He first extricated himself, then casually stated his position and issued a subtle warning to Zhao Kai.
I am the son-in-law of the Shenzong Emperor. I've navigated the imperial court for so long; though I hold no actual power now, I am not someone your generation can use as a pawn!
"Brother Nine, if you enjoy tea, my residence recently received a batch of new tea. I'll have someone send some over for you."
Zhao Kai smiled faintly but didn't say much, merely casting a meaningful glance at Han Mo.
This left Han Mo utterly bewildered.
Why had this fellow always looked at him with such a unique gaze? Could it be that he knew Han Mo was a transmigrator?
However, he quickly dismissed this possibility. He hadn't done anything significant yet, aside from disciplining Cai Shu.
Wait!
Could it be that he had witnessed the disciplining of Cai Shu?
But that shouldn't be it either.
"That would be most appreciated, Brother Three. I don't have many hobbies myself, other than enjoying tea tasting. Unlike you and elder brother, who help His Majesty with state affairs daily,"
Seeing the warning in Zhao Kai's eyes, Zhao Gou paid it no mind, merely smiling as he spoke.
After pondering for a long time without any clarity, Han Mo lost interest in trying to guess the machinations between these brothers.
After all, no matter how well he understood historical facts, the complex schemes among princes could never truly be recorded in history books.
In any case, he was just a small fry now, still a hundred thousand miles away from participating in these princes' power struggles.
Rather than watching them tear each other apart, he'd rather achieve his own objective quickly and head to his next destination.
"Uncle-Ancestor, during these festive times, this is a small token of my respect I prepared for you."
With that thought, Han Mo cleared his throat, took the sandalwood box from the maid, and held it up high before Han Jiayan.
"You child, your monthly allowance is limited, why prepare something for this old man?"
Although Han Jiayan spoke thus, his face displayed an expression of approval.
With gifts, whether they are precious or not is not the most important thing; the most important aspect is Han Mo's sincere intention.
Especially in front of these princes, as for the gifts themselves, what treasures haven't they seen in this world? Having this kind of intention is enough to showcase the Han family's upbringing to these princes.
Although Zhao Huan has been established as the Crown Prince, the current Emperor's actions in recent years.
Have truly made all the officials in the court dizzy.
While Zhao Huan holds the legitimate claim, Emperor Huizong's fondness for Prince Yun over the years.
Has astonished everyone!
One must know that His Highness Prince Yun currently holds the concurrent position of Director of the Imperial City Department.
Although this post may seem insignificant, there has never been a precedent for a prince to concurrently hold the position of Director of the Imperial City Department.
One must know, the so-called Imperial City Department is essentially a weakened version of the later Jin Yi Wei.
However, its scale is indeed not as large as the Jin Yi Wei, and its sphere of influence is confined within Bianliang City.
Furthermore, it does not possess the authority to arrest people. But, when it comes to gathering intelligence, it is absolutely unparalleled!
As such, this post has always been personally held by the Emperor himself, or assigned to imperial eunuchs.
At this juncture, the Emperor personally entrusting this post to Prince Yun carries a profound and somewhat inscrutable meaning!
However, regardless of anything else, at present, all the talented princes in Tokyo are basically gathered here. No matter who ascends to the throne in the future, making them look upon the Han family with favor will be beneficial.
"Uncle-Ancestor, you jest. I receive much protection from you in Tokyo. Although my purse is lean, a token of my regard is still necessary!"
As Han Mo spoke, he directly handed over the box.
"Alright, alright, I accept this. You may sit now. It just so happens that you are benefiting from the presence of several princes today, and can also have a taste of this peerless tea."
Han Jiayan spoke as he placed the box Han Mo handed over onto a nearby table.
"Brother-in-law, I've long heard that the Han family disciples are strictly disciplined and well-educated. Seeing you today indeed proves it's extraordinary."
Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, spoke first.
His words struck a chord with Han Jiayan, even this old fox, despite his wariness, showed a more radiant smile at this moment.
"Father, since several princes are present today, why don't we let them see what gift Mo-ge has prepared for you!"
Seeing Han Jiayan place his gift aside, Han Mo was still fretting about how to get him to open the box in front of everyone.
But he hadn't even spoken when Han Shu, seated beside him, could no longer contain himself.
Of course, he wasn't intentionally trying to help, but seeing Han Mo steal the spotlight today made him inwardly resentful.
He had always looked down on Han Mo, this freeloader, and today, seeing Han Mo bask in such glory in front of everyone, it made him so jealous he was almost driven mad.
"That's a valid point. I am indeed curious, what is inside this box?"
Seeing the Han family members actively sabotaging themselves, Zhao Gou smiled and casually remarked.
"This..."
As Han Jiayan spoke, he cast a complex glance at his son.
In the past, he thought his son was quite good, whether in his studies or other matters; he had rarely caused him any worry.
But today, he realized his son had absolutely no talent for receiving guests and entertaining them.
Making Han Mo look foolish on such an occasion would be equivalent to making the Han family lose face!
However, since Zhao Gou had already stepped forward to fan the flames, if he didn't play along now, the matter truly wouldn't pass.
"Mo-ge, you see..."
Han Jiayan knew very well that Han Mo's monthly allowance was meager.
Although he also received a salary from the Imperial Academy, in the end, it was only a few strings of cash per month.
After deducting their living expenses, what remained would likely be a mere two or three.
He, a son-in-law of the imperial family, was well aware of how high the cost of living was in Tokyo. If the box contained something truly worthless upon opening, it would be a far greater loss of face than today's situation...
"That's certainly no problem. This is something I made myself, and it's quite fitting for the esteemed princes to appraise!"
Seeing Han Shu's triumphant smirk, Han Mo almost burst out laughing.
This fellow is a professional supporting comedian!