"Sir, do you think Chen Dong can succeed?"
In a small tavern outside Xuande Gate, the coachman spoke while carefully observing Yuan Xingchi's expression.
"Don't worry, haven't you seen how busy things are at Shuimen? Li Yan is finished!"
"But, isn't it said that the money and valuables he hands over to the official family every year are close to a million guan? Would this official truly be willing to part with him?"
"On one side, you have the people's grievances boiling over, resulting in a million guan. On the other, you have a clear ten million guan. If you had to choose, which would you pick? Before, the emperor had no choice; he could only endure for the sake of money. But now it's different. With several million guan as a buffer, do you think Li Yan can survive?"
As Yuan Xingchi spoke, his face showed only a cold smile.
Six million guan for Li Yan's life was a price the emperor had no reason to refuse.
"Li Yan was beaten to death! Li Yan was beaten to death!"
As soon as Yuan Xingchi finished speaking, a clamor suddenly came from outside.
Immediately, countless people rushed into the streets, celebrating as if it were a festival.
"Sir, it's done! It's done!"
"Alright, this was to be expected, there's nothing to be surprised about, but this is indeed a good thing. Go ask the innkeeper for a jar of good wine, and we'll celebrate properly!"
As Yuan Xingchi said this, a faint smile finally appeared on his face.
The common people around Bianliang had long suffered under Li Yan, but wasn't it the same for all the people in the northwest?
Compared to the situation in Bianliang, the conditions in the northwest were even more severe.
The northwest had been plagued by continuous warfare, and the people's hardships were far greater than in the inner prefectures and counties.
Coupled with the exploitation by these eunuchs, the only reason there hadn't been a large-scale popular uprising was the heavy military presence throughout the northwest.
Now that the chief culprit was finally dead, the people of the northwest could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Yes!"
Just as they were drinking and celebrating, Han Mo, who was in Quanzhou, finally met Zong Ying, who had made a special trip.
"Brother Han, aren't you getting promoted too quickly? When we first met, you were just a commoner, and now you are a powerful regional official! In less than a year, you've achieved what others take decades to accomplish!" As soon as they met, Zong Ying said to Han Mo with a hearty laugh.
"How about we switch?"
Looking at the smile on his face, Han Mo also smiled and said.
"Forget it, I can't handle your kind of work. If you handed this job over to me, I'd probably be beheaded within a few days!"
"Alright, alright, we know each other well enough. You came all this way, are you here to be a lobbyist?"
As Han Mo spoke, he specifically asked for tea to be served.
"What else can I do? You two are fighting, so I have to run errands. Last time..."
As Zong Ying spoke, his face was filled with a wry smile.
He had tried his best last time, but unfortunately, his influence was too limited.
"Last time? What about last time? What does that have to do with you? You've already been kicked all the way to Hebei, do you think I can still blame you for this?"
After taking a sip of tea, Han Mo smiled and said again.
"Brother Han, we are like family, so I won't beat around the bush with you. Give me the honest truth, is there any room for maneuver in this matter? If not, I won't bother you, and since we haven't seen each other in a long time, we might as well spend the time drinking!"
Facing Han Mo, Zong Ying knew in his heart that if it came to schemes, he couldn't outwit Han Mo, so he decided to appeal to their relationship directly.
"You, saying such things, how can I respond?"
Looking at the earnest Zong Ying, Han Mo almost burst into laughter. What kind of lobbyist was this?
"How else can I say it? Just tell the truth. Anyway, the other side is already on the verge of collapse. If you don't find a solution, I don't think it will be long before the recently pacified region experiences popular unrest again!"
"It's only because you came. If it were anyone else, I would have kicked them out long ago!"
Han Mo said this, letting out a long sigh.
"I know you've been wronged this time, Brother Han, so I'm not taking sides. Since this matter has fallen into my hands, I'll be upfront: the Prince's intention is that as long as Brother Han can help the Prince through this crisis, everything else can be discussed!"
"Everything can be discussed?"
Hearing this, Han Mo immediately felt confident.
"That's right, as long as it's within the scope of what's permissible, everything is negotiable!"
Zong Ying lowered his voice again.
"Since Brother Zong is being so open, it would be disingenuous for me to be evasive now!"
After giving Zong Ying a deep look, Han Mo couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.
It seemed that Zong Ying had grown quite rapidly during his time in the south.
The original Zong Ying, although loyal, was too pedantic in his actions.
But his performance today truly made Han Mo see him in a new light.
If it were an ordinary lobbyist doing this, they would either lay all their cards on the table, asking for a high price and settling for a low one, or they would use national righteousness to engage in moral coercion, or reason with them and appeal to their emotions.
But Zong Ying went against the grain; instead of wasting time with sophistry, he directly revealed his own bottom line.
While this seemed foolish, Han Mo had to admit that it suited his style.
"That's right, what the Prince did this time is truly disheartening. Let alone you, even I..."
As Zong Ying spoke, he couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.
"I know this matter has nothing to do with Brother Zong. In fact, the old minister had a big argument with the Prince because of my affairs. I will never forget this kindness!"
After taking a sip of tea, Han Mo said again.
"It's good that you understand. The Prince is no longer the Prince he used to be. Sometimes I wonder if it was right or wrong to advise the Prince to take this step back then..."
"Right or wrong, it's reached this point, and it's no longer up to us two to decide!"
"Exactly, you're right. Name your price. This is a rare opportunity, don't hesitate. If you miss this, you might never have such a good chance again!"