For Han Mo, Han Jiayan truly cherished him from the bottom of his heart. He chatted with him for a long time about family matters, then prepared a sumptuous lunch. It wasn't until dusk that he finally let Han Mo return home.
As Han Mo left the Han residence, he felt a warmth within him.
Compared to his own nominal father, this grand-uncle Han Jiayan was far more dutiful.
With his arrangements, Han Mo found himself genuinely much more relaxed. The wedding preparations were practically handled entirely by them.
In contrast to Han Mo's joyous progress, the Cai mansion was currently shrouded in gloom and despondency.
In the struggle for the Daming Prefecture post, Cai Jing had suffered a complete and utter defeat.
Not only did he fail to secure the Daming Prefecture post, but the Nanjing Prefecture post was also directly ceded to Zhao Zhen.
In the end, the Emperor merely downplayed the situation and granted Cai Jing the Xijing Prefecture post.
This outcome was difficult for Cai Jing to accept, yet he had no choice but to comply.
What bothered Cai Jing the most was that, to show imperial favor, the Emperor had directly bestowed upon Cai You the title of Kaifu Yitongsansi!
Furthermore, the imperial decree specifically mentioned his distinguished lineage...
Although Kaifu Yitongsansi was merely an honorary title.
However, it was clear to everyone that the Emperor was openly aiming to allow Cai You to absorb Cai Jing's influence.
One could easily surmise that such a wicked and insidious plan must have come from Wang Fu, that scoundrel!
"Father, are all the forces we've painstakingly built over the years to be so easily handed over to the eldest brother? Say something!"
Cai Xiu had now thoroughly fallen out with Cai You.
After all, in anyone's eyes, Cai You's current actions were blatant betrayal.
Even if the father and son had differing political views, they were still blood relatives.
Cai You had openly supported Liang Shicheng's proposal in court this time.
He had forcefully shoved the Nanjing Prefecture post into Zhao Zhen's hands.
The stab in the back at a crucial moment had directly led to Cai Jing's overwhelming defeat.
"The situation has come to this. What difference does it make whether we are willing or not?"
Cai Jing spoke without even lifting his eyelids.
"We have suffered such a great loss this time. Don't you want to do anything? What's so good about being the Xijing Prefecture official?"
Cai Xiu was, after all, still young, and his temperament was always impetuous.
Seeing that the Cai faction was in disarray, with many already defecting to Cai You, how could he tolerate the resentment in his heart?
"Enough, stop talking. Go pack your things. In three days, your father will be retiring to Luoyang!"
As Cai Jing spoke, he slowly leaned on his cane, stood up, and walked towards his bedroom.
"Alas!"
Seeing that Cai Jing had actually conceded so easily, Cai Xiu could only grit his teeth, sigh, stomp his foot heavily, and return directly to his courtyard.
The news of Prince Xin, Zhao Zhen, being appointed as the Nanjing Prefect sent shockwaves throughout the entire Song officialdom.
Initially, everyone had assumed that if Cai Jing did not secure the Daming Prefecture post, it would definitely go to the Prince of Yun.
But no one had expected that this relatively unknown and unassuming Prince Xin, Zhao Zhen, would suddenly strike it rich.
As a prince, he was directly appointed as the Nanjing Prefect. Concurrently, his tutor, Xu Churen, who had been on the sidelines for so many years and was already nearing retirement, suddenly saw his career take off.
From an obscure subordinate official in a lower prefecture, he was abruptly promoted to the prestigious position of Daming Prefect, a third-rank official.
As Prince Xin Zhao Zhen's tutor, his affection for Prince Xin was naturally unparalleled.
With his promotion, the previously clear situation had suddenly become murky and unpredictable.
Before this incident, many had believed that this Prince Xin would at most be a prince of leisure for his entire life.
Indeed, if not for Prince Xin's notable performance in disaster relief this time, it was estimated that over eighty percent of the officials in Bianliang would not even know what he looked like.
But he seemed to have fallen from the sky, becoming the most attention-grabbing star in the entire Song officialdom overnight.
Being appointed as Nanjing Prefect with the status of a prince, coupled with his tutor's appointment as Daming Prefect, meant that he would soon establish his own power base.
After all, both the Daming Prefecture and Nanjing Prefecture posts required a large staff to support them.
As a matter of convention, aside from a few supervisory positions, Prince Xin would have the right to recommend and appoint the remaining staff!
While senior officials might not have paid much attention, for mid- to lower-ranking officials and those seeking advancement, this was a golden opportunity.
Both the Nanjing Prefecture Administration and the Daming Prefecture Administration were express lanes for promotion.
Especially the Daming Prefecture Administration, it was evident to everyone that the new Daming Prefect would boldly reform the malpractices left by his predecessor.
The deputies left behind by Wang Ge, if they were not shrewd, would likely be ruthlessly purged by Xu Churen.
As long as Xu Churen could establish a foothold in Hebei and stabilize the situation there, it would be a tremendous achievement. With such merit, who could guarantee that he would not have the opportunity to become a minister in the future?
With such opportunities for promotion and wealth, those officials adept at maneuvering were naturally not absent.
The Prince Xin's mansion, which was previously so desolate that even dogs wouldn't go there, suddenly became bustling.
In order to secure an audience with Prince Xin, all the restaurants and inns around the prince's mansion were booked out.
People would start queuing before dawn every day, continuing until deep into the night.
However, to their disappointment, for reasons unknown, this Prince Xin did not even show his face for over ten consecutive days. He kept himself confined within the mansion, refusing all requests for an audience with a single word: "No!"
However, it was clear that this Prince Xin had underestimated the officials' yearning for official positions.
Despite his continuous absence for over ten days, a long queue still formed in front of the Prince Xin's mansion.
It wasn't until the eighteenth day of the fourth month that, amidst the eager anticipation of the officials, Prince Xin, who had been holed up at home for half a month, finally emerged!
"Your Highness Prince Xin! Your Highness!"
As soon as Zhao Zhen stepped out, the officials immediately rushed forward.
Seeing the vast crowd in front of the gate, Zhao Zhen felt a bit unaccustomed.
"I sincerely apologize to all of you. This prince has important matters to attend to today and must depart. Please make way!"
Given that the time was almost up, Zhao Zhen certainly did not want to miss Han Mo's wedding.
Their relationship could not be publicized, which had led to them not seeing each other for many days. However, today was Han Mo's grand wedding day, and he had received an invitation sent by the Princess's manor on Han Mo's behalf.
Seizing this rare opportunity to meet Han Mo openly, he was unwilling to waste his time on these people at this moment.