Chapter 10: Xingzhi Temple (10)
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Having found Peach Blossom Village, Lin Zikui stood outside the low wall and saw someone squatting on the ground holding something. He couldn’t see clearly and thought the person was playing with a puppy. He approached, widened his eyes, and realized it was a woman helping a child urinate.
The woman and the child both looked up at him simultaneously.
The woman shouted, “What are you doing?”
Lin Zikui said, “Madam, I’m here to buy peach blossom wine. Do you sell peach blossom wine here?”
“You want to buy wine? What kind of wine?”
“I want peach blossom wine.”
The woman stood up, holding the child, and Lin Zikui noticed a rolled-up cloth falling down.
The woman said, “In our Peach Blossom Village, we only have peach blossom wine. We have Green Peach White, Peach Wind Apricot Rain, Peach Blossom Fairy, A Letter of Peach Blossom, which one does Young Master want?”
Lin Zikui was confused. “…There are so many, with such elegant names. What’s the difference?”
Seeing that he didn’t understand at all, the woman assumed he was a passerby and explained, “Our privately brewed wine is sold to wine shops in the capital. They’re given these fancy names. The literati, officials, and nobles in the capital all love to drink them. These wines have different tastes and strengths.”
“I’m buying it to give to… a lady. She likes to drink.”
“Is it for a lady you admire?”
Lin Zikui nodded shyly and whispered, “Yes… she’s… going to be my wife.”
The woman chuckled, “Since it’s for a lady, she must prefer something light. This Peach Wind Apricot Rain, as those literati say, makes you hear the sound of spring rain and feel like you’re floating in the clouds… Young Master, come in and try it, and you’ll understand.”
Turning around to fetch the wine, Lin Zikui picked up the cloth he had noticed on the ground earlier and placed it on the child’s head, kindly saying, “Child, your hat fell off.”
The child paused for a moment, then burst into tears.
“Mother! Mother!”
“Why is the child crying?” The woman rushed out holding the wine jar and saw Lin Zikui looking bewildered. She waved her hand, “Don’t cry, don’t cry… it’s okay…”
The woman chuckled in exasperation, “Young Master, why did you put a diaper on my child’s head?”
Lin Zikui realized with embarrassment, “Ah?” Suddenly he understood and apologized, “I thought it was the child’s hat. I’m sorry, Madam, I have poor eyesight, I mistook it.”
“Forget it, forget it,” the woman took off the diaper, “Stop crying now. Young Master, please sit down. Here’s the wine.”
Lin Zikui sat down and began tasting the wine. He only took a sip each time. The intensity of this wine was much lighter than the plum wine. He carefully discerned the flavors with his tongue – some were sweeter, with a refreshing breeze and a hint of warmth, while others were spicier, leaving a burning sensation in the throat, but with a pure taste.
Although he couldn’t fully grasp the nuances of wine tasting, he decided to follow the woman’s recommendation and chose Peach Wind Apricot Rain for the Second Young Miss.
But this pot of wine would cost him ten taels.
The woman said, “This Peach Wind Apricot Rain is sold for twenty taels a pot in the wine houses of the capital. Only a few dozen pounds are brewed each year, and next year’s stock is already fully booked! If it weren’t for you saying it’s for a beloved woman, I wouldn’t even want to sell these last two pounds that we keep for ourselves!”
By now, Lin Zikui was feeling a bit dizzy from drinking. The different wines mingled together, bringing a warm sensation to his limbs and body. Because he had never been drunk before, he was unaware of his intoxicated state.
“If you buy it, I’ll even give you an extra half spoonful,” the woman said.
Lin Zikui, not entirely clear-headed at this moment, was persuaded. He emptied all the silver from his pockets, but it was only enough to buy one tael.
With the wine in hand, he staggered out. Not long after, he felt his hair becoming damp, and as he looked up, he realized it was raining. Following the markings down the mountain, with the agility of Xiao Fu and Yuanwu, it only took a stick of incense’s worth of time for Xiao Fu to find the peach forest. In early winter, the peach forest was sparse, with fallen leaves covering the ground.
The sound of the wind rustled through the trees, and Yuanwu felt a coolness on his face. He lifted his head and said, “Lord Marquis, it’s raining.”
Marquis Xiao waved his hand twice, “Yuanwu, you don’t have to follow.”
“Huh?” Yuanwu felt puzzled, but as his gaze wandered, he saw the figure of Lin Zikui. Even more curious now – why was he just standing there in the rain? Was he suddenly inspired to write poetry?
As the rain quickly turned into mist, Lin Zikui felt a certain emotion stirring within him. He was about to compose a poem when, through his blurred vision, he saw a figure dressed in dark red.
The person was draped in a crimson fox fur cloak, hands tucked in sleeves. Lin Zikui couldn’t see his face clearly but blurted out, “Second Young Miss?”
Xiao Fu approached briskly, “Why are you standing here daydreaming?”
“I… feel a bit dizzy,” Lin Zikui said, holding the bottle of Peach Wind Apricot Rain and wiping his face. “Second Young Miss, what are you doing here?”
Xiao Fu stood in front of him, using one hand to shield him from the raindrops. He noticed Lin Zikui’s unusually flushed face, clearly indicating he had been drinking.
“I went to the Hall of Purifying the Heart and found your servant asleep,” Xiao Fu said. “Then I saw the note you left, worried you wouldn’t find your way back to the Daoist temple. So, I came. If I hadn’t, would you be caught in the rain?”
“The rain…” Lin Zikui realized, quickly taking off his cloak and holding it over Xiao Fu’s head. “Second Young Miss, it’s raining.”
After all, it was early winter. As soon as he took off his cloak, a gust of cold wind blew, causing Lin Zikui to sneeze loudly. “Second Young Miss, you shouldn’t stand in the rain. You’ll catch a cold.”
Not as tall as Xiao Fu, Lin Zikui raised his hand to cover him, accidentally touching Xiao Fu’s hair.
Xiao Fu looked down at him, his gaze deepening. “I’m sturdy, but you’re the one with a delicate constitution. Why did you give me your cloak?”
“My constitution isn’t that weak…” Lin Zikui stubbornly explained in a low voice, then handed him the cloak. “I’ll go borrow an umbrella from the village. The rain is lighter under the trees. Wait here, Second Young Miss!”
With that, Lin Zikui let go, and the gray rabbit fur-lined cloak draped over Xiao Fu’s head like a hood. He held the cloak in his hands, gaze fixed on Lin Zikui as he ran towards Peach Blossom Village, using his sleeve to shield himself from the rain.
As the rain intensified, the downhill slope formed a channel, and Lin Zikui hurried back. He borrowed an umbrella from the woman who had been selling the wine, promising to return it in a couple of days.
The woman said, “It’s just a shabby old umbrella. When you come to buy wine next time, it’ll help my business.”
Lin Zikui thanked her and ran out, under the peach blossom tree, Xiao Fu still stood in the same place, obediently unmoving.
Lin Zikui strode over, his shoes and robe dirty, panting. He struggled to hold the umbrella over Xiao Fu’s head. “Second Young Miss, are you okay? You didn’t get wet, did you?”
“No.” Xiao Fu untied the rain-drenched cloak, along with his own large cloak, and draped them both over Lin Zikui’s shoulders. His cloak was quite heavy, pressing down on Lin Zikui’s shoulders when combined. With one hand holding the umbrella, Lin Zikui looked a bit at a loss. “Second Young Miss, I can manage…”
“Don’t move,” Xiao Fu interrupted softly, “Holding the umbrella is enough.”
He lowered his gaze, his expression becoming focused as he carefully tied the knot of the cloak’s collar, occasionally brushing against Lin Zikui’s chin with his fingers.
Looking up at him, Lin Zikui seemed to sense the effects of the Peach Wind Apricot Rain wine spreading within him. He even caught a whiff of peach fragrance and heard the faint sound of apricot rain falling on the umbrella.
Xiao Fu raised his eyes, meeting his gaze.
Lin Zikui’s expression remained somewhat vacant, his cheeks flushed.
His eyes were misty, veiled in a layer of moisture from the rain.
Xiao Fu parted his lips. “Lin Lang, did you drink?”
“D-Did you smell it?”
“Yeah, I saw it.”
“Oh, um…” Lin Zikui held the umbrella high, tilting it towards him. He glanced over, asking, “Second Young Miss, where are your guards?”
“They’re not here.”
Lin Zikui looked at him. “Did you… come down the mountain to find me yourself?”
“Yeah,” Xiao Fu reached out, “You hold the umbrella, and pass me the wine. I’ll carry it.”
“I’ll do it.” Lin Zikui refused to let him take it. He struggled to hold the umbrella high, as they walked back the way they came. Xiao Fu noticed Lin Zikui’s unsteady gait and reached out with his long arm, pulling him closer.
Lin Zikui suddenly felt uncomfortable but dizzy, unable to resist. He called out, “Second Young Miss…”
“Don’t look at me, look at the road.”
“…Alright.” Lin Zikui stopped struggling, a sudden warmth enveloping him. But he couldn’t help glancing at the hand on his shoulder from time to time, wondering if their interaction was a bit off.
Shouldn’t he be the one holding her instead?
He was a bit unsteady on his feet, but Xiao Fu’s arm was steady and firm, holding him close.
How could Second Young Miss be stronger than the ox at the village entrance?
Something’s not right.
Lin Zikui thought so but dared not say it aloud. After all, the scent emanating from the cloak was already making him dizzy.
Quietly, he switched the hand holding the umbrella and lifted the one carrying the wine behind him, as if he were embracing Xiao Fu. Halfway through, he hesitated and lowered it again.
Xiao Fu noticed but didn’t say anything.
Amidst the sound of rain, Xiao Fu casually asked him, “Lin Lang, where are your parents?”
Lin Zikui honestly replied, “My mother passed away early, and my father also passed away last year. Now, I only have an attendant with me. He has been with me since childhood. Three years ago, when I came to the capital for the imperial examination, that’s when Mo Liu started following me… Oh, by the way, Second Young Miss,” Lin Zikui seemed to suddenly remember something, asking, “Wasn’t Second Young Miss accompanied by Madam Xiao when you came to the Xingzhi Temple? How come… only you’re here?”
Xiao Fu remained composed. “Madam Xiao went back home. I initially intended to stay a few more days for prayer, but when you arrived, Lin Lang, I didn’t feel like leaving.”
Lin Zikui’s face flushed red as he replied, “I, I came to the Xingzhi Temple to study…”
But now he went down the mountain to buy wine for Xiao Fu.
That day, a woman mentioned that there were fox spirits roaming around the Xingzhi Temple. Now, Lin Zikui felt like he had been bewitched by a “fox spirit,” clouding his mind. He thought about it even when he slept, during the day, and even lost interest in reading.
Xiao Fu asked him again, “Lin Lang, why aren’t you wearing the fur cloak I gave you?”
“It’s too precious. I’m going down the mountain to buy wine, and I’m afraid I’ll dirty it. How about… Second Young Miss, you take it back.”
“What did I say yesterday, Lin Lang? Have you forgotten?”
“I haven’t forgotten.” Lin Zikui stole a glance at his profile. Xiao Fu had beautifully sculpted features but also seemed aloof.
“I’ll wear it when I go back.” he said.
Lin Zikui couldn’t free up his hand, thinking about the peace button in his pocket. He wondered if she would appreciate this inexpensive little item.
When they reached the Xingzhi Temple, the rain was almost stopping. Lin Zikui’s clothes were completely soaked, while Xiao Fu hadn’t gotten a drop of water on him.
Xiao Fu naturally noticed. The young scholar was particularly careful when holding the umbrella, ensuring that Xiao Fu wasn’t touched by the rain. This old and tattered umbrella dripped water all over him.
Perhaps his hands were tired. He took the umbrella back and discreetly squeezed his arms.
Xiao Fu casually took the umbrella. “Lin Lang, would you please escort me back to the East Guest Hall?”
“Sure.”
When they arrived at the East Guest Hall, Xiao Fu invited him in again. “Lin Lang, your shoulders are wet. Come in and warm up by the fire.”
Lin Zikui hesitated, but he was already caught by the hand. Xiao Fu’s palm was large and warm, and the comforting sensation made him lose all resistance in that moment. He was pulled inside without any further hesitation.
“Second Young Miss, that’s your private chamber… I shouldn’t enter.” His feet felt like they were glued to the ground, but Xiao Fu’s strength was just too much.
Lin Zikui thought, he might as well be two oxen being dragged by the village gate! And so, he was pulled inside.
Xiao Fu turned his head. “This is just the guest hall of the temple. Why can’t you enter? You’re a man, why are you more bashful than me?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Zikui felt too embarrassed to resist further. “But my shoes are dirty.”
“It doesn’t matter, mine are too.”
As they sat by the charcoal basin, Xiao Fu reached to help him untie the cord of his cloak. But Lin Zikui had tied it in a knot earlier, and now it seemed impossible to untangle. He muttered, “I-I’ll do it myself.”
“Don’t move.” Xiao Fu instructed Yuanqing to make tea and then focused on untangling the cord. However, lacking patience, he ended up snapping it. Lin Zikui coughed a few times from being choked, while Xiao Fu held the broken cord, looking at him. “It’s broken.”
Lin Zikui just chuckled drunkenly. “No worries, I’ll sew it back on.”
“With this old and torn garment, you still wear it?”
“I do.” He was sentimental and frugal when it came to clothing. Lin Zikui explained softly, “This garment looks old because I wash it often, and I sew up any holes myself. In fact, I’ve only been wearing it for three years…”
“You have poor eyesight, how do you sew?”
“I sew by hand.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he realized it was inappropriate and felt even more uncomfortable.
Xiao Fu simply smiled, not mocking, but genuinely appreciating the many virtues he saw in this scholar.
He reached his hands towards the glowing charcoal basin, observing how Lin Zikui’s fingers turned slightly red from the heat, curling uncomfortably. Xiao Fu felt the urge to touch them.
Having touched them once or twice before, he knew that the hands of a scholar were different from those of a martial artist like himself. Lin Zikui’s fingers were elegant, with slender joints and pinkish fingertips. There was a callus protruding on the finger used for holding the brush, and faint blue veins were visible on the back of his hand.
Xiao Fu was mesmerized by the sight.
Holding a cup of hot tea, Lin Zikui didn’t pay much attention to the surroundings, burying his head and saying, “Second Young Miss, I still need to go back to my studies…”
Xiao Fu tilted his head to look at him. “Bookworm, am I not pleasant to look at? Why do you want to read books?”
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