“Go then, who’s afraid…”
Though he said it, a flicker of apprehension began to stir within Li Bao.
These were all official constables of the imperial court, specifically from the Ying Feng Bureau.
Normally, the constables of the Su-Hang Ying Feng Bureau could act with impunity within the Su-Hang region.
The only reason he had killed Zhu Cheng today was due to a momentary lapse, not out of intent.
Yet, this young man standing before him had, with barely a word exchanged, dispatched over thirty men. Facing such a ruthless individual, even though he usually considered himself skilled in martial arts, Li Bao now had to muster all his focus.
Despite the chaos and turmoil everywhere, the sudden death of so many people had caused the onlookers on the street to vanish without a trace.
Not long after Han Mo and his group departed, patrolling soldiers arrived.
However, at this moment, the empty street was filled only with corpses. Investigating at this time would be difficult, if not impossible.
Furthermore, the deceased were Zhu Cheng and his constables. With Zong Ze currently searching the entirety of Suzhou for them, these patrolling soldiers would hardly want to create trouble for themselves.
“Where are we going?”
As the imperial posthouse came into view, Li Bao’s heart began to tremble.
Logically, after killing so many people, shouldn't they be fleeing the city immediately?
Heading into the imperial posthouse now felt like walking into a death trap.
If they were recognized, there would be nowhere to run.
“Are you afraid I’ll sell you out?”
Han Mo asked with a casual, unconcerned smile.
“If you’re not afraid, why should I be…”
Caught in his tracks by Han Mo, Li Bao felt a touch of embarrassment but mumbled his reply.
“If you’re not afraid, then why ask? Rest assured, if anyone inquires about today’s events, you will simply say you did nothing but met me on the street, chatted for a while, and then returned to the posthouse with me for a drink!”
Han Mo smiled, patted Li Bao’s shoulder, and led the way towards the posthouse.
“What are you waiting for? Didn’t my lord say he wants to treat you to a drink?”
Seeing Li Bao standing dumbfounded, Xu Fengnian chuckled and said.
“Your lord?”
Li Bao was stunned. What was happening?
Could this fellow be an official of the court?
But would any court official dare to lay hands on Zhu Cheng?
Not just in Suzhou city, but perhaps the entire realm would be hard-pressed to find such a bold official.
The emperor’s favor towards Zhu Mian and his son was evident from the things they had done over the years.
An official of the court daring to execute so many imperial constables on the street—the more he thought about it, the more something felt amiss.
Could it be?
Just then, a possibility suddenly struck Li Bao.
Could this fellow be an official from the Liao Kingdom?
At this thought, Li Bao began to hesitate.
From a personal standpoint, this man had saved him today, and he shouldn't be picking a quarrel with him. But from a moral standpoint, the Song and Liao dynasties were ancient enemies. Even if he were just a common man, he wouldn’t want to be allied with the Liao.
“Brother Li, what are you hesitating about? Are you afraid to have a drink?”
Seeing his hesitant expression, Jiang Yan turned back and asked with a smile.
“It’s just a drink, what’s there to be afraid of? Do you intend to poison me?”
At his words, Li Bao no longer hesitated.
However, he had made up his mind. Even though they had saved him, if it meant betraying his country, he absolutely refused.
“My lord!”
Seeing Han Mo return, Liang Hongyu stepped forward to pay her respects.
“Have them prepare a fine spread of food and wine, then you may go rest.”
Though he had said she would stay by his side as a maid, Han Mo had no intention of treating her like a servant.
“Yes!”
Liang Hongyu acknowledged, turned, and headed towards the side hall. Han Mo, meanwhile, led Li Bao to a nearby chamber.
“Have someone find him a clean set of clothes. Let him change out of what he’s wearing, and then we can properly enjoy our drinks!”
“This… I wonder if Young Master is…”
Li Bao trailed off, feeling a bit awkward. Logically, as the man had saved him, he shouldn't pry if his identity was inconvenient to reveal.
But judging by the demeanor Han Mo had displayed along the way, Li Bao felt increasingly uneasy and fearful.
“Are you afraid I’m a Liao spy?”
Seeing his hesitant expression, Han Mo could guess what was on his mind.
“This…”
Li Bao flushed with embarrassment.
“Hahahaha, if I were truly a Liao national, what do you suppose Brother Li would do?”
The more embarrassed Li Bao became, the more amused Han Mo found it.
Given Li Bao’s current predicament, if Han Mo were indeed a Liao spy, he was curious how Li Bao would deal with him.
“Song and Liao shall not coexist. Li Bao would rather become a bandit than serve the Liao!”
After a moment’s hesitation, Li Bao finally spoke his mind.
Having said this, Li Bao felt a pang of guilt for potentially offending Han Mo, but simultaneously, a sense of relief washed over him.
“Hahahaha, Brother Li, you are truly a man of character. I judged you correctly!”
“My lord is Han Mo, the Official in Charge of Grain and Funds for the Southeast Six-Route Pacification Commission!”
At Han Mo’s signal, Jiang Yan revealed Han Mo’s identity.
“You are a court official?”
Li Bao’s eyes widened. How could this be?
How could a court official dare to kill so many imperial constables?
“Why can’t I be a court official? And perhaps you don’t know this, but Prince Xin has already ordered the apprehension of Zhu Mian and his son, the disbandment of the Su-Hang Ying Feng Bureau, and a thorough investigation into any illegal activities by all personnel within the Ying Feng Bureaus across the southeast!”
Seeing Li Bao’s astonishment, Han Mo smiled and revealed another earth-shattering piece of news.
“But then why did you just now…”
Li Bao felt his mind reeling.
If Han Mo’s current statement was true, then why had he attacked those constables earlier?
Wouldn’t it have been better to simply have them arrested and brought to justice according to the law?