Yue Linze, unaware of her subtle thoughts, proudly said to these people, “Go have your meal. My wife is here to bring lunch, so I won’t be joining you.”
Tao Yu looked at him amusedly, wondering what was so impressive about bringing lunch.
The others were both annoyed and amused, but thinking they didn’t have wives to bring them lunch, they could only offer a few flattering words. After hearing this, Yue Linze took Tao Yu into the room.
Tao Yu laid out the dishes from the food box on the table, and Yue Linze kept smiling at her. Tao Yu gave him a sidelong glance: “Why so happy?”
“Of course I’m happy. My wife brought me lunch,” Yue Linze said, then chuckled again.
Tao Yu gave him another sidelong glance: “Be happy and eat more.”
“Okay, I’ll definitely eat more. I’ll eat all of this…” Yue Linze stopped mid-sentence when he saw the table full of dishes, blinked, and changed his tone, “If I can’t finish this meal, I’ll finish the rest in the next meal. I’ll eventually finish it all.”
Tao Yu snorted with laughter, handing him chopsticks and a bowl. They chatted and laughed, and the meal passed quickly. Before they could rest, someone came to call Yue Linze, who had to leave reluctantly.
Tao Yu, seeing him looking back repeatedly, said, “Don’t worry, I’m not leaving now. I’ll wait for you to finish work and leave together.”
Yue Linze’s eyes brightened, but then he hesitated, “But I might take a very long time.”
“I’ll wait no matter how long,” Tao Yu said, then stood on tiptoe, pulled him down, and gently kissed his eye corner.
Yue Linze was stunned, not expecting to hear such words. He finally came to his senses under Tao Yu’s urging, gave her a deep look, and then left.
As soon as he left, Tao Yu’s expression darkened, planning to spend the afternoon finding out about the mysterious person.
There were only four people in charge of the sacrifice. Finding out who was involved would be easy. She just needed to find out who, besides the deputy personality, was more involved in those laws. She looked at the half-finished meal on the table, tapping her clothing corner lightly.
★ City Lord is Sick 7
Tao Yu thought for a moment, then began to tidy up the table. After cleaning up, she went to the inner courtyard of the government office.
She had been here once before, and most people recognized her. She hadn’t walked far when about ten people had already approached to speak with her. A secret investigation was impossible, so she might as well be more straightforward.
With this in mind, Tao Yu smiled and searched around near the previous study, her gaze settling on a young servant sweeping the yard.
“Excuse me, is this where the city lord and others discuss matters?” Tao Yu softened her voice.
The servant, who was lowering his head to sweep, looked up when he heard the voice. Seeing it was Tao Yu, he quickly knelt and bowed, “Responding to the lady, yes, it is the study. However, the city lord and Lords Zhao and Li just went out. They’ll probably return when it’s dark, like before. Now, only Lord Tong and Lord Wu are inside.”
Tao Yu made a sound of acknowledgment, not intending to go in. She looked around and said, “I was feeling stuffy inside and wanted to ask the city lord to walk with me in the courtyard. I didn’t expect him to be out…”
She trailed off, looking at the servant with a somewhat disappointed expression.
The servant immediately said, “If my lady doesn’t mind, this servant can show you around the courtyard. I’ve worked in the government office for many years and am quite familiar with it. Although the office is small, there are a few nice scenery spots.”
“Then, I’ll trouble you,” Tao Yu smiled. The servant was young and his mind not yet fully developed. At a glance, he was perfect for extracting information. Moreover, having worked here for many years, he would certainly know about everyone who works here.
She hadn’t even considered being refused, as she had previously discovered that while there was still a hierarchy here, it was much more flexible than truly feudal societies. The people here respected the nobility but weren’t so afraid that they couldn’t lift their heads. They not only weren’t afraid but were quite fond of them.
This was probably inseparable from that person’s influence.
The servant didn’t rush to follow her immediately but first swept the garbage clean and placed the broom in the corner before turning back with a smile: “My lady, sorry to keep you waiting. This way, please.”
Tao Yu let out a light laugh. Seeing the servant’s somewhat puzzled look, she explained: “I had a friend before, about your age, who was also a servant. He was just as conscientious in his work. Even if someone provoked him, he would clean up the fallen leaves before responding.” This servant reminded her of that person.
“Really?” the servant asked curiously, “How is that person doing now?
Tao Yu raised her eyebrows: “Why do you ask such a question?”
“I just feel that the madam is exceptionally kind-hearted. Since this person is your friend, he must be capable and won’t remain a menial servant forever,” the young servant said bashfully.
Tao Yu glanced at him and slowly walked towards the back courtyard: “Indeed, he is quite capable and is now an official in another city.”
The young servant exclaimed in surprise and immediately began to praise him. Tao Yu offered a few encouraging words, instantly filling him with ambition. By the time they reached the rockery pavilion in the back courtyard, the servant had begun to see Tao Yu as a confidante.
Tao Yu looked around the environment, which was quiet and secluded, and said, “I’m feeling a bit unwell recently. I’m tired after walking for a while. Let’s rest for a bit.”
“Certainly, madam, please this way,” the young servant immediately responded.
Tao Yu smiled and sat down in the pavilion, noticing he was still standing, said, “Sit.”
“Yes,” the young servant, being young, didn’t know much about formalities and sat down immediately, though keeping a distance from Tao Yu.
Tao Yu, sensing the right moment, made some small talk and then sighed casually, “When I first knew the city lord, I only thought he was a carefree young man. I didn’t expect him to be so busy.”
“Indeed, our city lord has so many things to do daily,” the servant immediately agreed, “But the city lord is capable of handling everything well. Though he seems easygoing, he’s actually very clear-minded about what’s good for the people.”
Tao Yu looked at him amusedly and continued, “The city lord is indeed impressive, having revised so many laws, which must have taken considerable time.”
The servant laughed, “Indeed, it took a lot of time, mostly wasted on persuading those conservative officials.”
“Implementing new laws will naturally face some opposition,” Tao Yu, wanting to ask something else, quickly moved on, “There must be some supporters. Are there no supporters among those currently working with the city lord?”
She nervously pinched her palm, afraid the servant would digress, but fortunately, he was quite helpful: “At that time, Lord Tong and Lord Li hadn’t yet come to Wuhuan City. Lord Wu, though a senior who had assisted several generations of city lords, was a standard conservative.”
Exactly what she wanted! Tao Yu’s heart relaxed, and her expression remained flawless. Recalling the four lords the servant had mentioned earlier, she asked, “So, Lord Zhao was supportive?”
“Lord Zhao was indeed supportive. In fact, he supports everything the city lord does,” the servant couldn’t help but smile, “They were classmates. Thanks to him, the city lord wasn’t completely isolated.”
Tao Yu’s smile deepened, “Is that so? Then I should thank him for taking care of the city lord.”
Unexpectedly obtaining the information so quickly, she realized the servant wouldn’t know much more. She coughed and furrowed her brow.
