Chapter 66: Jinling City (35)
The cook prepared some dishes to go with the wine, knowing that the Prince Regent always had a few sips at mealtime. Xiao Fu took a sniff of the rice porridge and said it smelled good. Then he simply buried his head and drank the porridge Lin Zikui had cooked.
When he saw Yu Wenwen eating too many sweet potatoes, he looked displeased: “Why are you fighting with Royal Father for food?”
Yu Wenwen glanced at him, then silently handed over the roasted sweet potato: “Alright then, I’ll let Royal Father have it.”
Only then did Xiao Fu nod in satisfaction: “Good, you know how to show filial piety. Not only to me—you should also be filial to Master Lin.”
“Wen’er understands…”
When Xiao Fu learned that Lin Zikui had won first place in the imperial examination, he was pleased, but as he looked at him, it seemed that although there was joy in his eyes, it wasn’t very strong.
After the meal, Lin Zikui tidied up and prepared to leave: “Teacher still doesn’t know the news, I’ll go tell him the good news myself.”
“That’s simple enough, let Mo Liu go. Do you think Prince Shuo Residence hasn’t heard yet? Their sources are faster than yours. Don’t bother going.”
Xiao Fu pulled him back into his arms and buried his head against him, asking softly, “You became the top scholar—why aren’t you happy? I told you before, your success wasn’t because I intervened. It was because you spoke frankly and impressed the young emperor, who personally appointed you. Lin Lang, are you doubting your own talent?”
His chin was covered with a faint stubble, and when Lin Zikui raised his head, it brushed against his forehead. As he looked up, his gaze met the dark depths of Xiao Fu’s eyes.
Xiao Fu, “Hmm?”
Lin Zikui finally spoke: “I’m not doubting my talent. If I had none, the Xu faction wouldn’t have tried so hard to harm me and stop me from taking the exam. But originally, I wanted to become the top scholar as a birthday gift for you.”
Now, Lin Zikui suddenly felt that his achievement seemed meaningless to Xiao Fu. What kind of gift was this supposed to be?
Xiao Fu suddenly understood. “Ah, so it’s because of that. You took the exam to become the top scholar as a gift, and the roasted sweet potatoes were also gifts. I don’t mind either way. Besides, didn’t you yourself say that when your name appears on the Yellow List, it’ll be followed by a wedding night? That too is a gift.”
Lin Zikui lifted his head, his gaze wavering: “When did I ever say that? That was all you.”
“But you agreed to it.”
“When did I—”
“You didn’t say anything, so I took your silence as consent. That means you agreed.” Xiao Fu bent down slightly and rested his forehead on Lin Zikui’s shoulder, leaning a bit of his weight on him as he held him close. “You must have heard of my reputation by now. My temper is only gentle with you. We’ve been married this long, and I haven’t touched you. Do you take me for some saintly gentleman, or a monk?”
“You—you…” Lin Zikui was shocked by his shamelessness. He remembered all the ridiculous things that had happened in bed—the things he hadn’t even dared to imagine before—that Xiao Fu had both done and said. And now, he was even acting like a scoundrel about it.
“You said you haven’t touched me—then what was that?”
“That was just teasing. Did it hurt?” Xiao Fu loosened his hold and looked down at his expression.
Lin Zikui’s face was indeed flushed red. He lowered his voice and said: “It didn’t hurt, but even so… you can’t say you didn’t touch me.”
Before the imperial examination, Xiao Fu had only returned twice in a month—once they merely slept in each other’s arms, and the second time, they nearly went all the way. But even then, when Xiao Fu used only his hand, Lin Zikui couldn’t take it, and it ended there.
Now that he thought about it, for someone with Xiao Fu’s background and temperament, he had truly been patient. He hadn’t forced him—though every moment had been a trap, it was one he willingly fell into. He knew it was a trap, and still jumped.
Lin Zikui had regretted himself for that many times.
He thought, if Xiao Zhaoling were still deceiving me, what would I do? Could I truly deny my feelings because of that?
The task of reviewing memorials had been handed over to the young emperor. No matter what, Xiao Fu refused to stay in the palace today—he was determined to coax Lin Zikui back into a good mood.
Lin Zikui couldn’t focus on reading. He kept thinking about what he should do at court tomorrow—it would be his first appearance, and he was terrified of making a mistake. So he took out the imperial edict and read it carefully again.
But the edict said nothing about it.
Xiao Fu picked up the top scholar’s official robe and crown: “Put it on. Let me see.”
“I already tried it. It fits perfectly.” It was as though it had been tailor-made for him—the fabric was so fine that it didn’t look like a scholar’s robe at all, but rather something fit for royalty.
Lin Zikui’s lingering doubt had good reason behind it.
Xiao Fu: “Come on, put it on. I haven’t seen it yet.”
“…Alright, I’ll change.” Lin Zikui sighed helplessly and took the garments. As he turned, he said, “You—”
Xiao Fu fixed his gaze on him. “What?”
“Nothing.” Lin Zikui sat on the bed, lowered the bed curtain, and began to change. They had been married for a long time, yet even now, he still couldn’t get used to changing in the light, under Xiao Fu’s direct gaze.
Xiao Zhaoling lifted a finger and hooked the curtain open.
Lin Zikui had just taken off one layer. Sitting there, he looked up at him: “Don’t look! I’m not changing anymore.”
The sunlight burned along Xiao Fu’s profile, making even his eyelashes look distinct and sharp in the glow. “Then don’t change, just take them off.”
Lin Zikui was cornered at the edge of the bed, and in just a few moments, his clothes were stripped away. His ears were red, his brows furrowed: “How can you do this in broad daylight…”
“Weren’t you asking what to do at court tomorrow? I’ll tell you,” Xiao Fu said calmly. “The eunuchs from the Bureau of General Affairs will lead you into the palace. All the successful candidates will enter to thank the emperor. As the top scholar, you’ll walk in front—remember to wear your coronet properly. There are many steps in the palace; you might fall. I’ll have Yuanqing follow you to make sure you walk steadily…”
Right now, Lin Zikui truly was unsteady—his legs were trembling beyond control.
“Your official position will be decided by the young emperor himself. I won’t interfere—lest you accuse me again.”
He bit his lip and said nothing, his toes curling unconsciously.
Xiao Fu murmured beside his ear, “You’ll have to kneel for a while, but I’ll let the new scholars rise soon, so you can stand up quickly. Tomorrow’s morning court will be dull — you’ll just have to stand there while the list of names is read. I’ll have the eunuch read faster so you won’t need to stand for long. After leaving the palace, there’ll be the parade on horseback — you’ll ride from the palace gates through the streets, and the Ministry of Rites will send word of your success back to Huainan. Your neighbors and family will know then — that Lin Zikui of the Lin family has become the top scholar.” Xiao Fu thought Lin Zikui must still be under great pressure from the exam and wanted to help him release it. Yet just as he finished speaking, Lin Zikui buried his face in Xiao Fu’s chest and went still, breathing unevenly, his heartbeat wild beneath Xiao Fu’s hand.
Xiao Fu wiped his hand and pinched his ear teasingly. “Feeling better now? Relieved? Did I serve you well?”
Lin Zikui kept his face buried, unable to speak. He hadn’t yet recovered, his expression blank and dazed.
It had come too fast, but for that fleeting moment, all his worries were gone. Inside the softly lit canopy, there was no one but the two of them. Lin Zikui silently reached out and held Xiao Zhaoling tightly, his head drooping low so that his face could not be seen.
Xiao Fu froze for a moment, then hugged him back and gently stroked his spine. The calluses on his palm brushed against Lin Zikui’s back: “Zikui, don’t be angry anymore. If you want me to kneel, or strike me, or make me serve you on my knees — whatever you wish, I’ll obey.”
Lin Zikui shook his head. “No punishment. I won’t be angry for now. But… if there’s a next time, if you hide something big from me again…”
He trailed off there, because truthfully, he didn’t know what he would do.
What could he do? Go handle cases in another province, far from Jinling and Xiao Fu?
Xiao Fu pulled him close again and said soothingly, “Alright, alright, alright there won’t be a next time.” He truly thought it over — and to him, there wasn’t.
After all, Yu Wentai’s death had been his doing, as had the massacre of the Xu family — but to Xiao Fu, those weren’t what he considered “major secrets.”
Lin Zikui hadn’t rested well the previous night, but after Xiao Fu’s coaxing and kisses, he finally relaxed. The air beneath the canopy was thick with the scent of passion. Lin Zikui minded it somewhat, so he got up to change his undergarments before finally falling asleep in peace.
At dawn, Xiao Fu and Lin Zikui left the house one after the other. Xiao Fu brought the Fourth Prince back to the palace and ordered that the eunuchs at the Bureau of General Affairs must not make things difficult for the new scholars. He also told Liang Hong, “I plan to end court early today. Handle things yourself — if you delay me, I’ll hold you accountable.”
Liang Hong trembled. “Y–yes, Your Highness, this servant understands.”
Xiao Fu reviewed the appointments discussed between the young emperor and Minister Zhou of the Ministry of Personnel. Several posts were vacant, and many officials were being promoted, so the empty positions would be filled by the new scholars.
But when he saw the position the young emperor had assigned to Lin Zikui, he frowned.
Xiao Fu: “Why was the top scholar assigned to the Hanlin Academy?”
Minister Zhou replied, “The top scholar is indeed talented, but his temperament needs tempering. A year or so in the Hanlin Academy will calm him down.”
Xiao Fu: “He’s calm enough, the Hanlin Academy is full of men who just read and compile books. Stay there too long, and you’ll turn into a pedant.”
Still, the Hanlin Academy didn’t have much work — Lin Zikui wouldn’t be overburdened, only strained in the eyes.
Minister Zhou observed his expression carefully: “Then… according to Your Highness, where should he go? I think the Ministry of Revenue would be suitable as well.”
The Ministry of Revenue was one of the six major departments — appointing a new top scholar there would signify special favor.
Xiao Fu: “Make him Grand Academician of Wuying Hall.”
Minister Zhou: “…?”
Minister Zhou was stunned. “Grand Academician of Wuying Hall? That means direct service before the emperor! The new top scholar has no experience — how can he draft edicts, annotate memorials, and deliberate on state affairs beside His Majesty and Your Highness?”
Moreover, Wuying Hall was the place closest to both the emperor and the regent. The emperor resided there on fast days; even the regent occasionally stayed there and received ministers. The Minister of Personnel himself had no such privilege. Traditionally, a new scholar would first serve as a junior compiler before being admitted into the cabinet as a minor academician — never this directly.
Xiao Fu explained, “If he doesn’t know something, someone will teach him. I find him young and capable, open-hearted and forthright. If such a man doesn’t belong by my side, where else should he be?”
Only because it concerned Lin Zikui did Xiao Fu offer an explanation, to avoid arousing suspicion.
Minister Zhou immediately understood. “Ah… yes, of course. As Your Highness commands, I’ll draft the transfer order at once.”
At the third quarter of the hour of the Rabbit, Lin Zikui’s carriage reached the gates of the Fengtian Palace. Another carriage hurried up behind him.
“Young Master Lin! Young Master Lin!”
Lin Zikui turned at the call and saw an old servant of the Prime Minister waving from a carriage.
He immediately stepped down. “Teacher, what brings you here?”
The carriage stopped, and the bamboo curtain lifted to reveal the smiling, timeworn face of Prime Minister Xue: “I saw the Yellow List yesterday, I should’ve come to congratulate you then, but that boy in your household told me to wait. Since you’re entering the palace today, I came to see you off, Huaifu.” Then his expression turned solemn, his tone low, “Once you step through those palace gates, there is no turning back. Don’t look back once you’ve entered — never, ever look back.”
“Teacher…” Lin Zikui was momentarily stunned.
“That’s all I have to say. Go now, or you’ll be late.” The old man waved his hand, urging him forward.
Lin Zikui turned back once more — the Prime Minister was still smiling and waving.
There was no arrow that could return once loosed.
Lin Zikui, dressed in scarlet scholar’s robes, with a paper peach-blossom hairpin on his black gauze hat, stepped through the palace gates. He followed the eunuch’s lead, each step slow, heavy, yet unwavering. The wind between the towering palace walls brushed his ears, but he never once looked back.
His official journey had just begun, and with it, a new chapter in the Great Ye dynasty unfolded.
The deafening bell echoed in his ears. Beneath the grand roof of the Fengtian Hall, Lin Zikui knelt to offer his salute.
The young emperor said, “My loyal ministers may rise. You scholars are the talents of our realm — with your service, the Great Ye dynasty shall flourish. I am most pleased.”
Lin Zikui lifted his head.
Yu Wenxuan finally saw the face of the top scholar. He froze for an instant, then instinctively turned toward his royal father.
The regent’s expression was gentler than usual — even the curve of his eyes seemed softer, his gaze falling directly upon the top scholar.
Wasn’t this the same Master Lin his father had once introduced to him?
Lin Zikui’s face was not one easily forgotten. Now, dressed in the top scholar’s robes, he looked even more distinguished — elegant and refined, his bearing subtly changed, but that face was unmistakable.
Yu Wenxuan thought this with surprise but said nothing. So Lin Fuzi was one of his father’s people, personally brought into court.
Among the court officials, many were secretly glancing at the new scholars. Naturally, the top scholar drew the most attention. Seeing his youthful, handsome face, some could not help but suspect — Was he chosen for his looks by the young emperor?
Soon, Liang Hong began reading the imperial edicts. Some officials were promoted, others reassigned — all decisions Xiao Fu had already reviewed beforehand.
Xiao Huang was suddenly promoted to Vice Minister of Revenue and was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor. He knelt to accept the decree but couldn’t resist sneaking a glance at the top scholar beside him.
Lin Zikui!
He had been too busy lately to check the final list and only learned that very morning that the top scholar was none other than Lin Zikui — his would-be son-in-law! Shock and delight filled his heart, and he kept stealing glances at him.
But Lin Zikui never once looked around. No matter how curious he was, he stayed composed — eyes lowered, calm and collected.
Whenever he felt Xiao Fu’s gaze fall upon him, he would quietly lift his head for a brief instant. Their eyes would meet — a fleeting exchange — and then Lin Zikui would immediately lower his gaze again, trying to suppress the pounding of his heart.
Why does he keep looking at me…?
Isn’t he afraid someone will notice?
As these thoughts flickered through his mind, Liang Gonggong’s high-pitched voice rang out clearly from above:
“Lin Zikui, newly appointed top scholar, is hereby granted the title of Grand Academician of Wuying Hall. Gu Yuanyou, newly appointed second place scholar, is granted the position of Ministerial Secretary of the Ministry of Revenue. Third place scholar…”
No one heard the rest. The entire court of civil and military officials stood stunned. Grand Academician of Wuying Hall — they had never seen anyone promoted so swiftly to a fourth-rank post! And in Wuying Hall, no less — the place closest to the emperor himself. The top scholar had become a close minister of the throne — such immense favor was unheard of.
Lin Zikui’s ears buzzed, as though he could hear the unspoken murmurs of everyone’s disbelief.
He pressed his lips together, then raised his head to look up at the regent.
Even in court, Xiao Fu didn’t sit as rigidly as others. He leaned lazily against his seat, his chin resting on his hand. The beaded curtain before him swayed gently, half-veiling that breathtakingly handsome face.
The regent lifted his brows ever so slightly, his eyes curved in a subtle smile.
Lin Zikui quickly averted his gaze and lowered his head, eyes shutting for a brief moment. Absurd, he thought. Utterly absurd. Is this what imperial power has come to — letting him show such favoritism so openly?
Author’s Note:
#SecretAffairInTheRegent’sOffice#
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