After hearing Han Mo finish, Zhao Huan was truly moved.
He was being beaten everywhere, and in the struggle with Prince Yun, he had long been at a disadvantage. Even with Liang Shicheng's protection, the overall situation had not improved.
Now, hearing Han Mo say this, it seemed that this matter could become a turning point for him to regain his footing.
"Your Highness, there's no need to hesitate. This matter is of paramount importance to Your Highness and an excellent opportunity to regain the Emperor's favor!"
Seeing him still hesitating, Liang Shicheng couldn't stand it and spoke directly.
"Since Grand Commandant also says so, then let it be. Tomorrow morning I will send someone to contact Eighteenth Brother!"
With Liang Shicheng backing him up, Zhao Huan finally had a sliver of confidence.
"Your Highness is wise!"
Han Mo quickly added a flattering remark.
"Zhao Huan will never forget the kindness you two have shown me today. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will surely repay you handsomely!"
Zhao Huan took a deep breath and then cupped his hands towards Han Mo and Liang Shicheng.
Seeing his excited demeanor, the two quickly returned the gesture.
Han Mo hadn't expected that such a small matter could make this Crown Prince so grateful.
It truly made him feel a bit emotional. How could this be a Crown Prince of a nation? He was clearly just a foolish son of a landlord...
"Your Highness, Grand Commandant, it's getting late, and Han Mo cannot stay here any longer..."
Since the main matters had been discussed and he had received the benefits he was due, Han Mo naturally didn't want to waste any more time here.
"Wait a moment, this is a token from my別院 (bieyuan - private villa). Should you, young official, find it inconvenient to contact the Crown Prince in the future, you can have someone bring this token to the別院 to find me!"
As Liang Shicheng spoke, he took out a token from his sleeve and handed it to Han Mo.
"Thank you, Grand Commandant!"
Han Mo understood that this token was a promise from Liang Shicheng.
If he didn't accept it, there might be countless complications later, so he accepted it without a second thought.
"By the way, young official, are you in such a hurry to leave because you are rushing to Fan Lou to accept the challenge?"
Just as Han Mo was about to leave, Liang Shicheng suddenly spoke again.
"Ah? Grand Commandant knows about such a trivial matter?"
Han Mo was surprised that even Liang Shicheng knew about this. Zhou Bangyan was truly a blabbermouth.
"Not only do I know, but even... is now waiting for your masterpiece!"
Although Liang Shicheng didn't say the word "Emperor," he pointed upwards.
The meaning was obvious, it seemed that even Emperor Huizong knew about this matter now.
Han Mo's mouth twitched. How idle were these people in this era? Such gossip actually attracted the attention of the Emperor...
"This great talent, Zhou, is fine in all other aspects, but he is simply too conceited. There are some things he cannot touch!"
"If it weren't for his literary reputation, perhaps at this moment, he wouldn't even know if he was in Zhangzhou or Yazhou! If you can teach him a good lesson tonight, I believe someone will be very happy!"
Liang Shicheng looked at Han Mo with a knowing smile as he said this.
The implication was clear: the Emperor was unhappy with Zhou Bangyan as a rival.
However, given Zhou's literary fame, direct punishment seemed inappropriate.
After all, punishing a talented scholar over a courtesan would be the act of a foolish ruler.
But ultimately, the Emperor was also human.
If someone could thoroughly embarrass his rival, even the Emperor would be very pleased at such a moment.
"I understand, thank you, Grand Commandant, for your guidance!"
Han Mo hadn't intended to go. But now it seemed he had no choice.
After all, everything he possessed was bestowed upon him by the Emperor.
Without this halo, his future actions would indeed be restricted at every turn.
Even if the Emperor was foolish, he had to curry favor with him at this moment.
Moreover, Zhou Bangyan was indeed audacious.
There were so many famous courtesans in the world, and in Bianliang alone, there were the top ten courtesans every year.
To dare to compete with the Emperor over a famous courtesan, it seemed fine to teach such a madman a lesson.
Although he was indeed a renowned lyricist of the graceful school, Han Mo now had countless influential figures standing behind him!
"In that case, we will not disturb you any further, young official. I shall be in the palace, awaiting your good news!"
Liang Shicheng smiled and cupped his hands towards Han Mo.
The implication was clear: after returning from here, he would head directly to the palace.
When Han Mo emerged from the quiet room, the young Daoist boy who had escorted him in was waiting outside.
The same familiar carriage returned to Hu Ji Fragrance Shop.
Checking the time, only an hour had passed. Since it was still early, Han Mo simply took off his clothes and lay down in the spacious pine wood tub.
He tugged at the bell next to the tub, and immediately, a shop assistant from the fragrance shop brought in large buckets of hot water to refill the tub for Han Mo.
Various cold dishes were served again, and even a small jar of iced fruit wine.
Even Han Mo had to admit that the Song people truly knew how to enjoy themselves.
Bathing while drinking iced fine wine, this kind of hot and cold sensation was indeed an unparalleled pleasure.
He never expected that bathing culture would have such little change over a thousand years.
Zhou Bangyan was also a renowned figure. By arranging the challenge a day in advance, he must have made thorough preparations. It seemed he really needed to bring out something special today.
He just didn't know whose copyright fee he would owe this time.
After taking a bath, Han Mo felt completely refreshed.
He had truly returned with a great harvest today. Not only had he exceeded the task promised to Zhe Ke Cun, but he had also thoroughly resolved the matter concerning Zhao Zhen.
It was estimated that Prime Minister Cai would never have imagined that he was being schemed against by a mere, inexperienced youth.
Now, only Zhou Bangyan remained. Originally, Han Mo didn't want to steal the limelight, but since even the Emperor had become interested, he supposed he should satisfy everyone's morbid curiosity.
Coincidentally, he could also get a glimpse of what kind of beauty Li Shishi was, the one who could even lure the Emperor out of the palace!
"Young official, are we going home?"
"Home? Where are we going? Let's go, let's go to Fan Lou!"