"My lord, we have arrived!"
Just as Zong Ying was about to say something more, Jiang Yan's voice came from outside the carriage.
"Alright, there's still some time before dawn, so you can go back and rest for a while. This workshop matter, I'll entrust it entirely to you. If you need anything, just ask, and if you need manpower, I can also arrange it for you. But remember, this formula absolutely cannot leak out. If used properly, this will be the livelihood for your descendants!"
After patting Zong Ying on the shoulder again, Han Mo turned and walked towards the carriage.
Watching Han Mo's receding figure, Zong Ying let out a long sigh, but ultimately said nothing…
Three days later, Shao Bowen and Li Bao successively returned to Mingzhou City. Whether it was to welcome their return or not, on the same day, the news of the new emperor's accession and the call for all the armies in the land to quell the rebellion also reached Mingzhou City…
"What do you all think of this matter?"
As Han Mo spoke, he placed the intelligence he was holding directly in front of Shao Bowen.
After reading the contents of the letter, Shao Bowen directly pushed it to Yue Fei and Li Bao.
"You tell us, sir. I'm just a rough man. Whatever you and my lord say, I'll do!"
Although the news was indeed shocking, after reading the letter, Li Bao awkwardly scratched his head.
He was good at fighting wars, but political maneuvering was not his forte.
Rather than racking his brain to ponder these matters, he preferred to listen to the opinions of Han Mo and Shao Bowen.
"Then, shall I speak?"
Shao Bowen's gaze swept over Li Bao and Yue Fei before finally returning to Han Mo's face.
"We are all outsiders. Since they asked you to speak, I think you should speak," Han Mo said, reaching out to pour a cup of tea for Shao Bowen and Yue Fei.
"This matter is indeed dangerous, but I believe it is also an excellent opportunity for my lord!"
After organizing his thoughts, Shao Bowen slowly began to speak.
"Go on."
"At this moment, there are battles in Hedong and Hebei, and the Shu region has not yet been completely stabilized. As for other areas, among the six southeastern circuits, only Liangzhe and Fujian have barely recovered some vitality under my lord's command!"
"At this time, even if the imperial court orders them to send troops, the strength they can muster will be very limited! Moreover, the imperial court has no surplus money and food at this moment. For every soldier sent, money and food must be prepared. Relying on them to raise their own funds, the local finances simply do not allow it!"
"You mean for me to concentrate my forces to send troops to quell the rebellion?"
After listening to Shao Bowen's words, Han Mo picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then asked again.
"Both right and wrong."
"Mr. Shao, just say what you have to say. You always beat around the bush like this, I..."
Before Shao Bowen could finish speaking, Li Bao, who was sitting beside him, became impatient.
With his impulsive nature, he could not stand Shao Bowen's enigmatic tactics.
"Alright, alright, then I'll be brief!"
Seeing Li Bao's anxious look, Shao Bowen couldn't help but laugh.
On the other hand, Yue Fei seemed to be lost in thought, sitting quietly without saying a word.
"I believe that the timing is crucial for sending troops to quell the rebellion. The conflict between Song and Jin is now irreconcilable. After Guo Yaoshi's surrender, he is already very familiar with the internal affairs of the Song army. With this man, those greedy soldiers will certainly not be content with a simple quick gain! This battle is a life-and-death struggle between two nations!"
"If the Jin state wins, my Great Song will be in peril. If my Great Song wins, the Jin people will decline from their peak. Although the Jin people currently have the upper hand, as long as my Great Song has loyal ministers and brave generals to assist, the outcome of this battle is still uncertain!"
"With my lord's status and methods, with a little maneuvering in this matter, he can ascend to great heights by relying on this merit!"
After moistening his throat, Shao Bowen poured out his thoughts in one breath.
Although Shao Bowen did not explicitly state some things, Han Mo naturally understood his meaning. Shao Bowen meant for him to first concentrate his forces and then choose a suitable time to send troops!
After all, Han Mo had absolute authority in the Liangzhe and Fujian circuits, but the situation would be different once he entered Bianliang City!
If he could not gain sufficient military merit, rushing into the capital without his foundation, he could lose both his wife and soldiers with one wrong move!
"Sir, I don't understand what you're saying…"
After a moment of silence, Li Bao scratched his head and looked strangely at Shao Bowen and Han Mo.
"General Li, there's no need to rush. I think it's best if you go back to camp and rest, as you've just returned today and have had a long journey. Also, take a look at the new equipment I've prepared for you!"
Seeing his anxious expression, Han Mo understood that it was too much to ask someone like Li Bao to sit here and discuss strategy with them earnestly at this moment.
"Yes, sir!"
After scratching his head awkwardly, Li Bao cupped his hands towards Han Mo again and turned to leave.
"My lord, I'll take my leave as well!"
Seeing Li Bao leave, Yue Fei also stood up.
"No, you stay a moment!"
Seeing him about to leave, Han Mo quickly called out to him.
"I know, I really shouldn't be telling you about these matters of power and strategy. However, do you remember our last trip to Bianliang City? Military strategy says: the best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans! If the court's strategy fails, how can the battlefield achieve victory?"
Seeing Yue Fei's silent demeanor, Han Mo knew that he did not want to be involved in too many power struggles.
However, Han Mo was also well aware that it would be a joke to rely solely on his own command in battles!
Wu Jie and Wu Lin had already returned to the northwest, Han Shizhong had taken his troops to serve under Xu Churen in Hebei a few days ago, and Wang Bing was still fighting hard in Taiyuan.
The people he could use at this moment were only Li Bao, Yue Fei, and Qu Duan. Li Bao could only be used in naval battles, while land battles would depend on Yue Fei and Qu Duan.
But unfortunately, Qu Duan was too strong-willed, and Han Mo had not truly subdued him yet. The person he could fully trust seemed to be only Yue Fei…
From any perspective, he had to win Yue Fei's complete understanding mentally.
"My lord, Pengju understands your difficulties. If you do not have enough power, I fear that the young soldiers we lead will hardly be able to avoid being used as pawns…"