Although they did bring quite a lot of things, the waiter at the tavern still enthusiastically ushered Han Mo inside.
"Heat up two pots of old wine, and bring out a few plates of your specialty snacks. Don't disturb me unless necessary!"
After casually giving a few instructions, Han Mo turned his attention back to the night view outside.
Although he didn't know the name of this alley, Han Mo could still roughly tell that it should be near the Taichang Temple.
To be honest, the government offices of the Great Song Dynasty were indeed quite interesting. The more powerful the office, the better its location naturally was.
For example, the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue. As for places like the Taichang Temple and the Imperial Academy, their locations were naturally not that great.
Of course, the official excuse would always be for solemnity and dignity.
If it weren't for the Jiaofang Division being under the Taichang Temple, the yamen entrance would probably have been moved at least seven or eight li further out.
However, none of these were important to Han Mo. Having done such a thing against his conscience, all he wanted now was to be alone and quiet.
"Cough—cough—cough—"
Just as Han Mo was about to enjoy the tranquil night, a series of coughs suddenly came from behind him.
"Uncle, why are you here?"
Seeing Fan Zhengguo dressed in a blue robe, Han Mo was completely stunned.
"Why can't I be here? What a nonsensical thing for you to say! You can have women on both sides of you in the Fan Lou, can't this old man not meet a couple of old friends in this deep alley?"
Seeing Han Mo's astonished expression, Fan Zhengguo suddenly said with a smile.
"Do I look like I have women on both sides of me?"
From the moment he saw Fan Zhengguo, Han Mo understood that his plan to drink alone had apparently gone to waste again.
Smiling self-deprecatingly, Han Mo frankly spread his hands.
"I heard that all ten famous courtesans are gathered at Fan Lou tonight to welcome you, the foremost talent of the Great Song. It's not even halfway through the banquet yet, so why did you come here?"
As long as there are people, there will always be gossip. Even an old scholar like Fan Zhengguo looked at Han Mo with a hint of gossip when he spoke of this.
"Would you believe me if I said I climbed over the wall to get out?"
"Climbed over the wall?"
"That's right!"
"Hahahaha! You brat, don't tell me you have some hidden ailment? At your age, you shouldn't be like this!"
"Pfft—"
As soon as Fan Zhengguo finished speaking, the mouthful of old wine Han Mo had just taken sprayed out.
"There's nothing wrong with my body at all. You can't just say such things!"
Han Mo immediately became agitated. If such words were to spread, he would probably become the biggest joke in Bianliang City the next morning.
"And this gentleman is?"
While the two were chatting, a thin old man in sackcloth suddenly walked out from behind Fan Zhengguo.
"Brother Boji, come, come, let me introduce you. This is the rising star of the Han family that I told you about earlier!"
The moment he saw the old man approaching, Han Mo clearly saw a hint of pain in Fan Zhengguo's eyes.
Boji?
Li Boji?
After hearing his address, Han Mo shivered all over. No way?
He just came out for a casual drink and encountered such a formidable figure?
"Before Uncle, how dare this junior claim to be a rising star? Your humble servant, Han Mo, greets Uncle!"
As Han Mo spoke, he quickly and respectfully bowed to the old man.
The name Li Boji might be unfamiliar to many, but if his other name, Li Gang, were mentioned, it would truly be thunderous!
For a civil official to have his name recorded in the history books of his dynasty after death was already a source of ancestral glory.
It was he who, in the History of Song, occupied two entire volumes by himself!
The praise from historians and the evaluations by literati and officials of later generations were evident from this!
"You are Han Mo?"
After Fan Zhengguo's introduction, Li Gang's interest was immediately piqued.
After all, Han Mo had been quite the sensation recently.
"Replying to Uncle, your humble servant is indeed Han Mo!"
Facing the future iron-blooded prime minister, Han Mo was filled with respect.
"You are very good!"
After sizing up Han Mo, Li Gang suddenly said.
"Brother Boji, you've finally returned once. Why not stay in the capital for a few more days?"
As soon as Li Gang finished speaking, Fan Zhengguo suddenly said.
"I am already a criminal. My return to the capital this time was by chance. I am already satisfied to see old friends like you. There's no point in staying any longer..."
Although Li Gang spoke freely, Han Mo could see a hint of self-mockery deep in his eyes.
"Uncle, are you preparing to travel far?"
Han Mo was not stupid. From their conversation, he immediately understood Li Gang's intentions.
"I say, Brother Boji, neither of us are young anymore. How about this? I have some savings over the years, and this young man is always good at strategizing. Why don't you swallow your anger this time and let this young man help you with some arrangements?"
After looking at Han Mo again, Fan Zhengguo seemed to have made up his mind. Gritting his teeth, he spoke directly.
"Two Uncles, what are you talking about? I don't quite understand."
Seeing Li Gang's reluctance and Fan Zhengguo's reluctance to part, Han Mo suddenly felt that his mind was not enough.
"What do I hate most in my life if not the selling of offices and the buying of titles? If even I do this, what is the point of officialdom?"
As Li Gang spoke, he suddenly cupped his hands towards Han Mo and Fan Zhengguo and prepared to walk out the door.
"Brother Boji! Brother Boji!"
Seeing Li Gang actually leaving like this, Fan Zhengguo hurriedly chased after him.
They had come in a hurry and left just as quickly. Before Han Mo could figure out what was going on, the two had already disappeared into the night...
"What's going on?"
Only after the two had gone far away did Han Mo ask Jiang Yan with a dazed expression.
"Young master, shall I find someone to inquire?"
Jiang Yan blinked and then tentatively asked.
"Forget it, forget it. Where am I supposed to inquire in the middle of the night? We'll talk about it tomorrow. Let's drink, drink!"
After glaring at him, Han Mo waved his hand dismissively.