As the carriage traveled, Fan Zhengguo finally appreciated its ingenuity.
Although most of the roads in Bianliang City were paved with bluestone slabs, even his luxurious official carriage still jolted when it drove on them.
However, sitting in Li Gang's carriage, he felt absolutely no bumpiness.
"As expected, a good thing!"
"I wonder how this kid's mind works, to be able to twist such things to his will!"
Seeing the surprise on Fan Zhengguo's face, Li Gang couldn't help but chuckle and say.
"Isn't that the truth? This guy always has surprising moves. Even I admire him a little in this regard! Never mind that, let's talk about you. Do you have any plans now that you're back?"
After a few moments of reflection, Fan Zhengguo smiled and changed the subject again.
He knew Li Gang's situation better than anyone. Li Gang possessed the talent of a prime minister, but his temperament was too straightforward.
If this aspect couldn't be changed, even if Han Mo brought him back, Li Gang would likely be kicked out of Bianliang City by the emperor again before long.
"What plans can I have? I'm already this old, and I don't expect to get promoted or become rich. As long as I can do some real work, I'll be content!"
"Just for these words, I really should offer that kid a good drink when I see him again!"
Although Li Gang didn't say it directly, his words had subtly conveyed his attitude to Fan Zhengguo.
Even the cynical Li Gang had been changed by this kid, making Fan Zhengguo truly curious as to what reason he had used to persuade Li Gang.
"Hahahaha, that's your business. I can't control it!"
As the two were chatting, the carriage suddenly stopped.
"What happened?"
Looking at the unfamiliar surroundings outside, Fan Zhengguo asked with some confusion.
"My lord, someone just delivered a letter, saying it was urgent and you must read it!"
"Oh?"
Taking the envelope from the carriage window with some doubt, Fan Zhengguo even glanced at Li Gang.
"Since it's a private letter for you, you should read it quickly. If you're not at ease, shall I step away for a moment?"
Seeing the puzzled expression on Fan Zhengguo's face, Li Gang asked half-jokingly.
"What are you talking about? With our friendship, if I don't trust you, who else in the court can I trust?"
After a light chuckle, Fan Zhengguo opened the envelope.
However, after reading the contents of the letter, his entire face turned pale.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Seeing the shocked expression on his face, Li Gang quickly asked.
"You read it yourself!"
Fan Zhengguo said as he handed the letter in his hand to Li Gang.
"The Jurchen movements are unclear, suspected to be preparing for a southern invasion!"
Although there were only thirteen short characters, they made Li Gang's expression turn solemn.
"Is this news reliable?"
Li Gang asked, looking back at Fan Zhengguo.
"Where is the messenger?"
Fan Zhengguo did not answer his question but instead pushed open the carriage door and bent down to get out.
"That person was waiting at the manor gate. After leaving the letter, he left..."
Hearing Fan Zhengguo's question, the Fan family servant quickly replied.
"Do you remember what he looked like?"
"Th-this, this humble servant didn't see him directly. The gatekeeper received the letter..."
"This drink is probably out of the question. Why don't you come back to the manor with me!"
After hearing the servant's words, Fan Zhengguo lost his appetite for drinking and could only smile wryly and cup his hands at Li Gang.
"We are friends, there's no need for formality. Since you have something to do, go ahead and attend to it! You don't need to worry about things here. You can borrow this carriage. I'll head to the Ministry of Personnel first!"
Regardless of whether this news was true or false, Li Gang, having been in officialdom for so many years, naturally understood that if this news were proven true, the imperial court would soon face a huge storm.
At such a critical moment, to stay informed of accurate news, he had to be in the right position from the outset!
"Alright, then I won't stand on ceremony! I'll have them wait for you outside the Ministry of Personnel later!"
The situation was urgent, and Fan Zhengguo could no longer afford to care about politeness. He thanked Li Gang and immediately got back into the carriage.
Li Gang, carrying a small bundle, got off the carriage, rented another carriage by the Bian Bridge, and headed straight to the Ministry of Personnel.
"My lord, this is a sketch based on the gatekeeper's description!"
Half an hour later, Fan Zhengguo was already in his study when the old steward of the manor cautiously placed a portrait in front of him.
Looking at the extremely ordinary face, Fan Zhengguo fell into deep thought.
This news had come too mysteriously. If he thought it was fake, he couldn't figure out why anyone would fabricate such false news for him.
But if the news was true, then who was the person who delivered it?
"I'll write you a letter. You will immediately go to the Prince of Xin's mansion yourself!"
After some hesitation, Fan Zhengguo still wanted to hear Zhao Zhen's opinion.
After all, Han Mo was thousands of miles away, and Zhao Zhen was the only one he could discuss this with...
No matter what, Xu Churen was still the Grand Administrator of Daming at this time!
If there were any significant developments, Zhao Zhen should have more up-to-date information than him, shouldn't he?
In his current position, he dared not present such information of unknown origin to the court without verifying its authenticity...
"Yes!"
Seeing the solemn expression on his face, the old steward quickly replied.
"My lord, why are you looking for me in such a hurry? Is there something important?"
An hour later, Zhao Zhen finally arrived at Fan Zhengguo's residence again.
"To be frank, I invited Your Highness here today because there is something I wish to ask Your Highness!"
After sending all the servants away, Fan Zhengguo lowered his voice and said.
"My lord, please speak frankly if you have something to say!"
Seeing the solemn expression on his face, Zhao Zhen also became inexplicably nervous.
"A little over an hour ago, someone sent me a letter. I would like to ask Your Highness to help me verify the truth of this news!"