Watching the smile on his face, Han Mo suddenly felt a bit of admiration for this charlatan.
This fellow didn't seem as simple as the history books described.
"If sir isn't afraid of losing everything, then I certainly welcome a rich patron like you!"
With the conversation reaching this point, Han Mo also smiled and extended his right hand.
"Since we're on the gambling table, only heaven knows the outcome! You just do your thing, and I'll follow your lead and place my bets. As for the rest, it's up to fate!"
Lin Ling Su spoke as he exchanged a three-clap handshake with Han Mo.
"Hahahaha, if sir has such courage, it is the blessing of the Shenxiao Sect! As long as sir abides by the three articles of agreement we made, once this is accomplished, as long as I, Han Mo, am here for one day, the status of the Shenxiao Sect will be absolutely unshakeable!"
Although Lin Ling Su was a charlatan, this identity was just right for Han Mo.
Even a thousand years later, all sorts of religions and beliefs would still be widespread.
Let alone in this era, Han Mo desired supreme power, while Lin Ling Su desired only the faith of the populace.
These two things did not inherently conflict. With such a foundation, if the two could truly reach a cooperation, it would be a win-win situation!
"Your word is enough! By the way, if you came here, my disciple must have made a trip for nothing!"
"Sir sent a disciple to find me?"
"That's right. The business at the Maritime Trade Office is booming, and I'm thinking of leaving a stable foundation for my descendants!"
Lin Ling Su said as he poured Han Mo a cup of wine with a smile.
"It's good that sir has this idea. I will make arrangements once I return. I wonder how much wealth sir is prepared to contribute?"
Han Mo was quite surprised after hearing his words.
However, at the same time, he felt a bit pleased.
To make a parasite that was leeching off the state think of generating its own sustenance was itself a form of progress.
"My fortune is certainly no match for yours. I've scraped together some, about three million guan! I wonder if this amount is enough to catch your eye?"
Lin Ling Su said as he smiled and looked at Han Mo.
"How about this: you gather five million guan, and I happen to have a good business opportunity for you to take over!"
"Your meaning is..."
Hearing him say this, Lin Ling Su immediately guessed the general idea.
Cai Jing was dead, and the Cai faction was about to disintegrate.
In that case, the share of the spice trade that the Cai family held, it was probably time to give up some of it.
"That's right, sir must have guessed it already. The Cai family should learn to share profits with others now!"
"That might not be easy, right? I don't really have suitable candidates. If we do this, won't it be a bit..."
Seeing the hesitation on his face, Han Mo immediately laughed.
This fellow truly wanted to have his cake and eat it too!
He wasn't worried about failing to make it work; he was simply afraid of being accused of being too heartless!
"Sir, you just said that we are in the same boat now! It's meaningless to say such things. If sir truly doesn't have the intention, then I won't force you. However, I believe that many people would want a bite of this fat piece of meat!"
"Will there truly be no repercussions?"
Hearing him say this, Lin Ling Su was truly tempted.
The spice trade!
There was nothing in the world more profitable than this. If he could secure a share in this matter now.
Once the situation stabilized in the future, their Shenxiao Sect would not need the court's bestowals at all.
Of all the sects throughout history, apart from Taoism and Buddhism, even those that reached great heights eventually, once they lost the favor of the royalty, it was a blessing if they didn't completely collapse!
The reason for this situation was, to a large extent, entirely due to the lack of their own independent and legitimate means of wealth accumulation.
Although the businesses that monks engaged in were somewhat unsavory, Lin Ling Su had to admit that this method was indeed very effective.
To ensure the continuation of this sect he had created, he had racked his brains recently. Who knew what great determination he had made before finally setting his sights on Han Mo.
"Of course, there will be no problems. If sir were to seize it by force, then of course it would be sir's fault. But if the Cai family were to offer it willingly, then that's another matter. Sir, do you agree?"
"Would they offer it?"
As soon as this question was asked, Lin Ling Su instantly regretted it.
In this world, who would willingly spit out what they had already swallowed? It wasn't a question of whether the Cai family would give it up, but if they didn't give up these benefits, they would likely soon face utter annihilation.
Rather than ending up with a broken family, it would be better to be sensible and willingly give up a portion of the profits, thereby ensuring the continuation of the family!
After all, what Han Mo had promised was merely to ensure the continuation of one bloodline of the Cai family, not to guarantee that the Cai family could continue to enjoy their current benefits!
"Whether they give it up or not is within my power. Others cannot decide this business. Does that reassure you, sir?"
The spice trade was less controlled by the Maritime Trade Office and more by Han Mo.
After all, only Han Mo's people knew the location of the Spice Islands.
All the ships of the four great sea merchants were now under Han Mo's sole command!
On land, such power was insignificant, but at sea, the situation was entirely different.
These merchant ships didn't even need to be armed. Even the court's warships had to make way for their massive fleet.
As for the surrounding small nations, there was even less to say.
If they were foolish enough, the crew members of the East India Company's merchant ships could simply change their flags and transform into lawless pirates at any moment.
As for those vassal states complaining to the Great Song, it was even easier to handle. Anyone who wanted to sue Lord Han could only go and beat the drum outside Lord Han's manor!
The scenario of "Who is the defendant suing this official?" might sound absurd, but it was the reality of the current situation.
The Maritime Trade Office itself was in charge of tributary affairs. If they entered the Great Song without passing through Han Mo, they would be executed as spies!
Even if they won the lawsuit, would they survive to return?
On the vast ocean, ships capsizing in the waves was all too common...