"You mean..."
After a long silence, Zhao Ji couldn't help but scrutinize Han Mo.
"The Mani religion has grown so powerful. If they didn't have backing, ordinary folks would have long ago handed them over to local gentry for rewards!"
Han Mo stopped speaking after his remark. What he had said was enough.
"My child, how on earth did your mind come to this..."
After a long while, Zhao Ji finally managed a wry smile and looked at Liang Shicheng again.
Indeed, just as Han Mo had said.
Judging solely from these memorials, the Mani religion's influence was already immense.
In some places, they could even stand on par with the government.
Otherwise, local officials would not need to request troops from the court to suppress them.
"Your Majesty, this old servant believes Han Mo's words have some merit!"
"I will consider this matter. Continue speaking..."
Although Zhao Ji did not immediately agree, Han Mo was not in a hurry.
After all, the current court situation was quite clear.
The Crown Prince's position was gradually stabilizing. The Emperor could not let him lead troops into battle.
Otherwise, if the Crown Prince returned victorious, what chance would Prince Yun have?
As for Prince Yun, it was even more impossible.
If he were to command a large army, who could guarantee that Prince Yun would not do something rash?
A father knows his son best. Zhao Ji considered himself quite familiar with his third son.
Zhao Kai appeared steady and understood propriety, but all of that was merely an outward appearance.
Zhao Kai's temperament was too impetuous. Especially when facing major events, he always sought unconventional solutions. Although Bai Shizhong was no longer involved,
He still had Wang Fu and Cai You by his side.
Tong Guan also maintained good relations with Prince Yun. How could Zhao Ji dare to entrust so many troops to such a person!
However, if he did not entrust them to these two, he dared not use his other sons even more.
After all, the princes who had already established their own households each had their own factions behind them.
While they were all behaving themselves and not daring to act rashly now, if they were to command a large army, things might not be the same!
Those who knew they had no hope of contending for the throne, who could guarantee they wouldn't take desperate measures at this point?
Even if they didn't take desperate measures, if another prince emerged amidst the three-kingdom conflict, especially one with military achievements, wouldn't the court situation become even more chaotic?
At this moment, Zhao Ji did not want to waste his days engaging in a battle of wits with them.
Therefore, after considering all options, the only suitable candidate was Prince Xin, Zhao Zhen.
Although Zhao Zhen himself had some influence, with Tong Guan's army stationed at Xu Churen's side, the remaining factions, in Zhao Ji's opinion, were no match for them.
Furthermore, everyone could see that the Emperor was now intending to promote Zhao Zhen. At this time, as long as Zhao Zhen returned with a great victory, he would have the capital to contend with the Crown Prince and Prince Yun. Why would he rebel?
"Continue? I didn't think that far, only these things came to mind..."
Han Mo coughed dryly and said softly.
"Heh! Are you trying to play dumb with me? I'm asking you, where will the military pay come from?"
Zhao Ji was almost amused to death. This child was like an abacus; he only moved when prompted. If you didn't push him, he wouldn't speak.
"Military pay? That naturally comes from the Ministry of Revenue. I heard that the Vice Minister of Revenue, Tang Ke, is extremely skilled in financial management. Professional matters should naturally be handed over to him!"
Han Mo appeared innocent.
Zhao Ji was almost rolling his eyes to the heavens. Was the reason Tang Ke rose to his position due to his own efforts?
That was the result of balance. Otherwise, if he wanted to reach his current position, he should go home and sleep; he would have everything in his dreams!
"Get out!"
Seeing his innocent demeanor, Zhao Ji glared at him and scolded him irritably.
"Yes!"
Han Mo did not waste words. He bowed to the Emperor and turned to leave immediately.
"Why is this child so vengeful?"
After Han Mo left, Zhao Ji looked at Liang Shicheng speechlessly.
"Your Majesty, he is, after all, a young man. His straightforward nature is not a major issue!"
After saying this, Liang Shicheng's own mouth twitched.
Well, since the Emperor didn't know about the schemes, at least on the surface, he did appear quite straightforward!
"Your Majesty! Urgent report from Muzhou, the Mani cultist Fang La has rebelled, attracting many followers. They have now broken through Muzhou city!"
As soon as Liang Shicheng finished speaking, a eunuch's sharp voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"What did you say?"
Zhao Ji shot up abruptly and directly opened the door.
"The Mani cultist Fang La has rebelled and has now breached Muzhou city. The rebel army is strong. It took the lives of thirteen of our scouts to get this message here!"
"How many men do they have!"
Although rebellions had occurred frequently in recent years, the capture of a prefecture city had never happened before!
Even a dissolute emperor like Zhao Ji felt a wave of dizziness.
"Replying to Your Majesty, the rebel army likely numbers no less than a hundred thousand..."
"One hundred thousand..."
Upon hearing this news, Zhao Ji felt a wave of dizziness. He staggered back several steps. If not for Liang Shicheng's quick reflexes, he might have fallen to the ground.
"Return to the palace!"
Seeing Zhao Ji's state, Liang Shicheng dared not delay any longer. He quickly signaled nearby eunuchs to fetch a sedan chair.
Although he was a eunuch, he knew that Muzhou's treasury was filled with countless weapons and provisions.
If this news was true, even if the rebel army did not have a hundred thousand men, they would soon exceed that number.
"His Majesty has fainted!"
Just as Liang Shicheng was lost in thought, a young eunuch suddenly exclaimed.
"Slap—"
"Be quiet! His Majesty is merely tired and taking a short nap. Anyone who dares to babble further will be dragged out and beaten to death!"
As soon as the young eunuch's words fell, Liang Shicheng slapped him across the face.
Seeing the chilling murderous intent in his eyes, the accompanying eunuchs and maids immediately knelt on the ground, all subservient and none daring to look up.
"Hurry and fetch His Majesty's imperial carriage!"
Liang Shicheng strode forward in two quick steps to the Emperor's side. After testing Zhao Ji's breath, he gave further instructions.
"But, but the entrance to the Shenxiao Palace is too narrow..."
A small eunuch hesitantly spoke.
"Are you all dead men? If the entrance is not wide enough, can't you tear it down!"
As Liang Shicheng spoke, he kicked over the small eunuch in front of him. The rest of them finally reacted and rushed out.