"Then let's proceed as you suggested, Master Scholar. Would you like me to write you a receipt?" Li Shishi asked playfully.
"Of course! Business first, friendship second. When it comes to money, it's always better to be clear!"
To her surprise, Han Mo replied with utmost seriousness.
"Then please, Master Scholar, put pen to paper!"
Li Shishi said, and then handed over the jade brush she had been using.
Without any hesitation, Han Mo took the brush and quickly wrote out a receipt before handing it to Li Shishi.
"Then I shall keep this document safely. Who knows, perhaps in the future, I'll be relying on your endeavors to support myself!"
Seeing that Li Shishi had accepted it, Han Mo felt a wave of relief.
For Han Mo, this wasn't just about giving away a portion of his earnings; more importantly, it was about acquiring a protective umbrella.
Whatever business he decided to pursue in the future, Li Shishi would have a stake in it.
What wind in this world is the most powerful?
The answer, of course, is the wind from the pillow!
If anyone dared to cause him trouble or plot against him in secret, they would have to experience the consequences of displeasing the current Emperor.
The Emperor of the Great Song dynasty was unlike emperors of previous dynasties. Previous emperors were mindful of their subjects and officials.
They also considered the dignity of the scholars and officials, and thus, when dealing with any matter, they always left room for maneuver.
But the current emperor had no such concerns.
If any official in the imperial court dared to displease him, they would surely be kicked far away.
Indeed, the Great Song dynasty did not punish those who petitioned the court with written words, but it did not prevent them from being banished to the ends of the earth.
As long as one left the city of Bianliang, a mere nod from His Majesty could ensure that the Six Great Vajras, including Prime Minister Cai, could make one's life and death a living hell in an instant.
Before entering, Han Mo had been contemplating how to bring Li Shishi into the partnership. To his surprise, Li Shishi agreed without the slightest hesitation.
Although it was only ten percent of the net profit, Han Mo had clearly written that regardless of how large the business grew in the future, Li Shishi would have a ten percent share in it.
After Li Shishi had put away the document, the conversation between the two became much more relaxed.
Hearing that Han Mo had not yet eaten, the maidservant beside them quickly brought a few small dishes and some pastries.
Han Mo did not stand on ceremony, eating while chatting quietly with Li Shishi.
Unknowingly, two hours had passed.
As the night watch drum sounded three times outside, a knock suddenly echoed from the door.
Although the voice was light, the knocking was very rhythmic.
Upon hearing the knock, Li Shishi froze for a moment, her expression immediately becoming somewhat unnatural.
"Master Scholar Han, perhaps we should conclude for today. If you have free time in the future, please feel free to visit me often, alright?"
Hearing Li Shishi say this, Han Mo understood that the flamboyant emperor was likely about to arrive.
"Then I shall not disturb you, young lady. Han Mo bids farewell!"
Han Mo had no habit of eavesdropping. If the Emperor were to discover him, his future in officialdom would be ruined.
"Walk slowly, Master Scholar!"
When Han Mo emerged from the Fan Lou, Xu Fengnian was already waiting by the entrance with the carriage.
Although it was past midnight, the entire city of Bianliang was still brightly lit.
Along both sides of the Imperial Street, almost all the vendors were still doing brisk business.
This made Han Mo sigh internally. Such scenes were repeated daily. A city so prosperous, perhaps no dynasty in history had ever witnessed its like...
Whether it was the young noblemen indulging in drink, or the common folk stealing away for a drink in the evening, or the children who had taken a few copper coins from their parents to sneak out and buy sugar figurines, or the busy merchants constantly earning money.
On everyone's face, there was a smile of contentment.
However, only Han Mo's expression was gradually turning grim...
He truly wished he could tell these people to flee. If they didn't flee now, in a few more years, this city would be reduced to ruins under the iron hooves of the Jurchen.
He truly wished to submit a memorial to the Emperor, urging him not to sign the "Alliance of the Seas," and to remember that compared to the Khitan, who were no longer capable of attack, the ambitious Jurchen were the truly terrifying enemy.
But Han Mo knew that his words carried no weight at this moment. Even if he were to submit a memorial, and even if it were placed before the Emperor, the Emperor would simply dismiss it with a smile.
Throughout the Great Song dynasty, whether it was the esteemed officials in court or the decadent power-mongers enjoying a life of debauchery, not a single person would believe what he said.
In their arrogant minds, only the Khitan were their true enemies.
And only the sixteen prefectures of Yan Yun, lost to the Khitans, remained the eternal pain in the hearts of the Song people.
Often, knowing too much is a truly painful thing...
However, Han Mo quickly composed himself.
Even if he had to face a mess, so what?
Although he didn't know which immortal had taken pity and kicked him here, since he was already here, it would be a disservice to the one who sent him if he didn't stir things up a bit.
So what if there was war and chaos?
So what if wicked officials held power?
So what if the ruler was incompetent?
What's so great about all that!
Just watch as this young master cleans them all up!
With this thought, Han Mo's mood immediately improved considerably. Regardless, he had finally solved the problem of sustenance tonight.
Moreover, he had also firmly established his footing. With the military equipment he had acquired today, the Zhe family would likely be better able to preserve themselves in the upcoming war.
Now, the most pressing matter was the last one. Han Mo urgently needed to obtain the Jinshi (successful candidate) title. Only by obtaining this would he truly gain the pass to higher official positions.
The Great Song dynasty did not truly lack generals who could fight and conquer, nor soldiers willing to die heroically.
What was truly lacking was a general who could believe in himself during times of crisis, and a powerful minister who could withstand the slanders of political rivals!
And this, this was Han Mo's self-defined role. Since Cai Jing, He Zhizhong, and Wang Fu could do it, could he, a穿越者 (transmigrator), be inferior to them?