After Han Jiayan finished speaking, even Han Mo felt like applauding the old man.
This put Fan Zhixu in a truly difficult position.
He had originally intended to make a strong impression in his new role by implementing these three initiatives.
If luck was on his side, he might even be able to save some resources. Perhaps, with this achievement, he could climb higher in rank and even replace Bai Shizhong.
However, now, he truly regretted his decision…
"Marquis Han, it's not that I'm unwilling to say, but this matter involves imperial secrets. If you are truly determined to know, why don't you accompany me to the Ministry of Justice? Please don't make things difficult for me in public…"
After considerable deliberation, Fan Zhixu finally found a plausible excuse to temporarily defer the matter.
"I don't think that's necessary!"
Before Fan Zhixu could finish speaking, a path opened up in the crowd. An official in green robes, accompanied by a group of constables, swaggered over.
"Who are you?"
Wearing green robes, this meant the man was at most a sixth-rank official.
Fan Zhixu's pupils constricted. He had no recollection of such low-ranking officials.
"Lord Fan may not recognize me, but I recognize you. To inform Your Lordship, I am an investigator from the Kaifeng Prefecture, named Zhang Shaoyou!"
As Zhang Shaoyou spoke, he deliberately bowed his hands towards Han Mo.
Seeing him appear here, Han Mo's heart stirred. It seemed that Liang Shicheng had made some arrangements for him behind the scenes.
"Since you are an investigator from Kaifeng Prefecture, why are you here instead of attending to your duties in Kaifeng Prefecture?"
Observing his composed demeanor, Fan Zhixu felt that the situation was not quite right.
"My Lord, perhaps you would like to see this!"
As Zhang Shaoyou spoke, he took a yellowish scroll from a constable beside him, holding it with both hands.
"This is impossible!"
Upon merely glancing at the contents, Fan Zhixu's eyes widened.
Even though more than a dozen people had died, and they were all Liao spies, this case was far from reaching the emperor's ears.
How could the emperor personally issue a decree to have this matter handled by the Kaifeng Prefecture for such a trivial issue?
It was important to note that within the judicial system of the Great Song Dynasty, the Kaifeng Prefecture held a very special status.
Under normal circumstances, the Kaifeng Prefecture, like the Transport and Supply Bureaus of other circuits, was on the same level as the prefectural yamen.
Cases concluded by them were required to be first reported to the Judicial Inspection Commissioner for review, and then submitted to the Ministry of Justice for final deliberation, just like any other prefecture.
However, once an imperial decree was issued, its rank could immediately rival that of the Ministry of Justice.
Furthermore, the final judgment of the case would be directly responsible to the emperor, and even the Minister of Justice would have no right to interfere.
"Whether it's possible or not, Your Lordship has already seen the imperial decree. Other things can be faked, but can the seal on this be faked?"
Zhang Shaoyou spoke while waving his hand at the constables behind him.
"You…"
The duck that was practically in his grasp was now slipping away.
Fan Zhixu's feeling of helplessness was beyond words.
"Guards, remove the shackles from Lord Han and escort him to the guesthouse to rest!"
Although he was the Minister of Justice, Zhang Shaoyou clearly did not show him any respect.
Before Fan Zhixu could speak, he had already ordered people to remove Han Mo's shackles.
"Lord Han, please do not leave the guesthouse until the case has been concluded!"
Zhang Shaoyou said while nodding and smiling at Han Mo.
"What if friends or relatives come to visit?"
Han Mo asked with a smile.
"That would be perfectly fine. You are still an official of our Great Song Dynasty. It is natural to visit friends and relatives. As long as you do not leave the guesthouse, Magistrate Han can even indulge in courtesans and enjoy music within the guesthouse."
Looking at Zhang Shaoyou's earnest expression, and then at Fan Zhixu's contorted face, Xu Fengnian almost burst into laughter.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly enough to pinch his own thigh, managing to suppress his amusement.
"In that case, when will my case be heard?"
Seeing them start a casual chat on the street, Jiang Lao Qi's mouth twitched. These two clearly did not put Fan Zhixu in their eyes at all.
However, at this moment, he felt a little fortunate.
It was fortunate that he had not offended Han Mo along the way, otherwise, he might have faced great misfortune today.
Although they had received a lot of money and benefits from Fan Zhixu, their level of respect for him was known only to themselves.
If, before today, he might have harbored some awe for Fan Zhixu,
After today's events, that little bit of awe was immediately cast aside.
The fact that Han Mo could escape from his hands so easily spoke volumes.
Although their status was low, their ability to adapt to circumstances was second to none.
Since this "Fan" fellow didn't seem to be able to hold his ground, they had to start thinking for themselves…
"Let's go!"
With Minister of Justice Fan Zhixu being intercepted in broad daylight, he was truly filled with anger with nowhere to vent it.
"Farewell, Lord Fan!"
Only after Fan Zhixu had left did Zhang Shaoyou disperse the crowd.
"Marquis Han, will you accompany us to the guesthouse, or return to your manor first?"
As an official of the Kaifeng Prefecture, Zhang Shaoyou was clearly much better at handling people than Fan Zhixu.
Facing a distinguished guest like Han Jiayan, his respectful and unpretentious attitude immediately earned him admiration.
"Since there is nothing else, I, this old man, will take my leave. This child has had a tiring journey, so let him rest well tonight. I will visit him tomorrow!"
Seeing his and Han Mo's knowing glances, Han Jiayan immediately understood that they had something to discuss. Without further delay, he turned and walked towards his carriage.
"Thank you, Uncle Grandfather, for your rescue!"
"Alright, why are you telling me this? Rest well tonight, and I will visit you at the guesthouse tomorrow!"
"Farewell, Uncle Grandfather!"
After Han Jiayan left, Zhang Shaoyou clearly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Brother, you've stirred up quite a bit of trouble this time!"