Though unsure of Cai Jing's intentions, Han Mo politely raised his wine cup and returned the toast.
"Hahaha, Scholar Zhuangyuan, you needn't be overly modest. Your performance just now was truly spectacular. I rarely witness such an astute young man in my life! It is a great fortune for the Emperor to have such a talented individual. It seems the prosperity of our dynasty is within reach!"
"Prime Minister speaks wisely. Our Scholar Zhuangyuan has passed the imperial examinations before reaching adulthood. Speaking of which, it truly makes us old folks feel ashamed!"
As Cai Jing spoke, his followers immediately chimed in.
"Indeed, indeed. What's most commendable is our Scholar Zhuangyuan, who is skilled in both literary and martial arts. He excels in academics and can even defend against barbarians!"
Hearing their increasingly exaggerated praise, Han Mo immediately understood. His suspicions were confirmed; they were trying to set him up. They had barely exchanged a few words before starting to build him up only to tear him down.
"My lords, I was merely fortunate just now. Had the opponent managed to hit his last arrow, I would have lost the next shot!"
Han Mo was not some green youth who would lose himself in flattery.
Seeing them continue to overpraise him, he quickly stood up and cupped his hands once more towards the Emperor and the assembled guests.
"Alright, alright. Our Zhuangyuan is still young. Such a clever young man needs proper tempering. I have seen that essay by Scholar Zhuangyuan. Taking advantage of today's grand occasion, why doesn't His Majesty assign the Zhuangyuan a post?"
With the atmosphere sufficiently built, Cai Jing's casual remark steered the conversation back to the main topic.
Hearing Cai Jing say this, Han Mo immediately understood. After all this talk, they had been waiting for this moment to present him with a task.
However, in this matter, he himself had no say. Even Han Mo began to feel a bit nervous.
"Prime Minister Cai speaks well. This young man indeed needs proper experience. Your Majesty, there is currently a vacancy for a Yuanwailang in the Ministry of Personnel's Bureau of Assessment. What are Your Majesty's thoughts?"
Seeing that Cai Jing was resorting to underhanded tactics, Liang Shicheng could not stand idly by. He immediately stood up and said with a smile.
"Bureau of Assessment Yuanwailang?"
Upon hearing Liang Shicheng's suggestion, Zhao Ji's expression turned peculiar.
Although the two of them were at odds, this move was too ruthless. Even though the position of Yuanwailang in the Ministry of Personnel's Bureau of Assessment was only a seventh-rank official, it was an exceptionally coveted post. People wouldn't trade it even for a Vice Minister!
This was an excellent place to build connections. After all, who among officials could guarantee they would never make a mistake in their lifetime?
The position of Yuanwailang in the Bureau of Assessment was specifically responsible for evaluating officials.
Holding this position, one wouldn't need to deliberately target anyone.
Merely being slightly more stringent on ambiguous matters would be enough to keep those prefectural governors and frontier officials in line.
After all, for civil officials to advance, their annual assessment by the Ministry of Personnel within their three-year term had to be satisfactory or above.
If any year within those three years was deemed unsatisfactory, it would mean an additional year of probation.
The reason this position became vacant this time was that Cai Jing, considering his imminent departure from power, intended to promote a few of his grandsons.
However, before he could act, Liang Shicheng had already set his sights on it.
"The Bureau of Assessment Yuanwailang holds significant responsibilities. This is not a place for a young man to gain experience!"
If this position were lost, even Zhao Ji would find it difficult to guarantee that Cai Jing wouldn't cause a major uproar over this matter.
He did not wish to stir up factional strife again at this time. After all, the factional disputes in the Song Dynasty had only subsided a few years ago. If they were to erupt again now, he, as Emperor, would not have a single peaceful day.
Therefore, he refused without a second thought.
Finally hearing the answer he wanted from the Emperor, even Cai Jing couldn't help but heave a sigh of relief.
"Nei Huang County is short of a county magistrate. Do you dare to go?"
To everyone's surprise, Zhao Ji directly looked at Han Mo.
"I eat the sovereign's salary and bear the sovereign's worries. As long as it is Your Majesty's command, Han Mo will obey!"
Although this position was somewhat unexpected for Han Mo, it didn't seem like the worst choice.
Moreover, upon hearing the name, Han Mo felt a sense of familiarity for some reason.
"Hahahaha, as expected of a descendant of loyalty and integrity. I have not misjudged you. You shall go to Nei Huang County and serve as its magistrate!"
While under normal circumstances, a Zhuangyuan would typically be assigned as a capital official within Bianliang City, the Emperor's words were quite intriguing.
Under normal circumstances, when the Emperor bestowed an official position, it was never accompanied by a term of office.
Everyone present had just heard the Emperor personally promise Han Mo to serve as magistrate in Nei Huang.
This clearly indicated that he was being sent there to accumulate experience and would likely be of great use soon.
Almost all observant individuals could see that, given Han Mo's relationship with Liang Shicheng and his own prestigious background, a new star was about to rise in the court of the Great Song Dynasty before long.
Looking at the spirited Han Mo, and then at the smug Zhe Kucun, the influential figures with daughters of marriageable age began to regret their choices.
Why hadn't they noticed this young man earlier? They had let this Zhe Kucun, this military man, snatch such a bargain. It was likely that in no time, even the Zhe family would be able to ascend another level.
Everyone was filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred. However, only Liang Shicheng's expression showed a hint of worry.
But since the Emperor had spoken, Han Mo's official post was naturally a foregone conclusion.
After a moment of deliberation, Liang Shicheng ultimately said nothing.
Since the Zhuangyuan had been granted an official post, the second and third place scholars naturally could not be forgotten.
Compared to Han Mo, their appointments were rather conventional.
They were appointed as Imperial Academicians of the Grand Court, which, while also an eighth-rank position and a capital post, offered no real power.
If they had a choice, they would likely prefer to serve as a county lieutenant in a local prefecture.
However, this had been decided by the Emperor, and they had no opportunity to regret it now.
"Congratulations, Brother Han! Favored by His Majesty, your future rise seems imminent!"
With the most important part concluded, the remaining time was naturally for strolling through the gardens.
After all, the Qionglin Garden was also a royal garden, and ordinary people rarely had the chance to enter.
Taking advantage of the empty surroundings, Zhong Yanchong sidled up to Han Mo.
"Don't tease me. A county magistrate of the eighth rank, what is there to envy?"
Seeing Zhong Yanchong, Han Mo paused for a moment before smiling.
"Alright, Brother Han, with your abilities, why did you agree to this appointment just now? Are you unaware of the situation in Hebei?"
Glancing around again, Zhong Yanchong then asked cautiously.
"The situation in Hebei?"
Upon hearing this, Han Mo suddenly recalled.
Damn it, how could he have forgotten this?
In this era, Nei Huang was designated as part of Hebei East Circuit. Blast it all, thanks to Wang Ge, that region was now rife with bandits.