Mo Han had been waiting for Chen Fu to say just that. Seeing his target fall into the trap, he couldn't help but sound delighted. "Then I thank Lord Chen for his dedication to the nation. I will draw up an account for your review shortly, Lord Chen, and I will also report your patriotic spirit to His Majesty."

Upon hearing Mo Han mention an account, Chen Fu paused, wondering why drafting a bill was necessary just for inviting a etiquette tutor. Hearing that Mo Han intended to report his contribution to the Emperor, he swelled with pleasure and paid little attention to the details, quickly replying, "What need is there for an account? I have absolute trust and support for Your Excellency; please do not worry."

Mo Han adopted a serious expression and responded, "Of course there is a need. Otherwise, others might suspect I am using this opportunity to enrich myself. Lord, you may return first. I will dispatch someone to send the bill to your manor later."

With that, he turned to Murong Tian and said, "Lord Murong, let us depart."

The others in the great hall were baffled that Mo Han let Chen Fu go so easily, wondering why he had suddenly become so accommodating. Only Murong Tian and Gongsun Wuji, who were familiar with Mo Han's ways, understood his true intentions and exchanged knowing smiles.

Seeing Mo Han prepare to leave, Gongsun Wuji quickly stepped forward. "Congratulations, young brother, on your promotion to Special Envoy! I, old man, offer my best wishes for your swift triumphant return so that we may host a welcoming feast for you."

Mo Han returned the smile with a false grin. "Heh heh, I thank Lord Gongsun for your kindness. I shall certainly pay a visit to your manor upon my return. For now, I must prepare for my departure. I bid you farewell."

Gongsun Wuji stopped pressing the matter, smiling. "Then young brother, hurry and make your preparations. If there is anything our Gongsun family can do to assist you, do not hesitate to ask. I will certainly offer my full support."

Mo Han nodded his thanks, and then he and Murong Tian walked out of the council hall together.

As soon as they were back inside the carriage, Murong Tian spoke with a smile, "Young brother must find it strange, given Chen Fu's character, how he ever managed to become Minister of Rites?" Mo Han nodded in response. "Indeed, I am somewhat puzzled. With the Emperor's wisdom, how could such a man attain the post of Minister of Rites?" Murong Tian continued, "Alas, perhaps it cannot be blamed entirely on the Emperor. Chen Fu is, in fact, the brother of the Emperor's most beloved Consort Chen. Several years ago, while accompanying the Emperor on an outing, Consort Chen encountered an assassin. To protect the Emperor, she took a sword meant for him and lost her life. The Emperor was devastated, neglecting state affairs for two full months. Given the Emperor's temperament, you can imagine the place Consort Chen held in his heart."

Seeing Mo Han still wear a puzzled expression, Murong Tian smiled and went on, "Consort Chen's only dying wish was to ask the Emperor to take good care of her child and her brother. The Emperor, who adored her so, naturally agreed to her request. Thus, upon his return to normalcy, he promoted Chen Fu to Minister of Rites against all opposition and has shown him great favor ever since, perhaps to compensate for the life debt owed to Consort Chen."

Mo Han interjected with curiosity, "And what of the child? How is she now?" Murong Tian explained, "The child she bore the Emperor is the Eighth Princess, whom the Emperor favors most currently. I imagine if the Eighth Princess were a boy, the throne would undoubtedly belong to her. It is a pity she is a daughter."

Mo Han mused aloud, "The Eighth Princess—is she the one who, along with Miss Murong and Gongsun Yunyan, is called one of the Three Great Beauties of the Empire?" Murong Tian nodded with a chuckle. "Who else could it be? Heh heh. The Emperor only has two daughters; the Fourth Princess married long ago. The only one remaining is this Eighth Princess."

Finishing, Murong Tian adopted a troubled expression. "By the way, Brother Mo Han, I have a matter I wish to discuss with you. I hope you can agree."

Mo Han cut in, "Are you referring to Miss Murong's illness?" Murong Tian nodded sheepishly. "Yes, it concerns my daughter's condition. The deadline you mentioned for her affliction is only a few days away, yet you must depart immediately for the Beast Tribes..." Murong Tian trailed off at this point.

Mo Han, also appearing conflicted, spoke up, "We are currently lacking only the blood of the Fire Phoenix. However, this is a crucial ingredient; without it, the antidote will be completely ineffective."

Hearing Mo Han's reply, Murong Tian showed deep anxiety. He pondered for a moment, seeming to make a momentous decision, and spoke with difficulty, "Since that is the case, Murong Tian has an immodest request, which I hope young brother can grant."

Mo Han already had an inkling of what Murong Tian was about to propose, but he still asked, "General Murong, please speak. Whatever is within my power, I will certainly do my utmost."

Seeing this, Murong Tian said, "I wish to ask young brother to treat my daughter using that third method you mentioned before. If young brother does not despise my Murong family or Xue'er, I am willing to marry Xue'er to you. If young brother finds it difficult and does not wish to wed Xue'er, that is fine as well; the conditions I previously offered remain valid, and you will still be the great benefactor of my Murong family, as well as our esteemed guest."

Murong Tian looked at Mo Han anxiously after speaking, uncertain whether Mo Han would truly be willing to risk his own life to save his daughter.

Noticing Mo Han's troubled expression, Murong Tian quickly added, "I know this is a difficult matter for you, Brother Mo Han—asking you to risk your life to save my daughter. Murong Tian’s request is born of desperation. Young brother need not feel constrained; if you are unwilling, Murong Tian will not force you. You remain a good friend to the Murong family."

Hearing Murong Tian's words, Mo Han realized he had misunderstood his intent. He shook his head and replied, "General Murong, you mistake me. I am not concerned for my own life. It is just that I have already explained the procedure for that method. Miss Murong is, after all, a lady of status; proceeding that way might damage her reputation. I am not afraid of death."

Mo Han's clarification brought a wave of relief to Murong Tian, who said, "As long as Brother Mo Han is willing to save my daughter, you need not worry about anything else. I have said it before: if you favor Xue'er, it is her fortune, and I will offer her to you in marriage. If you do not feel the same way, it makes no difference; I will absolutely not compel you."

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