Ch 128: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

After dinner, the little fry grew tired from playing, so Jing Li took him back to the tent to sleep.

Qin Zhao, however, went back to Xiao Yue’s tent.

“Now that it’s just the two of us, can we speak openly?” Qin Zhao asked bluntly as he took the main seat without ceremony. “Did something happen in the capital?”

Xiao Yue didn’t argue and sat down on a nearby military cot. “The young emperor hasn’t attended court for two months.”

Qin Zhao nodded. “I know. It’s said he’s gravely ill and recuperating in the inner palace.”

“Do you believe that?”

“No.”

Xiao Yue sighed, his expression growing heavier. “Doesn’t this all feel familiar to you?”

It started with the emperor falling gravely ill, entrusting the governance of the court to trusted officials. Over time, the acting regents grew ambitious, forming alliances to consolidate their power.

This was exactly how the Empress’s faction had gradually dominated the court during the late emperor’s reign.

“And now it’s the Empress Dowager who has taken over,” Qin Zhao said slowly. “Recycling old tricks?”

“That’s my suspicion as well,” Xiao Yue replied. “Otherwise, why do you think I brought these few hundred men? Did you think I needed them just to help you with a trivial matter?”

Qin Zhao quipped, “I don’t mind having more people.”

Xiao Yue: “…”

“If I brought any more, this hiding spot would be blown! Besides, what do you even need so many people for? You’re not actually planning a rebellion,” Xiao Yue spat. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. You just want to make sure that if things go south, I’ll be there to protect your husband and child, right?”

“If I really got involved in such chaos, they’d go after my weak spots first,” Qin Zhao replied calmly. “I’ve learned that lesson well, which is why I came to you in the first place.”

Thinking about it, Xiao Yue felt annoyed. “I’m the mighty Grand General of National Defense, sneaking back from the border, only to be ordered around by your guards. How am I supposed to face anyone if word gets out?”

“Wrong. You’re employed by me,” Qin Zhao corrected. “Didn’t I promise you that estate outside the city?”

At the mention of the estate, Xiao Yue’s mood lightened slightly. “Still not sure if I can even get it back…”

Xiao Yue then asked, “So, are you going to tell me now? What’s your plan?”

“I want to find a way to meet the young emperor,” Qin Zhao replied.

“How?” Xiao Yue asked. “He’s withdrawn to the inner palace. Even I might not be able to see him. How will you?”

Qin Zhao appeared to have already thought this through. “Hasn’t it been three years since the emperor last visited the ancestral temple for the annual rites?”

According to tradition, the emperor was required to visit the ancestral temple in the suburbs of the capital every three years. It had been exactly three years since the last visit.

Xiao Yue smacked his forehead. “How did I forget about that?”

The ancestral rites were a significant national event, requiring the emperor’s personal attendance. However, there was a possibility the event could be postponed if the emperor was truly bedridden.

“I don’t think it will be,” Qin Zhao said. “The emperor hasn’t appeared in public for two months, which must have already caused doubts among the court officials. Whether the illness is real or fake, or there’s some hidden agenda, he’ll need to show himself to restore confidence—even if only to confirm that he’s gravely ill.”

Xiao Yue understood.

If even someone like him, stationed at the border, knew about the emperor’s absence, the court ministers in the capital must be deeply uneasy. Whether the emperor was truly incapacitated or it was part of a larger scheme, he would need to make a public appearance soon.

The ancestral rites presented the perfect opportunity.

Still, Xiao Yue hesitated. “Do you really think that just meeting the young emperor will resolve everything?”

“What I mean is…” He paused before continuing. “If it turns out that the events of that year were orchestrated by the young emperor himself, what will you do? Regicide?”

Qin Zhao didn’t rush to answer.

The late autumn in the capital was already bitterly cold, and every tent had a brazier burning inside. Qin Zhao stretched his hands toward the fire, the faint flicker of flames casting light on his finely sculpted features.

After a while, he asked softly, “Do you think the current young emperor is fit to rule?”

He still remembered when the young emperor first ascended the throne, Xiao Yue had dismissed the boy with disdain.

Xiao Yue thought for a moment before speaking frankly. “Weak-willed and lacking authority, but he hasn’t done anything particularly wrong. Except…”

Except for targeting Qin Zhao.

If it were true that the young emperor had plotted against Qin Zhao, then that would likely be the gravest mistake of his reign.

For a monarch, being soft-hearted wasn’t inherently a fault. But if he couldn’t employ capable advisors and was plagued by paranoia, it would be catastrophic for his ministers.

Xiao Yue’s initial hostility toward Prince Rong stemmed from his fear that the regent would undermine imperial power. Yet, it was clear now that Qin Zhao had no such intention. As someone who had nurtured the young emperor’s education, he should have understood this better than anyone.

Even so, he still chose to discard Qin Zhao like a spent arrow after the hunt.

How could such a ruler inspire loyalty?

If he could betray a mentor who had taught him and been unwaveringly loyal to the court, what hope did outsiders like Xiao Yue have?

Xiao Yue had always been aware of these issues but never dared to dwell on them.

Because if the young emperor was truly like this, Xiao Yue would be the one most at risk.

After all, there were already signs that the emperor wanted to strip him of his military authority.

Qin Zhao’s one question had unleashed a flood of thoughts in Xiao Yue’s mind. If his fears were true, there seemed to be only one path forward if he returned to the capital…

To raise an army in self-defense.

The moment this thought surfaced, cold sweat drenched Xiao Yue’s back. He raised his head to look at Qin Zhao, who was sitting by the table.

But the other man was merely warming his hands by the fire, quiet and calm.

Had this man foreseen everything?

Had he already calculated that if the young emperor truly stood against him, Xiao Yue’s only choice would be to join him in rebellion?

By then, it wouldn’t be Xiao Yue helping Qin Zhao but rather Qin Zhao helping Xiao Yue.

…How terrifying.

“Damn it, I think I’ve boarded your pirate ship,” Xiao Yue muttered, taking a deep breath and rubbing his face vigorously. “You conniving bastard, have you been scheming this since six months ago?”

Qin Zhao smiled faintly but didn’t deny it.

Nor did he offer a rebuttal.

Xiao Yue felt a chill run through him. This man seemed more restrained than before, even harder to read. The trials of these past years appeared to have changed him in many ways, yet Xiao Yue suddenly realized that, at his core, Qin Zhao had never truly changed.

He was still the calculating, commanding regent, Qin Shu, who held life and death in his hands.

Perhaps sensing Xiao Yue’s turmoil, Qin Zhao said, “I’ve looked into it. Among the imperial family’s collateral branches, there are a few promising young talents. With proper guidance, they could grow into capable leaders.”

“Shut up.”

Xiao Yue groaned, covering his face with both hands. “If I dare rebel, my father will break my legs and cast me out of the family. I don’t want to entertain this possibility, so stop talking about it.”

“There’s no helping it,” Qin Zhao said, his tone surprisingly gentle. “The old general will surely understand.”

When Qin Zhao spoke, his tone remained light, as if he and Xiao Yue were merely having casual post-meal chatter rather than discussing something as grave as rebellion and regicide.

Qin Zhao said, “Besides, isn’t that what I’m here for? You only need to lend me your men—you don’t need to get involved personally.”

“You’re making it sound more and more real!” Xiao Yue finally lost his temper and scolded, “In any case, everything will depend on what happens when we meet the young emperor. Let’s hope that brat has some backbone. Seriously, how can you be so cold-blooded? That boy was practically raised by you, and yet you’ve already planned your escape route after potentially killing him… Does your husband know how ruthless you are?”

Qin Zhao stared at the brazier, not even looking up. “If I were truly ruthless, I wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to come to the capital.”

If he were truly ruthless, he could have laid his cards on the table during his first meeting with Xiao Yue. He wouldn’t have needed to gather evidence or prove anything—he could have taken the throne outright.

But he didn’t want to believe it.

In the firelight, Qin Zhao’s voice remained calm. “Because I still hold onto a sliver of hope, I’m willing to give him a chance—to face me directly. But if he truly seeks to eliminate me, then it doesn’t matter who sits on the throne.”

When Qin Zhao left Xiao Yue’s tent, it was already late at night.

The campfires were dimming, and only a few soldiers on night watch remained by the flames, dozing off. Qin Zhao glanced back at the dark mountains in the distance. The woods on either side were pitch black and silent, but he knew that countless eyes in the shadows were vigilantly guarding the camp.

The Grand General of National Defense’s personal guards might not be adept at kidnapping, but they were certainly skilled at protecting people.

Qin Zhao pulled his cloak tighter and headed toward a smaller tent nearby.

Inside, the brazier was still glowing.

As soon as he stepped in, a figure rushed toward him, bringing with it the warm air of the tent and crashing into his arms.

“Slow down,” Qin Zhao said softly. “Why aren’t you asleep yet? Is the little one already asleep?”

“Of course, he’s been asleep for ages,” Jing Li replied, snuggling against Qin Zhao and noticing how cold he felt. Quickly, he pulled him further inside. “Come sit by the fire—you’re freezing!”

The brazier in this tent was twice the size of those in other places, making the interior warm and almost summery—likely due to Jing Li’s special request.

Jing Li helped Qin Zhao remove his heavy cloak and guided him to sit by the brazier. Then, he busied himself pouring hot water.

“It’s too late for tea, so just have some warm water,” Jing Li said, placing the cup in Qin Zhao’s hands. “Are you hungry? Someone brought over some fruit earlier.”

“…Not hungry. Sit down,” Qin Zhao said, pulling Jing Li back to his side with a touch of helplessness. “If I need anything, I can take care of it myself. You’re running around so much you’ll wake the child, and that’ll be a hassle.”

Jing Li let out a small “Oh” and finally stopped bustling about.

The brazier was right next to the military cot. Qin Zhao and Jing Li sat on wooden stools by the fire, and from where they were, they could see the little one soundly asleep on the bed.

After a while, Jing Li asked, “How did the talk go?”

“Not bad. Don’t worry,” Qin Zhao replied. “Xiao Yue is just concerned about the emperor and wanted to discuss what to do next.”

Jing Li nodded, then asked, “Are we heading into the city tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Qin Zhao replied. “Xiao Yue is in the capital secretly and can’t show himself publicly. Staying here doesn’t help. Things will be easier to handle in the city. Have you heard the saying, ‘The greatest concealment lies in the marketplace’?”

“Of course I’ve heard of it,” Jing Li said with a smile.

Jing Li leaned on Qin Zhao’s shoulder, speaking softly, “I just wonder when all of this will finally be resolved.”

Qin Zhao wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close, gently ruffling his hair. “You were scared today, weren’t you?”

Jing Li pursed his lips. “Not at all.”

“You’re lying,” Qin Zhao said with a warm tone. “Did I ever tell you how I reacted the first time I encountered something like this?”

“Huh?” Jing Li blinked and shook his head. “No, you didn’t.”

“I was terrified,” Qin Zhao said. “Back then, I wasn’t even ten years old. On a trip outside, we ran into some bandits who had a grudge against my father. They wanted to capture me to get revenge.”

“That was the first time someone held a blade to my neck. I was so scared I couldn’t even speak, shaking from head to toe.”

Jing Li asked nervously, “What happened after that?”

“My father’s shadow guards arrived and killed them. I was unharmed,” Qin Zhao replied. “After that, I began training my own shadow guards and learned some self-defense skills.”

His tone was calm as he recounted the story, but Jing Li could imagine how terrified a child under ten must have been going through such an ordeal.

Noticing Jing Li’s mood shift, Qin Zhao reassured him, “That’s why I’m used to it now. Over the years, there have been too many attempts on my life, both in the open and in secret. If I weren’t cautious, I wouldn’t still be alive.”

Jing Li shook off his melancholic thoughts and half-joked, “You say you’re cautious, but didn’t you get poisoned once without even realizing it? I don’t understand how, with so many guards around you and not even being in the capital at the time, someone managed to poison you.”

“Who knows,” Qin Zhao said, his tone enigmatic.

This matter had come up between them many times, but the answer remained elusive. The Chenhuan Powder he had ingested wasn’t a poison, which meant even his guards couldn’t detect it. Yet the symptoms he exhibited could only result from a significant intake of the drug. How had it been administered without him noticing?

If it wasn’t a one-time event, it had to be a prolonged scheme. But Qin Zhao had never shown signs of addiction to Chenhuan Powder.

The truth of this mystery would likely only be uncovered when they found the culprit.

Qin Zhao shook off the thought and turned his attention back to comforting his little husband. “I’m telling you this to show that it’s okay to be afraid. You were braver than I was back then. Don’t overthink it.”

“I know,” Jing Li said after a pause, then admitted, “Actually, I was a little scared.”

It was his first time encountering such a situation. No amount of mental preparation could shield him from the panic and fear in the moment.

Especially with the little fry beside him at the time.

Qin Zhao turned and placed a light kiss on Jing Li’s lips. “That’s why I’m here to comfort you. Don’t worry. Whether it’s real or fake, I won’t let it happen again.”

The kiss was quick and fleeting, like a dragonfly skimming the water. Jing Li, unsatisfied, murmured, “That’s not enough.”

“What?”

“That kind of comfort doesn’t feel very sincere,” Jing Li said, his eyes darting away. “It’s too casual.”

Qin Zhao understood. Pulling him closer, he kissed him deeply.

A moment later, Jing Li pushed him away. “Alright, that’s enough.”

Slightly breathless, Jing Li took a couple of deep breaths before saying, “Go rest. If you wake the little fry, it’ll be troublesome.”

Qin Zhao, still wanting more, sighed. “At times like this, having that little guy in bed with us really gets in the way.”

It made certain things far less convenient.

Just as he finished speaking, he looked up to meet a pair of wide, dark, innocent eyes.

The little fry had most of his face wrapped in the blanket, with only his big, curious eyes peeking out. He blinked, looking both clueless and amused. It was unclear how long he had been watching.

Qin Zhao: “…”

What happened? Wasn’t he just asleep a moment ago?

Jing Li’s voice trembled. “Why… why are you awake? Your daddy and I were just… talking about serious matters. How much did you hear?”

The little fry beamed. “Everything!”

Jing Li: “…”