"Your methods are too lenient!"
After a full ten seconds, Han Mo finally stated his judgment.
"Too lenient?"
Yuan Bao's mouth twitched several times. It took him a long time to confirm that Han Mo wasn't being sarcastic.
"That's right. Look here. These are already prisoners of war you've acquired, and you still allow them three days of rest each month, with no more than five hours of labor per day? Do you think they'll be grateful to you for doing this?"
As Han Mo spoke, he placed the booklet in front of Feng Yuan Bao.
"This..."
Feng Yuan Bao was indeed stumped by Han Mo's question.
If one really thought about it, it did seem to be the case. Since those people were in their hands, living in darkness every day, only able to mine in underground caves and engaged in the most arduous physical labor, one could imagine how much resentment they would have towards them.
Expecting these people to be grateful was wishful thinking.
"Since they won't be grateful to you, then what are you doing this for? Don't tell me it's about compassion or righteousness. Those words are for our own people. These Japanese and Goryeo people don't deserve them!"
After hearing Han Mo's words, Feng Yuan Bao was stunned. At this moment, he was truly curious why Han Mo harbored such great resentment towards these Japanese people.
"Then, does the adult mean..."
"You figure out the specifics yourselves. I only have one thing to say: ten years from now, I hope there isn't a single Japanese man running around freely on that small island! The best place for a good Japanese person is the mine pit!"
After Han Mo finished speaking, Feng Yuan Bao couldn't help but tremble all over.
Indeed, when those who wield the pen become ruthless, they are beyond compare!
"You still have pity for them?"
Seeing the beads of sweat on Feng Yuan Bao's forehead, Han Mo suddenly asked with a smile.
"The adult is joking. If we talk about pity, your subordinate pities the Japanese maidens..."
As Feng Yuan Bao spoke, he quickly gave a dry laugh.
"That's right! Since that's the case, take this booklet back. I largely agree with the plan in it. You can make your own revisions to the parts that upset you. After the yamen reopens, I will transfer some soldiers from the Mingzhou navy and hire some people from the Mingzhou garrison to join your team and head to Japan!"
"Like the East India Company?"
As soon as Han Mo finished speaking, Feng Yuan Bao couldn't help but ask.
"That's right. Strictly speaking, it's not 'like,' it *is*. These soldiers will be employees of the East India Company, and you will be the Commissioner for Japan and Goryeo of the East India Company!"
"This!"
Feng Yuan Bao's eyes widened. He had already known that Han Mo was behind the East India Company, but knowing it and hearing Han Mo say it were two entirely different things.
"You must understand one thing. As an official, many things are inconvenient for me to do. But it's different for you. You are just a civilian trading company! Whatever happens between you and those Japanese people has nothing to do with the imperial court; it's purely your personal actions! Moreover, when necessary, it is merely those damned pirates who attack the Japanese! Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Although Han Mo was smiling, as Feng Yuan Bao listened to his words, a chill ran down his spine.
However, after the shock, he quickly accepted it.
After all, they were the dominant party, and the Japanese people were merely the objects waiting to be conquered.
Even though Feng Yuan Bao himself admitted that it was a bit too barbaric and bloody, putting that aside, the mere thought of it made him feel a surge of excitement.
"I know what you're thinking. Perhaps some of you think that this is undignified, or that it's bullying the weak. But I will say this: if you can truly open up a foothold overseas for the Great Song, even if you face criticism from literati and scholars during your lifetime, I guarantee that your descendants will one day be proud of you for this! This deed is a sin of the present generation, but a merit for all future generations!"
"Open up a foothold?"
Feng Yuan Bao might not have fully understood Han Mo's impassioned grand principles, but when he heard the last sentence, he trembled. Did this place have to be handed over?
Was the meat they had already gotten into their mouths really going to be spit out?
"You don't seriously think this business can last a lifetime, do you? This business will last at most ten to twenty years. Once we've made enough money, we'll move on! Japan is a small country, a mere speck of land. The vastness of overseas is beyond your imagination!"
"Your words are wise, it is I who was ignorant!"
After exhaling a long breath, Feng Yuan Bao quickly bowed to Han Mo again.
"Alright, there's no need for such politeness between us. Have you made arrangements at home for this trip?"
Even in this era, the Song Dynasty's navigation technology was quite mature compared to other countries, but once at sea, no one could guarantee their safety. Thinking of this fat man about to venture to Japan, Han Mo was truly worried for him.
"Please rest assured, sir, all arrangements have been made!"
"Oh, right, I've been needing a companion lately. Pick a clever one from your nephews and younger relatives to be with me!"
Although, strictly speaking, Han Mo's attendants were considered attendants, and having one's own nephews and younger relatives act as servants might sound a bit demeaning, Feng Yuan Bao understood that this was Han Mo's way of providing him with a guarantee.
Given Han Mo's current status, being a follower by his side was not a difficult task; rather, it was an excellent opportunity for training and a stepping stone for the family's younger generation who disliked studying!
His previous attendant had actually been rewarded with an official position by the Emperor himself while still a servant!
"Feng Yuan Bao thanks the adult for your care!"
As Feng Yuan Bao spoke, he immediately knelt before Han Mo and kowtowed sincerely.
"Alright, why are you performing such a grand gesture? Your journey ahead is fraught with peril. There isn't much I can do for you, and helping you resolve your worries is part of my duty!"