Though he spoke thus, Zhao Kai understood in his heart that if the Emperor insisted on his way, he truly lacked the ability to resist at this moment.
The individuals by his side, be it Wang Fu or Cai You, were gathered around him as a result of mutual benefit. If they were truly asked to expend their own power, none of them would be so foolish!
"Your Highness, if you wish to secure the position of Grand Marshal of the Southeast Routes, you will likely have to bleed a little yourself…"
After a moment of hesitation, Cai You spoke directly.
"I understand what you mean, but the army is about to depart. Who knows how much in supplies will be needed once the fighting begins…"
Zhao Kai, somewhat vexed, stood up and paced back and forth in the room. He did indeed have considerable savings accumulated over the years, but these savings had, at this point, largely been converted into shops and land. To suddenly produce several million strings of cash was something that even he, Prince Yun, found difficult to bear!
"Someone, go and invite Prime Minister Wang here!"
After a long period of deliberation, Zhao Kai finally made up his mind. Fortune favors the bold; if he wanted to seize the largest slice of the cake in this sudden turn of events, he had to take a gamble now. Not only did he have to cede the position of Vice Minister of Revenue to Zhao Zhen, but he also had to find a way to snatch the nomination to lead the expedition himself. However, he knew in his heart that ultimately, deciding who would undertake this task depended on the Emperor's will. As for whether the opinions of the court officials could change the Emperor's mind, that would depend on whether they were willing to pay the price…
The sky had barely begun to lighten when Zhao Zhen, who had been traveling through the night, was preparing to return to his residence for a brief rest. A young eunuch suddenly blocked his path.
"Now?"
Looking at the faint oyster-white color just appearing in the east, Zhao Zhen glanced at the young eunuch blocking his horse with some confusion.
"That's how His Majesty instructed!"
Despite their lowly status, the eunuchs in the imperial palace were unparalleled in their access to information.
"Sir, please return to the residence and wait for me. Let's go!"
Although Zhao Zhen felt some confusion, since the young eunuch had said so, he could only proceed to the palace first to see what the situation was. After giving some instructions to Zong Ying and casting a meaningful glance at him, Zhao Zhen reined in his horse and, with his few guards, headed straight for the imperial city.
"You must be weary from your journey. Come with me to the post station ahead, have something to eat, take a bath, and then return!"
As Zhao Zhen and his entourage moved away, Zong Ying's eyes darted around. He decided to take a few guards to the nearby post station. He had spent the last five days entirely on horseback, and for a civil official like himself, it had been quite arduous. However, thinking that Zhao Zhen was on the verge of rivaling Prince Yun, he felt an inexhaustible surge of energy.
"Yes!"
Although Prince Xin's mansion was not far from here, since Zong Ying had spoken, the guards behind him had no reason to object.
"Cousin, are you up yet?"
It was the early morning hour, the time when one slept most soundly. Before Han Mo could open his eyes, he heard the voice of Zhe Yourong's personal maid outside the door.
"What is it? So early in the morning!"
Young couples, naturally, engaged in some recreational activities at night. Having stayed up until the latter half of the night after such activities, and being woken before dawn, Han Mo's morning temper was naturally understandable.
"Lord Zong has arrived…"
"Him again!"
At this, Han Mo was utterly speechless. He and this fellow truly had a clash of fates. The last time, if not for his good luck and quick reflexes, his legs would likely have been broken by Zhe Yourong by now. He had just seen him off, and after only a few days, the fellow had returned again!
"Who is it…"
Hearing the voices outside, Zhe Yourong, half-asleep, mumbled.
"You go back to sleep. I'll go and send that old scoundrel away!"
With Zong Ying already at his doorstep, Han Mo could only get up to deal with the situation. Quickly donning his clothes and having his face washed with well water by the maid, Han Mo immediately felt much more alert.
"Brother Han, we've been reunited after a long time. Shouldn't you treat me to a good meal?"
Despite not having slept all night, Zong Ying couldn't help but tease upon seeing Han Mo again.
"Stop, stop, stop. Who says we haven't seen each other for a long time? I recall you only left a few days ago!"
"The ancients said, 'A day apart feels like three autumns.' By that reckoning, what I said is not incorrect!"
"Don't play dumb. You're disturbing my dreams so early in the morning. Tell me, what is it?"
Han Mo, yawning, unceremoniously sat down on a stone stool in the courtyard.
"His Highness Prince Xin has entered the capital, and as soon as he reached the city gate, he was taken into the palace by a young eunuch sent by His Majesty!"
Seeing that they were alone, Zong Ying quickly lowered his voice and said softly.
"Isn't that a good thing? The more anxious His Majesty is, the more convenient it will be for His Highness!"
Hearing his words, Han Mo's tone immediately became serious.
"Other matters are all manageable, but this matter of raising military funds…"
"Don't worry. His Highness has, in a way, benefited from this misfortune. Not only will he have the opportunity to lead troops to quell the rebellion this time, but he might even secure the position of Vice Minister of Revenue along with it!"
"The Vice Minister of Revenue? At this moment, that position is a hot potato. Why would anyone want to take it?"
Although Zong Ying was not in Bianliang City, he was still well-informed.
"I've already thought of a solution for the Ministry of Revenue's affairs. Isn't it just three million strings of cash? We just need to find a sucker!"
Han Mo said nonchalantly.
"Are you kidding me? That's three million strings of cash! Not three hundred!"
Upon hearing Han Mo's words, Zong Ying's mouth nearly stretched to the sky. This fellow was truly speaking from a position of privilege. To produce three million strings of cash at once, and without needing repayment, did such a sucker truly exist in Bianliang City? Having lived in Bianliang City for so many years, he was unaware of any such foolishly rich individuals here.