"If that's the case, then if there's anything you need my help with, just say the word. Whether it's climbing mountains of knives or diving into seas of fire, my name is Nie, and I won't hesitate for a second!"
Seeing Han Mo's absolute certainty, Nie Shan declared with hearty courage.
"If there's really something, then I won't be polite!"
"Who told you to be polite! Hahahaha!"
After a brief exchange, Han Mo walked out of the imperial palace and directly returned to his carriage.
Whatever his original intentions were, he had come to report for duty. The Emperor had lost his temper today, and it seemed he wouldn't have time for him anytime soon.
The other officials had to drudge back to their yamen to work, while he could comfortably go home to catch up on sleep.
Having caused such a stir in the court today, Han Mo had barely returned to his mansion when Han Jiayan came over, laughing heartily.
"You brat, how did you manage this today? The Minister of Justice and the Vice Prefect of Kaifeng, and you tricked them like this?"
After dismissing the servants, Han Jiayan couldn't help but ask curiously.
"Esteemed Grand Uncle, you think too highly of me. This is hardly my ability! This is clearly Old Cai's doing!"
In front of Han Jiayan, Han Mo had no intention of concealing anything.
"So it was him. If that's the case, then there's nothing surprising!"
After Han Mo's explanation, Han Jiayan was taken aback for a moment, then said with a hint of disappointment.
"Esteemed Grand Uncle, you don't blame me for cooperating with him?"
"Do you think I'm such an incorrigible old fuddy-duddy?"
Seeing Han Mo's cautious demeanor, Han Jiayan glared at him impatiently.
"No, no, Esteemed Grand Uncle is wise and mighty. How could a junior like me have such thoughts!"
After a sheepish smile, Han Mo said playfully.
"Alright, stop flattering me. It's just a stratagem of driving wolves to swallow tigers. I can still distinguish such a simple tactic!"
After giving Han Mo a playful slap on the back, Han Jiayan casually said.
"Esteemed Grand Uncle is truly astute!"
"Your stratagem was brilliant, but have you considered that after today, no one in the entire court will dare to underestimate you again!"
Suppressing the smile on his face, Han Jiayan spoke again, softly.
"Isn't there still Esteemed Grand Uncle? Besides, from another perspective, this might not necessarily be a bad thing!"
Han Mo knew that after this display, it would be nearly impossible to feign weakness and bide his time in the future.
However, he had no choice but to do this.
After all, if he could tolerate others defecating on his head, wouldn't anyone, even a stray cat or dog, be able to bully him in the future?
This time, Huang Qianshan had targeted his father. Would someone target his wife and children next time?
In the officialdom, constant yielding would only attract unnecessary covetousness. Necessary resistance might not guarantee an invincible position, but it would definitely make those who intended to scheme against him reconsider the price they would have to pay to deal with him!
Just like this time, if Crown Prince Zhao Huan knew that he would have to pay such a heavy price to deal with Han Mo, he would never have agreed, no matter how much he argued!
As for offending Cai You and Wang Fu, Han Mo didn't take these matters to heart at all.
He wouldn't be staying in Bianliang City for a long time anyway. Judging by the current situation, at most after the New Year, he would have to return to his own territory to make money for the Emperor.
In Bianliang City, Wang Fu and others might still be able to cause trouble, but if they were in the provinces, it wouldn't be easy for Han Mo, as the Commissioner for the Coastal Areas of Liangzhe and Fujian, to deal with them!
What's more, he had made a great contribution this time. With so much wealth as a foundation, perhaps his rank might even be elevated when he returned.
Even if he couldn't become the Commissioner for Liangzhe and Fujian, he should still be able to hold one or two more ministerial posts.
"While that may be true, after this uproar, you'll have to think thrice before acting in the future!"
Although Han Jiayan had never participated in court affairs, he was after all Han Qi's son and Han Zhongyan's brother. He naturally had this foresight and judgment!
"Esteemed Grand Uncle, please rest assured, this junior understands!"
"Alright, you woke up early today, I imagine you're tired. Since there's nothing else going on, I won't bother you any longer. You've returned after a long absence, it's good to go out and explore after eating and sleeping well! You're young, don't always stay at home! You haven't been back for a long time, and the courtesans of Bianliang City miss you dearly!"
After patting his shoulder, Han Jiayan walked towards the door with a smile.
Looking at the smile on Han Jiayan's face, Han Mo's mouth couldn't help but twitch.
So, this old man was telling him that he could go out and visit brothels?
If this were in later times, Han Jiayan would probably be criticized to death.
But in this era, such a thing was not considered much.
Only exceptional women like Zhe Yourong and Li Qingzhao held great animosity towards courtesans, while the rest of the women,
Even a little money-grubber like Chun Tao felt it was natural for men to compose poems and sing with talented courtesans.
Although, upon careful consideration, he did feel a slight inclination, Han Mo still stretched lazily, kicked off his boots, and got into his bed fully clothed.
It was still too early to go to a brothel!
If he dared to go to a brothel at this hour, his nickname "lustful ghost" would likely spread throughout Bianliang City by tomorrow morning.
Finally, he didn't have to worry about trivial official duties or who he should scheme against. Han Mo slept very soundly, only sitting up from his bed contentedly in the evening.
"Someone!"
"Young Master, you're awake?"
Hearing Han Mo get up, Jiang Yan quickly pushed open the door and came in.
"Go to Treasurer Zhe's place and tell him that I'm hosting him and Mr. Yuan at the Fanlou tonight. Please trouble him to inform Mr. Yuan!"
After a long stretch, Han Mo said leisurely.
"Fanlou?"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Jiang Yan's eyes lit up. He had heard of the place long ago, but it was truly the first time he had ever been there...
"Alright, I see that eager look in your eyes. Hurry up and go and come back quickly. Tonight, Young Master will take you there to get a good look!"