With the matter concluded,
After Xu Zimo returned to the City Lord's Mansion, both the servants and Sikong Lian became far more respectful, even restrained.
After settling the matter of the contest, Sikong Lian immediately came to request an audience with Xu Zimo.
That was right—request an audience.
Even though this was the City Lord's Mansion, which ought to have been Sikong Lian's home ground.
He still requested an audience with Xu Zimo.
To request an audience meant having Steward Zhou go in and ask whether Xu Zimo had time to see him.
Xu Zimo's residence had even been changed to the very best courtyard.
Birdsong and fragrant flowers surrounded it, while the bamboo grove stretched like a sea.
After entering, Steward Zhou kept his back bent low, his face full of ingratiating smiles.
"My lord, we were presumptuous before. I hope you can forgive us."
"I already said it: I do not care about many things. I was merely playing along with you, taking in the scenery of this mortal world," Xu Zimo said blandly.
"The City Lord wishes to see you. May I ask when you have the time?" Steward Zhou hurriedly nodded and asked.
"There is no need to be so restrained. I still preferred the way you were before, so proud and unruly."
Xu Zimo smiled. "Let him come in. I know what he wants to ask me."
Steward Zhou nodded. Sikong Lian had waited outside the courtyard for a long time before finally receiving the summons.
It was as though a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
He had feared that Xu Zimo still held the previous matter against him and would refuse to see him.
After quickly entering the room,
Sikong Lian bowed as well. "Greetings, my lord."
"There is no