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.”
