Ch 96: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

Xiao Yue was a man whose family had served in the military for generations. He achieved great things at a young age, joining the army at fifteen and leading troops by eighteen. From then on, he won battle after battle, earning fame as the renowned young general.

At twenty-one, Xiao Yue took full command of the military, and the late emperor conferred upon him the title of Protector General.

Even before the Prince Rong came to power, Xiao Yue had already established himself as a highly accomplished general.

It was precisely because of this reputation that he dared to openly oppose the imperial court. For five years, he guarded the frontier and never returned even once.

Likewise, his command over a large military force made the court wary of him. Recently, the emperor had sent multiple decrees, summoning him back to the capital for a meeting.

It was clear to all that these summons were a prelude to the emperor consolidating his rule and beginning to strip the general of his military authority.

Each time, Xiao Yue declined the summons, citing pressing military affairs or border instability. The court, in response, did not push further.

Of course, the court had means to force his return. The frontier army relied on grain and supplies transported from the heartlands, and cutting off resources would be the simplest method.

But no one dared to go that far.

The reason was simple: Xiao Yue was arrogant and unruly by nature, unwilling to submit to authority. Even the late emperor and the regent had been unable to control him—what could the current emperor, barely in his twenties, hope to achieve?

Thus, a precarious balance was maintained between the two sides, teetering on the edge, awaiting the slightest trigger to break it.

—At least, that was how outsiders saw it.

Gu Changzhou’s desire to align himself with Xiao Yue was rooted in this very dynamic.

But in Qin Zhao’s eyes, if Gu Changzhou truly pursued this, he would only bring trouble upon himself.

Not to mention that Xiao Yue detested being manipulated or commanded by others. His family had been loyal for three generations and would never rebel on someone else’s whim.

“So, sir, are you suggesting we avoid contact with General Xiao?” Ah Qi asked.

“No,” Qin Zhao replied calmly. “What I mean is that Gu Changzhou cannot accomplish this, and I must handle it myself.”

Ah Qi was stunned. “But your health…”

“You sound just like my husband,” Qin Zhao said with a faint smile. “I’ve already told you, I’ve long since… cough cough…”

The study door had been left slightly ajar, and a gust of cold wind swept in. Qin Zhao inhaled sharply and began coughing violently.

Ah Qi hurried to close the door and poured him a glass of water to help him recover.

After a while, Qin Zhao finally calmed down. He took a sip of warm water and glanced outside the room. “Is my husband not home?”

“Not at home. He went out half an hour ago, saying he needed to buy something,” Ah Qi replied. “The young master is napping in his room.”

Qin Zhao relaxed. “That’s good.”

If Jing Li overheard him coughing, he would undoubtedly insist on confining him to the room. Worse still, the little fish fry had recently learned how to tattle. Whenever Jing Li wasn’t around, the little fry would be left to watch over Qin Zhao. The moment he heard a cough, the little one would run to Jing Li, mimicking him with two tiny hands over his mouth.

The inevitable result? Qin Zhao would end up grounded.

At this point, it was unclear who was truly the head of the household.

Ah Qi tentatively suggested, “Sir, you should prioritize your health.”

“Don’t worry, I know my limits. Ah Qi, you’re getting more long-winded,” Qin Zhao said with a chuckle before asking, “By the way, has my husband been going out frequently? Did he mention what he’s been busy with?”

Ah Qi shook his head. “Should I have someone follow him discreetly?”

“No need.”

Qin Zhao had no intention of restricting Jing Li’s movements, let alone having him followed. Whatever that little fish was up to lately, Qin Zhao trusted it wouldn’t be anything problematic.

In a family, trust should go both ways.

“What’s Gu Changzhou’s plan to approach General Xiao?”

“Military supplies,” Ah Qi answered.

Qin Zhao immediately understood and smiled. Of course, the army didn’t just rely on food. Clothing and other essentials were also indispensable.

The uniforms and bedding sent to the front lines were always supplied by Jiangling Weaving and Textile Mill, which held the title of imperial merchant.

Gu Changzhou’s plan to invite General Xiao under the guise of Jiangling’s name to discuss military supplies was indeed an excellent excuse.

“And the time?” Qin Zhao asked.

“Three days from now, at Wangjiang Tower.”

Qin Zhao thought for a moment and nodded. “Got it. I’ll go. Inform—”

“Where are you planning to go this time?”

Jing Li pushed open the door, and a gust of cold wind followed him in. Qin Zhao turned his head and coughed lightly.

Jing Li quickly closed the door, then strode over to him. “I told you not to come to the study. If you want to read something, Ah Qi and I can read it to you.”

Qin Zhao shook his head and gestured to Ah Qi. “You may go.”

Ah Qi bowed to the two of them and left the study.

Jing Li poured him a cup of water. When Qin Zhao tried to pull him closer, Jing Li dodged. “I’m cold. Don’t let me pass the chill to you.”

He was wearing a bright red cloak embroidered with white plum blossoms, trimmed with soft fur along the collar. The effect was lively and charming.

Jing Li removed the cloak, pulled up a stool, and sat by the brazier. “Now tell me, what were you discussing with Ah Qi just now? Where do you think you’re going this time?”

“Just out for a meal with someone.”

Jing Li frowned. “Who’s the thoughtless person trying to drag you out for socializing again?”

Qin Zhao was well-known in the city, and even though he had been unwell and staying home for the past few months, there were always a couple of people clueless enough to invite him out. Almost all of these invitations had been politely declined under the pretense of illness.

But this time, Qin Zhao didn’t decline.

“Is it that important?” Jing Li asked.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”

Qin Zhao wasn’t exaggerating. If he missed this opportunity to meet Xiao Yue, whether the man returned to the border or headed to the capital, meeting him again would be as difficult as climbing to the heavens.

Jing Li warmed himself by the brazier before walking over to Qin Zhao, letting himself be pulled into his embrace. “Then go,” he said.

Qin Zhao smiled. “You’re not going to lock me up?”

“If you really wanted to go, who could stop you?” Jing Li looked up at him and murmured softly, “I know you’ve been working on something else lately. If you’ve already made up your mind, it must be important. Go ahead, I won’t stop you.”

Qin Zhao froze. “Xiao Yu…”

He hadn’t expected Jing Li to say that.

When Jing Li had first pieced together his identity, he hadn’t immediately confronted Qin Zhao about it. Back then, Qin Zhao himself didn’t have all his memories and hadn’t dared to reveal the truth for fear of worrying Jing Li. Now that more memories had returned, his concerns had only grown.

He worried Jing Li might be scared, anxious, or worse—dragged into unnecessary trouble.

So he hadn’t dared to say anything, nor had he found the right moment to do so.

But Jing Li trusted him unconditionally.

Qin Zhao pressed a soft kiss to Jing Li’s cool forehead and said in a low voice, “It’s just dinner. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry.”

“Alright. I’ll leave the door unlocked for you,” Jing Li replied.

Qin Zhao smiled and nodded. As he absentmindedly rubbed Jing Li’s fingers, he suddenly recalled what Ah Qi had mentioned earlier—that Jing Li had gone out to buy something.

But he’d come back empty-handed.

“Where did you go earlier?” Qin Zhao asked.

Jing Li stiffened, hesitating before stammering, “I-I went to the bookstore.”

“Buying storybooks again?”

Qin Zhao didn’t find Jing Li’s reaction suspicious.

Life in the city wasn’t as busy as in the village. When Jing Li had free time, he liked reading storybooks, and Qin Zhao often noticed new ones appearing on the bookshelf in the study.

Qin Zhao had warned him a few times, worried that his obsession might influence the little fry someday.

“And where’s the book you bought? Let me see it,” Qin Zhao said.

“I didn’t buy one,” Jing Li replied. “I just asked when they’re releasing new ones. I’ve already read all the ones on the market.”

“You sound so proud.” Qin Zhao pinched his cheek lightly and asked, “And that story you were telling me last time? No updates on that either?”

“No, and I’ve been wanting to read it,” Jing Li replied, irritated as he brought up the topic. “The bookstore is so slow with publishing. I’ve followed up with them several times, and clearly—”

He abruptly stopped mid-sentence.

Qin Zhao asked, “Clearly what?”

“Clearly… the first volume came out in September, and now it’s already past the New Year, but the second volume is nowhere to be seen.” Jing Li paused briefly before wriggling out of Qin Zhao’s arms. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. I’m going to check if Yu Zai is awake. If he wakes up and finds no one nearby, he’ll run all over the place looking for us.”

With that, he hurried out of the study, his retreating figure carrying a hint of guilt.

Qin Zhao frowned suspiciously.

…

Three days later, Qin Zhao arrived as promised at Wangjiang Tower.

He didn’t have Ah Qi openly accompany him but instructed him to remain hidden. In truth, Ah Qi much preferred and was better suited to staying in the shadows than being out in the open.

As Qin Zhao reached the entrance of Wangjiang Tower, he heard the sound of wheels behind him.

It was the Gu family’s carriage.

Qin Zhao stepped aside to make way, and the carriage stopped in front of the building.

Gu Changzhou, supported by a family servant, alighted from the carriage. Qin Zhao greeted him politely with a bow. “Master Gu.”

During Qin Zhao’s visits to the Gu residence, Gu Changzhou usually avoided meeting him directly, and even when they did meet, their interactions were brief to avoid arousing suspicion. This was their first encounter in a public setting.

Gu Changzhou’s expression stiffened slightly as he gave a curt “Hmm” and said, “Let’s head inside.”

Qin Zhao’s presence here was somewhat unusual but not entirely inexplicable. Known for his talents and as a tutor for the Gu family, it wasn’t out of place for him to assist Master Gu with some matters. Unexpected yet reasonable.

As a result, when the staff at Wangjiang Tower saw Gu Changzhou entering with Qin Zhao, they were only mildly surprised and didn’t think much of it.

Wangjiang Tower was built by the water, with several decorated boats docked along the shore. The attendant led them to the largest boat, where the clear sound of a pipa echoed. A few songstresses were playing melodies onboard.

Inside the boat, several people were already present.

This meeting was ostensibly to discuss business with General Xiao, so it was expected that it wouldn’t just be Gu Changzhou and Xiao Yue in attendance. Most of the people present were unfamiliar to Qin Zhao, but Gu Changzhou gave him a brief introduction. They were mainly managers from Jiangling Weaving and Textile Mill or wealthy merchants from the city.

Qin Zhao, being a well-known figure in the city, was recognized by most of the attendees. After exchanging a few pleasantries, everyone took their seats.

Before long, a servant’s voice was heard from outside the boat. “This way, please.”

At these words, the previously chatting crowd fell silent, all eyes turning toward the entrance. The curtain of the boat was lifted, and a tall man in black strode in.

He wore a finely embroidered robe, yet unlike the typical wealthy young masters, he bore no accessories—not even a weapon.

Yet the moment he entered, the sheer force of his presence left everyone in the room momentarily breathless.

It was a ferocity honed through countless battles and soaked in blood, an aura of ruthless aggression that could only come from the battlefield.

Among the crowd, only Qin Zhao remained unhurried, calmly lifting his teacup to take a sip.

Seated slightly further inside, Qin Zhao didn’t immediately draw Xiao Yue’s attention. In fact, Xiao Yue barely looked at anyone in the room. Behind him, several subordinates followed him in.

These were the officials responsible for the military supplies negotiations with Gu Changzhou.

Originally, General Xiao wasn’t supposed to attend today’s meeting. However, just a few days prior, a message from his camp announced that he would also be joining.

Only Qin Zhao understood that this was all orchestrated by Gu Changzhou.

The rest of the people on the boat snapped out of their daze and hurriedly stood to greet Xiao Yue. He raised a hand to stop them. “No need for formalities. Everyone, take your seats.”

With that, he nonchalantly picked an empty seat and sat down.

And it happened to be directly across from Qin Zhao.

Xiao Yue wasn’t particularly old, appearing just over thirty. His sharp features matched the intense aura he carried. He had sword-like brows, bright eyes, and deeply chiseled features. At the end of one eyebrow was a faint scar from an old wound.

Someone like him would probably make passersby instinctively avoid him on the street, let alone sit at the same table.

The atmosphere at the table grew tense. Two elderly merchants were already discreetly wiping sweat from their foreheads. Xiao Yue, however, seemed relaxed. He smiled faintly and said, “Don’t mind me. Just carry on with your discussions—I’m only here to—”

As he spoke, his gaze swept quickly over the group—until it landed on Qin Zhao.

His voice abruptly stopped.

Everyone could feel the oppressive air around Xiao Yue intensify in that moment.

Xiao Yue’s eyes locked onto Qin Zhao, his jaw clenched tight. Those sharp eyes, honed by years of warfare, seemed to darken, and faint traces of red appeared in his gaze.

Qin Zhao met his stare calmly.

A moment later, the oppressive aura dissipated. Xiao Yue withdrew his gaze and said coldly, “I’m just here to observe. Don’t mind me.”

…

Thandar: Maybe Jing Li is writing novels and selling them?