Ch 72: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

Jing Li’s words were obviously said to placate Qin Zhao.

As for who Prince Rong truly was, whether he was handsome or not, Jing Li could no longer remember. But he did remember that the man had treated him well and how he had waited and hoped day after day.

Yet, those were things of the past.

Back then, he had been so young, and whatever feelings he had for the man were likely nothing more than the admiration a child might feel. He certainly didn’t want Qin Zhao to be upset over someone who had already passed.

Sorry, Prince Rong.

Jing Li thought to himself, worried that Qin Zhao might not believe him. He was about to continue proving his loyalty when Qin Zhao leaned down and kissed him.

Qin Zhao’s voice was tinged with helplessness as he said, “I know how much you dislike him. No need to say more.”

Jing Li looked up at him innocently and cautiously, blinking: “Then you’re not mad, right? I don’t like anyone else, I only like you. You believe me, don’t you?”

Only you.

When the young man said this, his beautiful eyes reflected Qin Zhao’s face, his expression both focused and endearing.

Qin Zhao’s heart softened at the sight of his little fish acting like this. He leaned down and kissed those soft lips: “Mm, I believe you.”

Only then did Jing Li relax, burying his head into Qin Zhao’s chest and yawning.

The days of travel had indeed tired him out. Jing Li closed his eyes and nestled into a comfortable position in Qin Zhao’s arms, falling asleep not long after.

Qin Zhao gently stroked the soft hair of the person in his arms, smiling wryly.

How could he not tell that Jing Li was saying all this just to fool him?

Whenever the little one lied, his gaze would always wander, looking guilty, making it easy to see through. And the reason Qin Zhao had been asking about the past wasn’t because he was jealous.

He just wanted to know more.

After being detoxified, he had indeed recalled fragments of the past, but they were still vague. These memories weren’t enough for him to piece together what had truly happened to him. However, there was one thing he was now certain of.

He was most likely the deceased Prince Rong.

Whether it was through the poetry he’d unconsciously written, the fragments of memories in his mind, or the rumors he’d heard from the common folk, they all pointed to this conclusion.

If he was indeed Prince Rong, then the person the little fish had met at Yun Guan Temple back then should have been him.

Unfortunately, many details remained lost to him, especially regarding how he had first met the little fish.

That’s why he had wanted to ask.

But who would’ve thought that his little fish’s memory was even worse than his?

Well, it made sense. If the abbot’s words were true, the little fish had only just hatched back then.

Qin Zhao felt a slight sense of regret but didn’t dwell on it.

Old Mr. Xue had told him that the Chenhuan Powder had caused significant damage to his mind, and recovery would not be quick. Forcing it would be futile.

So even though some memories were slowly returning, he hadn’t told Jing Li.

Telling him now would only add unnecessary worries.

Moreover, if he revealed that he was Prince Rong, this little fish would likely start fretting.

It wasn’t just Jing Li—Qin Zhao himself had felt unsettled when he first realized the truth.

After all, there were still many unanswered questions.

For instance, why had the current emperor only announced Prince Rong’s death in August, three years ago, when Qin Zhao had already been stranded in Linxi Village more than half a year prior?

Or why, if he truly was the regent, no one had come looking for him all these years, be it foes or former allies?

And most importantly… was he really the kind of person the rumors painted him to be?

These questions remained unresolved for the time being, but Qin Zhao was in no rush to answer them.

Restoring his memory as soon as possible would naturally be ideal, but if it couldn’t be done immediately, Qin Zhao didn’t mind. After all, his true identity wasn’t likely to be discovered so quickly.

If he held another identity, he might be concerned about being recognized here. But since he was Prince Rong, things were different.

The local officials in this small prefecture city had never had the chance to meet the powerful regent of the past. Even if someone had seen him before, no one would dare to acknowledge or suspect anything.

Three years ago, the current emperor had publicly declared that the regent was dead. Questioning this truth would be tantamount to questioning the emperor himself, and no one would have the nerve to do that.

As for the possibility of past enemies lurking in wait, Qin Zhao felt that was unlikely. There were many people in the world who resembled each other. If someone truly suspected he was alive, they would have been searching more actively. But such covert investigations were both risky and resource-draining. Even if someone had been searching initially, it would have ceased after so much time had passed peacefully.

Moreover, Qin Zhao had an instinctive feeling that some things weren’t as they appeared. He felt that the path he was currently on was the right one and that there might be unexpected rewards along the way.

Suddenly, the body in his arms shifted, pulling Qin Zhao out of his thoughts. He tightened his embrace and kissed Jing Li’s forehead gently. “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

Jing Li mumbled something in his sleep and drifted off again.

Jing Li often complained about Qin Zhao’s recent overprotective behavior, saying he was making a fuss over nothing. Little did he realize, his own changes had been quite significant as well.

He had become sleepier, hungrier, and much more dependent on Qin Zhao.

That dependence had reached a point of no return. Qin Zhao knew that Jing Li had been sleeping lightly these days, often waking up just to make sure he was still there beside him.

It was a sign of anxiety.

This being Jing Li’s first pregnancy, he wasn’t handling it as easily as he appeared. He was worried, even scared.

But because he didn’t want to burden Qin Zhao with his fears, he kept everything to himself.

His obedience was heartbreaking.

Qin Zhao sighed quietly, stroking Jing Li’s back gently and whispered, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything.”

Jing Li slept the entire afternoon, and by the time he woke up, it was almost dark outside.

Qin Zhao had promised to treat the group to dinner tonight, and the others had wasted no time. They had already picked out one of the best restaurants in the city and had left half an hour earlier.

Despite sleeping for so long, Jing Li still felt drowsy and couldn’t stop yawning while Qin Zhao helped him get dressed.

But at Qin Zhao’s teasing comment, “If we don’t hurry, those guys will eat all the food before we get there,” Jing Li immediately snapped awake.

He couldn’t tolerate the idea of his husband spending money and not getting to enjoy any of the meal. Absolutely not.

However, when they arrived at the restaurant, it turned out they needn’t have worried. Chen Yanan and the others were still standing at the entrance, unable to even get inside.

“What’s going on?” Qin Zhao asked.

“The place got booked out,” Chen Yanan replied irritably. “We were already inside when some so-called young master came in and kicked everyone out. We didn’t want to head back and miss you, so we waited here.”

“It’s the eldest son of the Gu family that controls the textile and weaving industry in Jiangling, Gu Heng,” explained Yan Xiu.

Chen Yanan scoffed. “I don’t care who he is.”

“Gu Heng…”

Qin Zhao’s gaze shifted towards the entrance of the restaurant. Standing in front was a young boy, dressed in luxurious clothes. The youth, who appeared to be around twelve or thirteen, had a rather haughty demeanor, leading a group of servants by the roadside. His arrogant posture suggested he had been spoiled by his family.

“Be careful what you say,” Yan Xiu cautioned. “The Gu family is the largest household in Jiangling, and they’re imperial merchants. Even the local authorities have to show them respect. They aren’t people we can afford to offend.”

“Exactly, let’s avoid trouble and find another place to eat,” He Zhixing added, always one to avoid conflict. He quickly asked, “What do you think, Doctor Qin?”

As they spoke, a lavish carriage pulled up in front of the restaurant. The young boy’s demeanor immediately changed, becoming respectful as he rushed to assist the people stepping out of the carriage—an elegantly dressed middle-aged couple, likely the head of the Gu family and his wife.

Qin Zhao’s gaze lingered on them for a brief moment before he withdrew his attention. “Let’s go find another restaurant,” he said.

With Qin Zhao’s word, the group turned and left. At the entrance, the stout Gu family patriarch suddenly turned his head, glancing towards the crowd.

“What is it, dear?” his wife asked.

“Nothing,” Old Master Gu replied, shaking his head. “It just felt like someone was watching me.”

His wife chuckled. “It’s normal for commoners to stare when they see a figure as distinguished as you. They’re just curious.”

Old Master Gu nodded, letting the matter drop. “Perhaps I’m just imagining things.”

This brief incident didn’t dampen the group’s mood. They soon found another restaurant where they ate, drank, and enjoyed themselves. The night ended just before the first watch.

It wasn’t due to the curfew.

In the county, the curfew started at the first watch, around 9 p.m., and ended at the fifth watch, around 3 a.m. But in Jiangling, due to its thriving commerce, the curfew didn’t begin until the third watch, around 11 p.m.

Jiangling was famous for its bustling night markets and entertainment spots. Because of this, the imperial court allowed cities of such status to extend their curfew to start later, but no one could enter or leave the city between the first and fifth watch.

“Are you planning to visit a brothel?” Jing Li asked in shock.

“It’s not a brothel!” Chen Yanan quickly explained. “Along the riverbank at night, there are music and dance performances with pipa playing. You can drink and enjoy the songs. It’s my first time here, and I wanted to check it out. I swear it’s not a brothel, please don’t misunderstand, sister-in-law!”

Jing Li eyed him suspiciously.

“Sister-in-law, believe me! I wouldn’t dare do anything to wrong A Yi,” Chen Yanan added hurriedly. “Why don’t you come with us to see for yourself?”

Jing Li blinked, about to nod, but Qin Zhao immediately pulled him back. “The night market is too crowded. You’re not allowed to go.”

Jing Li: “…”

Busted.

Left with no choice, Jing Li could only watch the others head off, feeling down.

It was a common tradition for exam candidates to explore the night market after entering the city. After all, many were young and eager to experience something new in the capital. The riverside performances didn’t cost anything unless one entered the establishments to eat and drink. Even someone like He Zhixing, who was tight on money, could tag along and enjoy it.

But Jing Li couldn’t.

As Qin Zhao led Jing Li back, he noticed his sullen expression. He sighed and softened his tone. “Alright, I promise to take you next time. Just be good.”

Jing Li muttered, “When’s next time? After the baby is born?”

Qin Zhao nodded. “Yes, after the baby is born.”

Jing Li hesitated, then asked, “What about…the brothel? Can we go then too?”

Qin Zhao: “…?”

Jing Li glanced longingly at the glowing lights in the distance. “I heard the brothels in the capital are fascinating. The courtesans are talented, and it’s all about performing, not selling themselves. After the baby’s born, can we check it out? If we don’t reveal who we are, no one will know.”

Brothels didn’t allow women or shuang’ers in, but Jing Li, with his appearance and pulse, didn’t have to worry about that.

Qin Zhao took a deep breath, keeping his expression calm. “Who told you that?”

“Fang Tianying,” Jing Li replied. “He said he’s a regular at the brothel here. He even said that if his father hadn’t stopped him, he almost redeemed a girl to bring home. Why do you ask?”

“Nothing.”

Qin Zhao’s face remained composed, but in his mind, he was already drafting a letter to Fang Tianying’s father.

That brat.