhong walking over, Han Mo smiled and said.
"Big Brother..."
"What is it? Has something happened?"
Seeing his hesitant look, Han Mo asked with some confusion.
"I just received an order from the Pacification Commissioner's Office. His Highness Prince Xin has ordered me and the Yue brothers to head north..."
When Han Mo asked, Han Shizhong lowered his voice and said.
"Head north? To Hebei?"
Although Han Mo had already prepared himself for this matter, when the moment arrived, his heart still sank.
"Not Hebei, it's..."
"What is there between us that we can't say? Speak your mind directly!"
"His Highness Prince Xin says he wants us to escort his carriage back to the capital..."
As Han Shizhong said this, he felt a sense of injustice himself.
"Escort his carriage back to the capital?"
After a moment of愣ing, Han Mo couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
It seemed that someone had been slandering him to Zhao Zhen again.
At this moment, if Han Shizhong and the others were ordered to go to Hebei, even if Han Mo felt reluctant, he would still let them go.
After all, true generals were forged on the battlefield. For people like them, the battlefield was their true destination. Keeping them by his side constantly was not good for them, nor for Han Mo.
However, to have them lead troops to escort Zhao Zhen back to the capital, Zhao Zhen's intention to win them over was too obvious!
"What are your thoughts on this?"
After a moment of silence, Han Mo looked at Han Shizhong again.
"Big Brother, I will listen to whatever you say!"
Yue Fei was still young and might not understand the intricacies of this matter, but Han Shizhong, who had risen from the ranks, naturally understood that Zhao Zhen clearly intended to win him over!
If Han Mo hadn't been there, he might have unhesitatingly sided with Zhao Zhen. After all, low-ranking generals like him always needed a patron.
Zhao Zhen was currently at the peak of his influence. Aligning himself with Zhao Zhen would certainly be beneficial for his future development.
However, with Han Mo as his patron, he truly looked down upon Zhao Zhen now! Zhao Zhen's status as a prince was truly a double-edged sword!