Since being promoted to the position of Junior Administrator of Kaifeng Prefecture, Zhang Shaoyou's life had undergone a complete transformation.
Previously, he was just an insignificant minor official. Even with connections behind him, he still couldn't hold his head high.
But after taking on this new role, he suddenly became a sought-after figure in Bianliang City.
Almost every day, he had to attend countless banquets, and noble families eagerly invited him, the official of the people.
This life of indulgence and excess truly intoxicated him.
Just like tonight, after finishing a meal at the home of the Chief Clerk of the Dali Temple, Zhang Shaoyou didn't even use his carriage. He simply had his attendants follow at a distance, and with a hint of alcohol in him, he strolled through Bianliang City, enjoying the night breeze.
"Brother Shaoyou, your life is truly quite comfortable!"
Just as Zhang Shaoyou was contemplating whether to buy some apricot blossom pastries for his family, he suddenly heard a familiar voice.
"Who? Who's calling me?"
Upon hearing this voice, Zhang Shaoyou trembled from head to toe.
"Brother Shaoyou, can't you even recognize my voice anymore?"
Seeing Zhang Shaoyou searching around, the person suddenly spoke again.
"You are..."
As Zhang Shaoyou spoke, he finally found the source. If his eyesight hadn't been so good, he wouldn't have noticed a man in black, wearing a bamboo hat, fishing by the Bian River.
"Brother Shaoyou, you truly are forgetful when you become a noble!"
As he spoke, the man raised the windproof lantern placed beside him.
"Han, you... you..."
Upon seeing the face clearly, Zhang Shaoyou trembled all over. His footing slipped, and he almost fell into the Bian River.
"I say, Brother Shaoyou, although it's spring now, if you fall into the river like this, you'll likely fall ill!"
After extending a hand to steady him, Han Mo said with a light smile.
"How could you possibly be here at this time?"
Zhang Shaoyou was now a mid-level official of the court, and he had some understanding of court affairs.
Han Mo had only recently been promoted. The emperor would not possibly summon him back at this time. Even if there was such an order, it would have to go through the imperial court. In any case, he, the esteemed Junior Administrator of Kaifeng Prefecture, wouldn't be unaware of it!
"I returned on my own this time. And I do have something that requires your assistance. I just don't know if Brother Shaoyou is willing to join me on my boat?"
As Han Mo spoke, he gestured towards a small boat moored in the darkness.
Hearing his words, Zhang Shaoyou's mouth twitched involuntarily.
Han Mo had already spoken to this extent. Even using his backside, he could imagine that whatever he was planning this time was likely not simple!
However, if he were to refuse, Zhang Shaoyou found himself hesitating. After all, all his connections with Prince Xin were through Han Mo. Without Han Mo, who among the people around Prince Xin would even spare him a glance?
The position of Junior Administrator of Kaifeng Prefecture was indeed a fast track to becoming a Vice Minister in one of the six ministries. However, it was also a fast track to being demoted and dismissed!
He was well aware of his own capabilities. If he didn't have backing from behind, he would likely be reassigned to a post in the provinces before long.
"Brother Han, what are you saying? Just give me your orders!"
After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Shaoyou immediately made up his mind.
"If that's the case, how about we take a night stroll through Bianliang City tonight?"
As Han Mo spoke, he made a welcoming gesture towards him.
"It is my wish, and I dare not ask for more!"
Forcing a smile, Zhang Shaoyou followed Han Mo, one after the other, onto the small boat moored by the river.
"I say, Brother Han, returning to the capital at this time is not a wise choice. Bianliang City is the territory of the Imperial City Department. What if..."
Zhang Shaoyou stopped speaking at this point, but his meaning was clear.
Prince Yun, Zhao Kai, was currently holding the position of Director of the Imperial City Department.
If Han Mo's whereabouts were exposed, Zhao Kai would likely give Han Mo no chance to retaliate.
"That's why I've come to find you."
As Han Mo spoke, he took out a pot of wine from a hidden compartment in the boat's cabin.
"My dear Brother Han, just tell me your plan directly. Otherwise, how can I drink this wine!"
Looking at the wine cup placed before him, Zhang Shaoyou's face was filled with bitterness.
"I returned to the capital this time for one thing only. I intend to clear Liu Fa's name!"
After emptying his wine cup, Han Mo said with a smile.
"Cough—cough—cough—"
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Shaoyou couldn't help but let out a series of violent coughs, nearly choking to death on his own saliva.
Regarding Liu Fa's matter, among the officials in the court, six or seven out of ten probably knew what had happened.
But unfortunately, this matter involved more than just Tong Guan. Reversing this case was no easy feat...
"I say, Brother Han, bringing this up at this time is tantamount to breaking ties with Tong Guan and Cai Jing!"
After pounding his chest forcefully a few times, Zhang Shaoyou finally caught his breath.
"That's right. To be precise, it's not just those two, but also the fickle Zhang Bangchang, and the shameless Cai You!"
Han Mo finished speaking and poured himself another cup of wine. While drinking, he quietly waited for Zhang Shaoyou's answer.
"I say, Brother Han, you're not joking, are you? This is a force strong enough to overthrow a dynasty. Can the two of us really do it?"
Seeing Han Mo's silent demeanor, Zhang Shaoyou finally said with a wry smile after a long while.
"Brother Shaoyou, I won't force you on this matter. If you have any hesitation, you can leave once this boat docks. Consider it as if I never found you!"
To accomplish this, Han Mo needed a group of accomplices who were not afraid of death. Zhang Shaoyou's position was important, but it was not irreplaceable.
Seeing his bitter expression, Han Mo said with a smile.
"What are you saying? I just don't understand why you suddenly want to do this. Is it for those Jurchens?"
"Yes and no. Haven't you ever thought, Brother Shaoyou, about how a hundred thousand strong army was routed by twenty thousand Liao troops? How our own land and cities need others to reclaim them for us? And the annual tribute of millions of strings of coins. What consequences will all this bring?"