"Thank you, Brother Han!"
After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Kai immediately revealed a knowing smile.
"I was merely speaking casually; such a small matter hardly warrants a thank you from Your Highness!"
Regardless, it was about causing trouble for Cai Jing, so Han Mo didn't put much thought into the thanks.
"Brother Han's casual words have resolved my worries of the past few days! It seems we two should get closer in the future. I heard Brother Han's wedding is approaching. I have a vacant residence in the southern part of the city. If Brother Han doesn't mind, how about I give it to you as a wedding home?"
"Your Highness is too kind. This gift is far too weighty; Han Mo has done nothing to deserve such a reward!"
A house in Bianliang city, no matter how good, would likely be someone else's gain in a few years.
Having a place to live was enough; Han Mo had no interest in wasting his energy here.
Moreover, Zhao Kai's houses were not so easily taken. Taking his possessions would be akin to holding burning coals!
"It seems Brother Han still does not wish to be close to me. I wonder if I, Zhao Kai, have done anything to offend Brother Han?"
His overtures of friendship were unmistakable, yet Han Mo maintained an air of distance, showing no inclination to get closer.
This immediately sparked some unpleasant suspicions in Zhao Kai's mind. Could it be true, as some had said, that Han Mo had already pledged allegiance to Liang Shicheng and the Crown Prince?
"Your Highness, please do not misunderstand. It is simply that Han Mo is not entirely in control of his own affairs. As you know, although that is a mark of the Emperor's favor, it is also a constraint."
Han Mo spoke with a wry smile.
"If that is the case, then Brother Han does not seem to..."
Zhao Kai spoke while gesturing towards the direction of the Eastern Palace.
"Your Highness, Han Mo said nothing!"
Han Mo smiled and then bowed again to Zhao Kai.
Seeing him like this, Zhao Kai couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.
"Then, if I face any difficulties in the future, I wonder if Brother Han would be willing to offer some advice?"
Zhao Kai was extremely adept at seizing opportunities. Seeing a sliver of openness in Han Mo's words, he immediately pressed forward.
"That is certainly possible, but Your Highness should also know that Han Mo is merely a newcomer to officialdom. My knowledge of many matters is limited, and I might inadvertently cause harm to Your Highness!"
It was always best to speak frankly, especially since Han Mo had intended to ensnare him from the very beginning.
While this fellow might be a good friend, to pledge loyalty and help him ascend to the throne would be an irresponsible act towards the people of Song.
A quick glance at historical texts would reveal that after this drastic upheaval, the true "Four Heroes of the Revival" would soon appear, along with countless loyal and virtuous individuals.
The Song dynasty, which could have been reborn anew, was instead made a grotesque mockery by figures like Zhao Gou, Qin Hui, and Huang Qianshan.
The opportunity to unite the north, regain its former glory, and relive the splendor of the Han Dynasty was utterly ruined by these historical villains.
Although the Zhao family's emperors were generally unreliable, if he had to choose one to rise, Han Mo would rather believe in Zhao Zhen.
At the very least, the chivalrous spirit ingrained in Zhao Zhen far surpassed the calculating minds of Zhao Gou and Zhao Kai.
"Hahahaha, Brother Han is too modest. However, the plan you devised for the Crown Prince earlier has truly put me in a bind!"
"I was not trying to harm Your Highness, but rather to save you. It is simply that Your Highness did not understand..."
Han Mo smiled and said meaningfully.
"What does Brother Han mean by that?"
Zhao Kai was taken aback by Han Mo's words.
"Your Highness only sees that the Crown Prince is about to fall from grace. But has Your Highness ever considered why the Emperor, who clearly dislikes the Crown Prince, has kept him in his current position for so many years?"
Since he had already started misleading him, Han Mo didn't mind completely deceiving this fellow.
"Does Brother Han mean that the Emperor is testing me?"
Intelligent people tend to overthink things. Often, you don't need to fabricate reasons to deceive them.
You simply need to emphasize a certain aspect of an event that has already occurred, and they will naturally fill in the blanks themselves.
Much like now, Han Mo hadn't said much, yet Zhao Kai had already conjured a highly plausible reason for himself. The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed, and the more fearful he became.
"Han Mo said nothing!"
Han Mo smiled and again clasped his hands in salutation.
However, Zhao Kai's smile had vanished, his demeanor becoming extremely serious.
"Could it be that everything I see is merely a test from the Emperor? Is the Emperor trying to see if I will..."
At this point, fine beads of sweat had appeared on Zhao Kai's forehead. The reason he had conjured had truly startled him.
"Thank you, Brother Han, for saving my life. If not for Brother Han, I would have made a grave mistake by now!"
As he spoke, Zhao Kai quickly adjusted his robes and formally bowed to Han Mo.
Han Mo was taken aback by his words. He himself hadn't even realized how he had saved the man's life. What was this fellow talking about?
"Your Highness, I said nothing and did nothing! I absolutely dare not accept Your Highness's bow!"
Han Mo coughed dryly and quickly returned the bow. Experiencing gratitude for misleading someone was a first in his life.
"However, Brother Han must accept this bow. If not for Brother Han's reminder, I would have committed a terrible error!"
One refused to accept, while the other insisted on bowing. Fortunately, they were inside the carriage, otherwise, the scene might have been quite comical.
"Your Highness, we have arrived at the Han residence!"
Just as Zhao Kai was about to say something more, the coachman outside announced.
"Since Brother Han is not feeling well today, I shall not disturb you further. However, when there is an opportunity in the future, I implore Brother Han to visit my humble abode."
As he spoke, Zhao Kai politely took out the token again.
Seeing this familiar token, Han Mo's mouth twitched. Why did these Zhao family princes always like to give these things away to others?
"In that case, Han Mo shall not be polite. Thank you for Your Highness's kindness."
After accepting the token, Han Mo finally alighted from his carriage.
Regardless, Han Mo was in good spirits today.
Judging by the Emperor's demeanor today, his position as the top scholar was practically secured. He wondered where his first assignment in officialdom would be.