"Though that's how it's said, have you ever considered what would happen if you were betrayed?"
Wisdom often comes with age, and Han Jiayan saw the fatal flaw in Han Mo's plan at a glance. Given his current status, being betrayed midway would likely lead to utter ruin. If he had the protection of an official position, at most he would be assigned to a border province. Even if life there was difficult, at least his life would not be in danger, and it would also leave him an opportunity to make a comeback. But without any official title, what awaited him might be an unjust death in prison! Had he not seen enough of these ignoble tactics over the years?
"Thank you, great-uncle, for your teachings. Han Mo will be careful!"
Han Mo was momentarily stunned, then immediately realized his current fatal weakness. After all his calculations, he was still missing an official position.
"The grand examination is fast approaching. You should put your mind to rest. Matters of the court can wait a few days, it won't make a difference. After all these years have passed, a few more days won't matter. Once you secure this official post, I, this old man, will no longer interfere with whatever you do afterward!" Han Jiayan's greatest concern was that Han Mo would go astray and eventually collude with the eunuchs for power. If that were to happen, his ancestors would never forgive him once he reached the afterlife. Since the boy's nature was not problematic, and his intentions were not wrong, other matters were mere trifles.
"Great-uncle, rest assured, I will not make any moves before the grand examination!" As the saying goes, he who listens to advice eats well. Han Mo had no reason to refuse such kind counsel. However, often, circumstances were beyond one's control, and Han Mo was not the only clever person in this world.
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"Go tell your Prince that Cai Xiu has come to visit!"
While Han Jiayan and Han Mo were in deep conversation, an uninvited guest arrived at the Prince of Yun's mansion.
"Yes!"
Cai Xiu was not just a scholar of the Baohe Hall; he was also the son of the current Grand Chancellor! And unlike his elder brother, he had always served by Cai Jing's side. Since he had arrived, which of the servants at the Prince of Yun's mansion dared to block his way?
"Please wait a moment, Scholar Cai. We shall inform the Prince immediately!"
Without daring to delay, several servants took the calling card and rushed off. Before long, Prince Zhao Kai of Yun personally came out to greet him.
"Scholar Cai, you are a rare visitor. What brings you here today?"
Although Zhao Kai spoke these words, his face showed no surprise. After all, Cai Jing had suffered such a great loss this time; it would be truly strange if he didn't come looking for him. Regardless, in this confrontation, the Crown Prince was the biggest winner, while they were like two fools, brought out and publicly thrashed. Although in such political struggles, once the initiative is lost, it is often difficult to make a comeback, but difficult does not mean impossible. The Crown Prince had indeed won brilliantly, but the problem was that his foundation was too shallow. Even with Liang Shicheng's support, his influence was not enough to sustain himself. At this moment, if Prince Zhao Kai and Cai Jing joined forces, even if they had to pay a price in the end, the Crown Prince would certainly not fare any better.
"Your Highness, you jest. When it was my father's birthday last time, you even sent gifts. I have not had the chance to come and thank you in person, and today I am free, so I have come to trouble your mansion! I came in haste and did not have time to inform Your Highness in advance. I hope I haven't disturbed you?"
"Scholar Cai, you say that, but you are a rare visitor, and I can never invite you. How could you possibly disturb me? Let's go inside!"
Zhao Kai smiled and ushered Cai Xiu into his study. After having servants serve tea, he directly sent all the servants away.
"Regarding this matter, what are Your Highness's thoughts?"
Seeing that only the two of them remained, Cai Xiu directly opened the conversation.
"This matter? Scholar Cai, what do you mean?"
Zhao Kai's pupils contracted, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.
"Your Highness, let's speak plainly. If we continue to play guessing games here, we won't be able to have a proper conversation!" Cai Xiu said lightly after taking a sip of tea.
"Then may I ask what the Grand Chancellor intends to do this time?" Zhao Kai asked with a faint smile, directly retorting.
"My father's intention is that even if we lose, we shouldn't lose so shamefully! His Highness the Crown Prince has truly made a stunning debut this time. However, this plan was meticulously crafted, with every step nearly flawless. This doesn't seem like something the Crown Prince's old retainers could have devised!" To show his sincerity, Cai Xiu stopped playing coy with him.
"This is also my biggest question. The Crown Prince has suddenly gained the assistance of such a distinguished figure, and who is this person? I am very curious about that!" To figure out what exactly had happened this time, Zhao Kai had almost used all his connections. He had investigated every single person within the Crown Prince's mansion and all the retainers recently recruited by Liang Shicheng more than ten times, yet he had still found nothing suspicious.
"Your Highness, this is some information compiled by my father. I wonder if it will be of any help to Your Highness!" As Cai Xiu spoke, he reached into his sleeve and pulled out a piece of paper.
"Ah! How could I have not thought of him!"
Upon seeing the contents of the paper, Zhao Kai immediately understood. He had been so focused on investigating the new people in the Crown Prince's mansion and the retainers recently recruited by Liang Shicheng that he had overlooked Han Mo. After all, to this day, there was no indication that Han Mo had directly joined the Crown Prince's faction.
"Does Your Highness also believe this matter is related to him?" Seeing Zhao Kai's excited expression, Cai Xiu asked with a frown. Although this was Cai Jing's judgment, Cai Xiu himself had always harbored doubts about this conclusion. After all, Han Mo was too young, and this young man had never set foot in the officialdom before. Could such a thorough plan, such political acumen, and such precise control of details truly be achieved by a mere youngster? Yet, now even Prince Zhao Kai firmly believed it, making him waver slightly.