Poisonous Peasant 'Concubine' Ch 77 - Hyacinth in Bloom

Apr 17, 2026

Chapter 77 — Got Bitten by a Dog

While Yan Shengrui and his son were having their “heart-to-heart,” Ling Jingxuan had already learned from Ling Jinghan what had happened that morning.

The old Ling family still hadn’t given up. Just as he had expected, they had tried to approach Ling Chenglong alone and persuade him to return to the Ling household. Thinking of it, Ling Jingxuan curled his lips in open mockery.

If his guess was correct, even the old clan head’s wife sending someone to propose marriage for her foolish nephew probably had the Ling family’s shadow behind it.

Whether that was true or not, he would treat it as if it were.

That afternoon, after having Song Gengniu drive his grandmother home in the cart, Ling Jingxuan did not go with Ling Jingpeng and Zhao Dalong to Old Wang’s kiln to haul back broken blue bricks and roof tiles. Instead, claiming he was tired, he slipped into the cellar with Yan Shengrui to fiddle with the medicinal ingredients they had bought earlier.

“You know qinggong, right? Can you still use it now?”

For Ling Jingxuan, making poison was as easy as eating or drinking water. In a few quick movements, he finished preparing it. Turning around, he looked at Yan Shengrui, who stood leaning against the wall with his arms folded.

A faint chill and killing intent surfaced on Ling Jingxuan’s face, which had already regained some of its earlier fairness.

The Ling family had dared to provoke him again and again. They could hardly blame him for being ruthless in return.

“That depends on what you want me to do,” Yan Shengrui replied lazily, casting him a sidelong glance filled with teasing warmth. “If it’s something simple like climbing over a wall or sneaking into a house, that’s no problem. But if you want me to rob and kill—or hunt fierce beasts—then it might be a little more difficult.”

He looked meaningfully at the small cloth pouch in Ling Jingxuan’s hand, which held several pills.

“If I may ask… what exactly are you planning to do?”

His bright tiger eyes glittered with interest.

If he had guessed correctly, those pills were meant for someone in the Ling family. The only question was which unlucky soul would have the honor.

“What could I possibly do?” Ling Jingxuan shrugged carelessly. “Just giving them a small return for all their kindness.”

As he spoke, he leaned closer and whispered his plan directly into Yan Shengrui’s ear.

With every word, Yan Shengrui’s eyes grew brighter, until they were openly gleaming with excitement. When Ling Jingxuan finished, he wrapped an arm around his waist without hesitation.

“You’re truly ruthless,” he said with a laugh. “If this works, that old scholar will probably die of rage. The old Ling family can forget all about bragging about their family reputation.”

Though his words sounded teasing, the way he looked at Ling Jingxuan was filled with naked indulgence.

For some reason, while others admired gentle and kind people, he found himself drawn instead to Ling Jingxuan’s sharpness and ruthless edge. The more ruthless Ling Jingxuan was, the deeper Yan Shengrui seemed to fall.

Somewhere deep in his heart, a voice seemed to whisper that only this man was truly worthy of him.

“This counts as ruthless?” Ling Jingxuan snorted dismissively. “Compared to what they’ve done, I’d say I’m already being merciful.”

A sharp glint flashed through his phoenix eyes.

He had never been the type to repay grievances with kindness. If someone bullied him, he would return it tenfold—no, a hundredfold.

If he didn’t cripple the old Ling family thoroughly, then he might as well write the name Ling Jingxuan backward.

Yan Shengrui chuckled softly.

“I like your kind of ‘mercy.’”

Then he leaned down and brushed a light kiss against Ling Jingxuan’s lips before suddenly growing serious.

“Jingxuan… once the house is finished, let’s get married.”

Today’s events had reminded him of something important. No matter what their relationship looked like now, he and Ling Jingxuan were still not husband and husband in name.

Even though their sons were already nearly five years old.

Just the thought that someone else might someday set their sights on Ling Jingxuan made a murderous impulse surge through him.

“Marriage?”

Ling Jingxuan’s brows knit together reflexively, making it painfully obvious that the thought had never even crossed his mind.

At the beginning, he had rejected Yan Shengrui completely. Whether it was out of consideration for the body’s original owner or his own personal feelings, he had never intended to accept him.

Later, Yan Shengrui’s constant protection had gradually changed his opinion—but even then, not to the point of acceptance.

If it hadn’t been for the things the little bun had murmured in his sleep that night, their relationship probably wouldn’t have developed into what it was now.

In Ling Jingxuan’s view, once he had agreed to Yan Shengrui, there was no denying that they were lovers.

He was not the type of man to play coy or act arrogantly. After that point, things had progressed unexpectedly smoothly between them. Sometimes it felt as if they were an old married couple who had been together for years—working together in perfect understanding.

Often, just a glance was enough for them to understand each other’s thoughts.

Even when they encountered Chu Ci, Ling Jingxuan had instinctively begun weighing matters in his mind, quietly planning step by step for the day when the little buns might enter the royal residence.

But marriage…

That was another matter entirely.

From his previous life onward, he had never once considered getting married. Over the years he had walked the thin line between killing and saving lives, and he had seen far too many couples who shared the same bed yet dreamed different dreams—some even plotting to kill each other.

Marriage had always seemed like the world’s greatest joke.

He would rather go out for a one-night encounter when he needed release than tie himself to a fixed partner or step into marriage.

Yet after transmigrating here, he had inexplicably gained two precious sons.

Now there was also the children’s father.

Did he really intend to accept it all without question?

Yan Shengrui was a Prince. The personality he displayed now was absolutely not what a prince should be.

If one day he recovered his memories… would he still remain the same? Would he still keep this original heart?

Or would they end up like the couples Ling Jingxuan had seen in his previous life—sleeping in the same bed while secretly wishing the other dead?

If that happened, the ones who would suffer the most would undoubtedly be their two little buns.

“You don’t want to marry me… or you haven’t accepted me?”

Yan Shengrui was not stupid. Ling Jingxuan’s reaction had been too direct. In an instant, hurt flashed through his tiger-like eyes.

It felt as though someone were carving into his heart with a dull knife, slice after slice.

He had thought that after that night, their relationship had already been settled. Marriage was merely a necessary formality.

Now it seemed he had been the only one who thought so.

Jingxuan had accepted him… but did not cherish him the same way he did.

“Hm?”

Coming back to his senses, Ling Jingxuan’s phoenix eyes met those wounded ones. His brows furrowed again.

After a long moment, he reached up and touched Yan Shengrui’s face before speaking slowly.

“We’re both men. There’s no need to be as coy and hesitant as old women. I’ll just say things directly.”

“Shengrui, have you ever wondered why you know so many things that other people don’t? Why, in front of others, you always appear domineering, wild, and untouchable—as if no one in the world could stand beside you?”

“A person’s memories can disappear because of injury or drugs. But the aura you’re born with, your abilities, and the habits forged over years won’t vanish so easily.”

“Maybe that is the real you.”

“A man who doesn’t need to put anyone in his eyes.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“To be honest, I do like you. Not just because of the children. In many ways, you and I are very similar. Our personalities match well. This time we’ve spent together proves that much.”

“But the you right now… isn’t the real you.”

“If one day you recover your memories, will you still keep this same heart?”

“You know what kind of person I am. If I pour my energy into this relationship, but you decide to walk away halfway—no matter the reason—then with my personality, I’ll chase you to the ends of heaven and earth to kill you.”

“At that point, the ones who suffer most will be our sons.”

He looked at him steadily.

“Shengrui, I agree to marry you—but only after you recover your memories.”

“If you still insist on it then… we’ll get married.”

This was the greatest promise he could offer.

If Yan Shengrui remained the same after regaining his memories, then Ling Jingxuan would be willing to truly try building a marriage.

Yan Shengrui did not nod immediately.

Even if Ling Jingxuan had not spoken those words aloud, he himself had already harbored doubts—about his identity, about who he used to be.

He knew Jingxuan’s concerns were reasonable.

He could understand them.

But understanding did not mean he agreed.

No one understood himself better than he did.

If he dared to say he loved him today, then he would love him to the end.

He would never retreat halfway.

But Jingxuan… did not believe him.

What must he do for this man to trust him—to love him without hesitation?

He raised a hand and gently cupped Ling Jingxuan’s face, his thumb slowly stroking his cheek with lingering affection and obsession.

His crimson lips moved softly.

“The throne of the Son of Heaven holds no glory for me—not compared to you. To possess you, I would shatter every sacred promise I ever made. If my own brothers-in-arms barred the way, I would slay them without a second thought. There is no mountain of blades too sharp, nor sea of fire too deep, to keep me from your side.”

“Jingxuan, remember what I say today. When I recover my memories… That will be the day you and I are married. I will prove through my actions that every word I said today is true.”

It was overbearing yet deeply affectionate.

Dominant yet tender.

Wild and fearless.

Looking across the entire realm, perhaps only Yan Shengrui could deliver such unconventional yet moving words of love.

“Alright.”

If Ling Jingxuan said he was not moved, he would be lying.

He could clearly hear the rapid beating of his own heart.

Meeting those eyes that seemed to see only him in the entire world, Ling Jingxuan nodded.

If Yan Shengrui could truly keep his promise, then he would return that devotion with equal passion.

And if Yan Shengrui desired the imperial throne—

Ling Jingxuan would dare to seize it for him, even if it meant defying the entire world.

“I’m claiming this contract.”

The moment the words fell, Yan Shengrui lowered his head and captured his lips completely.

His slick tongue brushed against Ling Jingxuan’s lips before prying open his slightly parted teeth and invading his mouth with fierce intensity.

After a brief moment of shock, Ling Jingxuan hooked his arms around Yan Shengrui’s neck. His own tongue slid forward, tangling eagerly with the hot, invading one.

Inside the underground cellar, the two of them kissed fiercely.

They shifted angles again and again, exchanging the sweetest breath and warmth between them.

A kiss as an oath.

Lips as the contract.

From that moment forward, their vow of love was sealed.

“Dad…? Father…? Where are you?”

“I’m Xiao Wu!”

Just when their passion burned hottest, the little bun’s voice suddenly rang out from above.

The two men froze.

Reluctantly, they pulled apart.

A few thin, silvery threads still connected their lips, adding a final trace of lingering intimacy to the fading heat.

Yan Shengrui chuckled softly.

“Heh.”

Seeing the dissatisfied look on his face, Ling Jingxuan couldn’t help laughing.

While straightening the clothes that Yan Shengrui had nearly stripped completely off him, he raised a hand to wipe at his lips. Unfortunately, they had kissed far too intensely. Yan Shengrui’s kisses were as domineering and forceful as the man himself, and his once rosy lips were now slightly swollen and flushed red. There was no way they would return to normal anytime soon.

“And you’re still laughing?” Yan Shengrui shot him a doting glare. “If this happens a few more times, I’m going to end up impotent.”

His gaze deliberately dropped toward the obvious tent pitched beneath his robes.

His precious son had chosen a truly terrible moment to appear.

“It’s fine,” Ling Jingxuan replied solemnly, patting his shoulder. “If you really do become impotent, I’ll treat you properly. Don’t worry—my medical skills are quite good.”

The moment he finished speaking, he burst into laughter again, collapsing against Yan Shengrui.

Annoyed, Yan Shengrui lifted a hand and lightly smacked his backside twice before leaning close to bite his ear in mock frustration.

“You heartless little thing. Who do you think I’m suffering for? If I really become impotent, won’t you be the one suffering?”

“Will I?” Ling Jingxuan raised an eyebrow lazily. “Don’t forget—I’m a doctor. I know perfectly well how to satisfy myself.”

“Dad! Father! So you’re down here. I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

Their teasing was abruptly cut off again.

The little bun came clattering down the cellar steps and ran over happily, throwing his arms around them.

Ling Jingxuan nudged Yan Shengrui discreetly before crouching down to pick the boy up.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. “Weren’t you teaching Tiewazi martial arts? Where’s your brother? Why didn’t he come with you?”

“Brother told us to rest for a while, so I came to find you,” the child said cheerfully.

Then he blinked, staring at Ling Jingxuan’s mouth.

“Dad… hey? What happened to your lips? Why are they so red?”

“…Uh.”

No matter how thick-skinned Ling Jingxuan was, being questioned so innocently by his son still made a faint blush creep across his face.

After a moment, he cleared his throat and replied irritably, “Nothing. A dog bit them.”

“Pfft—”

As he spoke, his gaze slid meaningfully toward Yan Shengrui.

Instead of taking offense at being compared to a dog, Yan Shengrui burst into bold, carefree laughter.

The little bun blinked in confusion.

Dad had been bitten by a dog… so why was Father laughing so happily?

By the time the three of them climbed out of the cellar, the sky had already begun to dim.

Holding Ling Wu in his arms, Ling Jingxuan glanced upward at the fading light.

“It’s getting late. You should go now,” he said calmly. “If you wait any longer, you might miss the best timing.”

In another two hours, it would be dark. The villagers working in the fields would soon start returning home.

And the good show they had prepared would soon begin.

Yan Shengrui nodded. “Alright. I’ll head out for a while.”

Leaning down, he kissed both Ling Jingxuan and his son on the cheek. Then his figure flickered—and in the blink of an eye, he vanished.

The little bun’s eyes lit up immediately.

“Father is amazing!” he exclaimed excitedly. “Dad, did you see that? Father disappeared in an instant! I want to learn that skill too. Dad, can you ask Father to teach me?”

“Alright, alright,” Ling Jingxuan chuckled. “We’ll have him start teaching you tomorrow morning, okay?”

Just then, the corner of his eye caught sight of Ling Wen walking toward them.

“Xiao Wen, why are you alone? Where’s Tiewazi?”

He walked over quickly. Zhao Han and his husband were helping them with work; he couldn’t possibly fail to look after their son.

“Aunt Song asked Xiao Hu to bring tea to Grandpa and the others,” Ling Wen explained. “Tiewazi went with him.”

Then his gaze landed on Ling Jingxuan’s mouth.

“Dad… what happened to your lips?”

Before Ling Jingxuan could answer, the little bun in his arms beat him to it proudly.

“A dog bit them!”

“Hahahaha!”

Hearing the same explanation come from his son’s mouth, Ling Jingxuan burst into laughter.

For some reason, the exact same words sounded ten times funnier when spoken by the little bun.