Ch 88: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

On the day of the county examination, Jing Li did not go along but saw Qin Zhao and Chen Yanan off at the door.

“I’ll be waiting for you at home,” Jing Li said, tying a scented sachet at Qin Zhao’s waist. While no one was watching, he stole a quick kiss from him.

Qin Zhao chuckled. “They’ll take it off for inspection soon enough.”

“At least wear it for part of the way,” Jing Li replied.

The sachet had been prepared by Qin Zhao a few days earlier, filled with herbs, spices, and some freshly dried osmanthus flowers from Jing Li. The scent was subtle and refreshing, helping to calm the mind.

Chen Yanan couldn’t stand it and grumbled, “You two have been together for so long, yet you’re still so mushy.”

Jing Li raised his eyebrows, unbothered by the hint of jealousy in Chen Yanan’s words, and turned to ask, “Did you bring your sachet?”

“Yes, yes, I brought it,” Chen Yanan said. “But why are we even wearing these things? It feels more like we’re off to a temple fair than an exam.”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Qin Zhao replied calmly.

Then Qin Zhao leaned down, planted a gentle kiss on Jing Li’s lips, and said, “See you tomorrow night. Take care at home.”

“Got it,” Jing Li replied. “Good luck! I’ll be waiting for you to come back with top honors.”

Qin Zhao smiled confidently. “Naturally.”

Chen Yanan: “…”

These people never considered his feelings at all!

People who are both brilliant and have a partner are just so annoying!

After saying goodbye to Jing Li, the two arrived at the exam venue on time to wait for their names to be called and for the identity checks.

From a distance, they saw He Zhixing and his fellow classmate. Both parties nodded to each other across the crowd as a form of greeting.

Their mutual guarantor, Yan Xiu, hadn’t been seen yet, but he was always diligent about the imperial exams, so he’d surely arrive on time.

The street was packed with people, so Qin Zhao led Chen Yanan to stand by the roadside. After all, the name-calling official had a loud voice, and they could hear him from a distance.

What Qin Zhao didn’t know was that on the second floor of a nearby teahouse, two men were seated, sipping tea and watching.

“They’ll be here for sure. You’ll see him as soon as they start calling names. Why are you so impatient?” One of the two men, around forty years old, was rather slim and dressed in an official’s robe.

This was the Prefect of Jiangling.

Across from him was a man in luxurious attire, broad and stout—Gu Heng’s father, Master Gu, who had just returned from the county.

On the table in front of Gu Changzhou was a sheet of paper—Qin Zhao’s exam paper from the previous round of exams.

Gu Changzhou had been quite busy these past few months. When he received a letter from his wife, he merely thought his son had finally found a competent tutor and didn’t give it much thought. But upon returning and hearing his wife talk about it, and seeing the changes in Gu Heng, he grew curious about the young scholar everyone praised so highly.

An old friend of the Prefect, he had asked him to bring over this celebrated scholar’s exam paper for him to take a look.

One look, and he noticed something peculiar.

The handwriting on this paper…

Gu Changzhou glanced at the exam paper spread on the table, feeling a layer of sweat break out on his back. His gaze turned even more urgently toward the street.

Seeing him so anxious, the Prefect stopped joking around. “Brother Gu, tell me honestly, what’s going on with this person?”

“Before listing him as the top candidate, I looked into his background,” the Prefect explained. “It’s said that a few years ago, he fled to Linxi Village during the war, gravely ill and with no memory. He only recovered last year. A person of unknown origins like this really shouldn’t be listed as the top candidate, but…”

The Prefect paused and sighed. “But his essay was truly exceptional. You know I cherish talent, and even His Majesty has said we shouldn’t let a person’s origins overshadow their abilities. That’s why I did it.”

Gu Changzhou kept silent, his gaze downcast. The Prefect continued, “And do you know? After the county examination, during the magistrate’s report, it was mentioned that someone wrote a recommendation letter for Qin Zhao. Yet I had no idea about it at all. What does that tell you? It shows that he didn’t care about the magistrate’s support nor wanted to curry favor!”

The Prefect’s tone grew a bit more intense. “I’ve seen many arrogant people, but few with such vast knowledge. Talent like his is rare!”

Gu Changzhou, slightly annoyed by his excitement, replied, “Brother Yue, what exactly are you trying to say?”

“I want you to tell me honestly, why are you looking for him? Is there any issue with him or not?” The Prefect stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes at him. “If there’s no problem with him, don’t you dare try to steal him from me—I won’t give him up.”

Gu Changzhou: “…”

Gu Changzhou replied calmly, “Brother Yue, think about it rationally. This man didn’t even bother with the magistrate’s recommendation.”

“If this essay isn’t just a fluke, he has the ability to rise all the way to the capital. Do you really think he’d be interested in staying in our small prefecture?”

The Prefect, displeased, placed his teacup on the table with a thud. “You’re annoying with your words.”

Gu Changzhou chuckled softly. “Don’t worry; there’s nothing wrong with him. It’s just…”

His gaze shifted to the bustling crowd on the street, and he spoke slowly, “I feel he resembles an old friend. I just wanted to confirm it.”

The Prefect asked, “He lives in the prefectural city. Why don’t you just go to his home?”

Gu Changzhou shook his head. “It’s inconvenient.”

The Prefect wanted to ask more, but the sound of drums and gongs rose from the street as the officials began calling names.

The students whose names were called stepped forward one by one, guided by the officials into a small room nearby for identity checks.

—”Qin Zhao!”

Gu Changzhou held his breath as he gazed at the crowd. The name had gained some fame in the prefectural city, and those who heard it couldn’t help but look around, eager to see the person behind it.

Soon, a slender man dressed in a scholar’s robe stepped forward from the roadside.

“There, is that the person you’re looking for?” The Prefect, who had met Qin Zhao at the last county exam, pointed him out to Gu Changzhou.

But even without the Prefect’s guidance, Gu Changzhou spotted him immediately.

The reason was simple—Qin Zhao’s demeanor was strikingly different from everyone around him.

Even from this distance, and even seeing only his profile, Gu Changzhou could sense the unique aura Qin Zhao exuded: refined, noble, and serene.

Yet, this aura was vastly different from what he had imagined.

Could it really be him?

Gu Changzhou stared at that figure for a long time, unable to look away.

From this angle, he couldn’t see Qin Zhao’s features clearly. However, the person Gu Changzhou remembered wasn’t this thin, nor… this peaceful.

When Gu Changzhou first met that person, he was young and not yet in a position of great power. Like all sons from noble families, he was proud, flamboyant, and brimming with sharp confidence.

But now, this person…

Was too calm.

All the edges and brilliance seemed smoothed away, faded. He had been worn down by life, struggling just to make a living.

“I want to meet him,” Gu Changzhou said, finally looking away, his expression slightly weary. “After the county examination, find an excuse for me to see him, but don’t make it seem like he’s being singled out. And don’t say it’s me who wants to meet him.”

The Prefect, knowing Gu Changzhou for years, immediately understood what he meant.

Not singling Qin Zhao out meant he shouldn’t be invited alone, nor should it be under Gu Changzhou’s name.

“I understand, leave it to me,” the Prefect replied. “Provided he comes out as the top candidate again this time.”

“He will,” Gu Changzhou said, watching that figure move to the front and follow the official into the examination shed. “…if he really is the one.”

The county examination, spanning two days and a night, allowed candidates to bring more items than usual, though everything still required inspection.

Qin Zhao was well-prepared. His sachet wasn’t sealed but fastened with a looped button. Once the officials inspected its contents, he could easily put the sachet back together with the spices.

Inside the examination hall, Chen Yanan still didn’t understand why Qin Zhao had insisted he bring a sachet. He tossed it into his small bamboo basket and ignored it.

That is, until an hour into the exam.

During the last county exam in April, the weather was cool, and no one noticed any issues. But now it was August, the hall was poorly ventilated, and before long, the air inside became unbearable.

Feeling dizzy from the overwhelming stench, Chen Yanan fumbled through his basket, grabbed the sachet, took a few deep breaths, and promptly hung it at his waist.

The fresh fragrance of herbs and spices gradually filled his examination cubicle, allowing Chen Yanan to finally regain his focus. A newfound sense of admiration arose in him.

As expected of Qin Zhao.

Since early submission was not allowed in the county exam, it wasn’t until dusk on the second day that Qin Zhao left the examination hall along with the crowd.

The area outside was crowded. Qin Zhao had previously arranged with Chen Yanan that if they couldn’t find each other, they would meet at home. Just as he was about to head in that direction, he heard someone call out, “Brother Qin, over here!”

It was Chen Yanan’s voice.

Standing by the roadside, Chen Yanan energetically waved at Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao walked over. “You seem quite refreshed?”

“All thanks to your sachet, Brother Qin,” Chen Yanan replied. “I just ran into He Zhixing—he said he was kept awake all night by the smell in there and felt groggy all day, then asked me how I managed to stay so energized.”

Qin Zhao asked, “Did you tell him?”

“Of course not—let him stew a bit,” Chen Yanan laughed. “Serves him right for not coming to the prefecture sooner and missing out on something good from Brother Qin.”

Ignoring his flattery, Qin Zhao pulled him along to head home.

After two days apart, he missed his little husband.

However, his little husband wasn’t waiting by the door this time. When Qin Zhao and Chen Yanan pushed open the courtyard gate, they were greeted by the rich aroma of food filling the yard.

Qin Zhao raised an eyebrow, leading Chen Yanan through the yard and into the main room.

The table was laden with dishes, and Jing Li was setting out the bowls and chopsticks. Hearing them, he turned and said, “You’re back.”

Qin Zhao glanced at the table and immediately understood. “You bought this from Zhenweizhai at the street corner.”

He had suspected as much; even after two days apart, his little husband wasn’t likely to cook so many dishes.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Jing Li murmured, “I couldn’t have you cooking after just getting back—that would be too late.”

The food provided in the exam hall was just steamed buns and water, so Chen Yanan was starving. He reached for a scallion pancake on the plate, but Jing Li slapped his hand away. “Go take a bath and change your clothes first—you two smell terrible!”

The scent of the sachets didn’t last forever and had mostly faded by now. The two of them now smelled like a mix of lingering fragrance and the sweat from the examination hall, creating a rather unpleasant combination.

Jing Li wouldn’t even let Qin Zhao hug him, keeping a strict face as he shooed the two smelly men out of the house.

Later that night, after finishing dinner and soaking in a hot bath to relax, Qin Zhao finally returned to the bedroom.

The little fish fry in the tank wagged its tail at him.

This little creature was, for once, miraculously well-behaved, not surprising him with any antics during his absence—a delightful surprise indeed.

Qin Zhao reached into the water, and the little fish fry happily swam in circles around his fingers.

“Did you miss me?” Qin Zhao asked gently. “Daddy missed you too.”

Jing Li had already climbed into bed, watching Qin Zhao play with the little fish fry for a while. After he murmured something softly to it, he finally walked over to the bed.

Qin Zhao pulled him into his arms and asked, “What were you saying to him just now?”

“I told him that tonight, you’re mine, and he should sleep peacefully without disturbing us.” Qin Zhao chuckled. “Not bothered by my smell anymore?”

Qin Zhao had just bathed, and his body carried only a faint scent of soap and herbs.

Jing Li buried his head in his chest. “You’re full of energy, but I couldn’t sleep at all last night.”

“Worried about me?”

Jing Li shook his head.

“Then you must’ve missed me.” Qin Zhao pulled the thin blanket over him, tucking Jing Li in carefully and gently patting his back. “The little fish no longer needs me to coax it to sleep—someone else should reflect on that.”

Jing Li murmured something under his breath, and drowsiness quickly overtook him as he drifted off in the familiar embrace.

The county exam results would be released in three days. During these days, Chen Yanan continued staying at Qin Zhao’s house, helping to dry osmanthus flowers and clean the courtyard.

On the morning of the third day, after sweeping the front yard and the veranda with Qin Zhao, Chen Yanan put the broom in the corner and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “This courtyard is so big—you really should hire someone.”

Qin Zhao nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it.”

Previously, with a smaller house, Qin Zhao could easily keep it clean in his free time. But now, with a larger residence—yard, rooms, hallways, plants—each part required care.

If he cleaned everything himself, it would take almost half a day.

However, hiring servants in the prefectural city wasn’t cheap, and with his debts still unpaid, he couldn’t afford to consider it for now.

“I heard some poor families in the outer city sell girls or gers at low prices. You might want to take a look,” Chen Yanan suggested.

Jing Li, carrying a tray of freshly steamed buns, paused momentarily.

He had heard Qin Zhao mention that in this era, some families who couldn’t afford to raise their children would sell them as maidservants or concubines for wealthier households.

Now faced with the reality, he found it difficult to accept.

After all, that was human trafficking.

Noticing Jing Li’s reaction, Qin Zhao changed the subject. “Let’s talk about this later. For now, have something to eat, and we should be heading out.”

“Oh, right!” Chen Yanan remembered that today was the day the results were posted, and they needed to go to the prefectural office to check the list.

The three of them entered the main room together, and the little fish swam around in its tank, eagerly awaiting feeding.

Qin Zhao was about to feed it when Chen Yanan quickly stopped him. “No, don’t! Let me do it!”

Chen Yanan firmly believed that, like the koi before it, the little fish could bring good fortune. Not only did he rush to play with it every morning, but he also insisted on feeding it at every meal, hoping it would bless him.

At first, Jing Li was hesitant about letting him handle it, but after observing him for a couple of days and confirming that Chen Yanan wasn’t feeding it bait or worms, he finally allowed him to take over caring for the little creature.

The little fish seemed to like him too.

Chen Yanan carefully tore the steamed bun into small pieces and fed it bit by bit, watching as the little fish’s cheeks puffed up with food. He sighed, “Now I understand why you like keeping fish. This little one is so cute! Can’t you give it to me? I’d even pay for it.”

Qin Zhao: “…”

Qin Zhao replied, “No way.”

He wasn’t about to sell his “child.”

“I’d sooner sell you than give it away,” Jing Li huffed, snatching the bun from Chen Yanan’s hand. “No more feeding it for you.”

“Oh, come on, Sister-in-law! Just a little longer,” Chen Yanan pleaded, reaching for the bun. “The results are about to be posted. I desperately need its blessing!”

As the two continued bickering, the little fish opened its mouth, its head following the bun’s movement from side to side.

In a sudden burst of impatience, it flapped its fins and slapped its tail forcefully, leaping right out of the tank to snatch the small piece of bun from Jing Li’s hand.

The little fish fell to the floor with a soft plop and swallowed the bun in a few bites.

Qin Zhao, being the closest, chuckled and was just about to bend down and pick it up when he froze.

A faint red glow suddenly enveloped the little fish’s body.

The light grew stronger, soon covering the entire fish. When the glow faded, there, on the floor, lay a chubby, fair-skinned baby.