"Hahaha, what if they were once glorious? I know that much, the Fan family has no successor, and that's an undeniable fact. Looking at those of the same generation in the next 50 years, I'm afraid no one can compete with Han Mo..."
After shaking his head with a wry smile, Fan Zhengguo finally let go.
With the cunning, means, and calculations Han Mo had displayed, he was unmatched among his peers.
Compared to Han Mo, the Fan family's younger generation, let alone compete, would probably be sold by him and still be counting money for him.
"Sir, why be so self-deprecating? The Fan family is descended from Fan Wenzheng Gong, and the Fan and Han families are close friends. With your assistance today, if the Fan family faces trouble in the future, my son-in-law will surely not stand idly by!"
"You're right about that. I was just sighing with emotion for a moment. It's a pity that such a fine talent ended up benefiting Zhe Kecun, tsk tsk tsk..."
Hearing him say that, Yuan Xingchi felt a little awkward.
What was he supposed to say next?
By the time they finished bathing and emerged from the hot spring, an hour had passed.
"Sir, the Cai family still shows no movement. It seems that old man intends to let this matter blow over!"
Seeing Yuan Xingchi come out, the coachman quickly stepped forward and said in a low voice.
"This is truly within reason and yet beyond expectation. Our Master Cai is truly old. Does he not even have the courage to cut his losses now?"
As Yuan Xingchi spoke, his face was full of disdain.
If this had happened ten years ago, Cai Jing probably wouldn't have hesitated at all and would have handed over the money directly.
But now, for the sake of some money, he didn't even care about the future of the Cai family. He was hesitant and indecisive, which was a great taboo in officialdom.
"Sir, what should we do now?"
"What else can we do? We'll proceed as planned. It's time to make Master Cai truly feel the pain! I'll walk back by myself. You go ahead and attend to your own business!"
"Yes!"
The coachman responded and immediately turned to walk into the crowd.
Although there was chaos everywhere outside, the capital, Bianliang, was still a prosperous sight.
The dignitaries and officials of the court naturally did not need to worry about their livelihood. However, ordinary common people, even officials of the lowest rank, had to bend their backs for five pecks of rice at this time.
As the end of the year approached, the price of rice in Bianliang quietly soared.
In previous years, every year-end, the court would intervene to stabilize grain prices to mask the peace.
Even if the price of rice was slightly higher than usual, it was still somewhat acceptable to these ordinary people.
But this year was different. With less than twenty days left until the year-end, even the cheapest broken rice was still stable at 2500 wen per dou.
And even then, it was all talk and no substance. If you went late, you couldn't buy any at all.
However, a scion of a noble family like Cai Shu, despite having lost his influence in the family, had no problems in his life. With the support of his father and grandfather, he naturally didn't need to worry about firewood, rice, oil, and salt.
Although his temperament had greatly improved after more than a year of experience.
Despite not having obtained the Jinshi degree, Cai Shu had made a name for himself in the Directorate of Armaments with his family's influence.
He was naturally a sought-after person in the Directorate of Armaments, being from a prestigious family with strong political backing.
As long as he showed the slightest inclination to make friends, there would be plenty of people who would flock to him like ravenous dogs, vying to please him.
"Inside the carriage, is that Brother Cai?"
Just as Cai Shu was leisurely riding in his carriage home, someone suddenly called out to him from behind.
"Brother Liu? Why are you here? I heard from the yamen that you took leave today, saying your sister-in-law was unwell. I wonder if your sister-in-law is feeling better?"
After clearly seeing the person's face through the carriage window, Cai Shu asked with a strange smile.
"Thank you for your concern, Brother Jinyan. I was originally going out to get medicine for my wife, but..."
Seeing Liu Siyuan's eyes darting around, Cai Shu immediately understood that this guy had something to tell him.
Moreover, it was highly likely that this guy had some news he wanted to sell to him, but it was inconvenient to say it here.
If it were someone else, he might not be interested, as there were countless rumors in Bianliang. In this day and age, it was difficult for low-ranking officials like them to support their families with their salaries, let alone spend money to buy news. But Cai Shu didn't have this worry!
"If you're not in a hurry, Brother, how about we get in the carriage and talk slowly? It happens that there are a few good pharmacies on my way back!"
"Then I'll trouble you, Brother Jinyan!"
After a few pleasantries, Liu Siyuan readily got into Cai Shu's carriage.
"Brother Liu, from your expression, you seem to have something to tell me, don't you?"
After Liu Siyuan sat down, Cai Shu smiled and looked directly at him.
This guy was known as an informant in the Directorate of Armaments. Whatever stirred in Bianliang, this kid would know before others.
"Brother Cai, you know that I have a cousin who works in the Censorate. The news from their department is quite well-informed..."
Liu Siyuan stopped speaking at this point. Cai Shu naturally understood that this guy wanted to discuss the price with him.
Although this guy was rather mercenary, Cai Shu didn't care about that.
After all, the Cai family had plenty of money, if nothing else.
"I was in a hurry to come out today and didn't bring much money with me, but I understand the rules. Consider this a deposit. If this news is indeed useful, I'll send someone to deliver the money to your residence later!"
As Cai Shu spoke, he took out a money bag from his sleeve and threw it directly in front of Liu Siyuan.
"Please forgive my situation, Brother Jinyan. I am also forced to do this..."
Scratching his head a bit dryly, Liu Siyuan immediately reached out and put the money bag into his embrace.
Although he was now a supervisor of the eighth rank in the Directorate of Armaments, he knew in his heart that someone like him, without any background, would probably only get this far in his life. It was almost impossible for him to rise further.
He didn't even have the qualification to associate with privileged young masters like Cai Shu, so he kept his position clear.
Every interaction he had with Cai Shu was entirely due to his own petty business.