"Thank you for your kind words, Lord Li!"
As Han Mo spoke, he reached out, picked up a cup of tea, and then gestured for Li Yan to do the same. He downed the tea in one gulp.
After finishing, he sat back down.
This time, it was Li Yan's turn to be dumbfounded.
Was that it? The whole thing was over?
He had spent so much time setting the stage, and now this was all?
At least shouldn't he say a few perfunctory words at a time like this?
He had prepared ten thousand ways, waiting for Han Mo to speak, so he could directly steer the conversation.
But at the critical moment, this young man chickened out!
Now, all the words Li Yan had prepared were completely useless.
He was forced to swallow them all back into his stomach...
"Lord Li, are you feeling unwell?"
Seeing Li Yan's constipated expression, Han Mo stood up again, looking at Li Yan with apparent concern.
Damn it!
Li Yan really wanted to curse. This kid was doing this on purpose!
Wasn't this a case of getting the benefits and then acting all innocent?
Did this kid not know what was wrong with him?
However, looking at Han Mo's concerned expression, he couldn't voice his grievances.
"Uh... I am fine!"
After holding it in for a long time, Li Yan finally squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth.
"County Magistrate Han, I heard that there was a rebellion case in Neihuang County some time ago?"
Seeing that Li Yan was faltering, Tang Ke had no choice but to step in himself.
"There was indeed such a matter. Your subordinate has already followed the regulations and formally notified the Commissioner's Office. They have also replied, instructing your subordinate to handle the preliminary investigation and then transfer it to the Judicial Inspection Department and the Commissioner's Office for joint review!"
In any case, this explanation had long been prepared, and Han Mo had also spoken to Xu Churen. He wasn't afraid of them making a move like this.
But his response indeed made Tang Ke feel a bit awkward.
At this moment, the initiative was entirely in Han Mo's hands. No matter how they tried to steer the conversation towards that matter, Han Mo simply wouldn't engage.
"Why bother with Lord Xu for such matters? Can't it be resolved within the Transport Commissioner's Office?"
Tang Ke coughed dryly and changed the subject again.
"You are right, my lord. We will certainly do so next time!"
What the hell!
"Next time for sure!"
The enraged Tang Ke almost lost his temper and taught this kid a lesson on the spot.
His murderous gaze was fixed on Han Mo, but unfortunately, this kid was like a slippery eel. It was sheer wishful thinking to suppress him with just a glare.
Even after Tang Ke's eyes started to feel a burning sensation, Han Mo maintained his smiling demeanor, completely unfazed.
Even Tang Ke had to admit that this kid was indeed difficult to deal with.
"My lord, your subordinate still has some matters to attend to..."
Seeing that the atmosphere had suddenly become tense, Li Yan understood immediately that this matter could only be handled by Tang Ke himself; his presence here would only be a hindrance.
So he quickly found an excuse, cupped his hands towards Tang Ke, and got up, ready to leave.
"Since you have other matters, you may go and attend to them. I will have a casual chat with County Magistrate Han here!"
Tang Ke, having been his confidant for many years, of course knew what this fellow was planning.
He nodded casually and said directly.
"Your subordinate takes his leave!"
After speaking, Li Yan apologized and walked out of the main hall.
When he reached the outside, he even led away the guards stationed at the door.
Soon, only Tang Ke and Han Mo were left in the small courtyard.
"County Magistrate Han, I heard that when you were still at the Imperial Academy, you had advised the Crown Prince twice. The Crown Prince's current influence is largely thanks to your indispensable contributions!"
Since only the two of them were left here, Tang Ke's speech became much more casual.
Upon hearing this, Han Mo immediately understood. It seemed this old fellow was determined to drag him into this today.
"Lord Tang is too kind. Those were merely my youthful, impetuous words, and cannot be considered as offering any counsel!"
Han Mo smiled and lightly brushed aside the matter, showing no inclination to take credit.
"Hahahaha, your words of righteousness have brought immense benefit to the Crown Prince. When the Crown Prince one day rules the world, it will be thanks to your impetuous words!"
No matter how much Han Mo tried to refuse, Tang Ke was determined to tie him to the Crown Prince's chariot today.
At this point, Han Mo was truly feeling a bit awkward.
He thought he was already shameless, but today he had encountered someone even more shameless than him.
If this topic continued, the subsequent conversation would be difficult to handle.
"Lord Tang is joking. If speaking a few careless words also counts as contributing to the imperial ascent, then the merit would be too cheap, wouldn't it?"
After clearing his throat a few times, Han Mo finally spoke again.
"County Magistrate Han, why do you belittle yourself so much? Since ancient times, it has always been said that scholars die for their convictions and warriors die in battle. Generals fight the enemy for the country as a way to repay the imperial grace. Is it not the same for civil officials to strategize and plan? Your inadvertent words relieved the Crown Prince's urgent need!"
As Tang Ke spoke, his righteous demeanor left Han Mo speechless.
Indeed, when a person becomes utterly shameless, there is truly nothing one can do about them.
Moreover, this old fellow wasn't just trying to cajole him; he was also dangling a carrot before Han Mo.
"My lord, you jest. I am well aware of my own capabilities. Moreover, everything Han Mo says stems from his loyalty and sincerity towards His Majesty. I have no other intentions!"
"Other intentions? County Magistrate Han, do you mean to say you have other intentions?"
Tang Ke, though still smiling, had a hint of threat in his eyes.
"My lord, do you truly wish for me to speak my mind?"
Han Mo smiled and met Tang Ke's gaze directly, their eyes locking.
"County Magistrate Han, you must understand what I mean today, right?"
Seeing that this kid consistently avoided his point, Tang Ke's patience was wearing thin.
"My lord, are you not teaching your subordinate the way of a loyal subject?"
Han Mo replied without fear.
"I just don't know which ship you, County Magistrate Han, are preparing to board?"
Tang Ke sneered and directly blurted out another sentence.
Han Mo understood perfectly. When this old fellow said this, he was clearly forcing Han Mo to declare his allegiance!
"And what if Lord Han's answer does not satisfy you?"