Han Mo couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh as he finished speaking.
The path of weapon research required a lot of money!
Strictly speaking, it was a bottomless pit. No matter how much money you poured into it, it would swallow it all without leaving a trace.
However, at this moment, this was the only path Han Mo had to take.
Without the vast horse-breeding lands of Xixia, nor the sixteen prefectures of Yan Yun as a barrier, if they couldn't quickly enter the era of firearms, the advantage of cavalry would only grow larger!
The Liao cavalry was already in a sorry state, yet they could still defeat larger Song armies.
If they were to face the more formidable Jin people, the situation would only be more dire!
To offset the pressure brought by cavalry, they could only grit their teeth and invest heavily in this area!
"Will the other families agree to this?"
After looking at Han Mo with some confusion, Zong Ying asked with a hint of bewilderment.
"On this matter, they are far more forward-thinking than the court officials, especially after the incident with Japan..."
As Han Mo spoke, a self-mocking expression appeared on his face.
It was truly ironic. The officials in the court, day in and day out, were only concerned with the meager coins in the national treasury.
He couldn't even be bothered to bring this matter up for discussion, as he could already predict the outcome just by imagining it.
No matter how well he wrote his memorial, to those powerful figures, it would ultimately be summarized by four words.
"A waste of national funds..."
Conversely, the merchants, after communicating with the shopkeepers and employees sent to Japan, agreed to Han Mo's proposal almost immediately. They would set aside twenty percent of the net profit from each business transaction for the research and development of new warships and naval weaponry.
Of course, to avoid unnecessary trouble, this organization would have to be placed under the Mingzhou navy for the time being!
In normal circumstances, there would be no room for maneuver in such matters, but with Han Mo now, the situation was entirely different.
The entire officialdom of Mingzhou, except for Feng Yi, had now become Han Mo's people.
And matters concerning weapon and warship research were extremely confidential. As long as there were no problems with the accounts, even if Feng Yi found out, Han Mo could explain it away.
After all, the emperor was still relying on Han Mo to generate funds, and ever since he came south, the emperor had granted him the power to act as he saw fit.
It was merely a few hundred artisans. Even if their expenses were a bit high, compared to the nearly ten million guan of copper coins that Han Mo sent to Bianliang City annually, these expenses were nothing!
"I heard you are planning to go to Quanzhou again. How long will you be staying this time?"
Zong Ying wanted to say something, but after his lips parted and closed a few times, he found himself speechless.
In all honesty, the situation seemed to be just as Han Mo had described. Unless the Fan Zheng Guo faction could directly ascend to power, even if Han Mo made a request, the emperor would not approve it!
Helplessly, to avoid further awkwardness, Zong Ying could only change the subject.
"This time, I might be staying for a while. I want to see how they've been progressing. Oh, and regarding the dam construction, keep an eye on it for me. This matter can't be delayed any longer. If there aren't enough laborers, then hire them directly!"
"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on it."
"With your assurance, I can rest easy. By the way, if you have some free time, could you help me scout for more talented individuals?"
"In what capacity?"
"Naturally, for the Elder's side. Uncle Li is doing such an excellent job, and with such achievements, it shouldn't be long before he returns to Bianliang City. However, his affairs will eventually need someone to take over!"
"Don't worry, I understand."
After a few more casual remarks, the two parted ways.
Although the amount of gold and silver sent back this time was considerable, how these items were stored was something that the subordinates would handle, and Han Mo didn't need to worry about it himself.
While Han Mo was racing against time to make preparations, another crisis was silently descending...
"My Lord, someone is seeking an audience outside. They claim to be from your hometown and have an urgent matter to discuss. This is a gift list they've sent for you!"
"Oh?"
Hearing his subordinate's words, Wang Anzhong raised his head again and casually took the gift list.
"Let him in!"
After a glance at the contents, Wang Anzhong nodded with satisfaction.
Although the items on the list weren't particularly lavish, when calculated carefully, they amounted to roughly twenty to thirty thousand guan.
It might be a bit lacking if he were asking for a favor, but as a mere token of greeting, it was quite generous.
"This humble one, Zhang Ping, pays his respects to Your Lord!"
A moment later, guided by a minor official, a plain-looking, unremarkable middle-aged man in his thirties walked in from outside. As soon as he entered, he quickly bowed to Wang Anzhong.
"Your accent doesn't sound like that of an official's fellow townsman..."
As soon as Zhang Ping finished speaking, Wang Anzhong's brows furrowed.
"I dare not conceal it from Your Lord, this humble one is indeed not your fellow townsman. However, I had no choice but to fabricate this identity due to unavoidable circumstances. I have a letter here, written by my master to Your Lord. Please examine it!"
Seeing the man's pleading demeanor, Wang Anzhong didn't say much more. He took the letter and opened the envelope to read.
However, as he read, his expression suddenly became solemn.
"You all may leave. Do not enter unless summoned."
Casually dismissing the servants around him, Wang Anzhong then stood up and closed the doors and windows of the room.
"Are you one of Zhang Jue's subordinates?"
After hearing the distant footsteps fade away, Wang Anzhong lowered his voice and asked.
"I dare not hide it from Your Lord. That is indeed my elder brother!"
"Hoo—"
"If that is the case, then it is I who have been remiss!"
Upon hearing Zhang Ping's words, Wang Anzhong took a deep breath, immediately stood up, and helped Zhang Ping to his feet.
"Your Lord is too kind. I just don't know if Your Lord can..."
Looking at the smile on Wang Anzhong's face, Zhang Ping was truly overwhelmed with flattery at this moment.
"This matter is of great importance. You are aware that Chancellor Tong is currently facing some difficulties. However, rest assured, I will do my utmost to facilitate this. Perhaps it would be best if you stay in my manor for now. You will receive news within three to five days!"