"You want me to go..."
As Zong Ying said this, his eyes widened.
"No, no, no, don't let your mind run wild here. I just need you to cover something up for me!"
"Cover something up?"
"That's right. I need to go back to the capital for about ten days. During this time, you'll need to cover for me, especially keeping it from Feng Yi!"
After picking up the teacup in front of him and taking a sip, Han Mo said slowly.
"Are you kidding me? You're the Commissioner of Liangzhe and Fujian now. Going back to the capital privately at this time could cost you your head!"
As soon as Han Mo finished speaking, Zong Ying's eyes widened, and he quickly lowered his voice.
"That's why I said this is a matter of life and death!"
"No, absolutely not!"
Zong Ying refused without a second thought.
If this matter were exposed, not only would Han Mo be ruined, but everyone around him would likely suffer. At this time, Zhe Yourong was pregnant. If Han Mo were to do something like this and something happened to him, how would he explain it to Zhe Yourong?
"Listen to me, I have to do this, and I have to do it myself. Although this matter is indeed very dangerous, besides me, who else do you think can come out of it unscathed?"
Han Mo understood his concerns, but at this point, he couldn't think of any other way to resolve the current predicament besides going back himself.
To get rid of Cai Jing and Tong Guan and their faction, a grand plan was needed.
If it were according to history, he might have had enough time to deal with them slowly. However, with the peace talks happening, Han Mo understood that history had already gone off course. In such a situation, it was difficult for him to determine what would happen next and when.
To ensure that no major changes occurred later, he had to eliminate Cai Jing and Tong Guan, the two biggest variables, as soon as possible.
Without Cai Jing, Geng Nanzhong, Huang Qianshan, Tong Guan, Cai You, and Zhang Bangchang, Han Mo could confidently carry out his next plan.
"No, there's no need to discuss it further. I won't agree. If something happens to you, how will I explain it to your sister-in-law? We can find another way."
No matter what Han Mo said, Zong Ying shook his head like a rattle drum, refusing to agree no matter what.
"I don't intend to keep this from her, so you don't have to explain it to her."
"You... what did you say?"
After hearing Han Mo's words, Zong Ying couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
"Think carefully. If she's not involved, can you keep it a secret on your own?"
"You're crazy, you must be crazy!"
Looking at Han Mo's clear eyes, Zong Ying felt a headache coming on.
This kid was completely insane, and not just a little bit!
Why would he give up being a powerful regional official and risk going back at this time? Was he sick?
"As I said, when duty calls, I, Han Mo, will not falter!"
After saying what he needed to say, Han Mo quieted down again, calmly waiting for Zong Ying's choice.
"Why must you do this!"
After a long while, Zong Ying finally said with a bitter smile.
"It's like being forced onto a duck's back. Besides, I might not get into trouble. Don't forget, since I, Han Mo, started my career, when have I ever been in the thick of it without getting a single leaf on me?"
"Let's make one thing clear: I'll only agree if your sister-in-law is willing! If she's not, I won't agree no matter what you say!"
After a few more moments of thought, Zong Ying said reluctantly.
"Of course, she'll tell you herself tomorrow morning!"
"Bianliang is under the jurisdiction of the Imperial City Department. What you're doing is too risky!"
Although Zong Ying knew his words were useless and wouldn't deter Han Mo, he couldn't help but speak.
"Don't worry, the Imperial City Department isn't omnipotent. Don't forget, I grew up in Bianliang too! Moreover, I'm not the same person I used to be. The Horse Racing Association and the Cuju Association have already tied too many interests. Do you think they'll go back after benefiting so much?"
Han Mo said this with a look of disdain in his eyes.
Whether it was the imperial nobles or the various characters who relied on the two associations for their livelihoods, they wouldn't want anything to happen to Han Mo.
It was easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go from luxury to frugality. For most people, maintaining the status quo was their way of survival.
Allowing Han Mo to fall at this time would only lead to a massive reshuffling of power!
"I can't argue with you!"
Seeing his self-assured demeanor, Zong Ying shut his mouth in frustration.
"Alright, that's enough of that. Let's go, we'll stop here for today. Go back and rest tonight, and we'll talk about other things tomorrow!"
Han Mo smiled and didn't say anything more. He waved to Jiang Yan, who was lurking nearby with a shifty look.
Seeing Han Mo wave, Jiang Yan quickly came over.
"Let's go, back to the temporary camp!"
"Yes!"
Upon returning to the temporary camp, Han Mo and Zong Ying returned to their respective rooms, both lost in thought.
The next morning, Zong Ying, with large dark circles under his eyes, had just listlessly eaten a little something when Han Mo walked in with Zhe Yourong.
"You all go down first. We'll talk here ourselves!"
"Yes!"
After ushering out the servants, Han Mo gave Jiang Yan another look. Jiang Yan immediately led a few brothers to secure all the hiding spots and entrances and exits around the courtyard.
After confirming that no one was around, he nodded to Han Mo again.
"You tell him."
Seeing Jiang Yan nod, Han Mo smiled at Zhe Yourong.
"Tell him what? Sister-in-law, I'm not trying to criticize you, but he's gone mad. How can you go mad with him?"
Before Zhe Yourong could speak, Zong Ying, with a face full of hardship and grievance, couldn't help but speak first.
"Brother-in-law, husband and wife are one body. Since he has decided to do this, I naturally shouldn't stop him!"
After exchanging a glance with Han Mo, Zhe Yourong also revealed a sweet smile.
"You're both crazy! You two are truly crazy!"
Looking at the knowing smiles on their faces, Zong Ying suddenly felt wronged. He couldn't understand these two at all.
Were the two of them mentally ill, or had he gone mad?