"Mo ge'er, why have you come today? I heard they said you were sick a few days ago, are you all better now?"
A little while later, in the Han family's warm pavilion, Han Mo finally met his nominal great-uncle.
"Thank you for your concern, Uncle Grandfather. Your grandson has indeed recovered! I thought there would be many affairs in the mansion yesterday, so I didn't come to pay my respects. I came as soon as I got up this morning!"
It had to be said that Han Jiayan's appearance was indeed very good, perhaps he inherited the excellent genes from Han Qi's wife.
Although he couldn't compare to Han Mo's youthful elegance, with his square-shaped face, thick eyebrows, large eyes, lion-like nose, and broad mouth, coupled with his tall stature, one could tell that in his youth, he must have been a rare handsome man.
"It's good that you're well. Yesterday I was still asking why you didn't come to the grand ceremony, and I didn't expect you to come today! Good boy, come sit by me!"
Although Han Mo's previous actions had caused many of his peers to look down on him, his appearance was very pleasing to elders.
Especially in the eyes of distant relatives like Han Jiayan, who were neither too close nor too far.
After all, everyone appreciates beauty.
Having a handsome young man sitting by his side, and someone related to him, he didn't have to worry about the boy's future studies.
It was enough to just eat a meal and chat, and even eating could be more enjoyable.
"I did come out a bit early today, and I'm quite hungry!"
Han Mo didn't stand on ceremony at all, sitting by Han Jiayan's side and speaking directly.
"Hahahaha, bring him a pair of chopsticks and a bowl. Eating alone is truly uninteresting."
Hearing his amusing words, Han Jiayan burst into laughter.
"Yes!"
The several maids serving nearby did not dare to delay and immediately brought another set of bowls and chopsticks.
"These pastries are good. These are new creations by some chefs from the palace. You should try them properly; you can't get them outside."
Watching Han Mo eat heartily, Han Jiayan suddenly felt as if he was seeing his younger self. While serving him dishes, he said with a smile.
"Then I am truly fortunate to have you, Uncle Grandfather!"
Han Mo didn't care about all this. He accepted everything on the table without refusal.
To be honest, compared to later generations, these pastries were either as good as or even better than those in taste and appearance.
After all, at this time, those chefs had not yet learned to use gutter oil, and everyone was racking their brains to make delicious food. They probably didn't have time to research additives.
Without those complex seasonings, the taste of the ingredients themselves was indeed fresh and delicious enough.
"Eat more. You are in a growth spurt now. You need to eat more to grow strong."
Han Jiayan continued to serve him dishes with a smile.
"Uncle Grandfather, you eat too!"
In the blink of an eye, almost half the table of dishes had entered Han Mo's stomach.
Looking at the half-bowl of porridge in front of Han Jiayan, he felt a little embarrassed.
"I'm old. When I was young, I was just like you. I could eat two bowls of thin porridge for breakfast at least, and two plates of various pastries. But now my appetite is only half a bowl of porridge..."
As Han Jiayan said this, his face was filled with a nostalgic expression, as if he was recalling his youthful days.
"Uncle Grandfather, you must have been a peerless handsome man in your youth?"
Han Mo suddenly said.
"You're the one who knows how to talk, boy. Let me tell you, when I was young, I was definitely the most handsome among my brothers!"
Han Jiayan said this and then chuckled strangely.
"I believe that. Otherwise, how could the Princess have fallen for you at first sight, Uncle Grandfather!"
As people age, even if they know that the juniors around them are flattering them, they can't help but feel a little proud, especially a handsome young man like Han Mo.
"You're just speaking the truth, but don't say that when we go out!"
The more he boasted, the more embarrassed Han Jiayan himself became.
"Father! Their Highnesses have arrived, and Mother requests you to go over!"
As they were talking, Han Shu's voice suddenly came from behind them.
Han Shu was the eldest son of the Princess of Qi and Han Jiayan. He had been strictly disciplined since childhood and received the most orthodox Confucian education.
Therefore, he naturally looked down upon fellows like Han Mo, who, as a member of the Han family, didn't study properly and spent all day thinking about martial arts.
He didn't even look at Han Mo when he spoke, which made Han Mo a little awkward.
"They arrived quite early today. Mo ge'er, you come along too!"
Han Jiayan didn't take it to heart and said directly to Han Mo.
"This..."
Han Shu frowned.
"Alright, we are all disciples of the Han family. What is there to hide? After all, when you enter officialdom in the future, you will always have to be close to them! Meeting them now will allow you to get acquainted."
After speaking, Han Jiayan directly took Han Mo's hand and walked outside.
At this point, even if Han Shu was unwilling, he could not stop it.
Han Mo grinned at Han Shu and then pointed to the sandalwood box he had placed on the table.
The attending maids immediately understood, holding the box with both hands and following behind.
Han Mo himself did not expect that his luck today was extremely good.
He had originally come to the Han family hoping to leverage their power to enter the upper echelons and open up sales channels. He hadn't expected to coincidentally meet some of the royal princes here today.
This was truly an unexpected joy. If they became his clients, then everything else would fall into place naturally.
No matter what food it was, only when it reached the royal dining table could it truly be considered high-class!
He couldn't reach the current emperor, but it was a good choice to connect with several princes.
As he thought of this, Han Mo couldn't help but feel fortunate for his decision today.
Following behind Han Jiayan, they passed through several long corridors and arrived at the main hall of the Han family.
As soon as they entered, they saw seven young men sitting upright in the main hall of the Han family.
"Your Highnesses have arrived quite early today, which has made me, an old man, unable to welcome you properly!"
Although by seniority, Han Jiayan should be considered an elder to the princes, there was still a distinction between ruler and subject, so he first cupped his hands towards the princes.