Han Mo nodded to her silently; this was a true divine assist.
He felt it was inconvenient to be present during the exchange between these two old men.
No matter which side he supported, it seemed inappropriate. It was better to let them discuss it themselves!
He himself had no great interest in this marriage anyway.
With chaos imminent, surviving with the two young girls was the real priority.
As for other things, he truly didn't have the time to think about them.
Following the Emperor and Zhao Shu into the rear heated chamber, Zhao Shu immediately led Huizong to the birdcage.
"Huh, this little bird has started eating?"
Zhao Shu spoke while putting on a surprised expression.
Han Mo's lips twitched; if he guessed correctly, the flattery session was about to begin.
"Hahaha, Sister, aren't your birds doing quite well? Their feathers are bright, their calls are crisp. Although there are a few stray feathers that need to be trimmed properly, they're still considered top-grade!"
Zhao Ji was extremely familiar with these things and, with just one glance, began to speak eloquently.
"Your Majesty, you haven't seen it. This little guy hasn't eaten properly for several days, and now that you've arrived, it's actually started eating! This little thing is truly spirited!"
Listening to the clumsy flattery, Han Mo almost burst out laughing.
However, he maintained a faint smile on his face, not daring to show any emotion.
"Congratulations to Your Majesty! Your Majesty's blessings are as boundless as heaven, even birds and beasts know to be grateful!"
Before Zhao Shu finished speaking, the eunuch behind Zhao Ji immediately knelt on the ground and started to chime in.
Han Mo was stunned; this was too shameless...
It's just a bird eating food?
What does that have to do with the Emperor?
"Hahaha, Sister, don't tease me here. Do we need to be so formal between us? I heard your chef has made several new dishes? Have them served for me to taste?"
Zhao Ji probably felt a bit embarrassed and changed the subject.
"Your Majesty's news is truly well-informed. In Bianjing City, truly nothing can be hidden from you!"
Zhao Shu spoke while directly ordering the servants to prepare.
"That's natural. In Bianjing City, if I want to know something, no one can hide it from me!"
For some reason, as the Emperor spoke, his gaze shifted and landed directly on Han Mo.
Han Mo's heart skipped a beat; this old fellow seemed to have an ulterior motive!
Could it be that the Emperor knew about everything he had done before?
Thinking of this, Han Mo truly felt a chill down his spine.
This was no small matter; it was evidence of Cai Jing's corruption.
Fortunately, the Emperor did not seem to intend to pursue him.
"Sister, why is this child, so young, having so many emotions? That poem 'Po Zhen Zi' is written so well, it has the makings of truly catching up to Scholar Su!"
As he spoke, Zhao Ji suddenly changed the topic and brought it back to Han Mo.
"This boy is reckless and dare not accept such praise. Your Majesty praises Scholar Su as knowledgeable in ancient and modern times, which is beyond what this boy can compare!"
What a joke! Han Mo still had some self-awareness.
It was one thing for him to occasionally plagiarize, but to discuss poetry with the Emperor, who was a master of calligraphy and painting, was like seeking trouble for himself!
Although he had quite a few poems and songs in his mind, the problem was that in this era, even drinking games could be elaborate. With his abilities, if he were exposed, it would be disastrous.
"Good, good, indeed a talent worth nurturing! Thinking of Scholar Su back then, after becoming famous at a young age, he was reckless for many years, only reaching enlightenment in his middle age and becoming a master of his own style. You, at such a young age, are so talented and yet so humble, truly a fine piece of uncarved jade!"
Han Mo suddenly felt a pang in his teeth. Very good, very powerful. Was he not making himself understood?
Why was the Emperor giving him such high praise right after meeting him?
He never expected this fellow to have such a talent for being a sycophant.
This was truly a bit speechless!
"Your Majesty rarely praises people. Mo Ge'er, aren't you going to thank him?"
Seeing Han Mo standing there dumbfounded, Zhao Shu quickly said.
Thank him?
Thank him for what?
Han Mo was momentarily bewildered; why did this script feel so strange?
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
However, Han Mo dared not show any disrespect. He quickly cupped his hands and bowed.
"I remember, you are an internal student?"
Zhao Ji nodded with a smile and then continued to ask.
"I dare not hide anything from Your Majesty. This boy has wasted his youth before, but after this serious illness, I have gained a new perspective and wish to study diligently to serve Your Majesty soon!"
This was a great opportunity!
Hearing Zhao Ji steer the conversation in this direction, Han Mo blurted it out without thinking.
"Indeed, a descendant of loyalty and integrity, knowing to serve me at such a young age! Your line, 'To fulfill the king's worldly affairs, to win posthumous fame,' has made me shed tears several times!"
As Zhao Ji said this, he actually shook his head and sighed.
"Does Your Majesty have any troublesome matters?"
Zhao Shu appropriately stepped in to chime in.
"What else could it be? Just some dirty business in the court. The disasters in Huai Dong and Jing Ji have just been brought under control, and bandits are rampant in Jiangxi and Guangdong! This world never knows a moment of peace! Why can't these commoners live peacefully? Must they resort to raiding homes and robbing villages!"
As Zhao Ji said this, he couldn't help but sigh.
Han Mo's lips twitched; this couldn't be blamed on the Emperor's ignorance of the people's hardships.
The problem was, among the Zhao family emperors, excluding Taizu and Taizong, the remaining emperors who had left Bianliang City could be counted on one hand.
How could he know that this was entirely due to the Huagen Yue and its associated stone and flower tax that caused such hardship? This alone had almost emptied the pockets of the people along the way, which was a clear case of official oppression forcing rebellion!
The cost of a single Taihu stone, from quarrying to transportation, was already astonishing.
Coupled with the exploitation by corrupt officials, calling him a disaster for the country and its people was actually an understatement...
However, this issue was too sensitive, and Han Mo really found it difficult to speak up.
Although he knew many inside details, those people held high positions, and he was just an ordinary citizen now.
Even with the identity of a Tai Xue student, he was a mere weakling in front of those people. Discussing such matters at this time would be courting death!
But the problem was, with the conversation reaching this point, it felt wrong not to flatter the Emperor!
"Your Majesty, why not ask the chancellors of the two offices for advice?"
Han Mo cleared his throat and then said.
"The chancellors of the two offices? The chancellors are probably waiting to laugh at me now! Humph! If I didn't lack the ability, I'd really like to see what their hearts are made of!"
Zhao Ji snorted as he spoke.
"Your Majesty is joking!"
Han Mo was surprised; he hadn't expected the Emperor to have such strong opinions about the prime ministers.
"Of course, I'm joking. Could it be that I would really do such things as Jie and Zhou? People's hearts are separated by their bellies!"
Zhao Ji let out another cold laugh.
Han Mo's heart skipped a beat; this was a good opportunity!
Should he act?
"Your Majesty, if you wish to know how the common people view these chancellors, why not hear it directly?"
"Hear it directly? How?"
Zhao Ji's interest was piqued.