"Your Highness, it is truly our incompetence that has implicated you..."
Zong Ying understood that Zhao Zhen was trying to comfort him, but this incident had also made him realize his own inadequacy. For years he had verbally urged Zhao Zhen to participate in the struggle for power, but when Zhao Zhen was finally ready to do so, they had offered no assistance.
"Alright, things are not yet decided, Mr. Zong. Why be so despondent? We should still trust Brother Han!"
Zhao Zhen knew that Zong Ying had done his best in this matter, and that the situation itself had surpassed his capabilities. The court's affairs were such that they were beyond the influence of a mere attendant of a prince's manor.
"Indeed! I hope Brother Han can turn the tide."
Although he said this aloud, Zong Ying was inwardly in agony. Turn the tide? Han Mo was merely a minor county magistrate. What could he possibly do? The position of Grand Name Governor had suddenly become highly coveted. Even if he were made of iron, how many nails could he hammer? Even with the support of Liang Shicheng, facing the combined assault of Prince Yun and Cai Jing, even Liang Shicheng would likely be powerless in the end.
Night deepened, yet Bianliang City remained ablaze with lights. In Tianshui Lane, the very air was heavy with the scent of rouge. Ordinarily, at this hour, wealthy officials would be out and about. But tonight, countless courtesans in Tianshui Lane had toiled in vain. Everyone understood that the following day's court session would be a grand spectacle. This contest for the Grand Name Governorship would shatter the balance of the entire court. The future direction of the court for the next few years all hinged on tomorrow's grand assembly. Amidst the eager anticipation of countless nobles, the sun finally began its slow ascent.
Zhao Ji, clad in dragon robes, sat upon the throne in the Great Ceremony Hall, gazing at the officials arrayed on either side. In ordinary times, many would shirk their duties during such assemblies, feigning illness or citing other pretexts to avoid attending court. After all, many held high positions but lacked real power, making their attendance or absence inconsequential. Furthermore, waking early to witness a spectacle felt hardly worthwhile. Yet today, even the emperor found it peculiar that almost everyone who could attend had done so, even a few habitual absentees had broken their routine.
The proceedings began, as usual, with a barrage of miscellaneous matters and bizarre incidents, leaving Zhao Ji, the emperor, somewhat distracted. One region suffered famine, another faced flooding, and yet another was plagued by bandits. Fortunately, these issues required no decisive action from him, as the Grand Council had already reached conclusions. The emperor merely had to give a perfunctory nod or shake his head. After nearly an hour of such trivialities, these fragmented matters were finally concluded.
"Chancellor Wang, are there any other matters for today?" Zhao Ji asked casually, and everyone immediately perked up. The main event had arrived.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, Wang Ge, the Grand Name Governor, committed suicide recently due to fear of punishment. The entire Hebei region is in constant turmoil, and the position of Grand Name Governor cannot be delayed any further!" Wang Bo cleared his throat and strode out of the ranks. Strictly speaking, this was the first time he was presiding over a grand assembly as the Acting Grand Minister of Personnel. His back was held remarkably straight as he spoke.
"Brother Zong, you dragged me out here so early in the morning just for some soy milk?" Han Mo asked with a yawn, looking at Zong Ying with a hint of resentment.
"My dear Brother Han, at a time like this, you still have the appetite? Are you not worried about the matters in court?" Zong Ying replied, exasperated by Han Mo's sleepy demeanor.
"What is there to be nervous about? What does this have to do with the two of us? Don't forget, we're just idle bystanders! If we starve to death right here, will it really affect the court's affairs?" Han Mo rolled his eyes and casually poured some soy sauce into his soy milk. Seeing the white soy milk turn a purplish-black, Zong Ying's mouth twitched.
"Brother Han, that's soy sauce!" Zong Ying couldn't help but say.
"I know, but who told you that soy milk must be sweetened with sugar?" Han Mo smiled, his words carrying a double meaning.
"But if not sugar, what else can be added? Are you really suggesting soy sauce?" Zong Ying's brow furrowed again.
"Cut me some chopped scallions, use the small ones, and chop them finely!" Han Mo did not answer his question, instead calling out to the nearby waiter.
"One portion of chopped scallions!" The waiter called back with a smile and turned to prepare it. Before long, he truly brought him a portion of chopped scallions. Under Zong Ying's peculiar gaze, Han Mo smiled and put the scallions into the bowl. Then, he tore a crispy flatbread into small pieces and placed them in the bowl, finally gesturing for Zong Ying to partake.
Seeing his serious expression, Zong Ying, despite his lingering doubts, frowned and picked up a piece. Carefully placing it in his mouth and chewing slowly, his eyes immediately lit up.
"Doesn't it taste quite good? Often, if we approach a matter from a different direction, the results can be unexpectedly astounding!" As Zong Ying was about to pick up another piece, Han Mo spoke, reclaiming the bowl.
"This one is mine!" Han Mo said, winking at Zong Ying.
"Ah? Hahahaha! Brother Zong has learned a valuable lesson!" Zong Ying seemed to understand something. Although curiosity gnawed at him, he also knew this was not the place for discussion. He immediately stood up with a smile, cupped his hands in greeting to Han Mo.
"Alright, eat your fill. After we're done eating, I think we should find a hot spring to relax in!" Han Mo said, stretching his arms longingly again.
"An excellent suggestion! I actually know a good place, though it's a bit far!"
"Distance is irrelevant, as long as the place is good! We're just idlers now, after all. Let the important figures handle important matters. As for us, enjoying a good meal and a bath is the priority!"
"Hahahaha, Brother Han, you are truly a remarkable person!"