Standing in the middle of a large, open space, concealed by an orange-red fence, Suo Han and Tao Hua watched as Shan Si got things ready for their afternoon session.
Suo Han was a recent addition, and someone to learn alongside him. In Shan Si's perspective, having another trainee alongside Tao Hua may motivate him more.
However, compared to Tao Hua, Suo Han was far worse…so maybe there was an inkling of truth to it.
In Shan Si's words, "He just doesn't have the resolve for cultivation—his energy lacks."
As if Tao Hua was any better, but Shan Si seemed to have the utmost faith in Tao Hua and chose to hold it for both of them if the other refused to see what he did.
Puffing hot air into his hands, Tao Hua finally peeled his gaze off Shan Si and glanced over at Suo Han. He noticed the positive shift in Suo Han, shown through how he rocked on his heels, a widened smile on his face.
A week prior, Suo Han was in disarray about a certain issue with the other servants, resulting in his being ostracized by the lot.
To be exact, Shan Si's favouritism of Tao Hua spread through the palace like wildfire, offering most a new topic of conversation. Suo Han was so frazzled by it, having to hear comments about his young master such as referring to him as Shan Si's male wife, calling him a bad omen, and other snarky remarks about Tao Hua annoyingly following him around, his looks, es cetera, es ceterea.
Despite their attempts to convert Suo Han, or convince him otherwise, they eventually decided to phase him out entirely.
So, each time Suo Han got worked up, they'd act as if he didn't exist. This forced him into a slump, and each day he joined Shan Si and Tao Hua during training, it always showed in his lethargic movements.
All Tao Hua could do was pat his back with an exhaustive smile and tell him it was fine, while Shan Si simply listened, side-glancing the pair and wiping off his sword.
He understood well that Tao Hua was already used to such treatment, but that didn't change the darkening expression on his face as he stared down into the reflection of the sword.
But Tao Hua was the opposite, and would often return to the bedchambers that night, stupidly grinning, mouthing the word "wife" repeatedly in his lonesomeness. Despite the pain of the substance in his arm—which still lingered—nothing could conceal the flower sprouting in his chest.
"It's good to see you smiling today," Tao Hua noted. These last few months had ignited a sort of confidence in Tao Hua and his relationships with others. It wasn't necessarily full proof, but it was enough for him to stop overthinking so much.
Now, he only ever overthought every other day. Progress!
"Did something good happen?" Tao Hua asked.
Piping up, and happily so, Suo Han said, "Yes! Yes, it did! Remember what I mentioned last week with the servants, Young Master? Well, they stopped!"
Tao Hua blinked. "They did? All of a sudden?"
"Mhm!" Suo Han nodded, yet tilted his head slightly, apprehensive. "Though, now they seem scared of me…b-but…I'm still glad I could defend Young Master's honour! That's what matters! Now they don't even think twice about talking badly of you, Young Master! They won't even mention it anymore!"
There was a look of pride in Suo Han, and he was certain that all his efforts defending Tao Hua had finally paid off. His duty had been fulfilled in the matter!
Raising an eyebrow, Tao Hua turned his head away and suspiciously stared at Sahn Si, who had tossed a few weapons into a pile for later maintenance.
"I see," Tao Hua laughed, although slightly disappointed that the lot in Chuhen Palace wouldn't be accusing him of things that made him smile. Nevertheless, he was still happy that Suo Han at least found peace in it.
That was enough.
Soon, Shan Si approached the pair. He lifted his index finger, motioning it from Suo Han and toward the exit. "You're not needed today. Go help Qian Jue."
Suo Han didn't dare question Shan Si twice, despite his disappointment. He promptly straightened his posture, stiffly held his arms to his side, and shouted, "Y-Yes, My Lord!"
And off Suo Han ran after a bow, leaving just Shan SI and Tao Hua alone in the training grounds. Tao Hua watched him dash and trip a few times before finally disappearing out of sight.
Confused, he turned to look back up at Shan Si, who was now standing ahead of him.
"Why? Are we doing something different today?"
Shan Si shook his head, adjusting the golden lapels of Tao Hua's outer robe. "I just wanted it to be us today. Come on."
Tao Hua's face brightened red, and despite the dull ache in his arm, his lips curved into his infamously crooked and goofy smile. Happily, he closed his eyes and nodded, following behind Shan Si, the black fabric of his outer robe fluttering behind; one that was sized two times too big.
During their training, when it was just the two of them, Shan Si would often help Tao Hua with his form. Oftentimes, it was clumsy, so he held it in place.
Today was no different.
Standing behind him, his chest brushing against Tao Hua's back, Shan Si held Tao Hua's wrist in place, just as Tao Hua awkwardly stood in a xu bu stance; commonly known as the empty stance or cat pose.
This stance was achieved by holding out one's arms, sweeping their foot along the ground, and posing elegantly. The goal was to remain as still as humanly possible, and not break it for an absorbent amount of time.
Which was also Tao Hua's worst enemy, by the gods!
Anytime Tao Hua started to lean forward, or his back loosened, Shan Si would press his chest closer and force him to straighten. Though it was meant to be helpful, Tao Hua couldn't help but end up wobbling, his mind gone askew with thoughts that weren't appropriate for such a setting.
However, that died the moment Shan Si spoke, and his words were said in a serious tone.
"You did the same thing last night, Tao Hua. Are you going to explain to me what's going on?"
Tao Hua practically slumped forward and would have fallen face-flat into the thinly layered snow had it not been for Shan Si's firm hold.
Chapter end.