"That's fine, it's just three million guan. You just go back and wait for news. When the task falls to the Prince, I will naturally find a way to have the money delivered!"
Compared to Zong Ying's shock, Han Mo's expression was much calmer.
If anyone else had said such a thing, Zong Ying's first reaction would probably have been to slap them and send them flying into the wall, unable to be pried off.
But when it came from Han Mo, it was hard for him not to believe it.
"No, is there really such a sucker in Bianliang city? How come I have no impression at all?"
Zong Ying asked, frowning.
"Didn't I tell you not to ask?"
Remembering how this guy had dragged him out of bed before dawn, Han Mo was full of annoyance. Now that he had the chance, he naturally wanted to play coy.
"Fine, don't say it then!"
Seeing his smug look, Zong Ying felt a wave of frustration.
However, he also knew that if Han Mo didn't want to say anything, no matter how hard he tried, this guy wouldn't reveal a single word.
"Go on your way!"
After Han Mo finished speaking, he stood up, stretched lazily, and prepared to go back to his room to catch up on sleep.
"No, I mean, is there nothing you want to tell me?"
Seeing this guy about to go back to sleep, Zong Ying was really annoyed. He had finally managed to sneak in, and this guy was about to leave after just a few words.
"What else is there to say? Haven't I said everything I need to? You just need to know that I have a way to solve the military pay issue. When the Prince asks later, just tell him the truth. If someone recommends the Prince for the position of Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, you don't need to refuse it directly!"
Han Mo had done all he could. Now that it was about to come to a decisive moment, he didn't have much to explain.
Moreover, Zhao Zhen was no longer the Zhao Zhen he used to be.
Before, he was just a leisurely prince. Although he had the title of prince, in the end, he was at most half an angry youth.
But now, he held two of the four capital garrisons. While it couldn't be said that he had high power, among all the princes, if anyone could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Crown Prince and Prince Yun, it was only him.
Especially this time, among all the princes, besides him, the Emperor could not find any suitable candidate to lead the troops!
Even knowing that his prestige and influence would greatly expand after this battle, the Emperor had no choice but to give him this task at this moment.
Zong Ying was depressed, but Zhao Zhen, at this moment, was somewhat flattered.
"Your humble son greets Father Emperor!"
As soon as he entered the imperial palace, the Emperor personally came out to greet him from the Fu Ning Hall.
"You've gotten darker, but you've also gotten stronger!"
As Zhao Zhen was about to bow, Zhao Ji, the Emperor, grabbed his hand and pulled him up.
"Father Emperor..."
Even though he knew this was the Emperor's method of winning hearts, feeling this paternal affection, which he hadn't felt for a long time, Zhao Zhen was truly moved to tears.
"Foolish child, you've only been out for such a short time, why are you crying?"
As Zhao Ji spoke, he ordered the eunuchs and maids to prepare the morning meal.
"It's only been such a short time since we last met, Father Emperor, and you've already lost so much weight..."
As Zhao Zhen spoke, tears involuntarily fell again. At this point, even Zhao Ji, an emperor with an iron will, couldn't help but feel his eyes redden a little.
After all, this was his son. Moreover, Empress Liuda, during her lifetime, had been extremely favored by Zhao Ji.
It was no exaggeration to say that her favor eclipsed all others in the harem. After all, if not for this favor, how could Zhao Ji, many years after her death, have directly bestowed upon her the title of Empress Mingda, disregarding the world's opposition?
"Alright, we are two people who are rarely together. Let's not talk about these unhappy things today. Let's eat!"
Seeing that the young eunuch had almost finished preparing, Zhao Ji did not want to continue being sentimental. After all, he had important matters to discuss with Zhao Zhen today.
And strictly speaking, he, as a father, was about to set a trap for his son.
If he continued to be sentimental, he might not be able to go through with this plan to trick him...
"Yes!"
Hearing Zhao Ji's words, Zhao Zhen quickly wiped away his tears.
Following Zhao Ji, they arrived at the dining table.
Being able to dine alone with the Emperor at the same table had happened once or twice during his mother's lifetime, but after his mother's death, such a thing had never happened.
Seeing his father sitting in front of him, and even diligently serving him food, Zhao Zhen's tears involuntarily fell again.
"My child, why are you crying for no reason?"
"Father Emperor, your humble son has let you down. I've been out for so long, and every time I write a memorial to you, I've never thought of writing you a letter home..."
As Zhao Zhen spoke, he knelt on the ground again. Seeing him crying uncontrollably, Zhao Ji's heart also felt a pang of sadness...
"Alright, alright, aren't we father and son reunited? We won't talk about these things today, we won't talk about these things!"
Zhao Ji couldn't help but wipe the tears from the corners of his eyes, then stepped forward to help Zhao Zhen up, comforted him in a low voice, and then the father and son sat down again.
"Your Highness, you don't know, the Emperor has not slept all night waiting for you..."
Seeing that the Emperor was beginning to soften, Liang Shicheng quickly interjected.
"Father Emperor, although the state affairs are busy, you must still take care of your imperial body!"
Hearing Liang Shicheng's words, Zhao Zhen quickly put down his chopsticks and said again.
"Alright, don't listen to him talking nonsense. I just suddenly remembered your mother last night and couldn't sleep. I'm not a good emperor, nor a good father..."
"Father Emperor!"
Seeing the Emperor shedding tears, even Liang Shicheng couldn't tell whether Zhao Ji was acting or genuinely moved.
"Your Highness, you don't know, His Majesty has been unable to eat or sleep for several days because of Fang La's rebellion. Since receiving the news of Fang La's rebellion, His Majesty has only managed to eat this small bowl of chicken soup a day!"
Compared to Zhao Ji's dithering, Liang Shicheng's political maneuvering was masterful.
With just a few simple words, he had directly dug a deep pit for Zhao Zhen.