After three rounds of drinks and tasting five dishes, Chen Yuan asked about Tao Qingyuan's recent circumstances.
Tao Qingyuan drained his glass in one gulp and said with a bitter smile,
"Honestly, serving in the Capital, though it's better in many ways than in Nanling Prefecture, there is one aspect that isn't good."
"Which aspect?"
"Power!"
In Tangshan Prefecture he was the Green Envoy, almost akin to suppressing a region—the Martial Artists of Jianghu notwithstanding, life was very enjoyable there.
He didn't need to look to anyone for approval.
But after he arrived in the Capital, it seemed better than Nanling, yet he was reined in at every turn. As a mere Reach Profound Martial Artist, he could hardly make a splash here.
With a single hammer blow, officials of fifth or sixth rank might be implicated.
And with many individuals backed by powerful patrons, even those of lower rank than his paid him no mind, and he, admittedly, felt quite stifled.
