"If that's the case, doesn't that mean between Song and Jin..."
"Instead of worrying about that here, you'd do better to think about other things. Such matters are for the big figures to ponder. As for us, we just need to do our jobs! Oh, by the way, did you ask about that matter I mentioned to you last time?"
After a light laugh, Han Mo directly changed the subject.
What he needed to do now was to make money in silence. He had already garnered enough attention. For the time being, he had no intention of meddling in court affairs; he only wanted to properly manage his own influence.
"You mean the master craftsmen from the ordnance department's gunpowder workshops?"
"Nonsense, what else could it be!"
"I asked about that for you, but my identity makes it a bit inconvenient. From what I heard from the Prince, it seems he's waiting for you to speak up yourself..."
Although a little displeased that Han Mo had abruptly changed the topic, Zong Ying understood that Han Mo didn't want to dwell on this matter.
"If that's the case, then it seems like now is the perfect time for me to leave!"
"Leave now?"
"Why not? I've been out for so long, and I've already done what I needed to do. There's a mountain of things waiting for me in Mingzhou City. I can't just stay in Suzhou forever, can I!"
Han Mo spoke while shrugging his shoulders.
"I'll try to secure this. Give me two more days!"
After listening to Han Mo, Zong Ying let out a wry smile. He knew this was a game of chess between Zhao Zhen and Han Mo.
Han Mo was waiting for Zhao Zhen to personally come calling, and Zhao Zhen was waiting for Han Mo to speak first. Neither of them was willing to concede defeat, and he, caught between them, found himself in an exceptionally difficult position...
Although he felt a slight discomfort, Zong Ying understood that there were many things Han Mo could do that others couldn't.
For instance, how could he, right under everyone's noses, force Zhao Zhen back to Bianliang City!
Everyone knew that Zhao Zhen's status would be vastly different after his return to the capital.
A power struggle was unfolding in Bianliang City, and at this critical juncture, the sooner Zhao Zhen returned, the more benefits he could seize.
If this matter were delayed by a few more months, by the time the Emperor had finalized the appointments for the Grand Councilors, Vice Grand Councilors, Joint Councilors of the Privy Council, and the Minor Chancellors, Zhao Zhen would receive significantly less!
"Alright, two days it is! I'll depart for Mingzhou promptly on the morning of the day after tomorrow!"
"Brother Han, I know you've endured much hardship in this matter, but..."
Zong Ying trailed off, unsure how to continue.
"That's enough, brother. We don't need to be so formal with each other. At times like this, we should stand together. If anything happens in the future, that will be a matter for the future!"
"You're right, if anything happens in the future, that will be a matter for the future!"
After a few more pleasantries, Zong Ying rose and left Han Mo's small courtyard, heading directly to the Pacification Commissioner's office.
"Your Highness, Lord Zong is here to see you!"
Half an hour later, Zhao Zhen, who was reviewing documents in his study, suddenly heard the voice of a servant from outside the door.
"Please let him in!"
Regardless of anything else, Zhao Zhen still had some regard for Zong Ying. Even if there had been some unpleasantness between them in the past, Zhao Zhen still had to rely on Zong Ying.
After all, Zong Ying knew too much, and he had intricate connections with the important figures around Zhao Zhen. If anything were to happen, Zong Ying would be the best mediator.
"Sir, are you here to see me about something?"
As soon as Zong Ying entered the room, Zhao Zhen said with a smile.
"I'm here regarding Your Highness's return to the capital. Does Your Highness have any thoughts on the matter at present?"
Hearing this question, Zhao Zhen was taken aback.
"Sir, have you heard something?"
Zhao Zhen hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"I wouldn't dare conceal anything from Your Highness. I have indeed heard some less-than-favorable news. It is said that the court is currently considering candidates for the position of Vice Grand Councilor and Joint Councilor of the Privy Council..."
At this point, Zong Ying stopped speaking. After all, one only needed to hint at matters to a wise person; what he had said was sufficient.
According to court regulations, although there could only be one Grand Councilor and one Vice Grand Councilor, there was no explicit limit on the number of individuals holding the position of Joint Councilor of the Privy Council.
The current Grand Councilor was Tong Guan, and the Vice Grand Councilor position had been vacant. At this crucial moment, the Emperor's sudden mention of this matter clearly indicated his intention to guard against Zhao Zhen!
After all, there were only so many important positions in the court. What should be given to you and what can be given to you were entirely different matters!
Take the positions in the Privy Council for example. If the positions of Grand Councilor and Vice Grand Councilor were already occupied, and the Minor Chancellor was also taken, then even with your greatest contributions, you could only be reluctantly appointed as a Joint Councilor of the Privy Council, and perhaps compensated elsewhere.
If you thought your great contributions would grant you authority in the Privy Council, you would be gravely mistaken!
Civil officials placed great importance on seniority. Among those of the same rank, the earlier one assumed office, the greater their influence.
Of course, this was under normal circumstances. For instance, Wang Anshi, even when merely a Commissioner of Pastures and Livestock, could openly berate the Chancellor day in and day out.
However, it was clear that neither Wang Xiang nor Zhong Shidao possessed the ability to contend with the "Prime Minister."
If the Emperor shamelessly appointed three to five individuals to the Privy Council before their return, they would likely have to suffer in silence...
"Is this news reliable?"
Zhao Zhen gritted his teeth, finally unable to sit still.
The positions of Vice Grand Councilor and Joint Councilor of the Privy Council were entirely different matters!
As a Prince, upon his return, he would at most receive an honorary title. Unless he were to succeed the throne, there would be no room for advancement.
If Zhong Shidao and Wang Xiang also suffered a setback, he would truly have nowhere to turn to cry!
"The news came from His Highness the Prince of Yue. Your Highness should understand..."
Upon hearing Zong Ying mention the Prince of Yue, Zhao Zhen immediately became uneasy.
His uncle really had no reason to joke with him about such a matter at this time!
"I heard you visited Brother Han today?"