Peach Blossom Decree
Shui Mang
The year Lin Zikui passed the provincial examination, his father arranged an excellent marriage for him. The bride’s family later moved to the capital. Three years later, his father passed away. Lin Zikui traveled to the capital for the imperial exams and, recalling the engagement, went to find his betrothed with the marriage certificate in hand. To his surprise, the "bride" was taller, more handsome, had broader shoulders, and bigger feet than him. Lin Zikui tactfully said, "If you’re unwilling, the Lin family won’t force you. We can annul the engagement, destroy the certificate, and you may find a better match." The other person glanced down at him and replied, "No need." Lin Zikui: "...Alright then." On their wedding night, Lin Zikui finally realized something was off: "Huh? Wife, how come you’re... a man?" "I was always a man." With that, the "bride" pinned him down beneath him. Later, Lin Zikui passed the metropolitan examination. During the palace interview, the young emperor sat on the throne, flanked by the regent who held immense power. Lin Zikui dared not look up at the emperor, but the regent’s cough sounded eerily familiar. Unable to resist, he glanced up—his blurry vision revealed a familiar figure. Trembling in shock, he couldn’t utter a word before fainting on the spot. The regent summoned the imperial physician: "Once he wakes, deliver him to my residence."