Ch 90: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

Qin Zhao personally escorted the yamen officer out. By then, the crowd gathered at the door had dispersed entirely. Jing Li was sweeping up the remains of firecracker fragments from the doorway.

Qin Zhao also grabbed a broom from the corner and joined him in sweeping.

“Where’s Chen Yanan?” Qin Zhao asked.

Jing Li replied, “He went to the government office to check the exam rankings. This morning’s been a mess, and he still doesn’t know if he passed.”

Qin Zhao nodded and asked again, “He didn’t say anything to you?”

“Say what?”

“…Nothing.”

Looks like that kid knows how to assess the situation.

Talking about a childhood betrothal in front of Qin Zhao was one thing, but if he actually dared to mention it to Jing Li, he’d definitely have to bear the consequences.

Jing Li straightened up and asked, “Aren’t you curious about how I dealt with those matchmakers?”

Qin Zhao hadn’t given it a second thought. Only when Jing Li mentioned it did he remember and asked, “What did you do?”

“I told the matchmakers that my husband and I are deeply in love, leaving no room for others. Anyone entering our household could only be a concubine or servant, serving humbly.” Jing Li winked at him with a proud smile. “Then they all fled.”

Most of the ladies who could bring in matchmakers were from prestigious families, or at least had decent looks. None would want to lower themselves beneath a Shuang’er main wife and become a mere concubine.

Qin Zhao chuckled, “Aren’t you worried people might gossip?”

“Let them talk; it’s the truth,” Jing Li said. “I’m just possessive and can’t stand anyone setting their sights on you.”

Qin Zhao finished sweeping the last bits of fragments, took the broom from Jing Li’s hand, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Understood, my dear.”

This round of county exams admitted forty people, and Chen Yanan was lucky enough to rank thirty-sixth. However, He Zhixing and his classmates weren’t as fortunate and failed to make the list, meaning they’d have to wait another year.

They were mentally prepared for this and weren’t disappointed. Given the short preparation time, they participated mainly to acclimate to the examination setting without high expectations. Failing to pass wasn’t a big deal.

As for Chen Yanan, he attributed his success entirely to the little fish fry’s blessing. That very day, he bought a heap of toys and clothes for the baby and even commissioned a rocking cradle.

“This is to fulfill a vow,” Chen Yanan said earnestly in a hushed voice, looking at the little one sleeping soundly in the cradle. “I even made another wish. If I treat him well, he might just help me fulfill it—or rather, he must help me fulfill it.”

Jing Li didn’t need Chen Yanan to spell it out; he already knew what wish was in his heart.

This guy had been secretly in love with A Yi for over a year, waiting for the chance to pass the scholar exams so he could go back and propose.

But seeing how he was, Jing Li doubted if he would actually have the courage to bring it up.

“Remember to convince your mother first when you get back,” Jing Li reminded Chen Yanan, unable to hold back as he watched him prepare to leave.

Chen Yanan’s mother was a strong-willed woman, and whether she would accept him marrying a shuang’er was still uncertain.

Jing Li was truly worried that A Yi might face mistreatment if he were to join their family.

“I know, that’s exactly why I’m going back to talk to her,” Chen Yanan replied. “Don’t worry, I won’t let A Yi be bullied.”

Jing Li was a bit surprised.

When he had first met this chubby boy, he had been impulsive and willful. It was unexpected how much he had matured over the past year.

…And he had also slimmed down quite a bit.

Chen Yanan seemed to sense what Jing Li was thinking and grinned. “I’m the second scholar in our village now, have a little faith in me.”

Qin Zhao added, “Third.”

“…” Chen Yanan conceded, “Alright, third, still not bad. There aren’t that many scholars in the whole county.”

The boat back to town slowly docked, and the boatman helped Chen Yanan load his luggage. Chen Yanan asked, “Brother Qin, are you really not going back to the village?”

Qin Zhao shook his head. “I’m staying in the city to prepare for next year’s provincial exams.”

“Not just the provincial exams, right?” Chen Yanan raised an eyebrow knowingly and, feigning sorrow, said, “Ah, I’d better try to curry favor now, or in two years, when Brother Qin becomes the top scorer, I’ll be unworthy to associate with him.”

Qin Zhao chuckled. “Get on the boat, will you?”

After seeing Chen Yanan off, Qin Zhao held his child and took his husband’s hand as they got into the carriage heading back to the inner city.

As soon as they boarded, the little fish fry eagerly waved his arms, asking Qin Zhao to lift the curtain.

Today, he wore the little outfit Chen Yanan had given him—a soft, light pink top with two gold-thread embroidered fish at the collar, lively and true to his original fish form.

The little one leaned out the window, looking outside, and began to giggle, babbling endlessly at whatever he saw.

—Ever since he discovered he could make sounds, this little one had hardly stayed quiet for a moment.

The little fish fry was adorable, like a porcelain doll, drawing the attention of many passersby who peeked curiously into the carriage.

If counted from the day he broke out of his egg, he was only three months old, yet he was clearly growing faster and was much more lively than other children his age.

While most three-month-olds could barely move their heads or fingers, this little one could freely wave his arms, sit up briefly, and even roll over with his father’s help.

Though, he wasn’t quite as agile as he had been as a fish.

Back then, he could hop and jump all around, even managing to leap from the bedroom to the study on his own. Now, he couldn’t even walk and had to rely on his two fathers to carry him everywhere.

But the little fish fry seemed to prefer the feeling of being human.

At first, Jing Li found it novel when the fry turned into a human. Later, though, he started to resent the little rascal constantly clinging to them, leaving no time for them to be alone. Qin Zhao coaxed the little fish fry to turn back into a fish and sleep in the tank at night.

Yet, this little one refused to listen and, several times, hopped onto the bed in the middle of the night, transforming back into human form. No amount of coaxing would work, so they simply had to accept it.

“He just likes being held by you,” Jing Li muttered, pinching the fry’s chubby little hand.

“I don’t think that’s it.”

Qin Zhao held the warm, soft body close and said gently, “He just wants to be like us.”

Because his fathers were both in human form, he wanted to become human faster.

…

A few days later, on the morning of the 14th of August, a carriage was waiting at their doorstep, ready to leave the city.

Jing Li, while fastening the sleepy fish fry’s coat buttons, asked nervously, “Are we really going, with the baby?”

“I’ll be gone for three days; can you bear not seeing me for that long?” Qin Zhao was already dressed. Seeing Jing Li’s hair still loose, he led him to the dressing table. “And it’s a hot spring resort. Don’t you want to have some fun?”

Jing Li murmured, “I do want to…”

But this was an event organized by the magistrate, with well-known scholars from the city attending. Jing Li had never been to such a gathering and felt a bit intimidated.

“Don’t worry, I’m here with you.” Qin Zhao tied up his hair, inserting a wooden hairpin carved into the shape of a fish, and said softly, “My husband looks so beautiful—what’s there to worry about?”

While the words were reassuring, an hour later, as they rode into the mountains and saw several carriages parked outside the hot spring resort, along with officers stationed at the entrance, Jing Li couldn’t help but feel his legs go weak.

As Qin Zhao, holding the baby, prepared to step out of the carriage, Jing Li grabbed his arm. “What if I say something wrong…”

“You won’t,” Qin Zhao replied, holding his hand. “If you’re really nervous, just hold me tighter.”

The hot spring resort was nestled deep in the mountains outside the city, surrounded by peaks, with no trace of the city in sight.

A greeter waited at the resort entrance. Qin Zhao presented their invitation, and after examining it closely, the greeter bowed. “Ah, it’s Master Qin, the recently acclaimed top scholar. We’ve been expecting you.”

Qin Zhao returned the bow.

“My surname is Liu, and I’m the steward here. If you need anything, please just let me know.” Steward Liu personally led Qin Zhao inside, smiling as he said, “Who would have thought that, at such a young age, Master Qin would already have a wife and child? I’m afraid many hearts will be broken.”

Qin Zhao’s reputation had recently soared, not only due to his scholarly achievements but also because of his handsome looks.

Previously, few people knew Qin Zhao, but after his success, many flocked to his doorstep, catching glimpses of him. His talent was one thing, but with his striking appearance, word spread quickly, and his fame grew.

Qin Zhao tightened his grip on Jing Li’s hand and calmly replied, “The steward jests.”

His stance was unmistakable.

Steward Liu wisely fell silent.

The hot spring resort was built along the mountainside. Steward Liu led them up a stone-paved path, through a bamboo grove, and suddenly, the view opened up before them.

They arrived at a courtyard halfway up the mountain, with several open-air hot spring pools. Standing at the edge, they could see the misty valley stretching out in the distance.

“This courtyard is secluded, so you’ll be staying here for the next three days,” Steward Liu said. “Everything you’ll need has already been prepared in the house. Servants are stationed nearby, so if anything is lacking, just call out.”

Qin Zhao replied, “Thank you.”

Steward Liu continued, “This evening, the magistrate will host a banquet in the main hall. Someone will come to call for you, so please don’t miss the time.”

Qin Zhao nodded in acknowledgment.

After Steward Liu departed, Jing Li finally released Qin Zhao’s hand and carried the little fry inside.

The courtyard had two rooms—one was a bedroom, and the other a bath area, complete with several hot spring pools. Both indoor and outdoor arrangements were thoughtfully prepared.

“This place is amazing.”

Qin Zhao walked into the bedroom to find the big and small figures sprawled on the bed in the same pose. Jing Li sighed, “The magistrate must be wealthy, inviting us to such a fine place and letting us stay in such luxurious accommodations.”

Qin Zhao placed the clothes they’d brought into the wardrobe and replied calmly, “They say the magistrate of Jiangling is known for his integrity. This doesn’t seem like his style.”

Jing Li blinked, looking up at the wooden beams. “Then who invited us?”

Qin Zhao didn’t answer.

He glanced out the window, where the afternoon sun shone warmly, breaking through the clouds.

With a soft laugh, Qin Zhao replied, “We’ll find out tonight.”

Jing Li soon discovered the joys of the hot spring resort.

Their courtyard was very private, with a secluded path that few knew about. A bit further up, they could reach the mountaintop, offering an incredible, undisturbed view.

Jing Li didn’t rush to soak in the hot spring. Instead, he pulled Qin Zhao up to the summit. They sat on a large rock, enjoying the cool autumn breeze and eating the pastries Qin Zhao had arranged for them. Without noticing, they spent most of the afternoon there.

As the sun set in the distance, the little fish cub had long fallen asleep in Qin Zhao’s arms.

Leaning against Qin Zhao’s shoulder, Jing Li looked at him with a smile and said, “Beautiful scenery and a beautiful person—yet it feels like something’s missing.”

Qin Zhao asked, “What’s missing?”

“Good wine.”

Qin Zhao: “…”

He hadn’t forgotten what happened the last time this person drank.

His smile fading slightly, Qin Zhao said flatly, “Don’t even think about it.”

“Stingy.” Jing Li scoffed, brushing the dust off his clothes as he stood up. “It’s almost time; we should head down the mountain.”

After all, it was the magistrate’s banquet—they couldn’t afford to be late.

The two prepared to return to their room to change clothes, but as they reached the courtyard, they saw a young attendant waiting at the entrance. “My master would like to speak with Master Qin alone.”

Qin Zhao exchanged a glance with Jing Li and asked, “Your master?”

“Yes,” the attendant replied. “My master is waiting inside and requests that Master Qin enter alone.”

Jing Li frowned. “But isn’t the magistrate supposed to—”

“Xiao Yu.” Qin Zhao interrupted him, passing the sleeping baby in his arms to Jing Li. “It’s fine. I’ll go in and have a look. Wait for me here.”

Jing Li felt an inexplicable sense of unease but could only nod. “Alright, I understand.”

The attendant stepped aside, and Qin Zhao entered the courtyard.

The main door of the house was open, and a figure stood inside, facing away from him. Only when he heard Qin Zhao’s footsteps did the person turn around.

It was not the magistrate.

Qin Zhao looked at the man’s face, slowly stepped into the room, and closed the door behind him. “I was just wondering how you would arrange to meet me. I didn’t expect such… an extravagant approach.”

“My husband does cling to me quite a bit, so it’s hard for you to find a chance to meet with me alone. Nothing could be done about that.”

Qin Zhao chuckled softly. “It’s been a long time, Gu Changzhou.”

With a muffled thud, the man knelt behind Qin Zhao, his voice trembling slightly. “Subordinate… pays respects to Your Highness.”