Although Huang Qianshan's memorial was tens of thousands of characters long, essentially just short of naming the Cai family directly, the impoverished Zhao Ji, influenced by a preconceived notion and the power of money, refused to believe a single word he said.
He didn't even finish reading the memorial before tearing it to shreds.
"Tell Du Chong that anyone who dares to bend the law for personal gain will be severely punished by this emperor without exception!"
"Yes!"
Emerging from Fanning Hall, Liang Sicheng felt his mood lighten considerably. The sky seemed bluer, and even the eunuchs bowing by the roadside now appeared more refined.
He had done all he needed to do; the rest was just waiting for the show.
As for the matters involving the monks, with Lin Lingsu handling it, he no longer needed to intervene.
He believed that after this lesson, these baldasses would finally learn the meaning of caution and prudence, and the importance of not provoking people they shouldn't.
"Young Master, someone from Meng Prefecture has arrived, asking to see you!"
In Mingzhou City, as Han Mo was discussing a new warship model with some old boatmen, Jiang Yan quietly approached and asked in a low voice.
"From Meng Prefecture? Let him in!"
After a brief moment of surprise, Han Mo quickly understood. It seemed this was likely someone sent by Huang Qianshan.
He normally wouldn't bother with such minor figures, but at this moment, he was very curious to see what schemes these people were up to.
Soon after, Jiang Yan led in a middle-aged man who appeared to be in his 40s.
"You must be Lord Han, correct? You truly are as dashing and talented as the rumors say!"
Before Han Mo could speak, the man initiated the conversation.
"Sir, you have traveled all the way from Meng Prefecture. May I ask what brings you here?"
Han Mo had no time for pleasantries and got straight to the point.
"I've long heard of Lord Han's decisive actions, and meeting you today confirms your reputation! Indeed, I have a small matter to discuss with Lord Han. Please, have a look at this!"
As he spoke, the man retrieved a letter from his sleeve and placed it before Han Mo.
Han Mo smiled but did not reach for the letter. Instead, he produced a fire starter from his sleeve.
Under the middle-aged man's watchful gaze, Han Mo leisurely extended his hand and directly ignited the letter.
"Lord Han, why must you do this..."
Seeing this, the middle-aged man's mouth twitched uncontrollably.
Before meeting Han Mo, he had rehearsed countless possible scenarios in his mind.
He had never expected Han Mo to act so completely out of the blue.
"May I know your esteemed name?"
As the letter slowly turned to ash, Han Mo smiled again and asked.
"My name is Xu, given name Zhenghuan, courtesy name Mingde!"
Xu Zhenghuan spoke, cupping his hands towards Han Mo once more.
"If I'm not mistaken, you're here today as a mediator for the person behind Lord Huang, aren't you?"
Han Mo said with a cold smile.
"Your insight is indeed remarkable!"
Being so directly understood, Xu Zhenghuan felt a pang of awkwardness.
"You may leave now. Go back and tell your master that if they wish to negotiate with me, they should come themselves. Do you think, given my current status, Han Mo, I need to deal with mere nobodies like you?"
Seeing the disdain on Han Mo's face, Xu Zhenghuan's expression turned grim.
One should not insult another's face; Han Mo's actions were no different from a direct slap to the face.
"Doesn't Lord Han want to know what was in the item you just burned?"
After taking a few deep breaths, Xu Zhenghuan finally managed to suppress his anger.
"Does it matter what it was? Do you have the guts to bring it out into the open? If you had the courage, would you even need to come here to negotiate?"
Han Mo's words left Xu Zhenghuan speechless.
"Lord Han, why be so resolute? This matter doesn't warrant such extreme measures! We came to Lord Han with only a small request. Isn't it mutually beneficial for both sides?"
Quickly composing himself, Xu Zhenghuan endured the indignity and spoke again.
"As I said, if there's anyone to talk to, it's your master. You are not qualified to negotiate with me! Furthermore, I dislike being threatened. Do you think that by finding such a fool as Huang Qianshan and implicating my father in a corruption charge, you can control me?"
"Lord Han, circumstances dictate actions. Acting this way will only make things difficult for everyone!"
Seeing Han Mo's imposing demeanor and his utter refusal to compromise, Xu Zhenghuan was forced to adopt a more assertive stance.
"You speak of circumstances dictating actions? Do you have the capital for that? Since you want to play, let's play big! Let's see whether the evidence in your hands brings me down first, or I sever all your paths!"
"Are you truly not reconsidering?"
Xu Zhenghuan was at his wit's end. He had thought that as a government official of Han Mo's caliber, he would surely be someone adaptable.
Yet, this fellow was acting like a reckless hothead, giving them no opportunities at all from the start, not even a chance to speak, and was immediately pushing for a fight to the death.
"I told you, I do not respond to threats, and you are not qualified to threaten me. You may leave now! Oh, and since you've come all this way, I might as well give you a piece of news. The imperial envoy to arrest Huang Qianshan should be on their way by now!"
"Lord Han, that joke isn't funny at all!"
"Whether it's a joke, you'll find out soon enough!"
With that last remark, Han Mo actually turned and walked away. This left Xu Zhenghuan even more stunned.
He had never imagined that his long journey here would end in such a manner.
"Sir, shall I send someone to follow him?"
As soon as Xu Zhenghuan left, Jiang Yan quickly asked in a low voice.
"There's no need. They are merely insignificant clowns. They've been dithering for so long and haven't even gotten to the main point yet; they're annoying me! If I don't prod them, something as simple as this could drag on for ages!"