69 Tea in the Garden

Zheng Guo had decided to take his afternoon tea in the garden house off the lake. The sight of the many flowers in a deep expanse before giving way to the water always seemed to have a calming effect on him. The sun shone from above a light passing cloud as he shut his eyes and basked in the serenity of the moment.

"S-sir?" A nervous voice approached the City Lord from his left.

Zheng Guo sighed inwardly as he opened one eye only to peek at the timid man. He shut it just as fast as it opened, and a smile set on his face as he basked in the sun. "Well, what is it?"

"S-sir, it's just that I've-"

"Alright, let me stop you there." Zheng Guo held a hand up to silence the man. "What's your name?"

"Xue Zan, sir." The man said really.