With the plan confirmed, the time to act was set for tomorrow night.
Han Mo felt a sense of certainty.
"We've agreed. We'll act independently tonight, and if anything comes up, we'll meet at the ruined temple near Gaoyangji outside the city at noon tomorrow!"
"He's all yours. Tomorrow, bring your men and sweep them all up. Be decisive when you act!"
Since the man knew very little, Han Mo had no intention of wasting more time with him. He turned directly to Jiang Yan and said.
"Rest assured, sir. They're just petty thieves. Just you wait and see tomorrow!"
Although Liu Yidao didn't know where the remaining people were, Han Mo was confident that someone among them would know.
Rather than passively enduring attacks, it was better to strike proactively.
He had many womenfolk with him, and he didn't want Han Yan or the others to suffer any harm.
With a heart full of apprehension, Han Mo finally returned to the posthouse.
"What's going on? Why do you suddenly want people to keep an eye on Yue Nu? Didn't you say you didn't want to alert them?"
As soon as Han Mo stepped into his room, Zhe Yourong, draped in a robe, walked over.
"The people sent by that old fogey Tang Ke have already arrived in the city, and the giants he hired are a bunch of martial artists!"
Han Mo said with a cold smile.
"Martial artists?"
Zhe Yourong's brow immediately furrowed.
"Don't worry. Jiang Yan and the others have already captured one alive, and we basically know their movements now!"
"Are you afraid Yue Nu is colluding with them?"
"While the possibility is slim, it's better to be cautious at this time. Have the arrangements for manpower been made?"
"Don't worry. I've specifically picked out two of the most agile. There shouldn't be any problems. Oh, right, put this on!"
As Zhe Yourong spoke, she took out a set of interlocking chainmail from the table behind her.
"Is it really necessary to be this exaggerated?"
After a simple feel of the item's weight, Han Mo's face immediately showed refusal.
Although it didn't look like much, judging by its feel, it weighed at least ten pounds.
Han Mo truly wanted to refuse wearing such a thing in the sweltering heat. However, seeing the worried expression on Zhe Yourong's face, Han Mo smiled and put it on directly.
"It's only for a few days. Better to be prepared."
Seeing him put it on, Zhe Yourong's face lit up with a smile.
While helping him adjust his clothes, she whispered.
"Or, after this matter is over, why don't you take them back to Bianliang City first?"
Seizing the opportunity, Han Mo said softly.
"If I were in Bianliang City, I would only worry more right now..."
Zhe Yourong shook her head stubbornly.
"But in the future, such incidents are likely to become more frequent..."
"Then why don't we train more people ourselves?"
Zhe Yourong's casual remark truly made Han Mo's eyes light up.
Indeed, the court was extremely vigilant towards the generals in the army.
There were even strict regulations on the number of retainers each military officer could bring when entering or leaving.
Even when Di Qing became the Grand Councilor, he could only bring no more than a hundred retainers.
However, there were far fewer restrictions on civil officials.
The court did have regulations on the number of personal attendants civil officials of different ranks could bring.
But if you had money yourself and hired more household guards or the like, the government wouldn't interfere.
It was indeed difficult to approach those men around Yue Fei. Although Jiang Yan and the others were skilled, they were really not enough when facing trouble.
Han Mo's own allowed personal attendants were limited, but if Zhe Yourong recruited guards and staff under the guise of a trading company, even hiring a hundred or so would be justifiable...
Although it would be inconvenient for those people to enter and leave government offices normally, in situations like this, having such a group at his disposal would eliminate any worries.
Furthermore, with them, as long as the opportunity arose, Han Mo could use them as a core to quickly raise a force of over a thousand men.
"My wife is truly wise, you've enlightened me! Alright, after this matter is resolved, you can start preparing immediately. However, don't call them retainers; call them company guards!"
"You think it's feasible?"
Upon receiving Han Mo's affirmation, Zhe Yourong immediately became enthusiastic.
"Of course, it's feasible. However, for selecting personnel, it would be best to ask father for help!"
Compared to the situation in Hebei, Han Mo preferred those Northwestern men.
Of course, the most important thing was that the people recommended by Zhe Kechuan had their families and roots in the Northwest.
No matter where Han Mo took them, he wouldn't have to worry about their loyalty.
"Then I'll write to Father first thing tomorrow morning!"
"Yes! There shouldn't be any more trouble tonight. Let's rest first."
With everything arranged and a big show to put on tomorrow, Han Mo sighed and drew Zhe Yourong into his embrace.
Feeling the faint fragrance from the beauty in his arms, Han Mo felt a sense of peace.
At this moment, he cast all schemes and calculations to the wind.
Tang Ke's matter made Han Mo feel an unprecedented sense of crisis. Fortunately, the forces Tang Ke could mobilize were limited.
If it were the Jurchens, with tens of thousands of troops at the border, what could Han Mo do even with all his might?
To protect his own life, and the lives of his family, he had no choice but to climb higher at all costs.
Time was running out. Before the cataclysmic disaster in the inner city, he had to secure enough influence for himself...
—————
"Military Advisor Ma, may I ask if you have any business visiting so late at night?"
Just as Han Mo and Zhe Yourong were enjoying a rare moment of peace, an unwelcome guest arrived at Zhong Shidao's camp.
"Old General Zhong, I do have a small matter to request today, but..."
Ma Zhiyou said, pointing to the personal guards around Zhong Shidao.
"You all wait outside first!"
Zhong Shidao immediately understood his meaning and waved his personal guards away.
"You can speak now?"
After hearing the footsteps of his personal guards recede, Zhong Shidao asked again.
"I heard that the old general captured some Liao spies?"
Hearing him say this, Zhong Shidao's pupils contracted. It seemed that Tong Guan was also going to personally enter the fray?