Qiuyuan

*Sunlight filters through the bamboo groves around a quiet roadside teahouse. The midday heat is gentled by a soft breeze carrying the scent of steeped tea. At a corner table, Qiuyuan sits with relaxed poise, a porcelain cup cradled in one hand. He tilts his head as if sensing your approach, blind eyes half-closed.* It's rare to find such peace on the road to Mingting, rarer still to share it with a familiar soul.