"Come out, everyone is gone!"
Only after Liang Shicheng's carriage had driven away did Han Mo look towards the back door.
"How did you know I was here?"
Zhe Yourong walked out, tilting her head, and looked at Han Mo with confusion.
"Is that even a question? Who else would come up with such a devious plan?"
Han Mo shot her an exasperated glance.
"What do you mean 'devious plan'? Don't forget, you'll also get a share if this deal goes through!"
Zhe Yourong pouted and said directly.
"So, according to you, I should be thanking you?"
Han Mo was amused by her expression.
"No need for thanks, this humble lady cannot accept thanks from the Zhuangyuan Lang!"
After saying this, Zhe Yourong actually took her maid and left, not even glancing at Han Mo.
"Tch!"
Han Mo pursed his lips and then returned to the front hall by himself.
"My apologies, esteemed brothers. I got carried away chatting with an old acquaintance just now, so I kept you waiting. I offer my apologies to you both!"
As Han Mo spoke, he poured himself another cup of wine and clasped his hands towards Wu Jie and Wu Lin.
"Brother Han is too kind. We had nothing else to do here anyway; we were just drinking for a while longer! If you put it that way, it makes my brother and I ashamed!"
If it were before, perhaps the two brothers would have insisted on some drinking penalty. But now, having heard that Han Mo had a private conversation with Liang Shicheng, they dared not pick a fight with Han Mo.
After all, Liang Shicheng was currently the pinnacle of military officials in the entire Great Song Dynasty.
Compared to Liang Shicheng, they were no more than two tiny ants.
Seeing how familiar Han Mo was with Liang Shicheng, the brothers' confidence in Han Mo's earlier promises was further strengthened.
"Brothers, do you feel that Han Mo is not being sincere enough? How about this, I'll drink three cups of penalty wine as my apology!"
Although Han Mo didn't know why the brothers had suddenly become so polite, he could guess the reason from their gazes.
Using the excuse of penalty wine, he specifically exchanged a look with Zhe Kèchún. Seeing Zhe Kèchún nod silently, Han Mo finally understood. It seemed his father-in-law was truly a man of hidden depths.
Without needing much communication, he had already guessed Han Mo's intention to win over the Wu brothers just by observing his words and actions.
He had even thoughtfully laid the groundwork for him.
Indeed, having an elder at home is like having a treasure.
Seeing Han Mo's politeness towards his brothers, Wu Lin and Wu Jie felt even more grateful.
Although the banquet seemed to continue as usual, the moods of the four people present were completely different.
They drank until late into the night, and finally, the most hearty Wu brothers were completely drunk.
After they were helped to the guest rooms, Zhe Kèchún again ordered hangover soup to be served.
He and Han Mo sat in the flower hall, drinking the hangover soup and chatting quietly.
"Does Grand Commandant Liang have any important matters to attend to with his visit?"
Although Zhe Kèchún had a rough idea of what was going on, he still asked casually.
"It's nothing more than some court affairs. Thank you for your concern, Uncle!"
Han Mo smiled but did not reveal the full details of the matter. After all, the less said about such things, the better.
The fewer people who knew, the lower the risk of leaks.
"Well said, worthy of being a Han family scion!"
Seeing that Han Mo did not speak directly, Zhe Kèchún was not angry, but rather admired him even more.
"Uncle exaggerates!"
Han Mo smiled silently and clasped his hands again.
"It's getting late. I think you should stay the night at the manor!"
Zhe Kèchún smiled and said casually.
"Thank you, Uncle! However, I have a few small matters to attend to early tomorrow morning, so I should head back tonight. It's not far anyway!"
"If that is the case, I will find someone to escort you back later."
Zhe Kèchún did not press further, but instead nodded with a smile and returned to his room.
The night passed without incident. The next morning, just as Han Mo was beginning to wash up, large contingents of elite Pengri Army troops had already begun to cordon off Yujie Street.
"Your Majesty! This old minister..."
The Emperor's last visit to Cai Fu was several years ago.
At that time, he was at the height of his power. But now, as the Emperor was about to visit again, he was about to step down from his post.
Cai Jing had thought that the bond between ruler and subject had been completely worn away. Yet, he never expected that the Emperor would come to see him one last time just as he was about to leave.
At this moment, his heart was filled with mixed emotions, a complex interplay of feelings that were difficult to express.
"Yuanzhang, there are many juniors here today. Please do not let them laugh at you!"
Seeing Cai Jing's aged and frail appearance, even Zhao Ji felt a pang of sorrow.
"Elder Cai, Your Majesty has specifically put aside all other matters today just to see you!"
As Cai Jing was overwhelmed with emotion, Wang Fu suddenly jumped out with a smile.
"This old minister thanks Your Majesty!"
Cai Jing clasped his hands to Zhao Ji again. However, when he looked up again, tears were streaming down his face.
Even Cai Jing himself could no longer distinguish the reason for his tears.
The Emperor's arrival with Wang Fu already signified many things.
Cai Jing naturally understood that this was the Emperor's wish for him to ensure a peaceful transition with Wang Fu, rather than stirring up another political upheaval.
"Yuanzhang, are you going to make me stand here?"
As Zhao Ji spoke, he cast a silent glance at Wang Fu, who immediately lowered his head.
"Your Majesty, please!"
Cai Jing quickly wiped away his tears and invited Zhao Ji into his mansion.
Cai Jing's mansion was already the epitome of luxury. To welcome the Emperor today, his family had made arrangements overnight, and it now displayed the full majesty of a Prime Minister.
Although Wang Fu was not visiting for the first time, he had never had the opportunity to carefully examine Cai's rear garden.
After accompanying the Emperor on a tour today, Wang Fu was truly deeply moved.
Feng Yuanbao's residence didn't seem large enough!
Even Zhao Ji himself hadn't expected that by simply taking Wang Fu to Cai's mansion, his new Prime Minister would develop such peculiar thoughts.
Even more unexpectedly, this Prime Minister, because of a residence, stepped down hastily before he could even exert his influence...