"If that's the case, am I to believe that I have no other options besides joining the officialdom?"
After exhaling a long, heavy sigh, Fan Zhengguo's demeanor deflated once more, like a punctured ball.
"Why would Uncle believe that the officialdom offers no hope?"
Seeing his dejected state, Han Mo quickly spoke up again.
"The current official circles of the Great Song are filled with sycophants and self-seekers, those who factionalize and engage in constant intrigue. What hope is there to be found?"
As Fan Zhengguo spoke, a clear anguish flickered in his eyes.
"Uncle, I dare not agree with your words! If all upright gentlemen like yourself were to abandon the officialdom, believing there is no hope, then who would the common people of this realm rely on?"
"I am already of this age, what use is such provocation? I have seen far too much darkness within the official circles. With my current standing, I must either align with the Crown Prince, or with Prince Yun, or become a fence-sitter, only to be kicked out again. None of these paths are what I desire. Rather than wasting your time with me, perhaps you should seek out someone more suitable!"
Fan Zhengguo said this while patting Han Mo's shoulder.
Though Han Mo had no masochistic tendencies, he had to admit that Fan Zhengguo's carefree spirit and inherent pride made him feel a touch of inadequacy. Compared to an upright gentleman like him, Han Mo felt like a petty person lurking in the shadows.
"And what if there were a fourth option?"
Just as Fan Zhengguo was preparing to rise and leave, Han Mo suddenly spoke.
"A fourth option?"
As expected, Han Mo's words recaptured Fan Zhengguo's attention.
"Indeed, a fourth option!"
Han Mo understood that this was likely his last chance, and he had to go all out now.
"Then tell me what it is!"
Fan Zhengguo turned his gaze back to Han Mo as he spoke.
"To be loyal to the Great Song dynasty!"
"What's the difference?"
Fan Zhengguo asked with some confusion.
"This realm belongs to the people of this realm, not to a single family or surname!"
After careful consideration, Han Mo decided to administer a strong dose of medicine. After all, to persuade someone like him back into the officialdom, a more noble reason was needed.
"Do you know that with these words alone, you could be accused of rebellion?"
After a long pause, Fan Zhengguo finally lowered his voice and said. While Han Mo's words had indeed deeply moved him, he had to admit that such unconventional thinking brought him a sense of cathartic release. The reason he had resolved to leave the officialdom was not so much the darkness within it, but rather his profound disappointment with the current emperor. Over the years, although his official positions were never particularly high, it was precisely these posts close to the people that allowed him to witness many things unseen in scholarly pursuits. From his youth, he had studied and learned under his father, absorbing the teachings of the sages and the Way of the gentleman. He believed in the principle of worrying about the people when in high office and worrying about the ruler when in remote regions. However, after entering officialdom, especially after witnessing the life-and-death struggles of the common folk, the ugliness of the powerful, and the emperor's selfishness and greed, the subversion of his core values left him unable to accept it even now.
"I know Uncle, you are not weary of the officialdom, but weary of the current Emperor, who is pleasure-seeking, extravagant, and foolishly incompetent!"
Han Mo's voice was not loud, but it sent a chill down Fan Zhengguo's spine. This young man truly dared to say anything.
"You young man, are you not afraid of death!"
After discreetly looking around to confirm no one was eavesdropping, Fan Zhengguo lowered his voice and glared at Han Mo again.
"Does Uncle not think the same?"
Han Mo asked with a light smile.
The ball was now back in Fan Zhengguo's court. Looking at Han Mo's gentle smile, Fan Zhengguo fell silent. How long ago was it that this was his own truest thought? However, even though he had harbored this thought for a long time, he had always kept it locked deep within his heart. After all, he had a vast family behind him. He himself might only face death, but he could not implicate his family.
"And if that were so?"
After a long period of silence, Fan Zhengguo spoke again.
"Since the current Emperor is incompetent and incapable, how can Uncle expect him to select a qualified successor for the Great Song?"
After Han Mo finished speaking, Fan Zhengguo once again fell into silence. Although this young man appeared young, he had to admit that he was truly someone who spoke to shock and could be deadly.
"So, whom do you have your eyes on now? Prince Yun, the Crown Prince, or Prince Su?"
"Uncle has missed one person!"
"Who?"
"His Royal Highness Prince Xin!"
Han Mo stated resolutely.
"Prince Xin?"
Fan Zhengguo looked at Han Mo with a peculiar expression, his eyes filled with confusion.
"Yes, on the surface, it indeed seems unlikely. Even though he is currently in favor, he is still being targeted by the Emperor. But what of it?"
Han Mo smiled confidently.
"You are indeed an interesting young man. Do you know why the Emperor has always looked down upon Prince Xin?"
Fan Zhengguo suddenly turned his attention to Han Mo with interest.
"Why?"
Han Mo had never considered this question. Wasn't it because Prince Xin lacked supporters?
"Because he resembles someone too much!"
"Resembles someone?"
Han Mo looked at Fan Zhengguo, utterly perplexed, unsure of what he was trying to convey.
"It is normal for you not to know such courtly secrets. When Prince Xin was born, an old wet nurse in the palace remarked that he bore a striking resemblance to Prince Jian, Zhao Si, especially the birthmark behind his head, which was identical in position and size to Prince Jian's..."
As Fan Zhengguo spoke, a look of schadenfreude suddenly appeared on his face. Upon hearing his words, Han Mo's lips twitched involuntarily. Earlier, he had always wondered why the amorous Emperor Zhao Ji doted so much on Consort Liu, yet treated Prince Xin with such indifference. After all this, the root of the matter was here. One must remember that Prince Jian, Zhao Si, was his own brother who had vied for the throne with Zhao Ji. However, his luck was not as good; he lacked the support of Empress Dowager Xiang. Within a few years of Zhao Ji securing the throne, Prince Jian died under mysterious circumstances.