"Indeed, this Scholar Su should have some sway with Chancellor Liang. Your Highness might as well promise more regarding future matters and be more humble in your words. This matter can surely be settled."
"Hearing your words is better than reading ten years of books. Mr. Han, if I can overcome this tribulation, it will all be thanks to your merit!"
After listening to Han Mo's words, Zhao Huan truly saw the light.
The matter was simple in theory, but if the right connections couldn't be found, navigating it safely would be quite difficult.
Moreover, if he could indeed pull Liang Shicheng over to be his backer, his position would be greatly stabilized.
The precarious situation he was in would likely reverse immediately.
Even if Song Huizong had thoughts of deposing the elder and favoring the younger, wouldn't there be an additional person to mediate?
"The world is too kind. I merely spoke a few casual words, how can I dare claim any merit!"
"No, no, no, without your guidance, I might have perished this time! This is my personal jade token, please accept it as proof! If you have any free time, Mr. Han, feel free to visit me at the Eastern Palace at any time."
After speaking, Zhao Huan immediately took out a jade token carved from mutton-fat jade from his sleeve.
Han Mo was genuinely a bit exasperated. They truly were born of the same father; their methods of winning people over were identical.
Couldn't they offer something more substantial?
Why not offer true gold, silver, pearls, or jades!
Even if it were copper coins, land deeds, or residences, Young Master would gladly accept them all.
Holding a useless piece of jade, he would have to bribe his subordinates every time he visited.
Not only would he not earn money, but he would also have to spend it.
Han Mo seriously suspected that this fellow wasn't trying to win him over, but rather to solicit funds.
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
However, no matter how displeased he was inwardly, at this moment, he could only accept the token first.
Although the other man had only been emperor for a year and two months, Han Mo couldn't afford to be too picky.
Even if the merit he was establishing now wouldn't yield immediate results, it would still be useful after the other man ascended the throne.
Regardless, it was free, and he might as well take it.
"Your Highness, it is almost time."
As the two were exchanging pleasantries, the young eunuch by Zhao Huan's side called out loudly from a distance.
"Since it is almost time, I shall take my leave!"
Han Mo did not want anyone to know that he had already been recruited by the Crown Prince at this moment, otherwise, the retaliation from Prince Yun would likely come immediately.
At least, before he formally entered officialdom, he still wanted to maintain neutrality.
In any case, neither of Song Huizong's sons was a good sort. Zhao Huan was merely more timid.
While Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, was more resolute. In the end, both were undesirable.
Han Mo only wanted to survive this catastrophe, enter officialdom, and then find an opportunity to slip away quickly. This was his plan.
"Farewell, Mr. Han. If you have time, please continue to guide me!"
To be fair, Zhao Huan's courteous attitude was quite pleasing to Han Mo.
For a moment, Han Mo even wondered if he could change history.
However, he quickly dismissed the idea. He was just a novice now.
It would be good enough to live his own simple life, why bother with those people in the imperial court for no reason.
Especially now, during the Xuande era, when monsters and demons emerged, it was better for him to keep a low profile.
"Your Highness jokes. Han Mo merely possesses a little cleverness. As for guiding Your Highness, I am far from qualified!"
After cupping his hands towards Zhao Huan once more, Han Mo returned to the study.
"Don't think you can rise to prominence just because you've hooked up with a Crown Prince. You need to see clearly; it's still uncertain who will sit on that chair in the future!"
Seeing Han Mo walk back with a beaming face and an enigmatic smile, Cai Shu gritted his teeth and said in a low voice.
"You should worry about yourself. I wonder how your brilliant essay is coming along? His Highness the Crown Prince just said he will review your essay personally!"
Han Mo completely ignored his lukewarm threat and stated directly.
"You!"
This was truly a sore point. To this day, he still had a blank sheet of paper in his hands.
"It seems some people will be submitting a blank paper. I wonder how a blank paper is interpreted in the Book of Changes?"
Zhong Yanchong also chimed in with a smile.
Ever since Han Mo composed that poem, he had harbored a desire to befriend him.
After all, in this day and age, a timeless poem could instantly make someone famous throughout the land.
Especially since Zhong Shidao had endured humiliation for the first half of his life. With such a poem, even if he died now, he would leave a good reputation in the hearts of the people.
"Your Highness has not yet reviewed the papers, so no whispering!"
Just when Cai Shu was at his most embarrassed, Qin Hui walked over.
"Yes!"
Regardless, this old fellow was still the academy registrar of the Imperial College, and at this moment, they could only listen.
As Zhao Huan was about to enter, Cai Shu was truly sweating profusely with anxiety.
However, just as Qin Hui turned around, Cai Shu suddenly saw a word written on Qin Hui's palm.
"I, I, I..."
Cai Shu suddenly stood up and tilted backward, facing the sky.
Fainting!
This was the solution Qin Hui had devised for him. Only this method could save his face.
It could also save Cai Jing's face. Otherwise, if this boy truly disgraced himself in public, an investigation would be launched into how Cai Jing had managed to get him admitted.
Damn it!
Han Mo couldn't help but want to curse at the clumsiness of this boy's acting.
"Someone, quickly help him to the side ear room! Find a doctor to examine him immediately!"
Qin Hui's reaction was also quick. Seeing Cai Shu fall, he immediately gave instructions.
"Wait a moment!"
How could Han Mo let this boy get away with it so easily?
Thus, he immediately stood up and shouted.
"What are you doing? If you delay the treatment, it could be fatal!"
Qin Hui also became a little nervous.
If Cai Shu met with misfortune, it might even implicate him.
After all, he had played a part in facilitating this boy's admission.
Although this matter was clearly arranged by Wang Mian, the Director of the Imperial College, the position of Director of the Imperial College was extremely important, and Cai Jing would not easily let it go.
The most likely scenario was to find a scapegoat. Who else could be more suitable than him?
"I have learned some first-aid methods. If we send for a doctor from here, it might cause significant delays. Why don't you let me try first?"
Han Mo said earnestly.
Cai Shu, who was lying on the ground feigning unconsciousness, was stunned. He knew with his rear end that this boy was definitely up to no good.