Peach Blossom Decree Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Fengtai County (1)

The old servant heard it clearly and reported to Prime Minister Xue, “Master, he said Xiao Zhaoling—could that be that person?”

Prime Minister Xue staggered back in disbelief, his vision nearly going black. “No… impossible. My student said the bride he wants to marry is surnamed Xiao, named Xiao Zhaoling. Could there be another girl from the Xiao family?”

The old servant, “There is still an unmarried girl in Duke Chang Residence, but no way would they use the name of the Regent to marry Young Master Lin! I think something fishy is going on. Besides, the Regent marrying someone? It would be a miracle if he didn’t just take what he wanted by force. Master, why don’t we just go in and ask Young Master Lin ourselves?”

Prime Minister Xue raised a hand, “Let me catch my breath first.”

He sat back down in the carriage, recalling how Xiao Fu had always shown great care toward Lin Zikui. He had originally assumed Xiao Fu simply admired talent, but now it seemed there was a deeper motive.

Still, Prime Minister Xue couldn’t make sense of it. Xiao Fu wanted to marry Lin Zikui?

The neighbors were overly enthusiastic and eager to catch a glimpse of the bride, but they were quickly shooed away by Jinzun.

In their place came the arrival of the Prime Minister himself. “Huai Fu, I hear you’re getting married? Congratulations, congratulations! But why didn’t this old man get a wedding invitation?”

Lin Zikui instantly looked awkward. “Teacher, the wedding happens to fall during the national mourning period, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to make a big fuss.” Besides, the bride hadn’t even arrived yet.

That made sense. Prime Minister Xue nodded in agreement and immediately instructed his servants to bring in the wedding gifts.

“Teacher, please don’t!” Lin Zikui hurried to stop him, but Prime Minister Xue grabbed his wrist. “Come now, just a small token. You’ve taken me as your teacher, and I haven’t even given you a proper gift. Now that you’re getting married, how could I show up empty-handed? It’s nothing expensive—just things you can use. Don’t be fooled by how big the chest is; most of it is books, ink, brush, and paper.”

The jade pieces and gold ingots—there were just a few—were buried at the bottom.

Prime Minister Xue had lived an upright and frugal life; he was not a wealthy man.

After much back and forth, Lin Zikui finally accepted and hurriedly invited his teacher into the house to sit. Prime Minister Xue began probing tactfully, “So, where’s your bride?”

“He hasn’t arrived yet. He…” Lin Zikui grew flustered, unsure how to lie. Stammering, he said, “He had some matters to handle and hasn’t arrived in Fengtai County yet. We agreed to marry on the fifteenth. If he doesn’t return by the tenth, I’ll postpone the ceremony a few days.”

“Did you meet in Jinling?”

“Yes…”

“Surnamed Xiao?”

“Yes…”

“Xiao Zhaoling? He’s marrying you?”

Lin Zikui lowered his head and admitted, “…Yes.”

Prime Minister Xue set down his teacup with a loud thud, a storm surging in his heart. That bastard Xiao Zhaoling! His fists clenched beneath his sleeves.

He had no problem accepting same-sex love, but he couldn’t accept someone like that ruining his brilliant student!

Lin Zikui slightly lifted his head. “Please don’t be angry, Teacher. It was wrong of me not to send you an invitation.”

“I’m not angry about that,” Prime Minister Xue fixed his gaze on him. “Huai Fu, have you thought this through? He’s not suitable.”

Lin Zikui said softly, “I’ve thought it through. I promised to marry him, so I will. A promise made must not be broken.”

“You place too much value on affection and righteousness—it will only hurt you! Has he ever spoken honestly with you? Has he said he truly loves you and wants to marry you?”

“He has… We’re in love with each other.”

“In love, huh!?” Prime Minister Xue saw the resolve in his voice, not loud, but incredibly firm. He could only sigh in frustration, silently cursing Xiao Fu to death in his heart.

If Lin Zikui didn’t marry him, Xiao Fu wouldn’t let him go anyway. His student was just a scholar who hadn’t yet entered officialdom—how could he possibly outmatch that cunning old fox? Xiao Fu, ruthless and powerful, could easily clear the way for Lin Zikui in the bureaucracy and let his talents shine like the sun and stars.

Everything Prime Minister Xue hadn’t accomplished in office—reforming laws, lowering taxes, improving irrigation, upholding justice—he could now entrust to Lin Zikui. And with Xiao Fu supporting him, no one in court would dare to stand in his way.

What Prime Minister Xue truly feared was that someone like Xiao Fu might not really love Lin Zikui. What if it was just a fleeting whim, and later he hurt him? Huai Fu was such a devoted, sincere soul, so full of passion and righteousness…

Prime Minister Xue decided to stay in Fengtai for now. He had nothing else to do, and he was determined to sit there and wait for Xiao Zhaoling to arrive—so he could grab him and demand answers!

Meanwhile, the news of the new emperor’s ascension slowly spread across the prefectures and counties.

“The new emperor is just a child, and the Regent is the Empress Dowager’s younger brother… I fear he’s going to seize the throne.”

“No matter what, Emperor Wen Tai’s death was a great blessing!”

Yuwen Duo had long lost the people’s support, and there were few among the common folk who genuinely mourned his passing. Barely a month had passed, and in all the provinces outside of Jinling, weddings and festivities resumed as usual—entertainment thrived in the red-light districts, with music and dance filling the streets.

Once Xiao Fu handled the new emperor’s enthronement, he had no intention of managing court affairs anymore and left governance to Empress Dowager Xiao, who ruled from behind the curtain. There was still much for Yuwen Xuan to learn, but Xiao Fu didn’t have time to teach him, so he selected a Hanlin scholar as his tutor. But Yuwen Xuan asked, “Royal Father, what about that Master Lin we saw by the Qinhuai River last time?”

Xiao Fu looked at him. “Master Lin? Why does Your Majesty ask about him?”

Yuwen Xuan, dressed in a perfectly tailored little emperor’s robe, said, “This son prefers Master Lin and would like him to be my teacher.”

Clearly, he had realized how much the Regent valued that Master Lin and was trying to win over his royal father by aligning with him.

And as for Master Lin himself, Yuwen Xuan genuinely felt he was far more approachable than those old Hanlin scholars.

“Did Master Lin say who he would take on as his student?”

Xiao Fu shook his head. “He liked all four of you. He couldn’t choose.”

Yuwen Xuan’s eyes sparkled, and he declared brightly, “Then why not let him be my teacher?”

“Very well. Let’s discuss this later. Royal Father needs to leave the capital for a time. In the meantime, stay with the Empress Dowager and study the art of governance. When I return, I’ll test you.”

Xiao Fu had found a convenient excuse to leave the capital—claiming he was deeply grieved by Emperor Wen Tai’s death and was too disheartened to handle state affairs, and would instead keep vigil for the late emperor for a while.

The civil and military officials found no fault in this, and that very night, Xiao Fu departed the capital—not in a grand carriage, but lightly dressed and traveling alone on horseback. He rode one of the finest Ferghana horses, and after two and a half days of hard riding, he arrived at Fengtai County.

The region lay nestled between mountains and rivers, and the Lin residence was built among the trees. Xiao Fu asked around as he rode until he finally found it. Beyond the white walls and grey tiles, he could see blooming peach blossoms filling the courtyard with a mist of pink petals.

“Hush…” Xiao Fu gently tugged on the reins, dismounted, and stood in a traveling robe tailored for horseback riding. Though simple in design, its fiery color complemented his broad shoulders and lean frame, making him look striking against the vibrant spring scene.

He tied his horse to a jujube tree outside the gate and pushed the door open.

Inside, Lin Zikui stood beneath the peach tree, his left eye covered with a cloth while his right eye was open, tilted up to smell the scent of falling petals.

A basket lay on the ground, nearly overflowing with delicate pink flowers.

Prime Minister Xue, wearing his soft gauze veil, held a book in one hand and was playing chess with Jinzun with the other—fully focused on both tasks at once.

“That should be enough, Young Master,” Mo Liu said as he carried the basket into the sunlight. “If we pick any more, our whole courtyard will be bald. If Miss Zhao Ling shows up and sees that, it’ll be unsightly.”

Lin Zikui looked down at the basket. “Then let’s leave it at this. It should be enough to brew some peach blossom wine.”

Prime Minister Xue glanced at Lin Zikui, resentment building even more toward Xiao Zhaoling. “You’re even making wine for him with your own hands? That Xiao Zhaoling really gets to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor! What has he done to deserve this?”

Lin Zikui laughed. “The wine is for everyone, Teacher. You’ll have some too.”

Prime Minister Xue snorted. “The wedding’s coming up, and he still hasn’t come to Fengtai County!”

Of course, he understood why Xiao Fu hadn’t come—national affairs took precedence over romance—but even so, he couldn’t excuse such negligence toward his student! If he couldn’t come, the least he could’ve done was send someone with a message!

Just as he finished speaking, the wooden knocker at the gate knocked softly—*thump, thump.*

Xiao Fu cleared his throat and said, “Who said I wasn’t coming? Here I am.”

Lin Zikui immediately turned his head from beneath the peach tree when he heard the voice.

“Zhao Ling!” He beamed. “How did you know where I live?”

“I asked along the way. You’re quite the famous Jieyuan Lin,” Xiao Fu replied. Spotting Prime Minister Xue inside, he toned it down a little, but still strode over confidently, took Lin Zikui’s hand, and raised it to his nose. “Are you picking flowers to brew wine for me, Lin Lang? Let me see if your hands smell fragrant.”

Of course, he couldn’t really smell much, but the gentle scent truly seemed to rush into his nose. Lin Zikui’s face flushed red, and he quickly pulled his hand back. “Teacher is here. Don’t do that.”

“But I haven’t seen Lin Lang in so long. I couldn’t help myself.” Xiao Fu looked up at him, thick lashes casting shadows, and his deep black eyes sparkled like stars.

Mo Liu rubbed his arms and suddenly noticed something. “Huh? Why does the bride have stubble on his face?”

Xiao Fu hadn’t slept during the journey. Covered in dust from the road, he hadn’t had time to shave.

Prime Minister Xue’s mustache nearly twisted in rage. He jabbed his finger at Xiao Fu. “Xiao Zhaoling, you get over here!*”

Normally, Xiao Fu would’ve told him off in irritation.

But not today—not with Lin Zikui standing right in front of him.

“What does the Prime Minister wish to say to me?”

“I need to talk to you!” Prime Minister Xue, unable to hold it in, grabbed Xiao Fu’s ear and dragged him toward the house. “Inside!”

Jinzun saw the Marquis getting dragged by the ear, stood up out of reflex, then slowly sat back down.

The Marquis was getting scolded, but the one doing the scolding… was Elder Xue.

He hesitated for a moment—then decided against stepping in for the Marquis.

Xiao Fu furrowed his brows but didn’t resist. From the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Lin Zikui running after them and calling out, “Teacher…”

Prime Minister Xue told Lin Zikui, “He’s got thick skin and tough flesh, don’t waste your sympathy.”

Xiao Fu added, “I’m delicate and frail, Prime Minister, please don’t bully me.”

Prime Minister Xue: “……”

With a cold snort, Prime Minister Xue shut the door in Lin Zikui’s face, leaving only him and Xiao Zhaoling in the room. The expression Xiao Zhaoling had been wearing disappeared completely. He turned away, straightened the strands of his hair, and stood tall and imposing as he asked, “Prime Minister, what exactly are you doing here? What are you doing at Lin Zikui’s home?”

“What am I doing? If I hadn’t come, how would I know what you’ve been up to?”

“If you already know it’s a good thing, then don’t come here to break up my marriage.”

“Break up your marriage?” Prime Minister Xue was livid. “Which eye of yours saw me trying to break up your marriage? If I had, wouldn’t you have already killed me?”

Xiao Fu let out a casual “Mm,” a ray of light falling on his ear and the side of his face. The shadows cast by his lashes and eye socket gave his expression a deep, unreadable edge. “As long as the Prime Minister understands. I’ve never been one for words—I act. Even if I respect you, that doesn’t give you the right to ruin what I have with Zikui. Since you’re here, you can be our wedding witness. As for everything else, it no longer concerns you.”

“Xiao Zhaoling, I don’t care how capable you are now. I don’t care what you and he—The two of you are both men, what’s going on! If you ever treat Lin Zikui with even half a shred of insincerity, I’ll…” His hand trembled slightly as he pointed at Xiao Fu. “I’ll go have a proper chat with Duke Chang and Prince Yunnan.”

“How could I not be sincere? Put your Ai Dai veil on properly and wipe it clean,” Xiao Fu said, his gaze brushing past the man’s eyes, voice calm and steady. “I’ve come this far not for myself, but for the road he walks under heaven’s favor, for his innocent heart.”

“You…” Prime Minister Xue had always thought he knew Xiao Fu well—knew his rebelliousness, his madness, his capriciousness, his awful handwriting—but this, he never expected.

Xiao Fu suddenly changed his tone, smiling. “Would you do us the honor of being our marriage officiant, Elder Xue?”

Prime Minister Xue: “……”

“Fine, fine, just leave it at that. My words don’t mean much anymore. You’re the Regent now—I’m just a retired old Prime Minister. Whatever you want to do, could I even stop you? But remember this—Huai Fu is a good child, and he’s an orphan. Since that’s the case, I, as his teacher, am a father to him for life. If you ever…”

Before he could finish, Xiao Fu cheerfully called out, “Got it, Father.”

Prime Minister Xue was stunned speechless.

“You—you better not. Just call me Teacher!”

“Got it, Teacher,” Xiao Fu said word by word. “The wine Zikui is brewing for me—you’re not allowed to drink it.” It was all his.

Prime Minister Xue: “……”

Lin Zikui had no idea what the two of them talked about inside. He wasn’t the type to eavesdrop. Mo Liu, however, had squatted down and was just about to do so when Jinzun dragged him away.

Mo Liu shouted, “Would it kill you to let me listen for a second?!”

Jinzun shook his head with a stern face. “No listening.”

Inside the room, after their talk, Prime Minister Xue saw Xiao Fu reaching up to his own ear and rubbing it furiously. What had only been a slightly pink ear tip was now blood-red from the pinching.

Prime Minister Xue was puzzled, not understanding what he was doing—until he saw Xiao Fu push the door open and step out, sounding both joyful and aggrieved as he said, “Lin Lang, Lin Lang! I pleaded with Teacher for so long—he finally agreed to our marriage!”

“Really?” Lin Zikui’s face lit up. “Then I must thank Teacher for his kindness!”

He gave Prime Minister Xue a deep bow, and the latter could only nod helplessly.

Lin Zikui’s vision wasn’t great, so Xiao Fu deliberately moved close and tilted his head toward him. Only then did Lin Zikui see the color of his ear and froze. “Your ear, is this…”

Was that from Teacher tugging it?

Xiao Fu didn’t say anything, only looked at him.

So that must’ve been it.

Lin Zikui couldn’t say anything bad about his teacher, much less place blame. His heart ached instead. “Zhao Ling, does it hurt?”

Xiao Fu shook his head. “No.” Then, without caring how others saw it, he grabbed Lin Zikui’s hand and pulled him into the room. “Zikui, is this your bedroom? Our bridal chamber?”

“…Yes,” he nodded, quickly adding, “But it’s not decorated yet! Don’t look!”

“I won’t.” Xiao Fu averted his eyes, though he couldn’t help but notice the red double-happiness symbol pasted on the window. The room was dimly lit, dust floating in the air.

“Actually, it does hurt a little. Prime Minister Xue thinks I’m not good enough for you and lost his temper.” Xiao Fu crouched slightly, tilted his head, and exposed his flushed red ear. His voice turned soft. “Blow on it for me, will you?”

With no one else in the room, Lin Zikui was still shy, his lips pressed into a tight line. But he obeyed, took a deep breath, and leaned close—“Huff, huff…”

Author’s Note:

Prime Minister Xue: This old man is done.

If you’re loving the tangled fates and slow-burning tension in Peach Blossom Decree, help Ciacia keep the petals falling by buying her a Kofi.

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