Ch 87: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

Jing Li prepared a cup of tea and brought it into the study for Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao, who was reading, turned slightly and asked, “Is he still outside?”

“Yes,” Jing Li replied, suppressing a laugh and lowering his voice. “He was cursing in the courtyard earlier, saying that not even his own parents had punished him like this. But the moment he saw me, he quieted down.”

Qin Zhao chuckled, “It’s only been an hour; he still needs to learn his lesson.”

“But the sun’s getting stronger,” Jing Li noted. “That young master isn’t exactly robust. If he stays out much longer, he might get heatstroke.”

Qin Zhao glanced out the window and said, “Bring him in, and fetch the cooling tea I prepared.”

“Got it,” Jing Li replied.

He went outside to pass the message, and soon, Gu Heng entered, supported by his servant.

The June heat was intense, and though it wasn’t even noon, Gu Heng was already drenched in sweat, his face flushed from the sun. He held a delicately wrapped item in his hands, though it wasn’t clear what it was.

Gu Heng placed the item on Qin Zhao’s desk, looking like he wanted to say something, but he stopped and sat down quietly.

The servant moved to pour him a glass of water, but Qin Zhao interjected, “My husband made that tea for me. Don’t touch it.”

“You—” Gu Heng began, his voice raspy. “I’ve stood there, I’ve been punished. What more do you want from me?”

Qin Zhao cast him a glance. “Is that the attitude you should have when admitting your fault?”

Gu Heng was silent.

Finally, he muttered, “I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

“What were you wrong about?”

“For neglecting my studies, for acting recklessly, and… for purposely provoking you,” Gu Heng said, his voice getting softer.

Qin Zhao raised an eyebrow, “And how should you address me?”

Gu Heng hesitated. “…Mr. Qin.”

Qin Zhao gave a slight smile, “When I was your age, I enjoyed having fun too. I was even more unruly and knew how to enjoy myself better. Your mistake wasn’t in having fun; it was in overestimating yourself.”

“Never act beyond your abilities out of impulse,” Qin Zhao said calmly. “You showed off, but did you consider how your parents would have to face the consequences? Or what impact it might have on the friends who invited you out?”

Gu Heng lowered his head, “I’m sorry.”

Jing Li knocked on the door, poking his head inside, “Finished lecturing?”

Qin Zhao’s stern expression nearly faltered, and he cleared his throat, “Yes, come in.”

Jing Li walked in, carrying a pot of cooling tea, pouring a cup each for Gu Heng and his servant. “Mr. Qin’s special summer tea. Give it a try; it’s very refreshing.”

He poured himself a cup as well.

Qin Zhao said, “Your constitution leans cold, so drink less of it.”

“I know,” Jing Li murmured under his breath, “I figured you didn’t make this especially for me.”

Qin Zhao: “…”

The tea, with added plum and honey, was cool and thirst-quenching, perfect for beating the heat.

But Jing Li wasn’t sensitive to the heat and didn’t need cooling down.

It was clear who the tea was really for.

Picking up on the subtext, Gu Heng choked slightly and started coughing. When he finally recovered, he asked quietly, “So… does this mean you’ll return to the Gu residence?”

Qin Zhao glanced at him and asked, “Why do you want me to return to the residence?”

“If you’re only worried about Master Gu and Madam Gu blaming you, I could explain that it was my decision to leave, not your fault.”

Gu Heng didn’t answer.

Qin Zhao said, “You can go back now. I’ll come to the Gu residence tomorrow—”

“No!” Gu Heng interrupted, “It’s not just to appease my parents. It’s… it’s just that if you don’t come back, my mother will start looking for another teacher for me. All those people talk about virtue and morality, and I don’t like them.”

Qin Zhao took a sip of tea. “Then you can keep looking. The city is large; there’s bound to be someone suitable.”

“I… I…” Gu Heng hesitated before finally admitting the truth. “I just want to officially become your student, alright? If you’re unwilling, forget it. Consider these gifts as my thanks for saving my life. Goodbye!”

He got up and walked toward the door, but Qin Zhao called out, “Stop.”

“It seems your previous teachers truly neglected to teach you manners.” Qin Zhao said calmly, “If you wish to become my student, you must prepare an offering and perform the proper ceremony with tea, showing respect and readiness to learn. Even a six-year-old child in my village would know this. Don’t you understand?”

Gu Heng blinked in confusion. “You… what do you mean?”

Jing Li couldn’t help but prompt him, “He wants you to offer him tea, you fool.”

“O-offer tea…” Gu Heng’s mind cleared, and his servant, realizing as well, quickly stepped forward to pour a cup of tea for him.

Gu Heng, moving somewhat stiffly, walked up to Qin Zhao, bowed, and presented the tea. “Please… please have some tea, Teacher.”

Qin Zhao exchanged a glance with Jing Li.

He accepted the bow, took the tea, and said, “Starting tomorrow, lessons begin at sunrise, as before. Mornings only, but no tardiness or early departures. Now, go home and rest.”

Gu Heng, still a bit dazed, asked softly, “Does this mean… you’ve accepted me?”

Qin Zhao nodded.

Gu Heng visibly relaxed and, after a pause, asked, “Then… can you teach me dice games? What about horse racing?”

Qin Zhao: “…”

“Forget I asked! No need to teach me those!” Gu Heng quickly added.

Qin Zhao smiled and said, “If you pass the scholar’s exam next year, I’ll teach you everything.”

“Next year?” Gu Heng looked incredulous. “The county exam is in February, and most people study for at least two years before taking it. How could I possibly pass?”

“Because you’re my disciple.”

Qin Zhao signaled for him to leave. “That’s all. Go back now. I’ll explain everything to Madam Gu tomorrow.”

Gu Heng muttered an “Oh” and turned to leave.

“Wait.” Qin Zhao called after him again. “When will Master Gu return?”

“My father? Probably in August; he’s busy lately.”

“But you said…”

“That he’d be back soon? Of course, that was a lie to get you to come back. Turns out it didn’t work on you at all,” Gu Heng replied. “You want to meet my father? No problem; when he returns, I’ll introduce you. Ordinary people don’t get the chance to meet him, you know.”

The Gu family held the economic lifeline of Jiangling Prefecture and owned the largest weaving industry in the Central Plains. Countless people longed to secure a connection with the Gu family, hoping for a single word of approval from young master Gu.

But Qin Zhao was silent for a moment before shaking his head. “No need. You may go.”

Gu Heng didn’t quite understand but left with his servant.

Jing Li took another sip of plum tea, watching Gu Heng’s departing figure and remarked, “Not bad. The once arrogant young master of the Gu family has been tamed to obedience in just a few days.”

Qin Zhao turned to look at him, pulling him into his arms. “Let me have a sip.”

“No, you shouldn’t drink anything cooling.”

“I just want a taste,” Qin Zhao said with a restrained smile, whispering in Jing Li’s ear, “To see if you put in too much plum. I smell a hint of sourness.”

Jing Li: “…”

He pushed Qin Zhao’s hand away. “I’m ignoring you. I’ll go play with your son.”

“No, stay with me a while,” Qin Zhao said, resting his chin on Jing Li’s shoulder and pressing a light kiss on his neck. “You don’t like seeing me treat others well?”

“No…”

Jing Li shivered from the warmth, his voice low. “I’m not that petty.”

“Of course not,” Qin Zhao replied. “By seniority, he should call you ‘Teacher’s Wife.’ Don’t fuss over the younger generation. If the little fish keeps clinging to me, would you be jealous of him?”

Jing Li felt he shouldn’t think too much about it and was about to reply when Qin Zhao frowned and said, “That example isn’t right.”

“What?”

Before Jing Li could turn his head, Qin Zhao kissed him, “Because I would.”

From that day on, young master Gu seemed like a changed person.

No longer flaunting himself in public or mingling in the city’s entertainment venues, he became difficult to reach, even for his close friends from wealthy families.

Of course, it wasn’t that he had reformed so quickly—it was that his teacher wouldn’t allow it.

People found this surprising, but even Madam Gu found it hard to believe.

She knew her son’s stubbornness well. No matter what they tried, they couldn’t discipline him.

Yet this scholar had come to the residence for only a few days and had somehow earned her son’s obedience.

Madam Gu, filled with both joy and gratitude, ignored Master Gu’s instructions not to disturb him without reason, and she wrote a long letter to the county.

A month and a half passed swiftly, and the city moved from midsummer to early autumn.

A row of osmanthus trees lined the street in front of Qin Zhao’s house, and by late July, some of the flowers had already begun to bloom. Walking down that street, one’s clothes would carry a faint osmanthus fragrance.

Jing Li, who had been eagerly waiting for two months, was prepared to dry the flowers and make osmanthus tea, following the method taught by Lin Qing’er. With any extra, he could even ask Qin Zhao to make osmanthus cake.

“I also want to grind some into powder and try making osmanthus soup. You can take it with you to the examination hall,” Jing Li said.

Qin Zhao placed the freshly picked osmanthus flowers into a bamboo basket and smiled. “The academy exam is different from the previous ones; we’re not allowed to leave during the test, so there will be food provided inside.”

“Who knows what kind of food they’ll prepare,” Jing Li said skeptically. “We should be prepared, just in case the food there is terrible. We can’t have you taking the exam on an empty stomach.”

“Wise words, sister-in-law! Will there be some for me as well?”

A voice sounded behind them. They turned to see Chen Yanan.

Chen Yanan carried a small bundle and looked a bit travel-worn, though his spirits were high. “It’s been a while.”

With the academy exam only a few days away, Chen Yanan had written earlier to let them know he’d be arriving in the city soon.

However, Qin Zhao and Jing Li hadn’t expected him to arrive this early.

Jing Li hid behind Qin Zhao and asked, “Why did you come so early?”

“I came to visit you,” Chen Yanan said. “Fang Tianying mentioned that your new house has a great environment, so I’ve been eager to see it. Sister-in-law, are you…?”

Jing Li felt a bit nervous.

Since Chen Yanan would be staying with them, they had planned to maintain the story of Jing Li’s “pregnancy,” as the little fish hadn’t yet transformed into human form. To get accustomed to it, Jing Li had been wearing loose, unbelted clothing.

But today, while picking osmanthus flowers, he found the fake belly cumbersome, so he’d left it off.

Of all days, Chen Yanan had to come today.

If they couldn’t keep up the act, they’d have to tell him the truth, Jing Li thought, resignedly.

Chen Yanan studied him for a moment, then remarked, “So A-Yi was right about how your figure hasn’t changed much with the pregnancy. Sister-in-law, you don’t look different at all!”

Jing Li: “…”

Qin Zhao: “…”

…Easily fooled.

Qin Zhao quickly regained his composure. “Come in. We’ve already prepared a place for you.”

He led him to the study.

Since the side courtyard was still empty and couldn’t accommodate guests, Qin Zhao had set up the small couch in the study, which, though narrow, was still usable.

“You can study here for the next few days. This room is quiet, so no one will disturb you,” Qin Zhao said.

The study was far better than the inn they had previously stayed at, and Chen Yanan, after glancing around, was pleased. “Thank you, Brother Qin and Sister-in-law!”

Qin Zhao nodded and was about to leave with Jing Li when Chen Yanan spoke up again. “Oh, Brother Qin, you’re keeping fish again?”

They turned to see a small fish nestled in the fish tank beside the desk, fast asleep.

Qin Zhao: “…”

Jing Li: “…”

The little fish had grown a bit recently and, like his father, loved to wander around. Qin Zhao couldn’t keep him contained all the time, so he’d prepared fish tanks and water barrels around the house.

As long as the fish didn’t venture outside, he was allowed to play around the house.

The study happened to be one of his favorite spots.

Just like Jing Li had been in the past, the little fish loved to keep Qin Zhao company as he read and wrote.

Chen Yanan tapped the side of the fish tank and muttered, “This fish is really cute, but… how does it look exactly like the one you had before?”

Realizing something, he turned to Qin Zhao. “Did you get another koi?”

Chen Yanan strode over to Qin Zhao. “I heard about you and the young master of the Gu family. No wonder you’re so lucky wherever you go — you must have a secret lucky charm!”

Qin Zhao exchanged a glance with Jing Li, who blinked innocently.

A secret charm wasn’t entirely wrong.

Chen Yanan stared at him for a moment and then, lowering his voice, asked, “Where did you get this fish? Could you get me one too?”

“…” Qin Zhao pressed his fingers to his temple and replied, “It wasn’t bought.”

Chen Yanan asked, “Then where did it come from? Did it just swim into your house on its own?”

With a straight face, Qin Zhao said, “Yes, it swam here on its own.”

Chen Yanan looked as though he was questioning reality. Without missing a beat, Qin Zhao picked up the tank, fish and all, and carried it out of the study.

The gentle swaying of the water woke the little fish, and Jing Li tapped it on the head, “You little rascal. I told you to transform, but you just keep causing trouble.”

“Don’t rush him,” Qin Zhao said, carrying the tank back to the bedroom and transferring the little fish to its original tank. “Last time, you kept urging, and I almost missed his birth. I don’t want to miss it this time.”

He reached his hand into the water, stroking the little fish’s head gently. “Promise your dad not to transform all of a sudden. Wait until I’m back to watch, alright?”

The little fish seemed to understand and nodded slightly.

Three days later, on the fourth day of the eighth lunar month, the academy exam officially began.