After taking a sip of tea, Han Mo spoke again, asking,
"I have no other intentions. Even if His Majesty blames me, it would only be a scolding. I am an adult, not a child. Even if I receive a few lashes, it would be nothing."
Zhao Zhen simply smiled and said naturally,
"I have a method to acquire a large amount of silver in a short period. I wonder if Your Highness is interested?"
Han Mo suddenly said with a smile.
"Oh? Brother Han also possesses the skills of Tao Zhu Gong?"
Zhao Zhen was genuinely surprised this time. He was a straightforward person, and Han Mo truly appealed to him.
Therefore, as they spoke, he even sounded a bit as if he were joking.
"I wouldn't dare claim the skills of Tao Zhu Gong, but I have no problem acquiring wealth!"
Han Mo said with a confident smile.
"Then Zhao Zhen would be eager to hear Brother Han's brilliant ideas!"
"Have you tried the brown sugar I sent to Your Highness's residence last time?"
Han Mo asked directly.
"Brother Han intends to exchange this for money?"
Zhao Zhen's eyes widened.
"I just wonder if there are any great merchants in this city who can afford the price!"
Han Mo asked with a smile.
Although the original owner of this body was a scoundrel, this Bianliang city was simply too vast.
One must know that in the Great Song Dynasty, Bianliang city administered eighteen counties and twenty-four towns, truly a metropolis of millions of soldiers and civilians!
Regarding the situation in the city, he certainly did not understand it as well as Zhao Zhen.
"This item is indeed quite good, but at this time, I fear no one would dare to court disaster by offering money for disaster relief..."
Zhao Zhen hesitated for a moment, frowning.
He was a prince who was unconcerned with the emperor's favor or the opinions of officials.
He didn't even care if the emperor would punish him, so he could act recklessly. However, if it were someone else, it would truly be uncertain!
At this moment, it was likely that ordinary merchants would not dare to part with a large sum of money to help Zhao Zhen overcome difficulties!
With such a large undertaking before them, this matter would only grow larger.
The envoys of the Jin people had just arrived in Bianliang and would depart in at least ten days to half a month.
Based on the current grain prices, they would need at least over a hundred thousand strings of coins to sustain themselves.
For a merchant to contribute such a large sum of money, would he not fear incurring the wrath of the eunuchs inside and outside the palace?
"He did not contribute money for disaster relief; he merely conducted a small business transaction with Your Highness, Brother Han, and Her Highness the Eldest Princess!"
Han Mo said with a smile.
"Brother Han's meaning is?"
Zhao Zhen had not yet grasped it, but Zong Ying's eyes had already lit up.
Han Mo was now clearly and unequivocally siding with Zhao Zhen!
Was this the legendary foolishness leading to good fortune?
"My intention is simple: the person Your Highness finds will be responsible for production and sales. Of course, he needs to advance us the funds required for this disaster relief, and it will be deducted from our share later!"
"But this is Brother Han's item, I..."
Zhao Zhen said somewhat hesitantly.
"Your Highness, now is not the time to debate whose item this is. Han Mo cannot bear the burden of this disaster relief hat."
Han Mo said naturally.
"Your Highness, Brother Han speaks the truth. If this matter is handled by Your Highness, it can be said to be disaster relief on behalf of heaven. But if it were handled by Brother Han, it would become an act of winning hearts and minds."
Zong Ying also quickly chimed in.
"But this matter is thankless and difficult! Brother Han, why would you..."
Zhao Zhen looked at Han Mo with some confusion. Getting involved in such a matter at this time was not a choice a wise person would make.
"Your Highness has gone to great lengths to help these disaster victims, and I am merely contributing a small effort. Furthermore, how does Your Highness know this isn't a good opportunity to make money!"
Han Mo smiled mysteriously, but was unwilling to elaborate further.
"If we speak of great merchants, there is Feng Yuanbao in Bianliang city. His family fortune is no less than a million strings of coins, and he himself specializes in dealing with goods from the north and south. Finding him for this matter should be fine!"
Zhao Zhen thought for a moment and then said.
"Then perhaps Young Master Shou Zheng can accompany me on this trip?"
Since a target had been identified, Han Mo spoke directly.
"If that is the case, then I shall trouble you, Mr. Han!"
Zhao Zhen was naturally open-minded. Seeing Han Mo's magnanimity, he did not stand on ceremony.
"It is no trouble at all. Since Brother Han invites me, how could Zong refuse?"
Zong Ying said with a smile.
"In that case, Han Mo shall take his leave!"
Han Mo smiled, bid farewell to Zhao Zhen, and then got into the carriage with Zong Ying, heading towards Bianliang city.
"Brother Han seems to have a favorable impression of His Highness Prince Xin today!"
After the two got into the carriage, Zong Ying suddenly said without preamble.
"Isn't Brother Shou Zheng the same?"
Han Mo chuckled and retorted directly.
He naturally understood that Zong Ying was considering Zhao Zhen and trying to probe his intentions.
However, at this moment, although he was very interested in Zhao Zhen, it was not yet the time for Zhao Zhen to make his move.
Therefore, in response to Zong Ying's question, Han Mo merely smiled without giving a definitive answer.
"Brother Han is very thoughtful!"
Zong Ying seemed to have misunderstood, but Han Mo had no intention of explaining.
He understood that Zong Ying believed this was merely his own probing, after all, at this time, a wise bird chooses a tree to perch on.
In Bianliang city, those who can truly remain neutral are either insignificant or have no value to exploit.
How many of the remaining people can avoid being caught in the vortex of factionalism?
Currently, the court's forces were clearly divided into four factions. The strongest were naturally Liang Shicheng and Wang Fu.
With Liang Shicheng acting internally and Wang Fu externally, Liang Shicheng was known as the "Hidden Prime Minister." All memorials reported to Emperor Huizong and imperial edicts issued had to pass through his hands.
As for Wang Fu, after colluding with Liang Shicheng, he rose from the position of Tongyi Dafu to Shaofei in just one year.
Shaofei, which in the reign of Emperor Huizong was the Deputy Prime Minister!
One could imagine how rapid his promotion was!
The second faction was naturally Cai Jing, who had ascended to the position of Prime Minister four times, which was truly unprecedented in the history of the Great Song Dynasty since its founding!
He had numerous followers and protégés throughout the land. Even Prince Yun, a strong contender for the throne, had to maintain a good relationship with him.
The third faction was naturally Prince Yun's faction. With the support of Tong Guan, the Grand Councilor of the Great Song Dynasty, and Cai You, he was currently in his prime.
It is worth mentioning that Cai You, Cai Jing's esteemed son, was truly filial. He could also be considered one of his father's main political rivals!
The last faction was naturally the current Crown Prince's faction. Although there were many loyal and righteous individuals among them,
The problem was that such people found it difficult to gain prominence in political struggles!
Therefore, with the Crown Prince's own position precarious, Zong Ying could understand whatever Han Mo did at this time.
After all, the emperor's bestowal of the jade ruyi upon him clearly indicated that this person was favored by the emperor!