"Young Master, this is a letter from Lord Zong!"
Just as Xin Xingzong received the military order, Han Mo had already received a reply from Zong Ying.
"Tell them to pack up. I think the matters in Suzhou City are almost settled. It's time for us to head to Mingzhou to take a look!"
After reading Zong Ying's reply, Han Mo's face showed no relief. As he had expected, Xin Xingzong was indeed dispatched to attack Hangzhou.
However, Zong Ying also subtly inquired in the letter whether he could be allowed to accompany the army to Mingzhou to assist in its defense.
Even though Zong Ying currently held the position of Counselor to the Pacification Commissioner of the Six Routes of the Southeast, a matter like Han Mo assisting in the defense of Mingzhou was not something he could decide on his own.
However, this was largely in line with Han Mo's previous plan.
The reason Zhao Zhen did not want Han Mo to remain in Suzhou City was simply that he did not want Han Mo to continue meddling in the subsequent affairs.
Although there was a slight sense of disappointment, Han Mo understood that all of this was only temporary.
From another perspective, Han Mo even felt a hint of comfort.
After all, in these times, for Zhao Zhen to ascend to the throne, there were still many things he had to deal with. Han Mo could not always be by his side.
If he himself had no understanding of political maneuvering, he might be schemed against at any moment.
"Going to Mingzhou at this time might be a bit..."
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Jiang Yan became a little worried.
Hangzhou City could fall, let alone a city like Mingzhou.
Mingzhou relied on its seaport and had developed quite well over the years. However, if one were to talk about the sturdiness of the city, it was truly not much to speak of.
After all, the Song Dynasty had been established for over a hundred years. Although Mingzhou City had undergone repairs, the extent of each repair was never significant. It was basically a matter of patching up where it had collapsed, and wherever else could be managed, it was managed.
Under such circumstances, with the local garrison forces in Mingzhou City, and those greedy officials who only knew how to embezzle money, the idea of holding Mingzhou City was simply a fool's dream.
Moreover, unlike other cities, Mingzhou City had ships coming and going from various places every day.
Once this place was controlled, these rebels would be able to advance or retreat as they pleased. At the very least, they could rely on these ships for abundant food and supplies.
In this situation, sending Han Mo to defend Mingzhou City made Jiang Yan begin to suspect that someone might be plotting to harm Han Mo?
"Don't worry, Mingzhou City will not be lost!"
Seeing the worried expression on Jiang Yan's face, Han Mo naturally understood what he was thinking.
However, Han Mo himself knew that if he wanted to realize his ideals, he had to personally make a trip to Mingzhou.
Besides, no matter how wary Zhao Zhen was of him, he wouldn't want him to die at this moment, would he?
Although Zong Ying did not say who he would be accompanying south, it was likely to be a fierce general.
"Young Master, this matter still needs careful consideration!"
"Don't worry, at worst, we can set sail. Do they think they can chase us out to sea?"
Seeing the relaxed expression on Han Mo's face, Jiang Yan knew that no matter what he said, Han Mo would not change his mind, so he could only remain silent.
"Alright, you take them down to prepare. I'll go to the Pacification Commissioner's Office. Once the official documents are ready, we'll head south directly!"
"Yes!"
After changing his clothes, Han Mo, accompanied by Xu Fengnian and two guards, leisurely went out, heading straight for the Pacification Commissioner's Office.
"Brother Han, I've handled your matter!"
Upon hearing that Han Mo had arrived, Zong Ying quickly came out with a smile.
"This is not my matter, you need to be clear about that!"
Hearing Zong Ying's words, Han Mo also said with a smile.
"Hahaha, alright, alright, you said it wrong, okay?"
"You did say it wrong. What do you mean 'you said it wrong'? Fine, I'm here today to ask you, who is the commander appointed to lead the troops to Mingzhou?"
Upon hearing Han Mo's question, Zong Ying's expression suddenly became a little unnatural.
"Brother Han..."
"Alright, I understand. No need to say more. It just so happens that I was also intending to go to Mingzhou."
Seeing his embarrassed look, Han Mo felt a slight warmth in his heart.
After all, the fact that he was embarrassed meant that he himself felt conflicted.
Otherwise, given his current position, he could have directly and righteously sent Han Mo to his death.
"Regarding the choice of the main commander, His Highness's intention is to appoint Wang Bing, the Commander of the Shengjie Army. What do you think?"
"Wang Bing?"
Upon hearing this name, Han Mo's pupils couldn't help but shrink.
This was a truly formidable individual!
In the original history, three thousand Shengjie Army soldiers held out in Taiyuan against the fierce attacks of tens of thousands of Jin troops for two hundred and fifty-three days.
With such a person accompanying him, Han Mo felt even more assured of his safety.
However, at the same time, Han Mo felt a little embarrassed.
After all, according to the original historical progression, Wang Bing was one of the main contributors to quelling the Fang La rebellion.
Now, because of him, his opportunity for meritorious service and reward was suddenly stripped away. It seemed rather unfair to him.
After all, in the original history, the Fang La army had not realized the importance of Mingzhou.
Sending him to defend Mingzhou with Han Mo at this time meant that he would have virtually no achievements in this battle that would influence his destiny.
"The troop deployment has not been announced yet. If you feel that something is not right, you can directly tell His Highness."
Seeing Han Mo in thought, Zong Ying quickly said.
"It's fine. Since it's His Highness's intention, let it be as His Highness intends! When will the army depart? I need to pack my belongings so that I can report for duty with them at any time."
"His Highness intends for it to be as soon as possible..."
Hearing him say this, Han Mo immediately understood Zhao Zhen's plan.
Wang Bing was also one of Tong Guan's subordinates. Zhao Zhen was completely intending to sideline all of Tong Guan's confidantes...
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but let out a wry smile. It seemed that this was also the idea of the old ministers recently gathered around Zhao Zhen.
The battle had not even begun, and they were already starting to eliminate rivals. It seemed that the historians of later generations had indeed commented accurately on the Song people.
The Song people were adept at internal strife...