“Is the current Crown Prince not wise enough?” Xu Churen asked again.
“The Crown Prince is weak of character. Although naturally benevolent, surrounded as our Great Song is by wolves and tigers, a ruler content to maintain the status quo would likely be unable to protect the people of our Great Song!”
Regardless, both Xu Churen and Zong Ying were already branded with the Prince of Yun’s banner. Han Mo was not afraid of them leaking such information. The Emperor himself had spoken, and he didn’t seem to mind discussing the Crown Prince further.
“Then what about Prince Yun? He is hailed as a wise prince by all under heaven. Why do you not choose him?” Xu Churen asked with interest.
“Your Highness Prince Yun? He certainly appears to be promising now, but Elder Xu, do you not feel this Prince is remarkably similar to His Majesty?”
This simple statement had thoroughly gained Xu Churen’s agreement.
“How can you be so certain that His Highness Prince of Xin will be a good Emperor?”
“I am not entirely sure, but I believe His Highness Prince of Xin will be more suitable than the other two! A prince willing to risk his entire estate for disaster victims, even if he turns out to be bad, I would accept it!” Han Mo stated very directly.
“Hahahaha!” Xu Churen laughed again, and with great mirth. Tears were almost falling from his eyes.
“Elder Xu, are you satisfied?”
“Satisfied! Satisfied! Hahaha!” Xu Churen laughed, and Han Mo also roared with laughter.
“If that is the case, then how should we proceed? I wish to hear your comprehensive plan!” After laughing for a while, Xu Churen asked again.
“In summary, it is nine characters: Build high walls, store grain widely, and delay claiming the throne!” Han Mo didn’t elaborate, directly stating his central idea.
“Using the two capitals as a stepping stone?”
“Using the two capitals as a foundation, and leveraging the hearts of the people under heaven to sway the court’s situation!”
“Well said, leveraging the hearts of the people under heaven to sway the court’s situation! Tell me your plan!” Xu Churen’s interest was piqued, and he asked enthusiastically.
Han Mo did not conceal anything, as Xu Churen was undoubtedly Prince of Xin’s greatest support. At this juncture, internal consensus was crucial to stabilize the situation. Seeing their conversation becoming more engrossed, Zong Ying consciously stepped forward and instructed all guards to secure all intersections. He then meticulously inspected all nearby houses, ensuring no one was eavesdropping before breathing a sigh of relief.
Han Mo, coming from a later era, naturally possessed a breadth of thought that Xu Churen couldn't match. However, Xu Churen, having been immersed in officialdom for many years, could offer many suggestions on details. Initially, Han Mo was doing most of the talking, but it soon turned into a discussion between the two, and eventually, Xu Churen was doing all the explaining.
“Now, only the last two issues remain: how to establish a foothold in Hebei quickly!”
“Regarding this, I actually think it should be done in two steps! The first step is to muddy the waters, making the important figures in the court focus their attention on the imperial court! The second step is to win over some and divide others, picking off one faction to defeat another!” Han Mo hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
“How to muddy the waters?”
“Naturally, by throwing out a bait!” Han Mo blurted out without hesitation.
“We do not have such a large bait in our hands!” Xu Churen frowned and said again.
“We can borrow it!”
“This can also be borrowed?”
“Of course, it can! And as long as we do it discreetly, we won’t even have to return it…”
“What is the plan?”
“Sir, lean closer!” Hearing this, Xu Churen immediately leaned his ear closer. After Han Mo finished speaking, Xu Churen was momentarily stunned, but then a cunning smile appeared on his face. It was fortunate that Zong Ying did not see Xu Churen’s smile, otherwise, who knows what he would have thought… Such a kind-hearted old scholar was thus transformed into a sinister schemer by Han Mo.
“Sir, what do you think of this method?” Han Mo asked with a smile, looking at the cunning smile on his face.
“Hahahaha, this method is excellent, though a bit unscrupulous…”
“In that case, sir, perhaps you should think of another method!” Hearing this, Han Mo rolled his eyes. He was offering advice, and yet the other man called him unscrupulous. How difficult was this person to please?
“That is not necessary. Who told that villain to be so powerful now?” Xu Churen picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip of tea, and then said slowly.
“Since that is the case, then I think we should conclude for today. I have indeed stayed here for quite a long time!” Seeing that it was already dark outside, Han Mo felt his throat dry and his head dizzy. Having spoken for so long, he felt a bit lightheaded.
“This is not the place to talk, but since you are taking up your post in Neihuang, we will have plenty of time to chat in the future!” Although they had not spent much time together, after today’s discussion, Xu Churen had no doubt about Han Mo’s character or intelligence. The thought that this young man would soon be his subordinate made him feel quite elated.
The situation in Hebei was complex. On his way here, he had considered whether to take on this mess himself. However, after a candid conversation with Han Mo today, he no longer had any worries about whether he could establish a foothold in Hebei. In fact, the reason the position of Grand Marshal of Daming was so tricky was largely due to the imperial court. Despite the widespread popular discontent in Hebei, for those high-ranking officials in the court, it was a piece of plump meat. The imperial court was about to prepare for war with the Liao Dynasty, and this was a war of annihilation. Such a large-scale conflict was not only a good opportunity to accumulate merits but also a chance to make money! The entire Hebei region, from the former Grand Marshal of Daming to the gentry and runners below, was merely a projection of the imperial court. As long as the struggles in the imperial court did not affect the local areas, coupled with the Emperor’s trust, and Han Mo’s devilishly cunning plan, Han Mo believed that within a short period, the entire Hebei region could be brought under control. To complete the imperial court’s deployment in Hebei, the position of Grand Marshal of Daming alone was far from sufficient. Therefore, according to Han Mo’s speculation, the Emperor would at least grant him the position of Commissioner of all Circuits in Hebei. With this position, he could openly gather his forces in Hebei. As long as he developed quickly enough, by the time the influential figures realized what was happening, their position would be unassailable. At that point, perhaps even the Emperor would have to grudgingly accept it.
“Elder Xu will be meeting the Emperor tomorrow. Han Mo wishes Grand Marshal Xu a smooth ascension and continuous promotion!”
“Then, I shall accept your good wishes! After meeting the Emperor, I will directly pay a visit to Chancellor Tong’s residence!”
“Han Mo takes his leave!”