"In that case, I shall return and await your good news!"
Although Han Mo did not explicitly state the nature of the errand, Zhang Shaoyou understood that he had reached a critical juncture.
Having offended a dignitary, and with officials in the Great Song Dynasty as common as dogs, if no one were to specifically promote him, he would likely have to return home to farm before long.
After all, Kaifeng Prefecture, being the capital of the Great Song Dynasty, had never had an official serve for more than six years.
Without promotion or fortune, the end result would inevitably be demotion and expulsion from the capital.
For him, Han Mo's casual promise had become almost a life-saving straw.
Even after watching Han Mo enter the guesthouse, he specifically instructed the guards at the entrance a few words.
"My lord, a visitor has arrived!"
Just as Han Mo had finished bathing and was about to take a short nap, Xu Fengnian's voice came from outside the door again.
"Didn't I say I wouldn't see any visitors today?"
Traveling in this scorching heat was simply not for humans.
Even though Han Mo's body was strong, having been lying in the carriage all along, he felt utterly exhausted at this moment.
"What? You won't see me either?"
Before Xu Fengnian could speak, a shrill voice suddenly came from outside the door.
"Lord Liang? Why are you here?"
Han Mo certainly recognized Liang Shicheng's voice. He haphazardly wiped his hair and went out to greet him.
"What? Can't I come?"
Liang Shicheng said with a smile.
"No, no, it's just that this humble one has been rather impolite..."
Being scrutinized from head to toe by an eunuch, Han Mo, no matter how thick-skinned he was, felt a wave of awkwardness.
"Hahahaha, alright, I'll wait here for you. Hurry up and get ready to go with me!"
"Go? This young one is currently under surveillance and may not be able to leave..."
"If I say you can go, then you can go. Anyone who disagrees, let them come and speak to this old man!"
Liang Shicheng spoke while giving a mysterious smile.
"That would be wonderful. I've been stifled to death on this journey!"
With his guarantee, Han Mo was naturally happy to oblige.
It would be truly foolish if Han Mo did not take advantage of this willing benefactor who had come knocking on his door.
"Alright, you rascal, stop your jests. They are still waiting over there, so you should be mindful of that!"
Upon hearing Liang Shicheng's words, Han Mo's heart immediately skipped a beat.
With his intelligence, he naturally understood Liang Shicheng's implied meaning.
Even Han Mo himself had not expected that just as he entered the capital, a summons from the Emperor had already arrived.
Although he could roughly guess the reason for the Emperor's summons, having Liang Shicheng personally come to fetch him was indeed a great honor.
"Thank you, Lord Liang, for your guidance!"
"Alright, you boy, hurry up. You don't need to wear your official robes; wearing casual clothes today is fine!"
Just by looking at the expression on Han Mo's face, Liang Shicheng immediately guessed that he had understood his intention. He waved his hand at him again, then casually picked up the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup of tea.
Although not wearing official robes meant it wasn't a formal audience, Han Mo still dared not be negligent.
While changing his clothes, he quickly ran through all the potential problems he might encounter in his mind, preparing contingency plans for each.
By the time he had tidied himself up, Han Mo already had a draft in his mind for several questions the Emperor might ask.
"You've handled this matter very well, my boy. It seems I haven't doted on you in vain. It appears that in not too long, this old man can retire!"
As they traveled together in Liang Shicheng's luxurious carriage, Liang Shicheng said to Han Mo with a smile.
"Please, Lord, don't praise me so highly. I gambled with my own life this time. If His Majesty hadn't intervened, I would have lost my life..."
"Alright, alright, stop trying to show off in front of me. Save these words for when you speak to His Majesty! However, while the task was handled splendidly, there are indeed quite a few lingering troubles. You can probably guess why His Majesty is summoning you, right?"
Liang Shicheng responded to his feigned humility with two big eye-rolls.
"Please, Lord Liang, enlighten me!"
This was not the time to play witty. Han Mo did not want Liang Shicheng to think that he could fathom the Emperor's thoughts.
"How could we common folk possibly guess the Emperor's thoughts? Do you understand?"
As Liang Shicheng spoke, he took out a copper coin from his sleeve, dangled it in front of Han Mo's eyes, and then put it away again.
"Taishi, you are right. This humble one was too presumptuous!"
Seeing Liang Shicheng put away the copper coin, Han Mo immediately changed his address.
Seeing that the young man was so perceptive, Liang Shicheng nodded with satisfaction and lost his inclination to speak further.
"My lord, we have arrived!"
Indeed, as Han Mo had guessed, the carriage did not head towards the Imperial Palace or Liang Shicheng's villa, but rather towards the Shenxiao Palace.
Other civil officials might put on airs in front of Liang Shicheng, but Han Mo never behaved that way.
After alighting from the carriage, he shooed away the young eunuch who was attending to him and naturally extended his hand to help Liang Shicheng down.
This made Liang Shicheng even more pleased with him.
Led by Liang Shicheng, Han Mo arrived at the small thatched hut in the back mountain once more.
"The Emperor has given instructions that Lord Taishi may enter directly!"
Seeing Liang Shicheng approaching with Han Mo, Zhang Ruxu greeted Liang Shicheng with a smile and then subtly signaled Han Mo to be cautious in his response.
"Your humble servant Han Mo pays his respects to His Majesty!"
Although Lin Ling Su and his disciples consistently referred to the Emperor as "Di Jun," Han Mo did not wish to follow this practice.
"It is not within the palace today, and you do not need to be so formal. Since you are here, please be seated first!"
Zhao Ji had specially changed into an extremely opulent Daoist robe today. He looked quite gaunt, and it seemed the Emperor had not been having an easy time these past few days.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Di Jun, this old Daoist has some worldly matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave for now!"
Seeing that neither Liang Shicheng nor Han Mo intended to speak after they sat down, Lin Ling Su very tactfully stood up and walked towards the exit.
"True Master, please attend to your affairs!"
Zhao Ji had no intention of keeping him, nodding casually and sending Lin Ling Su away.
"My boy, you have handled this task very well, and I am very satisfied! If you had not acted decisively, the imperial court would likely have become turbulent by now!"