Watching the smile on Zong Ying's face, Han Mo almost burst into laughter. He had initially thought the guy had truly improved, but now he suddenly realized that this guy seemed to be the same as before, and perhaps even more willful than before. The way he was acting now, he didn't look like a lobbyist here to bargain at all.
"My appetite isn't that big either. These are some conditions I've drawn up beforehand. We can discuss them if you find anything inappropriate after reviewing them!" After finishing the dregs of tea in his cup, Han Mo took out a thin booklet from his sleeve.
"Good heavens, you were prepared! I thought you were holding back your anger and that this matter wouldn't even be discussable!" Zong Ying said, pocketing the booklet directly.
"Aren't you going to look at it?" Han Mo asked, sounding somewhat surprised.
"Would you take it back if I didn't agree?" Zong Ying rolled his eyes at him and asked again.
"Probably not!" Han Mo replied earnestly after a brief hesitation.
"Then what's the point of me looking? Who told him to be foolish? Besides, the Song Dynasty is in such disarray right now. It's better for these positions to be in your hands than in the hands of corrupt officials!"
"Hahahaha, as expected of Brother Zong!" After a moment of silence, Han Mo couldn't help but laugh out loud. Even he had to admit that Zong Ying's performance today was truly a moment of clarity.
"Alright, the serious business is done. Since I've made the trip, you have to treat me to a meal, right?" After taking another sip of tea, Zong Ying spoke up.
"Hahahaha, if you say so, I really should take you to some good places. I've discovered quite a few good things since arriving in Quanzhou city. Although the places aren't big, the food is guaranteed to be something you've never tasted before!"
"Are there such good places? Why do I feel like you're just reluctant to spend money?"
"Let's put it this way: if you're not satisfied after eating, then tonight, no matter where in Quanzhou city, as long as you can name it, I'll cover all the copper coins spent, how about that?"
"If you put it that way, then I definitely won't be satisfied! Hahahaha!" Zong Ying said, standing up and gesturing for Han Mo to lead the way.
"Hahahaha!" Even Han Mo was amused by him. The pent-up frustration in his heart finally dissipated today. To have such a friend in these chaotic times was enough to comfort him. This meal was probably the most enjoyable Han Mo had eaten since coming south.
After changing into casual clothes, the two of them walked through the streets of Quanzhou, from one end to the other. Although they were only eating snacks like seafood, the two of them ate with great relish.
"How was it? Was today's meal acceptable?" By sunset, as the lamps were lit, the two of them returned to the inn, slightly tipsy.
"I've had enough to drink, and I've eaten enough to satisfy my hunger, but if you want me to be satisfied, you can't leave me to sleep alone, can you?" Zong Ying said, winking at Han Mo with a knowing expression.
"Hahahaha, you, you! Don't worry, I've already made arrangements for you! The famous courtesans of Quanzhou city are waiting for you in your room. Shall I, your brother, get you some good medicine?" Han Mo said, glancing at his guards with a knowing smile.
"Really? Did you try it yourself?" Hearing this, Zong Ying's interest was piqued.
"Have you forgotten? Mr. Shao is by my side now..."
"Oh..."
"Oh, what kind of 'oh'! This is a rare good thing. I don't tell just anyone about it!" Han Mo said, reaching into his pocket and handing a small porcelain bottle to Zong Ying.
"You carry this with you? You must have used it quite a bit recently, haven't you?" Zong Ying said, a mischievous smile on his face.
"Don't joke. With my physique, do you think I need such things? This is specially prepared for you. Come on, the spring night is short, you should go back and enjoy it slowly!"
"Hahahaha, having a friend like Brother Han is enough for a lifetime!" After sending Zong Ying back to his room, Han Mo stretched his back and walked towards his own courtyard.
"Young master, you've found ten famous courtesans this time. Can Lord Zong's small body handle it?" Jiang Yan muttered in a low voice after they had walked quite a distance.
"What are you afraid of? Haven't we prepared medicine for him? Don't worry, this is all top-quality medicine. Even if he eats more, there won't be any problems!" Han Mo said with a mischievous smile, yawning.
"Young master, why do I feel like you're deliberately tormenting Lord Zong?"
"Don't joke. Otherwise, shall I torment you?"
"I'd rather not. With their presence, wouldn't they just kill me..." Just imagining the scene made Jiang Yan shiver.
"Is there any news from Fuzhou?" After taking a deep breath of the slightly salty cold wind, Han Mo lowered his voice again and asked.
"Master has sent word that the eldest son, along with three members of the Zhe family, is already on his way south. They should arrive within half a month at most!"
"How is Bianliang?"
"The驸马 (Imperial Son-in-law) said that he has also selected 20 capable young men from his clan for you. They should be arriving successively within a month."
"Very good. Once they all arrive, we won't have to be so tired. By the way, has Captain Li arrived?"
"He has arrived and is waiting for you in the study!"
"You take your men and guard this place. No one is allowed within a hundred paces without my command!" After hearing Jiang Yan's words, Han Mo looked around and then lowered his voice.
"Yes!" Seeing Jiang Yan leading the guards to block all entrances and exits around the study, Han Mo pushed the door open and walked in.
"Li Bao pays his respects to you, sir!" Seeing Han Mo again, Li Bao's attitude was much more humble. Before, although he felt Han Mo was very capable, he hadn't taken him too seriously. But after witnessing Han Mo's masterful means, Li Bao suddenly realized that this seemingly harmless scholar was truly invincible when it came to scheming.
"Alright, there are only the two of us here, so you don't need to be so polite. Have a seat first. How have you been doing in the Quanzhou navy recently?"