Love is More Than a Word

Chapter 1 - Part 6

Chapter 1 – The New Magistrate Takes Up the Post, Part 6

Author: Su Youbing

Translator: EXandros

Proofreader: KainGuru

After the matter had been settled, Lu Zhenxue rose and took his leave.

Tao Mo walked him up to the door. He thought about it, then turned around, and told this matter to Old Tao, who was doing the accounts.

After listening to his story, Old Tao frowned and said: "That Lu Zhenxue—I'm afraid he's up to no good."

Tao Mo was surprised: "Why?" In his opinion, this Lu Zhenxue should be the first person that he should befriend in Tan Yang County.

Old Tao said: "One mountain cannot abide two tigers. How could Mr. Lin Zhenyong's disciple introduce you to Mr. Yichui's disciple?"

Tao Mo replied: "Then, what does he want?"

"I don't know what he wants." Old Tao murmured, "You still have to go. But as you've said, just pay a short visit and then come back. Don't get entangled with others."

Tao Mo thought of Gu She and his heart warmed up. However, looking at Old Tao's eyes, he seemed to know everything. He then coldly stammered: "What kind of entanglement can there be?"

"It's good if there's none." Old Tao knew that Tao Mo was sick again, so he did not pressure Tao Mo anymore. He changed the topic, "The county magistrate is a small official, but even though the sparrow may be small, it has all the vital organs. The county's yamen has three classes and six chambers [1]. If you have nothing to do, you can deal with them in the afternoon, so that it would be easier to send them on an errand or mission in the future."

([1]「三班六房」This refers to the divisions of the yamen.)

Tao Mo promptly agreed.

Old Tao added: "You've seen Official Clerk Cui. If you happen to meet him later on, don't forget to get yourself familiarized with him."

Tao Mo agreed again.

Old Tao was not at ease when he saw Tao Mo's weak look, but there were so many official matters that needed to be done. He had to step back and say: "I'll let Hao Guozi accompany you. If you have something that you're not clear about, don't hesitate to ask him. He's just around the corner."

When Tao Mo heard that Old Tao was not coming with him, he was a little nervous in his heart, "How about if we go there some other day."

"Young Master, there will come a day that I'll die." Old Tao kept a straight face and added, "Young Master, do you mean to say that after I die, you don't want to continue being an official anymore?"

Tao Mo was shocked, so he said: "Don't say that. I know you won't die that easily."

The corners of Old Tao's mouth curled up a bit, "Young Master, if I didn't know you, I'd think that you're apologetic."

Tao Mo replied: "I didn't mean that."

"I know. You should have your meal first then go with Hao Guozi."

Tao Mo turned and walked out. He had his meal and then went out.

The six chambers were just located around the county's yamen. Going in and out of them was a mere blink of an eye.