Xu Liang arrived at the gates of the Lotus Garden, his thoughts still tangled from the events earlier. He had hoped that by leaving the grand Fu, he could clear his mind.
The old man Tang, who had been tending to the garden for decades, approached him with a graceful bow. His movements, though aged, were filled with a quiet pride, as if every step in the garden was a continuation of a long-cherished dance.
"Fair and perfect timing for your arrival, Master Xu," Tang said with a hint of amusement in his raspy voice, stepping forward to guide the horse. "I’ll tend to your steed."
Xu hesitated for a moment, noticing the deep lines of fatigue etched on the old man’s face. He felt a sudden guilt at allowing someone so weary to work on his behalf. "Tang, you seem tired. Let me handle the horse this time."
Tang shook his head, a smile breaking through the wrinkles on his face. "Master Xu, old as I may be, my love for this garden and the tasks within it keep me strong. Let me handle this. I have done it for years, and will continue for as long as these hands can."
Xu relented with a small nod, appreciating the old man's spirit. "How have you been, old friend? I haven’t seen you in some time."
"Old age is wearing me down," Tang replied with a sarcastic chuckle. "But each day I wake up, I figure I have one more fight left in me. The garden gives me life, Master Xu. Much more than I deserve in these final years."
Xu smiled softly. "Have you seen my mother around?"
Tang straightened, his face growing serious. "Lady Mei? Aye, she’s here in the garden, guiding the new gardener."
Xu raised an eyebrow. "A new gardener?"
"Yes, a young man around your age, from a nearby village. Lady Mei thought it best to bring in fresh hands to tend to the lotus blooms," Tang explained.
The mention of a new gardener piqued Xu’s curiosity, but also sparked a slight unease. He had always found comfort in the familiar faces of the Lotus Garden—the peaceful solitude and the unchanging nature of the place. The thought of a stranger, someone new and unknown, unsettled him for reasons he could not yet place.
"Thank you, Tang," Xu said abruptly, deciding to go meet his mother.
"May the heavens bless you, Master Xu," Tang offered, watching him with quiet affection.
Xu moved through the garden, the vibrant lotus blossoms swaying gently in the breeze. The air was sweet with the scent of flowers, and for a brief moment, Xu felt at peace. The stillness of the garden offered solace, a reprieve from the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind. But even the beauty around him couldn’t suppress the growing knot of unease in his chest.
As he walked across the moon bridge, his eyes swept over the familiar scenery, but his thoughts wandered back to the conversation with Tang. A new gardener? Who could this man be? Why did the very idea of his presence make Xu uneasy?
The sight of his mother standing by the Swan Pond quickly diverted his attention. Beside her was a tall figure—a young man with long, flowing black hair that shimmered in the sunlight. His broad shoulders and strong, defined arms were immediately noticeable, as was the quiet grace with which he stood. Even from a distance, Xu could see his presence commanded attention.
There was something about him, something that caught Xu’s gaze and refused to let go. He found himself staring—longer than he intended to—at the young man. He quickly shook his head, feeling a strange discomfort at the intensity of his own curiosity.
Lady Mei spotted him and beckoned him closer. "Ah, my son," she said warmly. "I was wondering when you would arrive. This is Lin Hua, the new gardener. He comes from Shanxi Cun, a village not far from here. He will be working with Tang to ensure the garden remains in its finest condition."
Xu’s eyes flicked back to Lin Hua, who stood quietly, head bowed in deference. "Lin Hua, this is my son, Xu Liang."
Lin Hua gave a slight bow. "It is an honor to serve the household of Master Xu," he said softly.
Xu forced himself to smile, though the discomfort lingered. "Welcome, Lin Hua. I trust the garden is in capable hands."
His mother leaned in and whispered, "Remember, you must not form close ties with commoners."
Xu stiffened at her words, but nodded obediently. "Of course, Mother."
Lin Hua’s gaze remained fixed on the ground, but there was something in the way he stood, something in the quiet strength of his posture, that caught Xu’s attention once again. He found himself sneaking glances at the man, unable to fully understand why he was so drawn to him.
"Well then, I shall return to the grand Fu," Lady Mei said, her voice breaking the silence. "I leave the garden in your care, Xu. And Lin Hua, I trust you will do well here."
"Yes, my Lady," Lin Hua replied, his tone respectful but calm.
As soon as his mother was out of earshot, Xu turned to Lin Hua, feeling a sudden need to address the tension that had been building inside him. "I must apologize for my mother’s words earlier," he began, his voice quieter than usual. "She can be...protective of our family's status."
Lin Hua looked up, his eyes meeting Xu’s for the first time. "There is no need to apologize, Master Xu. I understand my place here."
Xu studied him for a moment, noticing the quiet strength behind his words. "Still," he murmured, "I appreciate your understanding. I...I plan to stay here for the night. The garden brings me peace, and I wish to see the lotus blooms at dawn."
Lin Hua bowed slightly. "Stay as long as you wish, Master Xu. I will ensure everything is prepared for your comfort."
Xu felt an odd sensation in his chest—something between curiosity and unease. He nodded, trying to focus on the garden, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the man standing before him. Lin Hua's quiet demeanor, his strong presence—it stirred something in Xu that he wasn’t ready to confront.
"I will be close by if you need anything, Master Xu," Lin Hua added, his tone respectful.
Xu managed a small smile, but inside, his mind was racing. Why did Lin Hua’s presence affect him so deeply? Why did he find himself unable to look away? And why, for the first time in his life, did he feel so profoundly uncomfortable in his own skin?
"I...appreciate that," Xu said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Lin Hua."
He watched Lin Hua walk away. Xu felt the weight of his hidden feelings press down on him even harder. He couldn’t shake the sensation that something had shifted, something within himself that he wasn’t ready to face.