Ch 131: Transmigrated to become a Koi Husband

As December arrived, the weather grew colder by the day.

This year, snow had come late to the capital. Even by December, there had been no sign of it. Instead, as mid-month approached, the city enjoyed a few clear and sunny days. In the winter, basking in sunlight was one of life’s greatest pleasures. Qin Zhao had Ah Qi bring out a lounge chair so he could relax in the courtyard, soaking up the sun with his soft little fry in his arms.

As for Jing Li, he had gone out early in the morning to buy ingredients and then disappeared into the kitchen, forbidding anyone from disturbing him. Even Ah Qi, who offered to help, was refused. Whatever he was up to remained a mystery.

Around noon, a delicious aroma began to waft through the air.

The little fry stirred in Qin Zhao’s arms, lifted his head, and his eyes lit up. “Wow—!”

He couldn’t stay put any longer.

Qin Zhao was equally curious.

Jing Li wasn’t much of a cook. Over the years, he’d learned a little from both Qin Zhao and Ah Qi, but his skills barely reached the level of cooking food without burning it.

Qin Zhao couldn’t help but wonder what Jing Li might have prepared for them today.

However, Jing Li had issued strict orders that no one was to enter the kitchen until he came out. Left with no choice, Qin Zhao peeled a grape and popped it into the little fry’s mouth to placate him for the time being.

A short while later, Jing Li finally emerged from the kitchen in a hurry, carrying a small stone stove.

The stove was usually used for boiling water or brewing medicine. It was made of stone and quite heavy, with embers still glowing inside. Jing Li wobbled slightly under its weight as he carried it out.

“What are you doing? Be careful,” Qin Zhao said, quickly getting up to help him, even letting the blanket on his lap fall to the ground in his haste.

With Qin Zhao’s assistance, Jing Li managed to place the stove in the center of the courtyard.

“Lunch is ready. Let’s eat here,” Jing Li said, his face smudged with a bit of soot. “Watch the fire and keep the little fry away from it. I’ll be right back.”

With that, he darted back into the kitchen.

Qin Zhao, still uneasy, called Ah Qi over to keep an eye on the little fry and the stove before heading into the kitchen himself.

The kitchen was, to put it mildly, a mess.

Bowls and plates of various sizes cluttered the countertops, holding partially prepared vegetables and fruits that had only been roughly sliced and still glistened with water droplets. On the cutting board lay a heaping plate of meat slices, unevenly cut—some thick, some thin, some large, some small, clearly the work of an amateur.

On the stove, a pot of bright red broth simmered, its aroma filling the room. Jing Li was busy ladling the broth into a copper hotpot.

The scent they had smelled outside earlier was undoubtedly from this pot of soup.

Qin Zhao surveyed the chaotic scene and, for a moment, didn’t know where to start. “What are you making?” he asked.

“You’re not supposed to be in here!” Jing Li frowned, annoyed at the intrusion. Then, with a sigh, he relented. “Fine. Help me carry these dishes outside. We’ll dip them in the broth to cook.”

Qin Zhao stepped closer to observe the broth. “Is this lamb bone soup?”

“Yes,” Jing Li replied.

“Why is it this color?”

“I added tomatoes,” Jing Li said proudly. “I also sautéed some chili and spices. Here, taste it.”

He scooped a bit with a small spoon, cooled it, and held it up to Qin Zhao’s lips.

Qin Zhao tasted it and commented, “It’s bland.”

“Really?” Jing Li took the same spoon and tried it himself. “It doesn’t taste bland to me. I think it’s just right.”

“It’s fine if you’re drinking it as is,” Qin Zhao explained. “But if you’re using it to cook vegetables and meat, the broth needs to be more robust, or the food will taste bland.”

Realization dawned on Jing Li. “I see!”

He muttered to himself as he rummaged through the kitchen for more spices and seasonings.

For a novice, the soup was actually quite well-made. The lamb bone flavor was rich, enhanced by the tanginess of the tomatoes and the warmth of the spices. It was slightly sour and spicy, making for a delicious and comforting broth.

In fact, this might have been the peak of Jing Li’s cooking abilities.

But now that Qin Zhao had pointed out that the flavor was too mild, Jing Li wasn’t sure how to adjust it properly.

Watching him flounder for a while, Qin Zhao sighed and took the spices from his hands. “Let me do it. You take the dishes outside.”

“Oh… alright,” Jing Li agreed reluctantly.

Jing Li could only comply.

He made several trips back and forth, finally bringing all the prepared dishes into the courtyard. By the time he returned, Qin Zhao had already finished enhancing the soup base.

Qin Zhao ladled the soup into the copper pot and added a few pieces of garlic and ginger. Watching his smooth and practiced movements, Jing Li curiously asked, “Have you seen something like this before?”

“Hmm?” Qin Zhao looked up. “Seen what?”

“This—hotpot! Does it exist in the capital?”

Jing Li hadn’t seen this style of dining in this era, but with the weather turning colder, lamb hotpot seemed like the perfect meal. It had been his idea to try something new and let Qin Zhao experience it.

Qin Zhao shook his head. “I’ve never heard of that name.”

“Then how do you know how to make it?”

“I just adjusted the seasoning in your broth. It wasn’t difficult.” Qin Zhao answered calmly.

Jing Li: “…”

Alright then.

It seemed there was very little in this world that Qin Zhao couldn’t do. He should have known better by now.

The copper pot was brought into the courtyard and placed atop the small stove to simmer. Chairs were arranged around the fire, and the meal began with everyone cooking slices of meat in the bubbling broth.

The little fry, already captivated by the aroma, could barely sit still. Unfortunately, with his short arms and legs, he couldn’t reach anything from his seat and had to rely on Uncle Ah Qi, who diligently fed him and ensured his bowl was never empty.

“Are you cold? Should I get you another blanket?” Jing Li asked, concerned about Qin Zhao’s health.

The wind wasn’t strong today, but sitting outside for too long could still lead to a chill. It would hardly be worth it to risk catching a cold for one meal.

“I’m not cold,” Qin Zhao reassured him. “It’s quite warm here.”

The lamb broth, spiced with warming ingredients, drove away the chill. By the end of the meal, everyone was warm from head to toe.

Despite the tempting food, Jing Li seemed uncharacteristically restrained today. He moved closer to Qin Zhao, picked up a slice of meat, and placed it in Qin Zhao’s bowl. “How did I do?”

“Acceptable,” Qin Zhao replied, but when he saw Jing Li’s face fall, he quickly added, “I like it very much.”

“I’m glad you like it!” Jing Li beamed and said proudly, “I’ve been really capable lately, haven’t I?”

Qin Zhao’s eyes flickered slightly, sensing there was more behind Jing Li’s words. He didn’t respond immediately.

Jing Li continued, “By the way, I’ve already bought everything you need. I made sure it’s all exactly as you requested, so there shouldn’t be any issues. You can check it later if you want.”

These items, of course, were for Qin Zhao’s upcoming meeting with the young emperor.

In two days, the ancestral worship ceremony would take place. According to the court’s schedule, the young emperor would leave the capital the next day. Qin Zhao planned to use this opportunity to meet with him and had been preparing for this encounter for weeks.

However…

“Xiao Yu,” Qin Zhao set his chopsticks down and said seriously, “no matter how much you try to please me, I will not agree to take you with me.”

Even with all his preparations, the plan carried risks. Qin Zhao could not allow Jing Li to be put in danger.

“Really? Can’t I go?” Jing Li pleaded softly. “I promise I’ll be good and won’t cause any trouble. You can disguise me as a guard, and I’ll follow quietly.”

“No.”

Qin Zhao’s tone was unusually firm. “We agreed when we arrived in the capital that you’d listen to me in everything.”

“But…” Jing Li hesitated.

He knew Qin Zhao’s refusal was for his sake, but the thought of staying home alone, waiting for news, was unbearable. He would rather face danger by Qin Zhao’s side than endure the torment of waiting, powerless and alone.

“Xiao Yu, I can usually give you whatever you want, but not this time,” Qin Zhao coaxed gently. “You know I’ve prepared thoroughly. There won’t be any danger on this trip. There’s no need for you to worry.”

“If there’s no danger, then why won’t you let me go?”

“Because this isn’t a leisure trip. I can’t let you be reckless.”

“I’m not treating this like a game,” Jing Li snapped, clearly provoked by Qin Zhao’s words. Anger flared in his voice as he said, “I just want to stay by your side. Fine, if you won’t let me go, I won’t meddle in your affairs anymore!”

He slammed his chopsticks onto the table, got up, and stormed off to the backyard.

Even the little fry stopped eating.

He quietly swallowed the meat in his mouth, blinking innocently as he looked up at his father.

The courtyard fell silent for a moment before Qin Zhao let out a quiet sigh and said calmly, “Let him cool off for a while. Don’t worry about it.”

Don’t worry about it???

Jing Li crouched behind the courtyard wall, his anger nearly boiling over upon hearing Qin Zhao’s remark.

He hadn’t really meant to throw a tantrum—he was just trying to guilt Qin Zhao into agreeing with him. After storming out, he hadn’t gone far, waiting for Qin Zhao to come after him.

Who could have guessed that scoundrel wouldn’t even bother?

…He hadn’t even finished eating yet.

Seething, Jing Li didn’t know where to vent his frustration. After all the effort he’d put into his little act, walking back now would be humiliating. The aroma of hotpot still wafting through the air made his stomach grumble, and he reluctantly retreated to their bedroom instead.

What Jing Li didn’t expect was that Qin Zhao didn’t come to soothe him—not even by the next morning, when he was preparing to leave.

The following morning, the carriage arrived early at the back gate. After verifying everything was ready, Qin Zhao prepared to set off.

“You stay here and take good care of Madam and the young master,” Qin Zhao instructed Ah Qi.

“Understood, sir. You can rest assured,” Ah Qi replied.

Jing Li stood against the wall, holding the little fry, his expression icy as he listened. He let out a derisive snort and turned his head away.

“Still angry?” Qin Zhao approached, tilting his head as if to kiss him, but Jing Li dodged. “It’s my fault. I’ll make it up to you when I return—whatever you want. But for now, stay at home, alright?”

Jing Li still wouldn’t look at him, responding with a cold and reluctant “Oh,” which was barely an acknowledgment.

Qin Zhao reached out to touch Jing Li’s cheek, then lowered his hand to ruffle the little fry’s hair. He spoke gently, “Daddy has to leave for a while. Stay at home and protect Little Dad, okay? Don’t go anywhere.”

The little fry obediently nodded. “Okay!”

With that, Qin Zhao boarded the carriage and departed. Jing Li, showing no signs of lingering attachment, resolutely carried the little fry back to their bedroom.

Clearly, he was still fuming.

Ah Qi, having witnessed the argument the day before, hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should offer some advice. But he wasn’t skilled with words. Before he could figure out what to say, Jing Li had already slammed the bedroom door shut, leaving no room for discussion.

Left with no alternative, Ah Qi dutifully stood guard outside.

While Qin Zhao had instructed Ah Qi to protect Jing Li and the little fry, it was evident the “protection” also served as surveillance.

Qin Zhao knew Jing Li’s temperament all too well. Once Jing Li set his mind on something, not even Qin Zhao could easily change it. He hadn’t gone to placate him last night because he knew the issue would only spiral into an unresolvable argument.

Aside from forcibly keeping Jing Li at home, there was no other solution.

Qin Zhao had already informed Ah Qi of this the previous night. Consequently, Ah Qi was on high alert today, standing guard at the door with utmost vigilance. If, by any chance, Jing Li managed to sneak out and follow, Ah Qi’s career as a bodyguard would surely be over.

Inside the room, Jing Li withdrew his gaze and let out a dissatisfied hum.

He had anticipated Qin Zhao assigning Ah Qi to keep watch. Did Qin Zhao really think a single guard could stop him if he truly wanted to leave?

He underestimated him.

Jing Li had already devised a plan. He turned and walked to the window on the other side of the bedroom, but before he could get far, a small figure clung tightly to his leg.

The little fry hugged Jing Li’s leg firmly and declared in his babyish voice, “Daddy said you can’t go out, Little Dad.”

…He had almost forgotten about the little spy.

Jing Li felt it necessary to reeducate his son.

He picked up the little fry and placed him on the bed. Squatting down to his level, Jing Li asked gently, “Do you like Little Dad?”

“I like Little Dad!” the little fry immediately replied.

“And if Little Dad is being bullied, will you help him?”

“I will!”

“What if the one bullying Little Dad is Daddy? Will you still stand up for Daddy?”

“I will!” the little fry said seriously. “No one can bully Little Dad!”

Jing Li saw his chance and continued, “Well, Little Dad is being bullied right now. Will you help Little Dad?”

The little fry looked at him in confusion. “How can I help?”

“It’s simple,” Jing Li explained. “You just need to stay in bed, be quiet, and don’t move. If Uncle Ah Qi comes in to find Little Dad, just tell him Little Dad went out for a bit and will be back soon.”

The little fry frowned. “But Daddy said you can’t go out…”

“You just said you’d help Little Dad.”

“Umm…” The little fry hesitated, torn between obeying his daddy and helping his little dad. After a moment of internal struggle, he nodded. “Okay.”

Jing Li was satisfied. He helped the little fry take off his jacket, tucked him snugly under the blanket, and said, “Have a nap, and when you wake up, both Daddy and Little Dad will be back.”

“Okay!”

His agreement was a bit loud, so Jing Li quickly pressed a finger to his lips. “Shh.”

The little fry clamped both hands over his mouth.

Jing Li leaned down and kissed his child on the forehead. “Good boy. I’ll bring you some sugar cakes when I get back.”

“And candied hawthorn!”

“Alright, candied hawthorn too. Got it.”

Having settled the little fry, Jing Li returned to the window.

The bedroom window was slightly ajar. He peeked outside to confirm that the young guard stationed at the door wasn’t paying attention. Then, he untied the sash at his waist.

As his clothing fell to the ground, a vibrant red koi fish slipped through the small gap in the window, tumbling silently into the drainage channel beside the wall.

The little koi flicked its tail smugly and swam downstream with the current.