The Prime Minister’s Daughter and the Marquis’s Fool – Chapter 165
by Little PandaLord Shizi, Listen to the Magpies Calling Outside the Courtyard
“Good sister, won’t you grant this favor to your pitiful nephew?” Aunt Jin wept behind her sleeve, her expression heartbreaking to behold.
Jin Yunyou stood to the side and sighed, turning his head slightly away with a pained look, saying nothing, seeming deeply distressed for his son.
Years ago, the Jin family had gone to Shoulin in just this manner, begging the Qu family for help. That sort of pleading might work once, but a second time was simply contemptible.
Seeing her older brother and sister-in-law remain silent, Jin Yunfei gave a soft laugh. “Mingjun, get up. The floor is cold—don’t ruin your health by kneeling.”
At these words, hope appeared on the Jin family’s faces. In the past, when Jin Yunfei refused something, she always wore a troubled frown. But this time she was smiling.
Jin Mingjun raised his head, joy written across his features. “Aunt, does this mean you agree?”
“Stand up first.” Jin Yunfei sat there, her voice gentle, and reached out to help Jin Mingjun kneel beside her.
Once he was on his feet, delight suffused Jin Mingjun’s face as he waited for Jin Yunfei’s next words.
Jin Yunfei studied her nephew. His appearance was not unrefined, but his earlier words had displeased her. The wife he had married had borne him two sons, yet he seemed to hold no affection for her whatsoever.
“I had assumed you came for my sake. I never imagined it was for my Zhao’er.”
“Aunt… this nephew has always thought of you—”
Jin Yunfei raised her hand, cutting off Jin Mingjun’s words. She glanced up at her brother and sister-in-law. Both wore expressions of bewilderment. Jin Yunfei straightened her posture and spoke in an unhurried tone: “Brother, Sister-in-law, you stayed with me through New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. You’ve made up for all those years I spent missing my family, longing to be together. I am grateful. Mingjun has been widowed for years; he should indeed take a second wife. But that person will never be my Zhao’er.”
“Aunt…” Jin Mingjun’s face turned urgent when he heard Jin Yunfei refuse outright.
“Setting aside that Zhao’er is still in mourning1 for King Wenze—even if he hadn’t passed, as long as our Qu family does not consent, he has no power to decide Zhao’er’s marriage.” Jin Yunfei looked at her brother as she spoke.
Aunt Jin’s confusion shifted to incomprehension at Jin Yunfei’s words. “What does Sister mean by this?”
“Zhao’er and I are as close as mother and daughter. Her marriage is for me to decide.”
“Indeed, we’d heard that Zhao’er listens to you above all others.” Aunt Jin still clung to a thread of hope and hurriedly agreed with Jin Yunfei.
“Mingjun is a good child, but my Zhao’er is my favorite. Her talent, her appearance—everything about her is excellent. She should not marry a widower2.”
Jin Yunfei’s use of the word “widower” made the Jin family’s faces turn cold.
“Sister, this is your own nephew. She isn’t your blood daughter, and you haven’t even asked Xizhao’s opinion—how can you be so arbitrary in saying she cannot marry Mingjun? Yes, Mingjun lost his wife, but that wasn’t his choice. Besides, if his wife hadn’t died, would the Lin family even have the chance to enter our Jin family’s doors?”
Jin Yunfei listened as Aunt Jin began subtly disparaging Lin Xizhao, her own expression turning cold as she looked at her brother. Jin Yunyou stood to the side, unable to make a decision, simply letting his wife argue with his sister.
“Zhao’er may not be my blood, but she has stayed by my side all these years. My Qu family has never treated her as an outsider. Even compared to Sheng’er, Zhao’er holds a greater place in my heart. You want my Zhao’er to become a replacement wife3 and stepmother? Not while I still have breath in my body and can prevent it.” Jin Yunfei left no room for compromise, refusing her natal family outright.
Hearing his aunt reject him so thoroughly, Jin Mingjun looked frantically at his mother. Aunt Jin bristled at Jin Yunfei’s sharp words and said, “Sister, I don’t mean to criticize, but she has the Lin surname. Your family has the Qu surname. King Wenze is gone, but at home, follow the father; if no father, follow the brother or cousin4—how can an outsider like you make that decision?”
Jin Yunfei did not argue with her. She simply said, “If Mingjun has his eye on some other young lady in the capital, I might be able to arrange a visit and negotiate. But my Zhao’er? You can forget about her.”
“Aunt.” Jin Mingjun heard Jin Yunfei emphasize it again and pleaded desperately, “Can’t you give this nephew a chance?”
Jin Yunfei looked up at her nephew and thought of his beautiful wife—the legitimate daughter of Marquis Feng, not much older than Lin Xizhao when she died. She couldn’t help but feel regret.
Even if her daughter and Lin Xizhao were not together, she could never send Lin Xizhao into a wolf’s den. A man who could not protect his wife, who allowed others to bully her—how could she let Lin Xizhao marry such a man? If some family in the capital valued the Jin family’s prestige, she would not stand in their way. But Lin Xizhao? They shouldn’t even think about it.
“If Sister won’t help, we won’t beg. The Jin family can always knock on the Lin Residence’s door and propose marriage again ourselves. The Lin family has two sons who are officials—surely they can see the benefits of a marriage alliance with the Jin family.” Aunt Jin said it to salvage some dignity.
Jin Yunfei lowered her eyes, unwilling to engage further. All this time, she had pretended ignorance, afraid of damaging relations between the two families. But her brother and sister-in-law were clearly incapable of reading situations properly.
“If Sister-in-law wants to go, I won’t stop you. But do not say that my Qu family agreed to this.” Jin Yunfei cut off Aunt Jin’s intended course of action.
Jin Yunfei knew this sister-in-law all too well. If she went to the Lin family, she would surely invoke the Qu family’s name first. The Lin family might treat them courteously out of respect for the Qu family, but that would only encourage the Jin family to push further. If things turned ugly, it would embarrass not only the Jin family but also Jin Yunfei and the entire Qu Residence.
Aunt Jin dragged her son out. Jin Yunyou glanced at his sister, disappointment flickering in his eyes.
Jin Yunfei met his gaze. She might feel guilty, but she would never agree to this.
She knew perfectly well how the former Crown Prince had died. Even if Jin Mingjun was Qu Sheng’s cousin, she understood her daughter’s nature. If Jin Mingjun touched Lin Xizhao, Qu Sheng would not care about family ties.
The Jin family left the room. Jin Yunfei sat in silence for a long time.
Lin Xizhao was amusing Qu Zhimu when Feng Qi arrived with a report of what had happened at Jin Yunfei’s quarters. She lowered her gaze in thought for a moment and sent someone to the Lin Residence.
Worried that Lin Xirui might come into conflict with the Jin family, Lin Xizhao instructed that Lin Xirui should not be disturbed.
That evening, in the small courtyard of the Lin Residence, Jin Mingyi sat watching Zhu Ming’an, who was reviewing account ledgers nearby. Jin Mingyi kept her head lowered, but her gaze was unfocused.
Zhu Ming’an looked up from the ledger and noticed someone staring at her back. She turned to see Jin Mingyi gazing blankly at her.
“What’s wrong?” Zhu Ming’an asked softly.
Jin Mingyi was pulled from her thoughts by the voice. Her eyes cleared as she met Zhu Ming’an’s gaze.
“Nothing. What’s wrong with you?” Jin Mingyi looked at Zhu Ming’an with confusion.
Zhu Ming’an saw that Jin Mingyi’s mind was drifting and studied her for a moment. Then she stood, bent down, and in one fluid motion, lifted Jin Mingyi into her arms.
“What are you doing?” Jin Mingyi was being carried, but her question carried no real resistance—it was almost playful.
Zhu Ming’an’s eyes brightened, and the corner of her mouth curved into a smile. “Carrying you to the bed to rest.”
Both had already changed into sleeping clothes. When Zhu Ming’an said she would carry her to the bed, Jin Mingyi actually felt shy and lowered her head. “It’s still early.”
“It’s cold.” Zhu Ming’an gave her reason and walked straight toward the inner room.
Jin Mingyi was slowly set down on the bed. Zhu Ming’an leaned over and pulled the silk quilt out, draping it over Jin Mingyi. She was about to rise when Jin Mingyi caught her hand.
Zhu Ming’an couldn’t straighten up. She glanced sideways at the one holding her back.
Jin Mingyi looked at Zhu Ming’an’s fair, clean face. In her current state, Zhu Ming’an looked far more pleasing than other families’ daughters—not as gentle as Lin Xizhao, perhaps, but when she stayed quiet like this, she had a certain softness.
Jin Mingyi stared at Zhu Ming’an without speaking. When Zhu Ming’an tried to rise again, Jin Mingyi pulled harder, toppling her onto herself.
Through the quilt, Zhu Ming’an’s head nestled against Jin Mingyi’s chest. She looked up and saw the eager look in Jin Mingyi’s eyes—she knew exactly what Jin Mingyi wanted.
When they kissed before, it hadn’t always been Zhu Ming’an initiating. Jin Mingyi had these same urges.
Zhu Ming’an swallowed and followed Jin Mingyi’s lead, slowly bringing her lips closer.
“Ah!”
Before Zhu Ming’an could kiss her, a sudden sound made her push up in alarm—but the movement made Jin Mingyi cry out again.
Realizing her hand had pressed too hard against Jin Mingyi, she immediately loosened her grip and fell sideways onto the bed, balancing her weight against Jin Mingyi’s legs.
Zhu Ming’an’s clumsy sequence of motions made Jin Mingyi laugh.
It hurt, yes, but there was no need for Zhu Ming’an to be so flustered. Still, Zhu Ming’an’s concern made something warm flutter through her heart in that moment.
Zhu Ming’an glanced at Jin Mingyi and saw her smile. The panic and worry in her heart settled.
“Why are you so silly?” Jin Mingyi pretended to complain, but her voice was sweet.
Zhu Ming’an froze for a moment, then laughed too. She propped herself up on her arms to rise—but before she could get halfway up, Jin Mingyi pulled her down again. This time there was no buffer. As Zhu Ming’an turned her head, Jin Mingyi kissed her.
Their lips met, soft against soft, and Jin Mingyi pulled Zhu Ming’an toward her as she lay back against the bed.
After a moment of panic, Zhu Ming’an adjusted quickly. She shifted her body and leaned over Jin Mingyi, her soft tongue parting Jin Mingyi’s lips. The kiss grew heated, making Jin Mingyi’s breath come faster.
Having done this before, Zhu Ming’an smoothly moved the quilt that had been between them.
Sleeping clothes loosened, pulled aside by Zhu Ming’an’s intent, revealing shoulders like white jade.
As Zhu Ming’an and Jin Mingyi kissed with increasing passion, she could no longer suppress the heat in her heart and began to move.
Clothes opened. Invisible skin, soft as snow, smooth and warm.
The heat spreading through Jin Mingyi’s body made her tingle.
Zhu Ming’an’s lips and tongue were sometimes soft and comforting, sometimes like a long snake, coiling until Jin Mingyi felt overwhelmed, empty, aching.
“Ming’an…” Jin Mingyi’s voice trembled. Her fingers dug into Zhu Ming’an’s arm. If she lifted Zhu Ming’an’s sleeping clothes now, she would see the deep indentations her nails left. The faint pain stimulated Zhu Ming’an’s body, but the desire within her only grew stronger.
Hearing the sound, Zhu Ming’an released her and looked up. She gazed at Jin Mingyi’s restless face, then lifted herself slightly to find her lips again, settling her whole body over Jin Mingyi so she could be held, giving her a sense of security.
Their kiss was long and lingering. Soon Zhu Ming’an shifted to one side, but her lips refused to leave. She began to tease more boldly.
Jin Mingyi allowed Zhu Ming’an’s advances. When the tingling spread through her body, she couldn’t help but part her lips. Zhu Ming’an captured each gasp of air she took. After several repetitions, Jin Mingyi felt her body grow unbearably warm.
Zhu Ming’an saw the flushed look on Jin Mingyi’s face and sensed how her body had grown more sensitive. After one more tangle of lips and tongues, she slowly withdrew and gazed at Jin Mingyi’s still-panting lips. She looked up and asked, “May I?”
Jin Mingyi’s eyes were hazy. Zhu Ming’an’s face swam before her. She panted softly and lowered her gaze in silent assent.
They had done this before, so it mattered less now. People called this the greatest pleasure—she hadn’t felt it the first time, but this time she intended to fully experience it.
With permission granted, Zhu Ming’an still didn’t dare go too far. She gazed at Jin Mingyi’s lowered eyes and saw the anticipation in them. Only then did she begin to kiss slowly down the porcelain-white curve of her neck.
Zhu Ming’an felt Jin Mingyi’s body tremble and slowly brought her lips back up, kissing her again, tangling deeply, trying to distract her. But Jin Mingyi, who had never experienced such things before, couldn’t help noticing the intrusion.
“Mm…” Jin Mingyi felt something strange and immediately tried to push Zhu Ming’an away—but Zhu Ming’an had learned from last time and wouldn’t give her the chance.
Even with her wrists pinned, she didn’t retreat.
Zhu Ming’an’s kiss grew more intense, as if deliberately distracting Jin Mingyi, helping her adjust.
Soon, through Zhu Ming’an’s persistence, Jin Mingyi felt both pleasure and discomfort.
After a while, a tremor ran through her body, and Jin Mingyi went limp, losing all strength to resist. Zhu Ming’an kissed the corner of Jin Mingyi’s lips with tender concern. She wanted to go further but decided it was better to take things slowly.
“Comfortable?” Zhu Ming’an lowered her gaze, watching Jin Mingyi’s slightly parted lips as she caught her breath.
Jin Mingyi slowly came back to herself from the strange, overwhelming pleasure. Seeing the brightness in Zhu Ming’an’s eyes, the shyness in her heart turned to playful indignation.
Zhu Ming’an watched Jin Mingyi lift her chin slightly, as if asking to be kissed. She didn’t hesitate—she leaned in and kissed her. But moments later, she felt a sharp pain on her lips that made her frown.
Jin Mingyi had bitten her.
Zhu Ming’an frowned but endured the pain without pushing away. Jin Mingyi tasted blood and, instead of releasing her, began to suck.
Zhu Ming’an gave a soft, pained hum but remained perfectly still, letting Jin Mingyi take her “revenge.”
Early the next morning, the Lin Residence welcomed important guests—relatives by marriage of the Qu family: Aunt Jin, Marquis Jin, and Jin Mingjun had all come.
The Jin family had hired servants to carry large and small gifts to the Lin Residence.
Lin Xirui had returned from the government office and was eating breakfast when he heard that the Jin family had arrived. He immediately frowned.
Still wearing his official robes, Lin Xirui asked the steward, “Is anyone else with them?”
The steward looked up. “Yes, it seems to be a matchmaker from the capital.”
Lin Xizhao had sent word to Lin Xirui earlier: if the Jin family came calling, he should say he was not at home and need not receive them. But Lin Xirui did not see it that way.
When Lin Jianhai passed away, the Jin family hadn’t even sent anyone to pay respects. His father had been buried only a short time, and now the Jin family was arriving with a matchmaker to propose marriage—so little regard for his father and his sister. How could he let this stand?
The Jin family had broken an engagement before, indirectly causing his mother Liang’s death. He was not as easy to talk to as his father had been.
“Let them in.”
Lin Xirui stood and walked toward the reception hall.
“Well, well, Marquis Jin. Marquis Jin visits—please forgive this official for not greeting you properly.” Lin Xirui had been in official circles for a short time, but he had already acquired the polished manner of officialdom. But this was only for outsiders.
Jin Yunyou saw Lin Xirui’s smiling welcome and returned the courtesy with a raised hand. “We arrived without prior notice—please forgive the intrusion, Shizi Lin.”
“Please, sit.” Lin Xirui gestured for them to take their seats and sat down himself—but did not call for tea to be served.
“I wonder what brings Marquis Jin here today?” Lin Xirui asked with a polite smile.
“Shizi, listen to the magpies calling outside the courtyard5. That’s a sign of joyous news arriving at your door.” The woman standing nearby, dressed in somewhat gaudy clothing, stood and answered Lin Xirui with a smile.
Lin Xirui’s smile faded as he looked at this woman and heard her words. His expression turned cold. “Who are you? This king is speaking with Marquis Jin—what business is it of yours to interrupt?”
Lin Xirui’s words slapped not only the woman’s face but the Jin family’s dignity as well.
The Jin family’s smiles vanished. Aunt Jin quickly smoothed things over: “This person doesn’t know the rules. Shizi Lin is a magnanimous man—please don’t hold it against her.”
Though she addressed him as Shizi, he had already inherited his father’s royal title. But Lin Jianhai had been dead for less than a year, so the formal investiture from the palace had not yet been completed.
Lin Xirui’s expression changed like turning pages—his cold look vanished, replaced by a smile. “My sister calls you Aunt, so I’ll take the liberty of borrowing that address. Aunt, Uncle—what guidance have you come to offer today?”
Jin Yunyou looked at Lin Xirui, so different from before, and blinked as he gathered his thoughts. He smiled. “Nothing important. We heard before the New Year that your father passed away. At that time, my territory needed post-war rebuilding and pacification, so I was unable to come and pay respects. I’ve come today specifically to offer condolences.”
Lin Xirui’s smile became heavy. “Thank you, Uncle, for remembering. Xirui thanks you on my father’s behalf.” He rose and bowed to Jin Yunyou.
“Marquis.” Aunt Jin heard that Jin Yunyou’s opening was wrong and immediately became anxious.
Jin Yunyou frowned and shot her a warning glare.
Aunt Jin fell silent.
Lin Xirui noticed their exchange. “My father’s memorial tablet is still being worshipped in private. Would Uncle like to go and pay respects?”
“We must pay respects.” Jin Yunyou rose as well.
Lin Xirui smiled and gestured for him to proceed. They had come to pay respects—he couldn’t refuse them that. But if they wanted to discuss anything else, the door was closed.
Lin Xirui led the Jin family’s father and son to the ancestral hall and ordered fresh offerings to be set out.
Lin Xirui personally lit three sticks of incense and placed them in Jin Yunyou’s hands, watching as Jin Yunyou and his son paid respects to Lin Jianhai.
After paying respects to Lin Jianhai, Lin Xirui brought them back to the reception hall. This time, tea and refreshments were served.
Jin Yunyou spoke with Lin Xirui about recent court affairs. Lin Xirui oversaw the Ministry of War and knew that apart from the Jin family, all the nobles had their military power cut by more than half. Lin Xirui was also considering whether to discuss with Qu Sheng the possibility of reducing the Jin family’s military authority by half.
“I hear that you, my worthy nephew, serve in the Ministry of War, and your brother in the Ministry of Revenue. A tiger father has no dog sons6—three outstanding talents in one family.”
Lin Xirui smiled. “Uncle praises too highly. That my brother and I hold these positions is entirely due to Uncle Qu’s patronage.”
Jin Yunyou’s eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of the Qu family, but he smiled. “Speaking of my in-laws’ family, I remember that your sister has been close to my niece since childhood, and my sister dotes on her. Has she been betrothed yet?”
Lin Xirui’s smile turned perfunctory when he heard Jin Yunyou ask about Lin Xizhao. “Sheng-meimei has lived in our residence since she was small. Our feelings for her are deep. Aunt Qu also treats my sister as her own. Now that our father has passed, my sister’s marriage will naturally be decided by Uncle Qu and Aunt Qu.”
Jin Yunyou nodded and smiled. “Indeed, it should be so.” He paused, then added, “I won’t hide it from you, worthy nephew—besides paying respects to your father, I have one other request today.”
Lin Xirui raised an eyebrow. “Please speak, Uncle.”
“Since I’ve heard your sister is not yet betrothed, I’ll thicken my old face and ask once more. I wish to propose marriage for my son. I wonder if you, worthy nephew, could agree?”
Lin Xirui blinked. His expression froze for a moment, then he gave a short laugh. “Uncle, surely you’re joking?”
Jin Yunyou quickly said, “No, no, I’m serious.”
Lin Xirui heard the word “serious” and laughed again, this time without restraint. The Jin family froze at the sight.
“Has Marquis Jin forgotten the broken engagement from before?” Lin Xirui’s address changed, and his face turned cold.
Jin Yunyou was startled. Aunt Jin hurriedly smiled and said, “The past was all a misunderstanding. Worthy nephew, don’t hold it in your heart. The fault was all mine. When I came to the capital, I didn’t know that our Marquis had already exchanged betrothal letters with the Feng family—”
“You’re full of shit!” Lin Xirui didn’t wait for Aunt Jin to finish. He cursed outright.
When Lin Xizhao received word from the Lin Residence, it was already some time later. She was feeding Qu Zhimu sugar pills. After taking them for several days, the little one’s temperament had grown much gentler, and she hadn’t thrown any tantrums.
The child was fair and chubby, and now that she was so well-behaved, she was utterly endearing. They said children took after those who raised them—seeing her appearance day by day, she was starting to resemble Lin Xizhao. Zhao Jiayu had remarked a few days ago that her own daughter didn’t look like her anymore, but at least she was growing in the direction she’d hoped. She wanted her daughter to look like Lin Xizhao.
“Auntie…” The words weren’t entirely clear, but Lin Xizhao could tell the little one was calling her.
Lin Xizhao smiled and lifted Qu Zhimu to kiss her soft cheek.
“Miss.”
Lin Xizhao turned toward the door. “What is it?”
Feng Qi stood outside, head lowered. “The Lin Residence sent word. Marquis Jin has arrived with his wife and Young Master Jin.”
Lin Xizhao’s eyes narrowed. She picked up Qu Zhimu and walked to the door, opening it with one hand. “Is my third brother at the residence?”
“Shizi Lin received Marquis Jin and took them to offer incense to King Wenze.” Feng Qi reported truthfully.
Lin Xizhao immediately frowned. She had a bad feeling. Lin Xirui usually seemed gentle, but whenever something happened to her—whenever she might be wronged—he became like a raging lion.
The Jin family was the Qu family’s relatives by marriage—Qu Sheng’s maternal family. If there was a conflict, where would that leave Jin Yunfei?
The author has something to say:
Jin Yunfei: “It’s fine. We don’t need these embarrassing relatives.”
Jin Mingyi: “I don’t need them either.”
Lin Xizhao: “…”
Qu Sheng: “Wife~ I miss you. Say you miss me too.”
Lin Xizhao: “…I miss you too.”
Qu Sheng: “…”
Footnotes
- In traditional Chinese culture, dàixiào (带孝) refers to a state of ritual mourning marked by wearing white or sackcloth. A person in mourning is subject to various social restrictions, including prohibitions on marriage discussions for a prescribed period after a family member's death.
- A widower (guānfū) is a man whose wife has died. In this context, Jin Yunfei is using the term to emphasize that Jin Mingjun's first wife died and he is seeking a replacement wife, which she considers beneath Lin Xizhao's dignity.
- A replacement wife (tiánfáng) refers to a second wife taken by a widower. The term carries connotations of lower status than a first wife, as the woman would be 'filling in' for the deceased wife rather than becoming the primary wife of a first marriage.
- This phrase derives from the Confucian 'Three Obediences' (sān cóng sì dé), which dictated that a woman must obey her father at home, her husband after marriage, and her sons in widowhood. Aunt Jin is invoking this principle to argue that Lin Xizhao's marriage should be decided by her male relatives, not her maternal aunt.
- In Chinese folklore, magpies (xǐquè) are birds of good fortune. Their calls are believed to herald happy news or the arrival of welcome guests. The matchmaker is invoking this omen to suggest the marriage proposal is a joyous occasion.
- An idiom (hǔ fù wú quǎn zǐ) praising a son by comparing him to his capable father. It implies that greatness runs in families—just as a tiger father would not produce dog sons, a worthy father produces worthy heirs.
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