The affairs in Hebei cast a shadow over Han Mo's heart.
In just seven days of preparation, Yuan Xingchi led a fleet of sixty ships, each carrying a thousand piculs of cargo, along with five thousand soldiers, and set sail for Wokuo.
Although this was not the best season, their ships were large enough to navigate smoothly even against the wind and unfavorable sea conditions.
After watching Yuan Xingchi and his fleet depart, Han Mo silently returned to his residence.
He could not afford to worry about matters in Wokuo for now. In this era, since everything had been handed over to Yuan Xingchi and his men, Han Mo could only place his trust in them.
"Young Master, you haven't eaten all day. This is chicken soup specially prepared by Madam for you. Why don't you have some?"
Han Mo was in a bad mood, and everyone in the residence lowered their voices when they passed his study, fearing they might disturb him.
At this moment, only Jiang Yan dared to approach him.
"Is there any new news from Hebei?"
After impatiently waving his hand, Han Mo finally noticed Jiang Yan again.
"No new news has arrived yet, but Mr. Zong sent you a message via carrier pigeon..."
As Jiang Yan spoke, he quickly retrieved a slip of paper from his sleeve.
"Carrier pigeon?"
Hearing this, Han Mo was taken aback.
"Tai He, Han Xuanjia, falling, burning, thus clouds passing..."
Looking at the nonsensical poem on the slip of paper, Han Mo's expression turned extremely grim once more.
"Alas... It truly is 'when the house leaks, it's also the time of continuous rain, and when the boat breaks, it meets the headwind'!"
With a sigh, Han Mo sat back down in his chair, lost in thought.
"Young Master, what riddle is Mr. Zong playing? I don't understand," Jiang Yan asked softly, looking at Han Mo's gloomy, black-as-the-bottom-of-a-pot expression.
"It's normal that you don't understand. This is the first character from each line of a nonsensical poem I wrote when we were drinking. But that's not important. What's important is that the poem's title is 'Xuan Niao'..."
"Xuan Niao?"
After Han Mo spoke, Jiang Yan became even more confused.
Was a poem written while drinking so important that it needed to be sent by carrier pigeon at this time?
"Xuan Niao, also known as the swallow. At this time, for him to go to such lengths to send this poem, I think he's referring to Lu Wan, the King of Yan in the early Western Han Dynasty..."
As Han Mo said this, worry filled his face.
He had indeed made arrangements, but he truly didn't want to use this last resort unless it was absolutely necessary.
"Lu Wan?"
"I told you to read more when you have free time. Now you don't understand anything anyone says. Lu Wan's life ended because he harbored rebels to maintain his own power..."
The fact that Zong Ying spoke of this matter so cryptically now indicated how precarious his situation was.
While Zong Ying's talent might not be outstanding, his loyalty to Zhao Zhen was undoubtedly among the top three.
The fact that he would risk sending a message to inform Han Mo now showed how deeply disappointed he was in Zhao Zhen.
"My lord, do you mean, His Highness Prince Xin..."
Halfway through his sentence, Jiang Yan dared not continue.
"Alright, you can leave now. I need to think about this carefully!"
The battle situation in Hebei was unfavorable, Tong Guan was secretly requesting the Jin people to intervene, and Zhao Zhen, at this moment, actually wanted to harbor rebels to strengthen his position. Cai Jing in the imperial court was still engaged in factional strife.
Yet, at this critical juncture, Han Mo had to withdraw all his forces from Bianliang city. At this moment, Han Mo truly felt a deep sense of powerlessness.
Fighting against the entire imperial court with his own strength, and even Zhao Zhen, in whom he had placed so much hope, had finally taken a step he most wished to avoid.
For a moment, Han Mo felt utterly at a loss.
As the sky slowly darkened, Han Mo showed no inclination to light any lamps. He sat in the darkness, staring blankly at the ceiling, his mind lost in thought...
"Creak——"
As Han Mo was lost in thought, Zhe Yourong quietly pushed open the door and entered.
"Why are you here at this time?"
Han Mo, who had been about to lose his temper, swallowed his words when he saw Zhe Yourong's face. His intended reprimand turned into a gentle greeting.
"Even if you don't care about me, you should care about our child. You haven't eaten or drunk anything all day, and you refuse to drink the chicken soup they made for you. If something happens to your health, what will happen to us, your wife and child?"
As Zhe Yourong spoke, she gently placed her hands on Han Mo's temples.
"It's nothing, really. I just feel very restless..."
Feeling his lover's tenderness, Han Mo finally managed to force a smile.
"Why do you worry so much about them? We are not made of mud. I really don't know what you're so afraid of. Anyway, in the Great Song Dynasty, officials are not executed. Even if you can't serve in the court anymore, the wealth we've accumulated over the years is enough for us to live a carefree life. What is there to fear? At worst, we can return to Fuzhou. Do you think Emperor Zhao would dare to arrest people in Fuzhou?"
After hearing her words, Han Mo couldn't help but be stunned.
That's right, he had been caught in a rut!
As Zhe Yourong said, even if he failed, his life wouldn't be in danger. So what was there to be afraid of?
At worst, he could simply stop participating. With the influence he currently held, the Jingkang Incident would be irrelevant to him. He could still lead his family and friends to live a leisurely life.
On the contrary, those scoundrels of the Zhao family were all captured and imprisoned, destined to live in isolation in Wuguo City.
Thinking of this, Han Mo's mood immediately improved.
"Hahahaha! My dear wife, you are truly my wise helper!"
Having figured things out, Han Mo was instantly filled with courage again. He pulled Zhe Yourong into his arms and, ignoring her playful protests, planted a kiss on her pretty face.
"You're crazy! I..."
After playfully hitting him, Zhe Yourong leaned back into Han Mo's embrace.
"I was just caught up in my own thoughts earlier, but now it's fine. You're right, since death isn't on the line, our lives will be even more carefree after I resign from my official post. What is there to fear!"
"That's my husband. I'll go reheat the chicken soup for you!"
After giving Han Mo a gentle peck on the cheek, Zhe Yourong smiled, picked up the chicken soup from the table, and walked out of Han Mo's study.
"Someone, find General Han and Captain Yue for me!"