"I could certainly have them arrested directly, but what about you? Even if he truly deserved to die, you killed someone, and that's an undeniable fact!"
Han Mo spoke as he reached for a cup of tea and poured it for himself.
"I..."
Li Bao was momentarily stunned, but he quickly realized that what Han Mo said was indeed true.
Han Mo could indeed hand these people over to the imperial court, but given the current situation of the court, for a confessed murderer like him, there would be no need for interrogation; he could be directly thrown into the death row.
If the war were to become urgent, these death row inmates would be sent to the front lines until they fell in battle.
"Thank you, sir, for saving my life!"
After taking a deep breath, Li Bao stood up and knelt before Han Mo.
"Alright, let's not talk about that. I see you have good martial arts skills, why have you fallen into such dire straits?"
"What's the use of having good martial arts? I joined the army twice, and they found me too hungry both times, so I was driven out..."
As he said this, Li Bao himself felt a bit embarrassed.
Even Jiang Yan almost burst out laughing; the reason was too absurd.
"Too much to eat?"
Although Han Mo found it very funny, upon closer thought, such a thing was indeed possible.
After all, grain prices were soaring at this time, and the officers of the local garrisons wished their subordinates were as small as sparrows.
If they encountered someone with a large appetite, it would be quite normal to exclude him.
"Since joining the army didn't work out, what are your plans now?"
"What plans can I have? Originally, I planned to see if I could join General Zhong's command, but now..."
As Li Bao said this, his eyes couldn't help but dim. Now he had committed a homicide, and if he were recognized, it would truly be a dead end.
"Since you have nowhere to go, are you interested in joining the navy?"
"The navy?"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Li Bao was startled.
"Forget the navy, they are too poor..."
Although Li Bao was eager to join the army, he felt a certain reluctance at the thought of becoming a naval soldier.
After all, among the various navies in the world today, except for the fleet that was always stationed in Jinming Lake, the remaining naval forces were all part of the local garrisons.
With a single command, there would be about one to two hundred men, and these men often went hungry.
Joining the navy at this time was simply going to starve.
"Don't refuse so quickly. The navy I'm talking about is different from the ones you know! Even the most ordinary soldiers will receive at least ten strings of cash in bonus pay every month, in addition to their regular military pay! Of course, the food on board might not be that great, but it will definitely be enough to fill your stomach!"
"How come I've never heard of such a navy?"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Li Bao frowned.
Based on the treatment Han Mo described, it wasn't just the navy; even the elite Shenwu Army, one of the Four Armies, didn't have such benefits.
Ten strings of cash in bonus pay every month, and that was for the most ordinary soldiers.
If one could achieve something within it, after a few years of service, one could even save a fortune.
"Whether you've heard of it or not, I'm just asking if you want to go?"
"Yes! Of course, I want to. Only a fool wouldn't want to!"
Li Bao shot up abruptly, as if afraid that if he didn't respond quickly, Han Mo would no longer want him.
"With your martial arts skills, would you dare to be a commander?"
Seeing his excited demeanor, Han Mo threw out another bait.
"Lord Han, are you joking with me..."
Despite his happiness, Li Bao's expression immediately turned into a wry smile.
Not to mention whether he, with no achievements to his name, could even qualify as a commander.
Han Mo himself was currently just an official in the Southeast Six Routes Pacification Commission; how could he decide the fate of a commander?
"Are you afraid I don't have the authority?"
Han Mo understood his meaning, but facing such a treasure, he really didn't intend to let go.
"I wouldn't dare, it's just..."
As he said this, Li Bao felt a little embarrassed himself.
"You think I might be bragging? How about this: starting today, you will follow me, and I will give you a monthly salary of fifty strings of cash. If within six months you cannot become a commander, I, Han Mo, will give you an additional five thousand strings of cash, and then I will let you return home. What do you think?"
"Fi-fifty strings of cash..."
Li Bao's eyes widened. Let alone fifty strings, he didn't even have fifty copper coins on him at the moment.
Not long ago, he had resolved that as long as someone could provide him with three meals a day, he would even do jobs like murder and arson. What's more, a monthly salary of fifty strings of cash!
"You may not have heard of my lord's reputation, but my lord's father-in-law is General Zhe Kucun!"
Seeing Li Bao's shocked expression, Jiang Yan immediately added another blow.
"Aren't you kidding me, sir?"
After a long pause, Li Bao finally managed to suppress his excitement.
"With all that ragged clothing you're wearing, what else do you have that my lord would bother to deceive?"
Before Han Mo could speak, Jiang Yan couldn't help but add.
"Don't be rude!"
Although Jiang Yan's words were harsh, Li Bao himself understood that it seemed to be the case. Apart from this ragged appearance, there seemed to be nothing else worth deceiving Han Mo about.
If Han Mo had truly intended to harm him, having Jiang Yan attack him directly on the street earlier would have left him with no chance to retaliate, and he would already be in prison by now.
"This brother is right. I, Li Bao, was being pretentious. My benefactor saved my life today and has now shown me a clear path. From now on, my life belongs to you!"
"Hahaha, you mustn't say that. I think it's better if you go take a bath and change your clothes first. Their food and wine should be almost ready. Since there's nothing else to do today, let's have a good drink!"
"Yes!"
Although Li Bao was simple and honest, once he recognized Han Mo, he was very clear about his position.
Seeing Li Bao's honest demeanor, Han Mo was extremely satisfied.
Of course, Han Mo decisively chose to forget the fact that the navy he mentioned currently only had Li Bao as its sole member.