"What’s there to be afraid of? I only fear they won't send enough people!"
Han Mo spoke as he handed the box in his hand to Xu Fengnian.
He also took the opportunity to stretch his wrists. His current body felt uncomfortable if it wasn't moved for a few days.
If those old Daoists were foolish enough, using them for some practice wouldn't be a bad idea.
"Esteemed young sir, I am Zhang Ruhui. You can speak to me if you have anything to say!"
As the three were talking, a middle-aged Daoist in his thirties, accompanied by over a dozen tall, sturdy men in Daoist robes, approached them.
From their appearance, it was clear they were the enforcers of the Divine Firmament Palace.
However, this was nothing new. These days, monks and Daoists were getting fatter and fatter. Without a few enforcers, they couldn't maintain their authority.
"You flatter me! I am here to collect alms, but I wonder if you can make the decision?"
Han Mo still wore a smiling, amiable expression.
"Collecting alms here? Young sir, you jest. How could we, mere ascetics, have any wealth for you to collect alms from?"
Zhang Ruhui was no ignorant novice Daoist. He had been by Lin Ling Su's side for many years and had entered the imperial palace more than once or twice.
He merely glanced at the three and immediately noticed the distinctiveness of the clothing worn by Niu Deyyi.
Even though Niu Deyyi was just a regular steward in the Prince of Xin's mansion, all the fabrics and attire he wore were produced by the Imperial Wardrobe Department.
Therefore, his attitude towards Han Mo immediately changed.
"I am not here for wealth this time. I want grain!"
Han Mo was somewhat surprised that the other party hadn't attacked him directly.
"Grain? Someone, go and fetch five dou of rice from the back. Consider it a meeting gift for the young sir."
Zhang Ruhui, being experienced, immediately took Han Mo for one of those young lords from Bianliang who had lost bets.
Song people were fond of gambling, a habit shared by everyone from the emperor down to the common peddlers.
Especially the young lords in Bianliang, who, having nothing better to do and with full bellies, would occasionally stir up some mischief.
"Are you really giving it to him?"
This time, the young Daoist disciples by his side were displeased. They had never heard of anyone collecting alms from a Daoist temple before.
If this set a precedent, they would probably never have a moment's peace from then on.
"Why so much nonsense? Hurry up and get it."
This Divine Firmament Palace was built specifically for Lin Ling Su by Emperor Huizong.
As Lin Ling Su's third disciple, his word carried weight within this Daoist temple.
Seeing him getting angry, the young Daoists behind him quickly shrank back.
"Don't be in a hurry. Five dou of rice isn't enough. I want ten thousand piculs of top-grade rice!"
Before the young Daoists had taken two steps, Han Mo cheerfully extended a finger.
"Young sir, are you perhaps joking with me? This is the Divine Firmament Palace. I advise you to know when to stop!"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Zhang Ruhui's expression turned unpleasant.
Logically, he should recognize all the high officials and noblemen in Bianliang city, but Han Mo left him utterly unsure.
The attendants by his side wore clothes made by the Imperial Wardrobe Department, and he didn't recognize them. In the city of Tokyo, where dignitaries were as numerous as cow hair, he dared not offend Han Mo lightly.
"I never know when to stop. I won't take your things for free, either. I have some items here you might want to examine. After you've seen them, we can discuss the price."
After speaking, Han Mo signaled to Xu Fengnian.
Under the dagger-like gazes of the Daoists, Xu Fengnian shivered and quickly handed over the box he was holding.
"Are the contents of this box worth ten thousand piculs of top-grade rice?"
Zhang Ruhui's expression flickered between doubt and certainty.
"Perhaps. If you don't buy it, I'm sure someone else will be very happy to."
Han Mo smiled and said calmly.
"I cannot make this decision. Please wait a moment, young sir."
Looking at Han Mo's confident face, and then at the finely crafted clothes on Niu Deyyi, Zhang Ruhui hesitated for a moment before saying with a frown.
"No rush. I came in a hurry today and haven't eaten yet."
Zhang Ruhui's lips twitched uncontrollably. It was the first time in his life he had met someone with a thicker skin than his own.
However, although he didn't know what was inside the box,
He did recognize that the box was made of excellent sandalwood.
Just such a box was unaffordable for ordinary families.
"You, escort the young sir to the adjoining refectory for some vegetarian meals. Serve him with care. I shall return shortly."
Unlike his two senior brothers, he was cautious in his dealings and never liked to offend others easily.
Therefore, unsure of Han Mo's identity, he would rather take the item to Lin Ling Su for him to examine.
"Yes!"
Although the young Daoists had strange expressions, since Zhang Ruhui had given the order, they could only grudgingly and with peculiar expressions lead Han Mo towards the refectory.
"My friends, don't be polite. You must eat your fill of this free vegetarian meal. I heard that a simple portion of the vegetarian meals at the Divine Firmament Palace usually costs ten strings of small cash!"
Under the strange gazes of the Daoists, Han Mo unconcernedly called out loudly to the young Daoists to serve the dishes quickly.
He also loudly greeted Niu Deyyi and Xu Fengnian.
"Brother, what is this fellow's background?"
Looking at the posture Han Mo had adopted, the steward of the refectory could barely stand it.
Since the Divine Firmament Palace was built, this was the first time they had ever seen someone dare to come here to freeload.
And even if you were freeloading, did you have to speak so loudly?
What would the "suckers" in the refectory think?
"Young sir, shouldn't we slip away quickly..."
Seeing the murderous glares from the Daoists, Niu Deyyi whispered.
"What are you afraid of? Didn't I just tell you? The contents of that box are worth ten thousand piculs of white rice."
Han Mo smiled and said leisurely.
"I..."
Niu Deyyi's lips twitched. He wasn't an idiot. Although the box had been in Han Mo's hands, it was only that big.
Even if it were filled with money orders, it couldn't possibly be worth ten thousand piculs of white rice!