"Fair morning, Master Xu," greeted Fen, her personal maid, as she encountered him in the hallway. She performed a respectful curtsy, as was her custom with everyone in the Liang family, one of the wealthiest families in Zhejiang Province.
"Why so formal, Fen? I've told you countless times to call me by my name," Fen had been in their service since she was sixteen, coming from a humble farming family and shouldering the responsibility of supporting her family.
"Have you seen my mother—The Lady Mei?"The thought of meeting his mother today filled him with exhaustion. Not today, not tomorrow. He was tired—tired of her endless lessons about what an heir was supposed to be, how he was to present himself in public, what he should think, and most of all, the crushing responsibility he carried as if he were balancing a delicate vase of wine. One misstep and the entire content would spill, leaving him in disgrace.
"I am asking," he added, "so I can avoid her altogether."
Fen shifted awkwardly on her feet, her gaze dropping to the polished wooden floor. She was always timid around Xu Liang, more so when he was in one of his moods, like today. "Lady Mei was not at home when I last checked," she answered softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Not at home? He was feeling relieved. His mother and father, both esteemed nobles and successful businesspeople, were often away on matters of trade and diplomacy. 
His father frequently traveled to the imperial capital to meet with officials, while his mother was very known for negotiating advantageous deals for the Liang family’s silk business. 
Their connections with the emperor granted them an influence that stretched far beyond the borders of their province.
If Lady Mei was not at home, it meant Xu Liang could have a brief respite from her critical eye and constant supervision. The very thought of freedom, even if it lasted only an hour or so, brought a sense of relief to him. 
As the eldest son, he was expected to shoulder the burdens of the family, to inherit their wealth, prestige, and all the accompanying responsibilities. His younger brother, Zhen Liang, envied him for it, but Xu Liang found little joy in the privilege. He wasn't happy at all. He wished that he was the younger one. 
"Did she tell you where she was going?" he asked, more out of curiosity than concern. Any absence of Lady Mei’s was a welcome one.
Fen hesitated, then smiled nervously. "Lady Mei is in the lotus garden."
Xu Liang’s brow furrowed at this unexpected answer. "The lotus garden?" he repeated, more to himself than to Fen. His mother, in the garden? That was unusual. The Lotus Garden, located on the far end of the Liang estate by the peaceful shores of West Lake, was a place of serenity and beauty. 
For generations, it had been lovingly maintained by skillful and hardworking Liang's gardener. Young noblewomen from nearby provinces like Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Yunnan often visited, drawn to the garden’s delicate flowers and peaceful surroundings. 
In the past, the garden had served as a meeting place for blossoming romances, where secret courtships flourished beneath the shade of the ancient willows.
But recently, Xu Liang had ordered the garden to be closed off to visitors. There had been reports of neglect, with some areas showing signs of damage due to storms and overuse. As the heir, Xu Liang had taken it upon himself to restore the garden to its former glory, protecting it from further harm. He had even planned to visit the garden later that afternoon to oversee the restoration work himself.
What was his mother doing there now?
He stood straight, his mind racing. Lady Mei rarely spent time in the garden, and certainly not without a purpose. She was not one to indulge in idle pleasures like admiring flowers or wandering aimlessly through the scenic beauty of the estate. If she was in the lotus garden, there had to be a reason.
Lady Mei was a formidable woman, respected and feared in equal measure. Her influence in the family business was unmatched, and she had high expectations for her eldest son. Xu Liang had spent years under her tutelage, learning the intricacies of trade, diplomacy, and leadership. Yet no matter how much he accomplished, it never seemed to be enough for her. Every success was met with another lesson, another demand to be better, stronger, more perfect.
"Thank you, Fen," Xu Liang muttered, scratching the back of his head in frustration. "What shall I do now? She’s already at the garden. I had planned to visit later and stay there tonight." He sighed, his plan for a peaceful evening at the Lotus Garden seemingly ruined by his mother's unexpected presence.
Fen, the timid servant girl, stood before him, her wide, uncertain eyes fixed on the floor. She rarely spoke unless spoken to, always quiet and obedient, believing herself to be someone of little consequence in Xu Liang's life. She did not see herself as someone whose opinions or thoughts were needed by the heir of the great Liang family.
"Fen," Xu Liang said, his tone softening slightly as he noticed her nervousness, "later tonight, you're the one serving tea to my father and mother, right?"
Fen nodded quickly, her hands clasped together in front of her. "Yes, Master Xu," she answered quietly, barely lifting her gaze to meet his.
Xu Liang rubbed his temples, his mind working through the possible complications. "If I return home late tonight and decide to stay in the Lotus Garden, please let them know they shouldn’t worry. Am I clear, Fen?"
The girl hesitated, her small frame tensing under the weight of his request. She looked up at him briefly, her eyes filled with uncertainty and fear. Xu Liang could sense her reluctance. He knew well that the responsibility of delivering such a message to his parents, especially Lady Mei, would be a heavy burden for her. If anything went wrong, his mother or father would likely place the blame on her.
He sighed, understanding the pressure he was putting on her. "Don’t worry," he reassured her gently. "I’ll meet Mother at the garden later this afternoon. I’ll explain everything to her myself. All I need from you is to deliver the message if I don’t return tonight."
Fen’s eyes still reflected doubt, but she offered a slight nod, her loyalty to her master's command outweighing her fear. "Of course, Master Xu," she replied softly. "I will inform them as you have asked."
A small smile tugged at Xu Liang's lips. "Thank you, Fen," he said, offering her a look of appreciation. "You’ve been very helpful."
Fen bowed her head low, her hands trembling slightly as she did so. "You’re most welcome, Master Xu."