"But what if the imperial guards down there cause trouble? What do we do then?"
"If they cause trouble, then let them find someone who can sort it out! If they aren't worried, why are you fretting?"
After Wang Fu finished speaking, he turned and left without looking back.
Smiling wryly to himself, Fan Zhengguo also tidied his clothes and turned to walk outside.
He felt speechless at this moment, but he had no choice but to accept it. This was the Great Song Dynasty!
With the New Year's Day approaching, there was still no further news from Han Mo. Even he was starting to get anxious now.
After all, if it dragged on any longer, even if they managed to get the money, it might be too late to disburse it.
"My lord, are we returning to the yamen or to our residence?"
Seeing Fan Zhengguo emerge from the imperial palace, his waiting attendant hurried forward and asked in a low voice.
"To the Cuju General Administration!"
After a moment of hesitation, Fan Zhengguo finally spoke.
"Yes, sir!"
Seeing the grim expression on his face, the attendant dared not say anything more. He quickly helped him into the carriage and then drove it all the way to the Cuju General Administration.
"Lord Fan, why have you come?"
Seeing Fan Zhengguo alight from the carriage, Zhe Wanchun hurried to greet him.
"How could I not come? It's already this late, but..."
Fan Zhengguo stopped midway through his sentence, suddenly realizing that this was not the place to talk.
"Let's talk inside. It's windy out here!"
Glancing at the small tea stall vendors across the street who had set up shop so early in the morning, Zhe Wanchun then led Fan Zhengguo inside the Cuju General Administration.
"Are those people outside the Imperial City Directorate's spies?"
As they walked inside, Fan Zhengguo asked in a low voice.
"You have a keen eye! But they can't do anything else. Grand Commandant Liang has already given instructions!"
"We still need to be careful. Caution is the mother of safety!"
After giving Zhe Wanchun a deep look, Fan Zhengguo spoke again.
"You are right!"
Zhe Wanchun was a shrewd person by nature, but his business had been too smooth recently, causing his vigilance to drop to its lowest. Reminded by Fan Zhengguo, he immediately snapped back to attention.
Other matters were fine, but when it came to the Imperial City Directorate, he had indeed been too careless.
As Sun Tzu said, feign weakness when strong, and feign strength when weak. Who knew if there were any spies from the Imperial City Directorate among the employees of the Cuju General Administration?
In other places, it might be acceptable, but in Bianliang City, this was the territory of the Imperial City Directorate.
Anyone who dared to underestimate them would likely end up without a burial place.
"You are now in your prime, enjoying great prosperity. You must still be careful. If they find any leverage, you will regret it deeply!"
After adding a few more earnest words, Fan Zhengguo patted Zhe Wanchun on the shoulder.
"Thank you for your guidance, my lord. I understand!"
Taking a deep breath, Zhe Wanchun quickly replied.
"Find a place where we can talk. I'm feeling rather worried right now."
"Yes, sir!"
As they spoke, Zhe Wanchun led Fan Zhengguo to the backyard.
"Zhuzi, take some men to guard the outside!"
"Yes, sir!"
After instructing a few trusted men brought from the Zhe family to stand guard outside, the two entered a small courtyard.
"Is it safe here?"
"My lord, rest assured. These men are absolutely reliable. They were all brought from Fuzhou!"
Hearing him say this, Fan Zhengguo nodded.
This was one of the advantages of being from a military family; they could always raise some loyal retainers.
"I have a letter here. Please help me deliver it to Mr. Yuan, and tell him that I am very anxious lately."
"What a coincidence! I also have a letter here, which Mr. Yuan sent someone to deliver not long ago. I was just wondering how to give it to you."
As soon as Fan Zhengguo finished speaking, Zhe Wanchun took out a letter from his sleeve.
"Such a coincidence?"
Hearing him say this, Fan Zhengguo couldn't help but chuckle.
"Indeed! I also think this is too coincidental!"
As Zhe Wanchun spoke, he stood up, picked up a teapot from the side table, poured Fan Zhengguo a cup of hot tea, and then wisely stepped aside.
Although he knew some of what Fan Zhengguo and Yuan Xingchi were doing, he did not want to get involved in the specific details.
Fan Zhengguo didn't say much more and directly opened the letter from Yuan Xingchi in front of him.
After reading the contents, Fan Zhengguo's face immediately showed a self-deprecating smile.
As expected, this Mr. Yuan had indeed calculated everything, even anticipating that he would come here.
Even he had to admit that many people in this world were truly suited for official careers, like Han Mo, and like Yuan Xingchi.
They could see three steps ahead when only making one move, and they understood all the variables before making their move.
Sometimes, he felt quite fortunate that such a person had fallen into Han Mo's hands.
If such a person had fallen into the hands of a prince, it would not have taken long for Bianliang City to have another chess player stirring up trouble.
"My lord, should this letter still be delivered?"
Seeing that Fan Zhengguo fell silent for a long time after reading the letter, Zhe Wanchun tentatively asked.
"Just burn it. There's no need for it anymore!"
"Then, my lord, is there anything else you wish to convey to Mr. Yuan?"
"Just do as he says. If he needs my cooperation for anything, tell him to notify me at any time!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Alright, we are all on the same side now. You don't need to be so formal. I still have matters to attend to at my yamen, so I'll be leaving now!"
"I'll see you out, my lord!"
Hearing Fan Zhengguo say this, Zhe Wanchun also smiled and replied.
"No need to see me out. Tomorrow is the competition day, right? Just go and attend to your own business!"
Smiling wryly to himself, Fan Zhengguo then left with a sense of ease.
Only now did he realize that what Wang Fu had said this morning was indeed true!
This Bianliang City was full of gods. Why was he, a mere mortal, worrying himself sick?
With this idle time, he might as well go back and find a warmer place to sleep, or at the very least, spend time with his wife and children at home!