Everyone's gaze was fixed on him, leaving Fang Jing in a dilemma.
If it were up to his personal feelings, he would gladly owe Han Mo a favor and let the woman go. It wasn't a big deal.
After all, Xin Xingzong hadn't suffered any substantial harm. Although there was some bleeding around his neck, it was merely a minor injury.
Even though this incident was entirely Xin Xingzong's own doing, if he hadn't repeatedly resorted to force, this would never have happened to him.
However, he had lost face, and Fang Jing found it difficult to be too assertive at this moment.
"I say, Master Fang, since when can the crime of attempting to assassinate an imperial official be negotiated? Have your old eyes gone blurry!"
Having lost so much face in front of everyone, how could Xin Xingzong let this humiliation pass?
As Xin Xingzong spoke, he glared fiercely at the woman in red, his expression like that of a starving wolf that had suddenly discovered a delicious lamb.
Seeing Xin Xingzong's malicious gaze, the woman in red instinctively moved a few steps closer to Han Mo.
Although she knew these people might break their promises, things had reached this point. How could a mere weak woman resist so many wolf-like constables?
"Master Fang, I'm taking this woman. If you have any objections, feel free to come to the Pacification Commissioner's Office to find me!"
With a cold sneer, Han Mo reached out and placed his hand on the woman's shoulder.
At this, the atmosphere in the scene became even more peculiar.
Even Xin Xingzong hadn't expected Han Mo to show such blatant disregard for his face over a courtesan.
"You, Han, you'd better think clearly. Harboring rebels is a capital offense!"
As Xin Xingzong said this, he bent down and picked up the sword from the ground.
"You even know my surname is Han?"
Han Mo completely ignored his threat.
With just a casual sentence, he stunned everyone present.
Xin Xingzong immediately realized that he had spoken too excessively.
Given Han Qi's merits in serving three dynasties and supporting two emperors, who in this world would dare to say that the Han family members would rebel?
Even when the Yuanyou Party edict was at its fiercest, Cai Jing dared not accuse Han Zhongyan of rebellion, despite him being listed on the edict.
"So what if you're surnamed Han? Even if you're from the Han family of Xiangzhou, do the imperial laws no longer matter?"
Although he understood he had spoken out of turn, admitting it so easily in front of everyone was difficult.
"Being from the Han family of Xiangzhou is indeed nothing special. However, General Xin, you should think clearly about what happened today. You know, I know, and everyone present knows. Do you really think you can cover the sky with one hand?"
As Han Mo spoke, he poured himself a cup of wine, downed it in one gulp, and then casually tossed the wine cup to the ground.
"If I can't cover the sky with one hand, does that mean you can harbor a criminal?"
Although Xin Xingzong harbored thoughts of retreat, he was already cornered. It was too late to back down now.
After all, he was a favored general of Tong Guan. If he endured this humiliation now, how could he face anyone in the future?
"Normally, today's matter wouldn't concern me. However, General, don't forget, if it weren't for me just now, you might have lost your head. Instead of showing gratitude, you're seeking personal revenge. What are you trying to do?"
Since this fellow hadn't shown Han Mo any respect from the moment he entered, Han Mo felt no qualms about confronting him now.
"Are you saying this knife wound on my neck should have been for nothing?"
As Xin Xingzong spoke, his eyes widened, and the wound on his neck bled even more profusely. In just a moment, his clothes were soaked with blood.
"General Xin, why don't you find a physician to tend to your wound first?"
Seeing the blood gushing from his neck, Fang Jing said with concern.
"No need. If I can get justice today, I'd be willing to die here. I just wonder how Master Han will explain this to Commander Tong after I'm gone!"
Xin Xingzong had clearly realized that his words alone couldn't suppress Han Mo. With a grim determination, he invoked Tong Guan's name.
"I say, General Xin, aren't you overthinking things? You are a subordinate of Commander Tong, but I am not. If you are intent on seeking death, what does it have to do with anyone else? Moreover, Han Mo, as someone from the Pacification Commissioner's Office of the Six Eastern Routes, should he explain anything, it would be to His Highness Prince Xin. As for how to explain it to Commander Tong, please figure that out yourself!"
Seeing the two of them locked in a confrontation, with neither willing to back down, Fang Jing was truly starting to get a headache.
"My lords, my lords, there's no need to escalate this matter so much. It's just a small issue. How about I handle this woman? What do you two say?"
Looking at the wound still bleeding on Xin Xingzong's neck, Fang Jing was genuinely starting to get scared. If this fellow were to die here, Han Mo would simply walk away, but what about him?
Han Mo wasn't afraid of Tong Guan, but how could his humble self as a county magistrate not be?
If Tong Guan truly wanted to deal with him, he wouldn't even have to lift a finger. A mere look would suffice for someone to rip him to shreds.
At this moment, he truly detested this woman. Even at this point, why was she still pretending to be virtuous?
"Master Han, Liang Hongyu is eternally grateful for your kindness! However, this is a problem my daughter caused herself. Master, please don't get involved any further!"
Seeing that the situation couldn't be resolved peacefully today, Liang Hongyu could no longer remain silent.
"You just said, what was your name?"
As soon as Liang Hongyu's words fell, Han Mo's entire body jolted. Could there truly be such a coincidence in this world?
"My surname is Liang, and my name is Hongyu. Thank you, Master Han, for your kindness today. However, this matter has nothing to do with you, so please stop here!"
As Liang Hongyu spoke, she closed her eyes in pain, preparing to accept her fate.
"Very well, you don't need to worry about this matter anymore. Since I've acted as a guarantor, I should naturally fulfill my promise! You step aside, and I will handle this matter!"
Knowing she was Liang Hongyu, how could Han Mo let her die like this?
This was truly finding what you sought without looking!
"Since Master Fang has said so, I can't refuse you. How about this: I have one copper coin here. General, take this coin as compensation from this woman, how about it?"
As Han Mo spoke, he smiled amiably, took out a single copper coin from his sleeve, jingled it in front of Xin Xingzong, and then tossed it onto the ground before him.
This not only stunned Xin Xingzong but also all the people present.
Fang Jing's mouth twitched. At this moment, he realized that although Han Mo appeared refined and cultured, the ferocity in his bones was truly beyond ordinary people.
Was this offering an apology? This was clearly an insult!