Fifty thousand strings of copper coins sounded like a lot, but when evenly distributed among the major families, each would only receive a few thousand strings.
Spending such a small sum to buy a good reputation for one's family, especially among scholars, was a deal that could only be profitable!
"With your words, I'll take on this task, but we must speak plainly. You, kid, don't go back on your word when it comes to paying!"
"Hahahaha, Uncle, rest assured. In life, we bring nothing, and in death, we take nothing. I, this kid, am not so foolish as to offend you over such trifles!"
Hearing Li Gang's words, Han Mo patted his chest and gave his assurance.
"With your words, I feel much more at ease. My son is now in your hands. I don't ask him to learn much from you, as long as he learns something to establish himself in life, I will be content!"
"Uncle, rest assured. From now on, all your descendants' weddings, funerals, and other major events, I will handle them all!"
"Hahahaha, it seems I, this old man, came to Mingzhou at the right time!"
Seeing Han Mo's magnanimous demeanor, Li Gang couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Father, the tea set is here!"
As the two were talking, Li Zong, with a sweat-soaked brow, holding a long parcel, hurried over.
"This child has been by my side for too long, he's just too honest..."
Looking at the sweat on Li Zong's forehead, even Li Gang couldn't help but give a wry smile.
He had merely intended to let the child step away, using a casual excuse, but he hadn't expected the child to actually rush back to the temple...
"What are you still standing around for? Go boil some water!"
Regardless, the person had run such a long distance to bring the items. Han Mo could only scold him and kicked Jiang Yan’s backside, ordering him to go boil water nearby.
"I heard that after you returned from Suzhou city this time, you specifically brought back dozens of master craftsmen? Not only did you arrange residences for them, but you also gave them tens of strings of coins?"
With Li Zong's return, Han Mo and the others' conversation naturally became more relaxed.
Li Gang asked casually while drinking.
"It is true. These people were hard-won from His Highness Prince Xin. I put in a lot of effort to get them."
Han Mo did not hide anything from him, after all, gunpowder, while a supreme weapon when used as an arm, could also save a lot of manpower and material resources when used for mining.
"The formula for gunpowder, that cannot be leaked!"
Hearing Han Mo's open admission, Li Gang also casually remarked while drinking.
"Uncle, rest assured, I am aware of the importance of this! I invited them to help the navy design a new weapon. After all, the weather at sea is unpredictable. On a sunny day, the eight-ox crossbow is enough to deter all sides, but if it's raining heavily, the power of the crossbow and arrows will be greatly reduced! These merchant ships bring tens of millions of strings of revenue to the Great Song Dynasty every year, so the court should naturally provide them with corresponding protection!"
This was a pre-planned explanation Han Mo had thought of, and it was undoubtedly effective in dealing with Li Gang at this moment.
After all, the current revenue of the Maritime Trade Office spoke for itself. Forget Li Gang, even if the Emperor himself came, Han Mo's explanation would leave him speechless.
"What you say is true, but you must be careful. If these scoundrels get their hands on this thing, it could lead to endless disaster!"
"Yes!"
After drinking tea with Li Gang and the others for a while, Han Mo then led the father and son back to Mingzhou city.
"Uncle, since you are unwilling to stay in my residence, then I am afraid I can only trouble you to stay in this small courtyard!"
When the carriage stopped again, Han Mo had already brought Li Gang and his son to the gate of a courtyard.
"This old man is currently penniless. The monthly salary from the court is probably just enough for my son and me to barely fill our stomachs. I have no extra money for you!"
After surveying the surroundings, Li Gang said with a smile.
"Uncle is joking. You traveled all the way from Xishu to get here, and a mere courtyard is something I can afford to offer you!"
Li Gang was well aware of Han Mo's current situation. Although Fan Zheng Guo had repeatedly written to him, telling him not to be polite with this young man, Li Gang still felt a little embarrassed.
"I will not accept favors without merit. It's better this way. I will only temporarily stay in this house, and we can discuss future matters later!"
"As Uncle says, so it shall be. Everything inside has been prepared. If the people below have missed anything, please just let me know!"
As Han Mo spoke, he led the father and son into the courtyard.
Although the courtyard was not very large, covering only about two to three mu of land in total with the front and back courtyards, it was advantageous in its tranquil environment. Nearby was a primary school, and the sounds of children reading could occasionally be heard.
While the scenery in the courtyard was not considered top-notch, the bamboo grove growing in the backyard truly gave Li Gang a feeling of returning home.
"Sir!"
Seeing Han Mo arriving with people, a middle-aged man in his forties, accompanied by two maids, immediately stepped forward to greet them.
"Uncle, this is Du Zhong, the steward I've hired for you. If you need anything, you can just instruct them to do it!"
"You are very thoughtful, kid. It seems I, this old man, can rest assured and retire in Mingzhou city!"
Led by Du Zhong, after touring the entire place, Li Gang nodded with satisfaction.
Han Mo had considered everything, from food, clothing, and accommodation, for this residence.
Han Mo had replaced all the furniture with new ones. Whether it was writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, or firewood, rice, oil, and salt, Han Mo had considered everything that Li Gang could think of. He had even specifically hired a cook from Liangxi, taking care of every aspect of their lives perfectly.
The father and son could directly move in with their bags and begin to enjoy their new perfect life.
"Uncle, you are not old yet. Look at Prime Minister Cai, he is still a prime minister at over seventy years old. By that calculation, you still have at least twenty to thirty more years to work!"
"Hahahaha, this old man does not have the thick skin of Prime Minister Cai!"