“No, uncle, the flowers you grow are beautiful.” Xu Wan smiled, and Master Yu, hearing the genuine praise, quickly bowed: “Hehe, my lord is too kind. I’m just an old servant who knows how to tend to these flowers and plants.” Slightly dodging the bow, she followed the old man’s hands, seeing the garden in full bloom. A purple butterfly delicately perched on an unnamed fully bloomed flower petal, its fuzzy wings fluttering up and down.
“The flowers are so spirited and beautiful, not letting down the butterfly’s longing. Uncle, your heart truly understands them.”
The old man laughed, picking up a large flower with black spots and a red heart, gently stroking its petals and picking up a nearby watering can to softly sprinkle some water. Xu Wan had never seen such a flower and couldn’t help but curiously approach, carefully touching it with two fingers: “Uncle, what flower is this?”
“It’s called Lian Zi. It means ‘compassion for one’s child.'” A low voice suddenly explained, solving her confusion. Xu Wan and the old man turned their heads simultaneously to see a tall man in a deep purple brocade dress walking leisurely, followed by a white-clothed young servant carrying a small brocade box, led by the steward.
The old man quickly bowed, first greeting the steward, and then also bowing to the man, recognizing his noble status. The man stopped three steps away, fixing his gaze directly on Xu Wan’s face, then smiled: “I heard the lord of Qu family has been ill, and I was concerned. Now I see you’ve recovered. This hundred-year-old ginseng, please do not refuse.” The young servant hurriedly bowed and presented the purple brocade box. She looked at the box, met the man’s smiling eyes, and raised an eyebrow: “Who are you?”
