"Was your journey smooth this time?"
When Han Shizhong and Han Mo arrived at the second floor of the wine shop, Fan Zhengguo smiled and asked Han Shizhong as soon as they stepped upstairs.
"Reporting to sir, everything went smoothly! All the ships arrived safely, and the goods on board were all delivered!"
"I recall your name is Han Shizhong, and you've done very well! Follow this young man closely in the future. I will personally request a commendation for you from His Majesty regarding this matter."
The items Han Shizhong had escorted this time had come at a crucial time for the Ministry of Revenue. With these items, everything from the officials' annual stipends to the rewards for the imperial guards could be settled.
As long as the current Emperor did not do anything impulsive, he would not even need to worry about the military expenses for reclaiming Yanjing in the short term.
Having shed such a major burden, Fan Zhengguo was extremely pleased when he looked at Han Shizhong.
"Thank you for your encouragement, sir!"
"Alright, alright, we are all on the same side, no need to be so formal. You've truly had a difficult journey. Anyway, your uncle prepared this food and wine for you, so don't be shy, just eat your fill!"
Seeing Han Shizhong's flattered expression, Han Mo directly patted him on the shoulder, signaling him to start eating without reservation.
This was earned through his own reputation. If he didn't eat his fill, he would be letting himself down.
"You scamp, you're never serious!"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Fan Zhengguo couldn't help but chuckle.
This unintentional small gesture caused Han Shizhong's entire body to tremble.
This was the dignified Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue!
Just by listening to the conversation between him and Han Mo, it was evident that their relationship was far from ordinary.
This was not like a conversation between ordinary officials; it was more like a family elder talking to his favorite junior!
The position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue was just one step away from becoming a chancellor!
"With these resources, uncle won't have to worry anymore. Once the accounts from the Wang family are collected, I believe the position of Minister of Revenue should fall into uncle's hands!"
Since Han Shizhong was not an outsider, Han Mo spoke without many reservations.
"Speaking of which, this is all your credit, young man. With money, my position as Vice Minister of Revenue can be a bit more secure!"
As long as there was money in the national treasury, whether it was the Minister of Revenue or the Vice Minister, the position was quite comfortable.
As the "God of Wealth" of the imperial court, even Cai Jing, the Prime Minister, would greet him with a smile.
"Uncle, your words make me feel ashamed! By the way, I have a letter here. I would trouble you to deliver it to Minister Nie when you have time!"
Han Mo, while eating heartily, smiled and took out a letter from his embrace, handing it to Fan Zhengguo.
"You mean to..."
Looking at the letter in his hand, Fan Zhengguo seemed to understand something, but seeing Han Shizhong beside him, he stopped mid-sentence.
"That's right, I believe Minister Nie has been waiting for this moment for a long time!"
"Is it appropriate to do this..."
Fan Zhengguo, after all, was a gentleman of integrity. He still had some reservations about eliminating political opponents with the sword.
"Uncle, if the grass is not completely removed, it will grow again with the spring breeze! For someone like him, we cannot give him any opportunity. Who knows if the one above might suddenly have an idea and remember him again?"
Fan Zhengguo wanted to speak but hesitated, while Han Mo had no such qualms.
He would not let go of the strong support of Han Shizhong. With the merit of this escort mission, Han Shizhong was not far from commanding an army independently.
After the chaos in the southeast ended, it was estimated that Han Shizhong would soon be transferred to Hebei.
The turmoil was about to begin, and Han Mo needed to plant an indelible mark in Han Shizhong's heart!
"You are right. I will go personally then!"
After looking at Han Mo deeply, Fan Zhengguo finally nodded.
"Thank you, uncle!"
"Alright, alright. If it weren't for you, do you think I would still be working in this officialdom? Hurry up and leave after you've eaten. Seeing you makes me angry!"
Although he had reluctantly accepted Han Mo's decision in his heart, Fan Zhengguo's good mood from earlier had completely vanished. He glared at Han Mo and stomped downstairs in anger.
"Brother, is Lord Fan angry?"
"Angry about what? He's clearly just stingy. Do you believe he didn't pay for the wine on this table?"
Han Mo spoke while looking playfully at the sneaky waiter beside him.
"Cough—cough—cough—"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Han Shizhong suddenly coughed violently.
The image of uprightness that Fan Zhengguo had built in his mind seemed to have completely collapsed.
"Bring up your best wine, and tell your chefs to prepare all the meat dishes in your establishment. We'll have them sent to the ship below later!"
Han Mo spoke and took out two gold ingots from his sleeve, placing them on the table with a flourish.
"Don't worry, sir, I'll instruct the chefs right away!"
Seeing the two gold ingots on the table, the waiter excitedly ran downstairs.
"Will Hongyu have any objections if you're out at this time?"
This was their first New Year together as a couple. Honestly speaking, Han Mo felt he had wronged Liang Hongyu a bit.
"Brother, you jest. This is something others would beg for. Hongyu will surely understand. Besides, with Sister-in-law in Mingzhou City, there won't be any problems with Hongyu!"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Han Shizhong replied with a sheepish smile.
"After gaining this military merit, you will legitimately be able to command an army. Alas, the days when we brothers can gather will be fewer and fewer in the future!"
Han Mo poured a bowl of wine for Han Shizhong before speaking.
"Brother, why do you say that?"
"The situation in Hebei is not going well. I estimate that in a few months at most, the troops from the southeast will all be marching north! What are your plans? You don't need to consider me, just tell me if you are willing to go!"
Han Mo did not intend to force Han Shizhong.
Whether it was the Wu brothers, Wu Jie and Wu Lin, or Han Shizhong and Yue Fei, they were all individuals with great destinies. Their life and death, honor and disgrace, were inherently tied to the fate of a nation. Forcing them to stay by his side would not be good for Han Mo or for them.
Rather than forcibly subjugating them, Han Mo preferred to win them over through emotion and subtle influence, ultimately achieving his goals by changing their beliefs.
After all, as the ancient saying goes: "Those who associate for profit will part when the profit ends; those who associate for power will fall when the power wanes; those who associate for influence will be abandoned when the influence is lost!"