Ch 76: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

When Qin Zhao returned to the room carrying the food, Jing Li was still hiding under the blanket, lying on his side facing the wall. Only the tip of his ear, bright red, was visible.

He was still sulking.

Qin Zhao set the food on the table and walked over to the bed. “Still in pain? Let me check.”

Jing Li silently tugged the blanket around himself even tighter.

Qin Zhao: “…”

He wasn’t actually in pain, but… Qin Zhao had really gone overboard today.

Since they couldn’t do anything intimate recently, Qin Zhao had helped Jing Li find release a few times. Jing Li had thought it would be fine to return the favor, especially since he had teased Qin Zhao too much at the academy today. But how could Qin Zhao use that place—!

The inside of his thighs still had a lingering warmth, and Jing Li huffed, clutching the blanket tightly.

Qin Zhao must have picked this up from some romance novel.

“Alright, get up and eat.” Qin Zhao leaned down, tempted to kiss the tip of Jing Li’s ear, but refrained for fear of making him even angrier. Instead, he gently ruffled his hair. “Eat first, then you can stay mad, okay?”

Jing Li mumbled, “Not hungry.”

“Really? Not even a bit?”

Jing Li pressed his lips together, not replying, when his stomach gave a soft “grumble…”

Jing Li: “…”

He flipped himself upright and said grumpily, “Feed me.”

So that was a yes. Qin Zhao smiled, turned, and went to the table to bring over a bowl of food.

One advantage of earning money was that their quality of life had improved considerably. Now, Jing Li could see meat on the table with every meal, and recently, Qin Zhao had even started making nourishing soups for him.

The bone broth was rich and creamy white, filling the room with its savory aroma. A single sip spread warmth through his entire body.

Leaning back against the bed, Jing Li let Qin Zhao feed him the soup, then sighed, “Are you sure you weren’t a cook before?”

Qin Zhao paused. “…Do you think I look like a cook?”

Jing Li tilted his head thoughtfully, his mind briefly flashing to the image of the cook the village chief had hired to prepare the feast the other day. He quickly shook his head, “Not at all.”

If Qin Zhao had looked like that when they first met, then… well, he’d probably still be a domestic fish today.

Though, come to think of it, he supposed he was still a “kept fish” now.

A sudden thought crossed his mind, and his face flushed.

Qin Zhao offered him another spoonful, but Jing Li grabbed his hand and said, “Let’s go eat at the table.”

He could never stay angry with this man. Like just now, he had only intended to throw a little tantrum and say something snarky, but Qin Zhao just went along with it.

Was he not afraid that Jing Li might get too used to it and become spoiled?

As Jing Li absentmindedly picked at his food, his thoughts wandered.

After the meal, Qin Zhao mentioned he needed to meet the village chief to discuss dividing the academy into classes. While he sorted through the essays collected that day, another thought struck him: “For the provincial exams, I’ll go alone; there’s no need for you to come along.”

The provincial exams would take place in April, just over a month away in early March.

Qin Zhao thought it best to bring this up with Jing Li in advance.

As expected, Jing Li, who had been happily reading Affairs of the Spring Boudoir, frowned and looked up. “Why not?”

“Your current condition isn’t suited for travel,” Qin Zhao said. “The provincial exams last three days, and I’ll return right after. It won’t take too long.”

“But…” Jing Li murmured, “even counting the travel time, it will be about ten days.”

Since arriving here, he had never been apart from Qin Zhao for such a long time.

Qin Zhao got up, walked to the table, and leaned down to meet Jing Li’s gaze. “If I could, I wouldn’t want to be apart from you for this long either, but these are special circumstances.”

“Even if you don’t think about yourself, you need to consider our child. He’s so small—how could he handle such a long journey?”

Jing Li sighed. “Alright…”

Qin Zhao smiled, kissed Jing Li’s forehead, and straightened up, only to see Jing Li touch his stomach and say, “Did you hear what your father said? You have one more month; come out quickly, so you don’t cause any trouble.”

Qin Zhao: “…”

Traveling isn’t suitable while carrying a child. So if the baby arrives before the provincial exams, everything will work out, and he’ll be able to go with Qin Zhao to the city.

Such simple logic.

Qin Zhao opened his mouth, wanting to say that, although fish tend to have an easier time giving birth and can recover after just a few days of rest, that doesn’t mean one can go running around right afterward.

Besides, won’t the baby need care once born?

But seeing Jing Li’s hopeful expression, he merely sighed and said nothing, simply hoping that the koi’s good fortune wouldn’t be quite so accurate in this case. Otherwise, he’d feel uneasy about leaving for the city.

Qin Zhao thought this way.

The abbot Jingchen had previously said that Jing Li would give birth by the third month. Jing Li firmly believed this and was convinced the baby would arrive by early April.

After all, he conceived around New Year; it’s not like a typical koi to carry this long.

However, the koi fortune didn’t come through this time, and even by Qin Zhao’s departure date, Jing Li’s stomach showed no signs of the baby arriving.

“How could this be…” The little koi rolled over in the tub, gently patting his swollen belly with his fin.

After more than a month of anticipation, his belly had only grown bigger, with no signs of an imminent birth.

His fish body had become somewhat clumsy due to his swollen belly. Worried he might hurt himself, Qin Zhao quickly reached into the water to support him. “I told you not to stay in fish form—change back.”

“But the baby grows faster this way.”

The little koi swished his tail but obediently transformed back into human form.

Jing Li wrapped himself in a robe and flopped onto the bed, sighing, “This little fish isn’t obedient at all. Once he’s born, I’m going to teach him a lesson.”

“Alright, this isn’t something you can rush,” Qin Zhao said, pulling his little fish close.

After all this time, Jing Li’s belly had finally grown somewhat. But even after more than four months, it only looked like an ordinary person’s belly at three months, barely noticeable under his clothes.

Qin Zhao said, “Do you think the baby can come out just because we want him to? It doesn’t work like that. Besides…”

He lowered his head, resting it on Jing Li’s slightly rounded belly. “He can’t be born right now, or anytime in the next ten days. You both need to wait until I return. Who will take care of you if I’m not here?”

Jing Li stifled a laugh. “Weren’t you just saying that these things can’t be rushed?”

“It can’t be rushed, but we can try to reason with him.” Qin Zhao gently traced the curve of Jing Li’s belly and murmured, “Be good for the next few days, don’t make your father worry.”

“What good is it talking to him? He can’t understand a word,” Jing Li said, playing with Qin Zhao’s hair. “I talk to him every day, but he doesn’t respond at all.”

Qin Zhao replied, “He’s still too small. When he grows bigger, he’ll start responding.”

Jing Li nodded softly.

Qin Zhao lifted his head, leaned in, and gave him a kiss by the lips. “Will you miss me?”

Jing Li looked away. “You already know…”

“Yes, I know.” Qin Zhao’s voice softened. “I’ll miss you too.”

“It’s getting late, and you need to be up early tomorrow. Don’t delay any longer,” Jing Li said. “I’ll help you pack.”

With that, he slipped out of Qin Zhao’s arms and began organizing the luggage Qin Zhao had yet to finish packing.

As he busied himself, he reminded, “It shouldn’t be too cold in the city in April, but you should still bring a coat just in case. Did you pack the rice porridge I made for you? And the herbal medicines? Remember that you…”

“Little fish.” Qin Zhao gazed at him, suddenly speaking softly. “Are you… worried?”

Jing Li’s movements froze.

“At first, I thought you were just a little nervous from the pregnancy, but recently I realized it’s more than that.” Qin Zhao pulled him over to sit on the bed and lifted his chin so they were face to face. “Be honest with me, little fish. Is it that you… don’t want me to go to the city?”

They understood each other too well. Even though Jing Li had tried to hide it, Qin Zhao could see the emotions Jing Li kept buried deep inside.

He took Jing Li’s cold hands in his own, speaking gently, “The truth is… you don’t want me to continue this investigation, do you?”

Jing Li’s gaze shifted slightly, and his body tensed.

“Don’t be nervous. I’ve told you, you can always share your thoughts with me.” Qin Zhao rubbed the back of Jing Li’s hand softly, coaxing him, “Tell me, what are you thinking?”

Jing Li was silent for a moment before speaking slowly, “I… It’s not that I don’t want you to go. I just… feel worried.”

“The city is full of people. What if you run into those who hurt you before? What then?”

“I asked Grandpa Xue about it. Huan Powder in large amounts isn’t something an ordinary family would have access to.” Jing Li continued, “I might be a little slow, but I can still understand that much. The ones who wanted to hurt you must have power and influence, likely someone wealthy or in high office. If you keep going…”

He paused, quickly adding, “I’m not saying you shouldn’t investigate. I just… I don’t know what to do…”

This inner conflict had kept him from bringing it up with Qin Zhao.

If they gave up now, it wasn’t just Qin Zhao’s pride that would suffer—Jing Li couldn’t reconcile it with himself either.

But if they continued, and something were to happen to Qin Zhao…

He couldn’t bear to imagine that outcome.

He would go crazy.

Perhaps due to the misfortunes of his childhood, deep down, Jing Li always carried a sense of insecurity. The more peaceful and stable his life became, the more he feared losing it.

He hated his own fearful, anxious nature, but it wasn’t something he could change just by wanting to.

Feeling a wave of discouragement, Jing Li murmured, “I shouldn’t be like this.”

“Don’t say such foolish things.” Qin Zhao pulled Jing Li’s head to his shoulder and spoke softly, “You’re only worried about me; I understand. Your concerns, your anxieties, and your inner conflict—I understand them all. None of this is your fault.”

Jing Li’s nose tingled with emotion.

Qin Zhao continued, “Little fish, do you still not believe that you’ve brought me good fortune?”

“I… I believe it…” Jing Li replied in a small voice.

He’d long stopped doubting his own luck. But… this was different.

No matter how lucky he was, could it make the person behind all this fall ill and die right now?

“Then maybe you don’t believe in me,” Qin Zhao smiled. “Don’t believe that your husband has the ability to change all of this?”

Jing Li froze.

Qin Zhao loosened his hold slightly, lifting Jing Li’s chin so they could look into each other’s eyes. “Don’t underestimate me, Xiao Yu. I’ve promised you, and I’ll keep my word. Have a little faith in your husband.”

Looking into Qin Zhao’s handsome, resolute eyes, Jing Li felt his previous unease miraculously dissipate.

Yes, why did he doubt?

Qin Zhao was so capable—why didn’t he believe in him?

He, of all people, should never have doubted Qin Zhao.

Lowering his head, Jing Li kissed Qin Zhao’s fingertips and said, “I won’t be like this anymore. I believe in you.”

Just like when they first met, he had always trusted that Qin Zhao could resolve any crisis.

The journey from the town to the provincial capital by water took a minimum of three days, so Qin Zhao left four days before the start of the provincial exams.

The provincial exams lasted three consecutive days, so Qin Zhao wouldn’t be able to return to the village until the evening of the tenth day at the earliest.

However, on the morning of the ninth day, an ox cart pulled into the entrance of Linxi Village.

“Qin Zhao? You’re back already?” It was just the time when the villagers were heading to the market, and many were surprised to see him.

Qin Zhao looked slightly fatigued and travel-worn, but he still maintained his refined demeanor. “Yes, the exams are finished.”

One of the villagers asked, “Did Yanan not come back with you?”

“He’s waiting in the provincial capital for the results to be posted,” Qin Zhao replied. “He’ll likely return in a few days.”

Another villager asked, “Why didn’t you wait for the results yourself?”

A farmer nearby chuckled, “Isn’t it obvious? He’s worried about his husband at home. Can’t you understand that? His little husband has been coming to the village entrance every day, refusing to leave even when we tell him Qin Zhao wouldn’t be back so soon.”

Hearing this, Qin Zhao’s heart softened.

He knew his little fish wouldn’t obediently stay at home and rest.

Without further conversation, he quickly made his way toward their bamboo courtyard.

The provincial exams, like the county exams, allowed candidates to submit their papers at noon.

However, the provincial exams were much more difficult, with more questions than the county exams, and almost no one managed to finish early.

Except for Qin Zhao.

His mind had been preoccupied with his husband waiting alone at home, so he hadn’t wasted a moment. As soon as the noon bell rang, he immediately raised his hand to hand in his paper.

When the first batch of names was posted, he was the first and only candidate to leave the examination hall.

Even the guards couldn’t help but give him a second glance as he departed.

Qin Zhao had already booked his return boat before the final exam started. After leaving the examination hall, he returned to the inn, packed his things, and headed straight to the dock.

After traveling non-stop for three days, Qin Zhao finally arrived at Linxi Village this morning.

The bamboo courtyard gates were closed. Qin Zhao quietly pushed them open and glanced inside.

The main house door was open, but the courtyard was empty. A bright red koi fish was resting at the bottom of the pond.

Since coming back, Qin Zhao had set up the pond with stones and water plants at the bottom, just like at Yun Guan Temple, so that his little koi had a cozy place. Among the green water plants, that spot of red was especially striking.

The little koi’s fins were spread out, his body gently swaying with the water flow as he slept soundly.

Finally relaxing, Qin Zhao entered the courtyard, placed his belongings aside, and crouched by the pond.

He’d thought this little guy would be worried and anxious, losing sleep over it, but clearly, he’d overthought it.

Qin Zhao extended his hand and gently stirred the water.

Sensitive to the change in the water, the little koi’s tail twitched. After a while, he slowly lifted his head.

He spotted Qin Zhao from a distance but then drowsily lowered his head again, as if thinking he was still dreaming.

Qin Zhao: “…”

So soundly asleep, it seemed he wouldn’t wake up anytime soon.

Sighing silently, Qin Zhao decided to go inside and unpack.

Jing Li had been feeling particularly exhausted since yesterday and had been sleeping for quite a long time. By the time he finally started to wake, the sun was already high in the sky.

Did he… dream of Qin Zhao just now?

The little koi drowsily floated to the water’s surface, transformed into his human form, and stepped barefoot onto the ground. He picked up the clothes tossed nearby and casually draped them on. The weather in April was already warm, and the thin clothing quickly became damp against his skin, which still had traces of water.

Rubbing his sleepy eyes, Jing Li looked up, only to find himself staring directly into another pair of eyes.

“???”

Qin Zhao, sitting on a bamboo chair, put down his book and smiled at him. “Awake?”

“You… how…”

Qin Zhao got up, walked over, and embraced him. “I was worried about you, so I came back early.”

Jing Li was still in a daze. “But your exam…”

“Of course I finished it.” Qin Zhao replied, “The results won’t be out for several days. Don’t worry—the questions were easy.”

Jing Li had long stopped believing Qin Zhao’s definition of “easy,” but given his confidence, he was likely set to secure first place again.

Jing Li said, “Then we can celebrate early. I—”

His words trailed off as he suddenly froze.

Qin Zhao noticed. “What’s wrong?”

“I…” Jing Li frowned slightly, his expression growing puzzled. “Qin Zhao, I feel… something’s off.”

Qin Zhao instantly tensed. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“No, it’s just…”

Jing Li’s hand fell to his stomach, where there had been a small swell. Now, it was flat again.

Where was his baby????