I picked "intimating" as the blank for (ii), as there are couple of hints - i. a sense obsequiousness from his subordinates ii. "casual" key word as an adj for their remarks - indicating they wouldnt give a direct reply - thus would resort to indirectly suggesting, couching their words in indirect verbiage.

I went with easiest blank first strategy

Regarding blank (i) - my guess was - "resulted in"; hence went for the word "elicited" - evoked

The key word here is "intransigence". This means that this person is very stubborn and despises anyone who holds any views that are opposed to his own. So, his subordinates who are aware of their boss's adamant behavior, have learned the art of "intimating" their opinions in a lighthearted manner. Now, an intransigent person is most likely be intolerant towards any open disagreement, so the blank should be "tolerant" or "brooked". This is the fact that is well-known, that is this person can not tolerate any disagreement. If you are intransigent , then your friends MAY or MAY NOT try to express any disagreement. But, it just won't work on you because you wouldn't allow them to change your mind.

Reply if it's still unclear.

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