"Sir is righteous and his talent is unparalleled; calling him a peerless hero of this era is no exaggeration!"
After a few coughs, Han Shizhong quickly organized his words and said cautiously.
"Since you've put it that way, I won't hold back. May I ask, Commander Han, are you married?"
Having come this far, Han Mo could only suppress his awkwardness and press on.
"This..."
Upon hearing Han Mo's question, Han Shizhong immediately felt put on the spot. He wanted to say he was already betrothed, but he also knew that with Han Mo's power, verifying such a matter would be incredibly simple.
If he truly wanted to, he only needed to utter a few words, and someone would dutifully investigate and confirm everything.
"What? Is this question difficult to answer?"
Actually, in life, the first step is always the hardest. Having gained the initiative in the conversation, Han Mo suddenly found the matter not as difficult as he'd initially thought.
"No, I am merely a minor commander now. My monthly salary barely covers my own expenses, how could I dare to implicate another young lady..."
Any man saying this would likely feel a bit awkward, as men always value their pride.
However, he also understood that hiding anything from Han Mo was futile, so it was better to be forthright.
Hearing his words, Han Mo roughly understood what was going on. It wasn't that the young man was uninterested, but rather that he was too poor.
Now he began to understand why Han Shizhong had only met Liang Hongyu on his way back to the capital.
It was likely because he had captured Fang La and coincidentally obtained a considerable fortune, which finally allowed him to stand a little taller.
"Good, you're honest. I like people like you!"
When Han Mo said these words, he didn't think much of them, but to Han Shizhong's ears, they sounded quite different.
Hearing Han Mo's words, he felt like slapping himself twice.
Damn it, if I'd known, I wouldn't have told the truth!
"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Seeing his entire face contorted, Han Mo asked with curiosity.
"Sir, I..."
The words were on the tip of his tongue, but Han Shizhong suddenly found himself unable to utter the latter half.
After all, he had seen clearly and understood well during their journey that Han Mo hailed from a prestigious family, possessed immense talent and capabilities, and currently held a significant official post. If Han Mo truly wished to cause him trouble, it would likely be a mere word. If he were to anger Han Mo, he might not even have the chance to cry foul.
"What is it? Just say what you have to say. Why are you, a man, stammering like this?"
Seeing his hesitant demeanor, Han Mo frowned and spoke directly.
"Sir, I actually still like women..."
After pondering for a long time, Han Shizhong finally couldn't help but say in a low voice.
"What did you say?"
Upon hearing his statement, Han Mo was completely stunned.
After a long moment, Han Mo finally understood what the young man was trying to say.
Damn it!
Han Mo was now somewhat infuriated. If this young man weren't Han Shizhong, Han Mo would have truly wanted to hack him to death with a thousand cuts.
"Sir, I only wish to serve the country..."
"Get up!"
Before Han Shizhong could finish his sentence, Han Mo interrupted him directly.
Seeing Han Mo's enraged expression, Han Shizhong immediately felt that the situation was not good. However, the vast difference in their status compelled him to follow Han Mo's instructions with gritted teeth.
"Damn it, look clearly! I am a proper man! Not some effeminate pansy!"
The words Han Mo had prepared were completely swallowed back.
Without a second thought, he grabbed Han Shizhong by the collar and roared in exasperation.
"I... Sir, please forgive me, but I..."
Han Shizhong was now bewildered. At this point, it seemed no explanation could clarify the situation.
After a long while, Han Mo finally managed to stabilize his emotions. He fiercely grabbed the teapot in front of him, paid no mind to whether the tea was already cold, and gulped down more than half of it. Only then did he manage to recover.
"Why would you think I..."
Looking at Han Shizhong, who stood before him with a look of shame, Han Mo felt an overwhelming desire to weep.
If this fellow thought this way, would Wang Bing also think the same? If such a rumor spread, could he still live as a person?
"Sir, please forgive me. This is truly me judging a noble person with a base mind..."
Seeing Han Mo's furious state, Han Shizhong now also wore a look of utter despair.
"Enough, enough. Let me ask you, what do you think of the maidservant Hong Yu by my side?"
Considering that this fellow would be a valuable asset in the future, Han Mo grudgingly decided to forgive him for now.
"This..."
"Don't 'this' and 'that' anymore. If you keep hesitating like this, I'll have you dragged out and flogged!"
Seeing his stammering, Han Mo became even more incensed.
"The young lady of the Liang family is so beautiful and also extremely virtuous and magnanimous, naturally she is excellent..."
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Han Shizhong dared not delay any longer and quickly replied.
"Let me tell you something else. Today, I have become sworn siblings with her. From this day forward, she is my adopted sister. What do you think of me marrying her to you?"
"Marry her to me..."
Han Shizhong's eyes widened instantly.
"Why are you staring with bull-like eyes? What? You don't want to?"
Hearing Han Mo's words, Han Shizhong finally understood that all this talk was Han Mo intending to arrange a marriage for him.
With this realization, he became even more embarrassed. Someone was clearly arranging a marriage for him, yet he had spoken such preposterous words earlier. Thinking about it now, he truly wished he could find a crack in the ground to disappear into.
"Although I am willing, I am just a common soldier now. How can I be worthy..."
"My sister does not mind you. Do you dare to mind her?"
Although this approach was indeed a bit like an arranged marriage, Han Mo, who was still angry, spoke with undeniable force.
"No, no, I am just afraid of treating her poorly..."
After a long while, Han Shizhong finally said in a low voice.