Chapter 54: Jinling City (23)
Although Lin Zikui hid it well, Xiao Fu could still tell that he seemed a little unhappy.
Was it because ever since Xiao Fu returned to Jinling, he had to leave him every day?
There wasn’t much he could do. He had to wait until Lin Zikui passed the palace examination and was granted an official position in one of the Six Ministries. Then they could attend court together every day.
He didn’t say anything now because he feared Lin Zikui would find out who he really was, blame him, and abandon the exams altogether—returning to Fengtai County to become a schoolteacher, or heading off to some remote district as a low-ranking magistrate.
But once Lin Zikui passed the palace exam and received the imperial decree, it would be a done deal. By then, how could he possibly run?
Standing below the steps, Xiao Fu looked him in the eye and said, “I’ll definitely be back before noon. Have the cook prepare something you like. As for what the fourth prince likes to eat—I don’t know that, I’ll go ask him later.” Even eating now seemed to have gained meaning. In the past, Xiao Fu rarely had an appetite; he only ate when he was starving, just to keep going.
By mid-May, the weather had already begun to heat up. Lin Zikui wore a light gauze shirt and sat beneath the window writing essays. Outside, the banana trees swayed gently in the breeze, casting shadows that dappled the ground with sunlight.
Lin Zikui wasn’t the type to wallow in self-pity. He had thought it through—perhaps Xiao Zhaoling came from a noble family, and his parents wouldn’t allow someone like him to marry their child, especially since he was also a man. So be it—he would earn the top scholar’s title, gain a voice, and then walk into the Xiao household with his head held high, with honor and integrity.
Earlier, when he saw Xiao Zhaoling leaving, Yuanqing followed behind him. With the blade at his waist, he looked every bit the general.
While Lin Zikui diligently wrote essays, Xiao Fu had just begun his court duties.
Liang Gonggong’s shrill voice rang out: “If there are matters to present, step forward. If not, court is dismissed!”
Xiao Fu reclined lazily on the throne beside the dragon seat. “Nothing to say, right? Court is dismissed—”
“Wait—wait! Your Grace, this humble official has something to report!”
Xiao Fu frowned and looked over, not knowing who was speaking—how lacking in etiquette.
A short official scurried out from among the ministers, dropped to his knees, and nearly knocked off his official cap. “Your Grace, there’s been no rain north of the Qinhuai River for days! A thousand miles are parched. I fear a great drought is coming—if agriculture halts and there’s no harvest, it could lead to famine!”
Xiao Fu stared at him for a while. “And you are?”
“This humble official is Xiao Huang, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Four years ago, during the Shandong drought, I accompanied the Governor on a disaster relief mission.” Lord Xiao didn’t dare raise his head. But this had weighed on him for many days already.
Xiao Huang—Xiao Fu recalled him now. Wasn’t he part of the family that used to be engaged to Lin Zikui?
Lord Xiao had helped quite a bit when Xiao Fu was trying to get married. Xiao Fu looked at him with some favor. After all, Lin Zikui had used the silver Xiao Huang had given to custom-make wedding clothes for him.
So, his tone softened, sounding unusually gentle: “Drought often leads to famine—that has plagued every dynasty. Lord Xiao, do you have any solutions?”
The rest of the court turned their heads in surprise.
The Prince Regent didn’t normally speak in this tone…
This Xiao Huang—did he bribe someone?
Xiao Huang stammered nervously, “I believe we should prepare in advance. Although the north still has food for now, if the heat continues and we wait until grain becomes scarce, transporting supplies will be too late—and when grain is worth its weight in gold, there will surely be mishaps! I beg Your Grace to issue an edict to transfer grain from Northern Jiangsu and send it immediately to Shandong for storage!”
The drought was indeed a serious issue. Xiao Fu suddenly remembered Lin Zikui had written an essay on drought relief—while sitting in his lap, no less—and Xiao Fu had been forced to read every word of it.
He quoted, “Therefore, use deep snow to enrich the land—then spring brings moisture, pests are killed by frost, and the next year will favor crops. The nation should invest in water management, building reservoirs and storing rainwater during the rainy season. As for the people, they can build creek wells along local streams, dig pits in the creek beds to collect and store water for the next year’s drought.”
Lord Xiao couldn’t help but look up, shocked. “These three methods are brilliant!”
Even the old officials in the Fengtian Hall nodded in surprise and approval.
Xiao Fu couldn’t remember the rest of it—but he knew Lin Zikui’s ideas had been detailed and comprehensive. Not only had he written plans for creek wells, but also blueprints for other hydraulic structures and irrigation systems.
As long as the drought didn’t last for years, Lin Zikui’s methods would be more than enough.
But Xiao Fu didn’t dare take credit for his little scholar’s work. He said, “These methods were taken from an article submitted to me—I just happened to remember them.”
The Minister of Revenue stepped forward. “May I ask—who is this extraordinary talent who wrote the article?”
Xiao Fu, “I’ve forgotten. Liang Gonggong, go search the royal study. Once we find it, they must be rewarded.”
The Minister of Revenue said, “They must be greatly rewarded—heavily honored!”
“Yes indeed!” the other officials echoed.
“A talent like this must serve the empire of Daye!”
Xiao Fu turned his head and said, “I know. Liang Gonggong, make a note of this. Once that essay is found, the author must be handsomely rewarded, promoted, and granted a title.”
The young emperor had listened attentively. After the court was dismissed, he followed Xiao Fu to the royal study, eager to see the essay written by that brilliant scholar. “That person must be a court official. Why didn’t he step forward today?”
“He’s not an official,” Xiao Fu replied as he hurriedly changed clothes to return home. “It was written by Master Lin.”
From behind a wall, Yuwen Xuan’s voice called out, “If Master Lin is such a rare talent, why doesn’t Father bring him under your wing and put him to good use?”
Rustling sounds came from behind the screen as Xiao Fu changed. “Father would like to, but I befriended him under a different identity. Your Master Lin doesn’t know who I really am.”
“Master Lin must serve the court. Royal Father, do you know where he lives? I’ll send someone immediately with an imperial decree to summon him to the palace—”
“No need, I know how to handle this. Your Majesty, go read your memorials.”
Having finished changing, Xiao Fu left. Yuwen Xuan sat alone in the royal study, needing to perch on a high stool just to reach the huanghuali wood desk. The eunuch beside him whispered, “Your Majesty, His Grace went to visit Prince Kang again.”
It seemed his royal father especially doted on the fourth prince. Perhaps it was because the boy knew how to act cute.
As soon as the eldest prince heard that his younger brother had been rewarded—for showing brotherly affection, no less—he rushed to Qiyang Palace to visit his fourth brother. He timed it right after court, hoping to run into the Prince Regent.
But Xiao Fu only said two things to him. The first was, “You may rise, Your Highness.”
Then he scooped the sickly fourth prince into his arms.
With a complete shift in tone, he asked gently, “Yun’er, are you feeling better today? Did you take your medicine properly?”
The little prince’s nose was still stuffy. Hugging Xiao Fu’s neck, he replied in a soft, milky voice, “Royal Father, Yun’er drank his medicine. I feel much better.”
“As long as you’re better, then that’s good. No more illness now.”
Xiao Fu then turned to the eldest prince and said his second sentence: “Why hasn’t Your Highness returned to your palace yet?”
The eldest prince awkwardly clasped his hands in front of him. “I—I came to visit my brother… and brought him some supplements.”
“Such thoughtfulness. Commander Chen said your riding and archery have improved. Go learn a few more moves from him. Practice the plum blossom stakes until you can perform ‘The Roc Spreads Its Wings.’ I’ll be testing you in a few days.”
“P-Plum blossom stakes?” Wasn’t that just making things difficult?
Xiao Fu stared at him. “Does Your Highness find it too hard?”
“N-No!” The Eldest Prince forced a smile and quickly agreed. “Royal Father, I’ll go train right away!”
Once the troublesome eldest prince was gone, Xiao Fu put the fourth prince down and ordered the nanny to feed him his medicine.
Then he headed to the side hall and called for Xie Laosan. “Third Brother, will the boy’s illness pass to Lin Lang?”
“He was fine after the fever broke last night. He just looks a little weak now. There’s no illness to speak of,” Xie Laosan answered, then paused in realization. “Wait… what are you up to? You’re taking Prince Kang to see Lin Zikui?”
“He likes children, doesn’t he? I’m giving him one to play with. The fourth prince knows how to act cute and make people laugh.”
Lin Zikui had seemed a bit down lately—probably tired from studying. Xiao Fu thought some fun might cheer him up.
Xie Laosan was dumbfounded. “Do you think Prince Kang is some puppy to amuse people? Why not just buy him a dog?”
Xiao Fu, “A dog isn’t as fun as a child.”
He secretly took Prince Kang out of the palace and told him, “Yun’er, when you see Master Lin, you’re going to play a game. Don’t let him know you came from the palace. You are not Prince Kang. Your father and mother are just your parents. I am your older brother. There are no eunuchs or palace staff by your side—only maids and attendants.”
Yuwen Yun blinked in confusion. “That’s too much, Royal Father. I can’t remember it all…”
Xiao Fu’s tone sharpened. “Say it right.”
“Elder Brother…”
Xiao Fu, “If you can’t say it right, I’ll send you back to the palace.”
“No! Yuan’er doesn’t want to go back. I’ll say it right, I promise!”
Xiao Fu, “Then say it again. How do you say ‘go back to the palace’?”
Yuwen Yun was almost in tears. Sitting in the carriage, legs tightly together, his little head swam in confusion. Why was royal father so moody? Sometimes he cuddled and coaxed him, and other times he was cold and strict.
“I… I don’t want to go home…” His eyes filled with tears.
“What, just a slightly raised voice and you’re crying already?” Just like Lin Zikui—when Xiao Fu kissed him, his eyes turned misty. One more touch and tears would start falling.
Yuwen Yun wiped his eyes and insisted he wasn’t crying.
Xiao Fu spent the whole ride coaching him, changing carriages twice before they finally arrived at the private residence.
He led the little boy inside.
“Zikui, Zikui,” he called out, “look what I brought you—it’s really fun!”
In the side hall—
The food had gone cold and been reheated three times. Lin Zikui was still waiting, reading while he waited.
Mo Liu tried to persuade him, “Young Master, maybe don’t wait for your husband any longer? You should eat.”
Lin Zikui’s stubborn streak flared up. “No. He said he’d be back by noon. I’ll wait for him until noon.”
Mo Liu slipped up, “What if your husband breaks his promise and doesn’t come back?”
Lin Zikui went quiet. One hand turned a page, the other fanned himself.
Ordinary families couldn’t afford ice, so cooling down relied on breeze and shade. But he’d once drawn blueprints for a windmill. Thinking of that, he stood up, ready to fetch the drawing—just as Zhao Ling’s voice came from outside.
“Look what I brought you—it’s really fun!”
Lin Zikui pushed open the window and saw Zhao Ling holding something. Was it a fish? He couldn’t see clearly. Quickly, he put on his Ai Dai veil and opened the door: “The food is ready. Even if you bought fish, it’ll have to wait till dinner—”
But as soon as he stepped outside, he froze.
The soft, round little dumpling only reached slightly above Xiao Zhaoling’s knee and was dressed in a dark blue brocade robe.
He bowed respectfully and said, “Yun’er greets Master. Good afternoon, Master. Have you eaten?”
Master Lin vaguely recognized his voice and recalled, “You’re… the Fourth Young Master, Yun’er.”
“Master, I am Yun Yun.”
The two characters sounded similar, spoken like a repeated syllable, which made it all the more endearing.
“Yun Yun?” Lin Zikui misheard as well. He crouched down and asked, “Yun’er is such a good boy. Have you turned three yet?”
“Master, I’ve just turned three,”
Lin Zikui lifted his head to look at Xiao Zhaoling. There was a smile in his eyes, as if waiting for praise.
Lin Zikui blinked in disbelief. “You really brought a child?”
“A promise is a promise,” Xiao Zhaoling replied. “I was worried you’d be bored alone, so I found you a little playmate. You can teach him to read.”
Lin Zikui let out a sigh and withdrew his gaze, turning back to Yun’er. “I haven’t eaten yet. What about you?”
Yuan’er shook his head. “I haven’t either.”
Lin Zikui picked him up with some effort. “Then how about we eat together?”
“Okay!”
Lin Zikui remembered Xiao Zhaoling had mentioned that Yun’er’s parents had passed away, so he deliberately avoided bringing up the topic. But he wasn’t sure how to entertain a child either, so he simply asked what he liked to play. The boy said he enjoyed playing hide and seek.
After some effort, Lin Zikui found that children weren’t too hard to please. Their imaginations ran wild, and the things they said were genuinely amusing.
However, during the entire lunch, Lin Zikui barely said a word to Xiao Fu. Xiao Fu had initially been pleased to see him smile again, but as time passed, he sensed something was wrong. His expression gradually darkened.
As soon as the meal ended, he immediately ordered someone to take Yuwen Yun for his midday nap.
The little dumpling, however, wasn’t sleepy. “Yun’er wants to play on the swing. Master, help me swing…”
Lin Zikui immediately agreed, “Master will push you on the swing.”
In this private courtyard, there was a sturdy acacia tree. A swing had been tied to its branches.
Xiao Fu stood with his hands behind his back and said, “He usually naps at this time. Don’t spoil him.”
Lin Zikui didn’t look at him. His full attention was on the child. “After the swing, Yun’er will take a nap, okay?”
Yuwen Yun nodded obediently. “Okay, Master.”
“Good boy.” Lin Zikui led him to the swing. Xiao Fu stood under the eaves, watching silently, somewhat irritated.
Being able to act cute was a strength, but this boy was too good at it.
He had Lin Zikui so charmed that he couldn’t look away.
Xiao Fu’s brows were tightly furrowed as he watched them play. After nearly half an hour, when Yuwen Yun started rubbing his eyes from drowsiness, Xiao Fu called someone to take him to nap in one of the side rooms.
Lin Zikui had worked up a sweat. Wanting to cool down, he asked for some well water to bathe and freshen up.
This private residence wasn’t big, but it had a front courtyard with a central pavilion and a back courtyard. A small yard behind his bedroom could only be accessed from his quarters. It had a cherry tree, and the stone steps were covered in deep green moss.
No one came here, so Lin Zikui washed himself in the open air. He changed his face towel and bent over to wipe himself down with the cool well water.
Xiao Fu pushed the window open just a crack to sneak a peek. But honestly, he couldn’t see much—Lin Zikui had even set up a bamboo screen around himself. It seemed he wasn’t even willing to let Xiao Fu see him while bathing now.
What was there to hide?
Xiao Fu wanted to look!
Annoyed, he shoved the door open. “Lin Lang, is there enough water?”
Startled, Lin Zikui immediately paused mid-pour and crouched down. “There’s enough. You don’t have to worry about me.”
“I’ll help you bathe,” Xiao Fu said, paying no mind to boundaries. They had been married for some time now—was there really anything he couldn’t see? Not only would he look, he would bathe together with him.
“N-No need,” Lin Zikui panicked. He hurriedly grabbed a clean undershirt from the screen and threw it over his shoulders. When Xiao Fu walked over, he saw the damp, bamboo-green fabric clinging tightly to Lin Zikui’s skin, revealing far more than it hid. The sight was even more vivid than full nudity. Xiao Fu’s eyes turned dark as ink as he gazed at Lin Zikui. His damp black hair clung to his back in strands, and his brows, lashes, nose, and lips were all dotted with sparkling water droplets, dazzling under the sunlight.
Sensing his gaze, Lin Zikui lowered his head and gathered his soaked clothing, walking barefoot into the room. The wet fabric was now so thin that even the sheen and slight trembling of his skin underneath could be seen. Xiao Fu turned his head, staring at his retreating figure, a strong desire suddenly rising within him.
Author’s note:
The dagger: I’m up!!
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