Han Daren’s boudoir pleasures were naturally not for outsiders to speak of.
Although they didn't know who had the upper hand, the next morning when the little maid helped Han Mo get up, she suddenly found several bruises on his waist and back.
"Brother Mo, what happened to you? Were you bitten by mosquitoes?"
The little maid asked Han Mo with concern.
"Is that so? You don't know, a huge mosquito suddenly appeared in the room last night, its size was truly unprecedented and unparalleled!"
Han Mo coughed dryly and simply followed the little maid's words.
"Han Mo!"
This time, Zhe Yourong was both ashamed and angry. She impatiently grabbed the quilt on the bed and threw it directly at Han Mo.
"Hahahaha, the mosquito is starting to act up again!"
After hurriedly putting on his robes, Han Mo ran out laughing heartily.
Chun Tao then understood that Han Mo was talking about Zhe Yourong all along.
But how was this different from what those old women had said?
Did one have to pinch forcefully with their hands when performing marital rites?
However, just looking at the bruises on Han Mo's body, the force of the hands was not ordinary, how painful that must have been. Was Sister Zhe also like this?
Han Mo didn't know what the little maid was thinking. After breakfast, he was once again mixed with Yuan Xingchi.
"Does Mister know of Fan Zhengguo?"
If it was Fan Zhongyan, Han Mo might have some understanding. Even Fan Chunren, he knew a little. But Fan Zhengguo, Han Mo truly knew nothing.
So at this moment, he could only seek help from Yuan Xingchi.
"Fan Zhengguo? You mean Fan Zhengguo from Fan Wenzheng’s family?"
Hearing Han Mo’s words, Yuan Xingchi was stunned.
"That’s right, precisely!"
"His reputation as an official is acceptable. He once served as a county magistrate and was the Transport Commissioner of Jinghu Beilu. Currently, he seems to be living idly in Bianliang City."
"Living idly?"
Hearing him say that, Han Mo was truly a little curious.
How could such a person be living idly in the capital?
"Mister may not know, but this person is too straightforward and therefore not liked by the powerful. Although he was not persecuted due to Fan Wenzheng Gong, the reason he is living idly in the capital is that after his term ended, he argued with his superior and resigned..."
"Resigned?"
Hearing him say that, Han Mo couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. This fellow was truly capricious.
In this era, everyone else was trying their best to get into officialdom, but he resigned on his own accord...
"Actually, if son-in-law has free time, he can have a good chat with him!"
Yuan Xingchi also said with a smile.
"Judging by your words, he is indeed an interesting person!"
...
As the two were chatting, the Ministry of Revenue's minister's office had become a marketplace.
The shopkeepers of the seventy-two official taverns were all gathered here today.
In the past, they were all busy with their own businesses.
Days like today, when they were all gathered together, were truly rare.
As merchants, when they gathered, they couldn't help but exchange pleasantries.
When many people gathered in twos and threes to chat, even at a time like today, they could still force a smile.
"Tang Daren, the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, has arrived!"
With the shout of a bailiff from outside, the entire office instantly fell silent.
"There are quite a few people here today. It seems that all the esteemed shopkeepers have arrived!"
Looking at the vast crowd, Tang Ke was truly full of spirit today.
He had just received the praise and favor of the Crown Prince last night, and now, seeing so many people giving him face, he couldn't be happier.
"Greetings, Tang Daren!"
No matter how much they detested Tang Ke in their hearts, at this moment, this basic courtesy could not be omitted.
"Since you are all here, I believe you probably know what this is about! Prices in Bianliang City have been soaring recently. I believe you have all suffered from it!"
"Tang Daren, please speak directly. Do you know why you have summoned us?"
As soon as Tang Ke finished speaking, a slightly plump middle-aged merchant stepped forward and cupped his hands towards Tang Ke.
"Your Excellency, this is Niu Siyuan from Xiangfeng Official Tavern. It is said that his patron is Prince Yun!"
Seeing Niu Siyuan step forward, a small official beside Tang Ke quickly leaned into his ear and whispered.
Hearing this, Tang Ke immediately understood. So this was someone from Prince Yun, no wonder this fellow was so bold and spoke so assertively.
"Shopkeeper Niu asks a good question. You should all know about the rebellion of Fang La in the southeast recently! The court is currently preparing a large army to suppress the rebellion, but unfortunately, military expenses are tight, so..."
Tang Ke's meaning was very clear at this point, he was clearly intending to ask them for money.
"Tang Daren, since you have spoken so directly, it would indeed be unreasonable for us merchants not to contribute something. How about this, I will contribute five thousand guan, consider it as my support for the imperial army, and the court need not return it afterwards. What do you think!"
"Shopkeeper Niu is right. While our soldiers are fighting bravely at the front, it would be truly unreasonable for us not to contribute something. I, Old Feng, will also contribute five thousand guan!"
"I will also contribute five thousand guan!"
Those who could come here were all renowned merchants in Bianliang City. They naturally understood that since Tang Ke had come knocking, they would have to spend some money.
Therefore, as soon as Niu Siyuan finished speaking, the merchants one after another began to eagerly respond.
In almost an instant, all the merchants unanimously agreed.
However, although they were speaking enthusiastically, Tang Ke's expression became increasingly displeased.
"Do you take me for a beggar asking for alms?"
Tang Ke's face turned cold, and he said with a somber expression.
"Your Excellency, why do you say that? I have truly never heard of any beggar in Bianliang City who could beg for hundreds of thousands of guan in a single day!"
Others might fear him, but Niu Siyuan did not fear this fellow.
Before coming here, he had already received a hint from Prince Yun, and his words were naturally very strong.