"Young master, do you know this person?"
Since Han Mo moved in, although it hasn't been half a day, dozens of officials have come to visit him.
However, they were all turned away by Jiang Yan and the others.
In terms of official rank, even the lowest-ranking among them was at least a seventh-rank official.
Any one of them was stronger than Fang Jing, a county magistrate of the eighth rank!
"I naturally have my plans. You can take some people outside and buy some pastries for me. It's not good to disturb people without bringing anything,"
"Yes!"
Since Han Mo said so, Jiang Yan felt a little strange but could only act according to his wishes.
After instructing his subordinates to block all visitors, Han Mo finally had half a day of free time.
After a good night's sleep, he felt much refreshed.
"Lord Han, my lord has specially prepared a carriage for you. See..."
"Since that's the case, I thank your lord!"
Han Mo had no intention of refusing such a small matter. After giving a few instructions to his subordinates, he left with Jiang Yan.
Upon arriving at the Jingkou County Yamen, as soon as Han Mo alighted from the carriage, a middle-aged man in his thirties walked out with a smile.
"I've long heard that Lord Han is young yet his talent surpasses that of his contemporaries. Seeing you today, Lord Han, is indeed extraordinary!"
"Lord Fang is too kind. Han Mo is merely a junior. Such praise from you makes me feel rather humbled!"
"You scholars are all the same, so tiresome. If you continue to be so polite, the sky will likely turn dawn before you're done!"
As the two were speaking, a burly man nearly two meters tall suddenly walked out of the county yamen.
Although the politeness between scholars was indeed troublesome, being directly criticized like this, Han Mo was taken aback.
"And who is this?"
After a thorough appraisal of the man, Han Mo looked at Fang Jing with some confusion.
"Lord Han, please forgive me. This is Xin Xingzong, a subordinate of Grand Marshal Tong, who was ordered to lead his troops south and is passing through Jingkou. My lord, today, I..."
As Fang Jing spoke, an embarrassed expression immediately appeared on his face.
Seeing this, Han Mo vaguely understood the situation.
After all, he had also served as a county magistrate for a few months and knew the hardships of the local magistrates.
A county magistrate of the eighth rank had an annual expense allowance of less than fifty guan.
This amount was barely enough even in peacetime, let alone in these times of war and chaos.
Especially tonight, when he had to entertain guests like Han Mo and Xin Xingzong, whom he could not afford to offend.
Treating them both at the same table was his best option. He probably never expected Xin Xingzong to be so arrogant.
Although Han Mo's official position was not high, he was, after all, an official of the Provincial Pacification Commission.
The way this fellow spoke so rudely clearly showed that he did not put Han Mo in his eyes.
"It seems I have made the general laugh. The general is right. In that case, I believe we should cease the pleasantries!"
Regardless, Han Mo was currently in need of Fang Jing's help to gather information, so he did not erupt in anger. He simply smiled and bowed to Fang Jing again.
"I have prepared a banquet. Both lords, please be seated!"
Seeing that Han Mo had no intention of getting angry, Fang Jing quickly bowed to Han Mo and then turned to invite Xin Xingzong inside.
"As there is a war happening on the front lines, the banquet today will be simpler. Please do not mind it!"
As the three entered, Fang Jing naturally took the main seat, while Xin Xingzong, without giving Han Mo any face, directly sat in the honored guest seat to Fang Jing's left.
This made not only Han Mo's expression turn unpleasant, but even Fang Jing appeared somewhat embarrassed.
The Song Dynasty had always valued civil officials over military ones. Although Xin Xingzong was a fifth-rank Zhongzhou Defense Commissioner, Han Mo was a Zhuangyuan (top scholar) and currently served as an official of the Southeastern Six Routes Provincial Pacification Commission.
For this fellow to snatch Han Mo's seat at this time was clearly an attempt to provoke Han Mo.
"I say, Lord Fang, what's so good about this banquet? I heard you've acquired some beautiful courtesans. Why not summon them to liven things up?"
As soon as Xin Xingzong said this, Fang Jing quickly lowered his head and stole a glance at Han Mo.
This fellow was too much. He truly considered himself the main guest.
Snatching Han Mo's seat was one thing, but now he dared to make such a request first.
Fortunately, Han Mo, sitting opposite him, seemed to show no reaction. Not only was there no sign of anger on his face, but there was also a faint smile.
"That is certainly no problem. I wonder about Lord Han, you..."
Logically speaking, when court officials entertained guests, they should not use courtesans. If such matters were to spread, they would be impeached by censors.
"Since the general has such an inclination, let us follow the general's wishes!"
Han Mo said, reaching out to pour himself a cup of wine, without changing his expression.
"Excellent! Since Lord Han has no objections, Lord Fang, I'll trouble you!"
Xin Xingzong spoke while observing Han Mo's expression, as if everything he did today was deliberately targeted at Han Mo.
Although he didn't know why this fellow harbored such great animosity towards him, Han Mo did not want to fall out with him at this moment.
After all, with Han Mo's current capabilities, it was not difficult to get rid of such an unknown nobody.
There was no need to do anything that would make everyone uncomfortable in front of Fang Jing.
Moreover, this fellow's主动 suggestion to summon courtesans was precisely what Han Mo wanted.
"In that case, please wait a moment, lords. I will go out and give some instructions, and I will be back shortly!"
Seeing that Han Mo had no objections, Fang Jing finally breathed a long sigh of relief.
Otherwise, he really didn't know how he would smooth things over today. Xin Xingzong, although a military officer, was, after all, a subordinate of Tong Guan, and he, a mere seventh-rank county magistrate, could not afford to offend him...