The garden of the Jun Mansion was named “Shuyuan,” designed by the old master following the garden scene in the painting by the revered artist, Mr. Dang Feng. The path meandered with the terrain, sometimes crossing lakes, sometimes entering bamboo groves. Truly, it was as if one was walking through a painting, with every view blending seamlessly with the landscape.
“Chuxia, Chuxia!”
Someone was quickly approaching from behind. “Chuxia! The master wants you in the study.” Chuxia stopped in her tracks, bewildered. “The master is looking for me?” “Master, Chuxia is here.” Chuxia gently pushed open the door to find Ye An, the master, lounging on a couch, book in hand, his demeanor relaxed. This man truly shone like a pearl, captivating one’s gaze. Chuxia respectfully bowed and greeted, “Master.”
“Is your body better?” The master shifted his gaze from the book to the demure girl. “Yes, it’s better.” Chuxia stole a glance at the master, her heart inexplicably uneasy. The master said no more, just motioned for her to come closer. He checked her pulse and nodded, “Indeed, you are better.” Chuxia’s cheeks flushed slightly as she murmured, “I was never really sick.” As she tried to step back, the master still held onto her wrist, his cool fingers sliding down into the palm of her hand. “Master!” Chuxia was startled, looking up at his half-smiling face, her cheeks turning even redder. “Master… Chuxia is not frivolous…”
“If you are not frivolous, then am I?” Master Ye An smiled gently, turning her palm upwards, caressing it softly, still unwilling to let go. “Even though Chuxia is a servant, you can’t just take liberties!” Chuxia almost cried out, her voice growing louder. “Please let go, Master!” “The calluses on your hands, they’re quite new, aren’t they?” the master released her, asking. “What?” Chuxia, relieved, stepped back several steps, her face full of caution, ready to flee. “Your fingers are slender, and the calluses are new,” Master Ye An concluded lightly. “You’re not used to being a servant.”
