"Is it truly that propriety cannot be abandoned?"
Zhao Huan suddenly gave a wry smile, picked up the teacup before him, and downed it in one gulp as if drinking wine.
"This, this is of course true..."
Han Mo was taken aback. He hadn't expected His Highness the Crown Prince to say such a thing.
"If that is the case, then this Prince will not force you. I had originally planned to recruit you, but now it seems, forget it. If you were to follow this Prince, you would likely be implicated in the end..."
Han Mo was completely speechless. What was this? Was it a strategy of advancing by retreating?
In his previous life, he had plenty of free time and spent it online, becoming quite familiar with various historical anecdotes.
However, he had never heard of any prominent figure recruiting subordinates in such a manner.
This was completely a case of "what's done is done," but his words indeed left Han Mo at a loss for how to respond.
"Your Highness, you jest. Han Mo is merely a student of the Imperial Academy. How could I possibly be of any help to Your Highness?"
After a moment of stunned silence, Han Mo replied awkwardly.
"Jesting? This Prince wishes it were a jest. These words should not have been spoken to you, but for some reason, upon seeing you, I felt a peculiar affinity, and before I knew it, I wanted to talk with you."
Zhao Huan spoke with a bitter smile.
The more he spoke like this, the more Han Mo felt a sense of guilt. What was going on? Could this fellow be a rabbit?
His manner of speaking wasn't like someone trying to recruit him; it almost felt like a confession.
"Your Highness, as the Emperor's eldest legitimate son, and the Crown Prince of the Great Song, as long as you adhere to propriety, you truly do not need to worry too much about other matters."
Regardless, considering this confession that could potentially be misinterpreted, Han Mo decided to offer some comfort.
"What is the use of merely having the name of righteousness? Do they not say that words can shave bones, and the slander of the masses can melt metal..."
As Zhao Huan spoke, he actually began to sob softly.
Good grief...
Han Mo was stunned. How had the Emperor bullied his son to the point of this?
A grown man, in front of a stranger, breaking down in tears.
This was rather preposterous...
"Your Highness, you..."
Han Mo had absolutely no experience in comforting a man.
"I am willing to swear by the spirits of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong in heaven, that if you aid me, I shall never betray you for the rest of my life!"
What the heck!
To be honest, Han Mo was genuinely tempted.
Although the promises of emperors were, most of the time, as worthless as farts, the emperors of the Zhao family seemed quite reliable!
Of course, Nine Sister was an exception!
That fellow spent his entire life being treacherous.
Conversely, Zhao Huan, a ruler of a fallen state, had received some protection from Liang Shicheng, which was why, even in the end,
When Liang Shicheng was branded as one of the Six Traitors, Emperor Qinzong did not lay a hand on him. Instead, he offered him further protection.
With such a precedent, Han Mo was truly somewhat moved this time!
Even though this unlucky fellow only reigned as emperor for a year and two months, if he wanted to advance quickly, this seemed like a good opportunity!
"Your Highness, Han Mo is but a scholar now. My presence by Your Highness's side will only cause trouble."
Han Mo hesitated before finally beginning to engage.
"If you are willing to help me, it is well within this Prince's ability to ensure you achieve the rank of Tong Jinshi Jidi!"
Zhao Huan immediately sensed Han Mo's wavering. In fact, this was his greatest leverage at the moment.
However, Han Mo was not so easily fooled. If Zhao Huan did not reveal his hand now, Han Mo would not be so easily lured.
With the imperial examinations imminent, Han Mo had a chance to attain Jinshi even without help. A Tong Jinshi Jidi was simply not impressive enough.
Moreover, it was now the Jingkang era. Thanks to Chancellor Zhang Yuan, the imperial examinations in the Great Song Dynasty did not dismiss anyone.
This meant that as long as he passed the examinations in the academy, the final imperial examination would be a mere formality.
There was no need for His Highness the Crown Prince to make such a promise. This condition was truly lacking in sincerity.
"Han Mo can achieve Jinshi Jidi on his own. If Your Highness does not mind, when Han Mo has the ability to assist, I will naturally serve under Your Highness!"
Since everyone was making empty promises, Han Mo was disinclined to engage in pretense without any concrete offers.
"What do you require this Prince to do for you?"
Zhao Huan decisively gritted his teeth, allowing Han Mo to state his terms.
Han Mo's mouth twitched. How could one recruit scholars in such a manner?
You are completely disregarding the usual procedures!
But seeing his earnest expression, Han Mo became even more perplexed. He wondered what was truly going on with this Crown Prince.
It felt rather like a desperate measure. What had happened recently? What had scared him to this extent?
"Your Highness..."
Han Mo truly didn't know how to begin. This matter was truly too preposterous.
"Just say it, as long as it is within my capabilities!"
Zhao Huan vowed earnestly.
"Han Mo has no particular needs that require Your Highness's assistance. Your Highness, please do not misunderstand. If Han Mo requires Your Highness's help to establish himself in the officialdom, then what face would I have to speak of assisting Your Highness!"
The more Zhao Huan acted this way, the more Han Mo felt uneasy, and he decided to directly put an end to this topic.
"As expected, he is of Chancellor Han's lineage. I underestimated you!"
Although Zhao Huan was somewhat disappointed, he did not press the matter further.
"If Your Highness has any troublesome matters, Han Mo might be able to offer some advice. However, I fear my knowledge is shallow and I might end up harming Your Highness!"
"Truly?"
Zhao Huan could hardly believe his ears and quickly asked.
"Of course, it is true!"
After all, it was just offering an idea, and it could satisfy his own gossip-mongering curiosity. Why not?
Besides, there were only the two of them here. If he denied it after leaving this room, who could possibly go to the Crown Prince to verify it?
"Do you know Jia Yi?"
Zhao Huan looked around and asked cautiously.
"Jia Yi?"
Han Mo was taken aback. He truly didn't know this person. Wasn't this fellow some significant figure?
"Some time ago, he composed a Ci poem:
Strolling leisurely before the small tower,
I saw a beauty resembling an immortal.
Secretly thinking the Emperor's affection was like a dream,
I pursued joy.
Holding hands in the orchid chamber, I cherished it freely.
A night of sworn vows.
Incense burning like auspicious smoke.
Reported that the morning court attendance was late,
Returning to the palace.
Leaving behind a piece of fine silk as payment for the night."
"He has now been apprehended by imperial order. The Imperial City Department is currently gathering evidence of his crimes!"
"Hiss—"
Hearing Zhao Huan's words, Han Mo could not help but gasp.
Han Mo suddenly understood. It seemed this was referring to Li Shishi and Emperor Huizong!
What a bold individual! To dare write such a thing?
This fellow was truly fearless!
"What does this have to do with Your Highness?"
However, Han Mo quickly realized the connection. What did this have to do with Zhao Huan?
"He was a renowned scholar in Bianliang city, and I exchanged some correspondence with him! Although there were no treasonous words, if one wishes to accuse someone, are pretexts ever lacking!"
As Zhao Huan spoke, he couldn't help but start crying again.
At this point, Han Mo was utterly speechless. The Crown Prince's tears were indeed excessive...