When Li Yu learned the news that the Honorable Master Liao Kong entered the palace to have an audience with the Emperor, he was currently clinging on the edge of the porcelain bowl, glaring angrily at Jing-wang.
Jing-wang’s injury just got a little better; he already grabbed another ancient cultivation book and started reading it right in front of fish’s face.
Li Yu didn’t know what was wrong with the tyrant master. This impressive protagonist of a palace struggle novel was actually interested in cultivation and even read the books with such seriousness. Li Yu felt a sense of danger rising in his heart. Like if he stopped paying attention for one second, Jing-wang would go cultivate into an immortal.
In any case, there’s a solution to every problem. This wasn’t even the first time he disturbed Jing-wang from cultivating. Originally, he wanted to follow what he did before and get Jing-wang’s book wet. He’s gotten plenty of these kinds of books wet before. Jing-wang never blamed or got angry with him so Li Yu has always been confident and assured. However, this time, he saw Jing-wang’s bandage wrapped hand and felt somewhat hesitant. If fish jumped over directly, what if he accidentally got water on Jing-wang’s wound as well?
The imperial physician instructed countless times that the wound must not get wet. Li Yu definitely didn’t want his tyrant master’s wound to get worse and get a fever again. Fish will die of exhaustion.
How about…secretly hiding the book while he’s a human. Or… he could complain directly to Wang-gonggong? Wang Xi probably didn’t want Jing-wang to become an immortal either, right?
Li Yu was currently plotting how to ruin Jing-wang’s cultivation plans when head manager Luo arrived at JingTai Palace in order to impart the Emperor’s words saying: Master Liao Kong has arrived. The Emperor wants Jing-wang to meet Liao Kong.
Head manager Luo then leaned close to Jing-wang’s ear and said some other things. Jing-wang calmly gave a glance at Xiao Yu and then agreed.
Meanwhile, when Li Yu heard Liao Kong’s name, he felt somewhat flustered. If he remembered correctly, honorable master Liao Kong was the head of Guardian Monastery. In the original story, this was a position even higher than experienced monks. Later when Jing-wang became a tyrant, Liao Kong once appeared to dissuade him. The blackened Jing-wang didn’t listen to his words but also didn’t kill Liao Kong. From this it can be seen that Liao Kong really did have some true skills.
However, in the original book, Liao Kong only appeared in order to dissuade Jing-wang. Right now, Jing-wang was doing very well, why would Liao Kong see him?
Li Yu didn’t consider himself as a reason at all. He figured that Jing-wang had already read plenty of introductory cultivation books. What if he changed his mind and didn’t want to cultivate anymore? What if instead, he wanted to reject the physical world, follow Liao Kong, and live his life as a monk?
Facing this palace-struggle genre protagonist, who never followed the script normally and was always attempting to cultivate, Li Yu felt like even something like this was possible!
Seeing Jing-wang about to head off to Ganqing Palace, Li Yu immediately jumped out of the fish bowl and hopped on top of the crystal bottle. He wanted to go too! Li Yu secretly decided. If Jing-wang really mentioned becoming a monk to Liao Kong, he would turn Ganqing Palace upside down into utter chaos once more and ruin Jing-wang’s plan to become a monk.
Jing-wang didn’t decide to leave Xiao Yu behind anyways. As he nimbly placed Xiao Yu into the bottle, he felt like this carp demon inexplicably had somewhat of a killing aura right now.
When Jing-wang arrived at Ganqing Palace, the Emperor and Liao Kong had already finished exchanging pleasantries. Jing-wang greeted the Emperor respectfully. Liao Kong also stepped forth and faintly nodded his head at Jing-wang.
The crystal bottle was inside Jing-wang’s sleeve. Li Yu also peeked outside from the sleeve. Liao Kong was over 70 years old, with white hair and beard. However, he still was energetic and vigorous, glowing in health. In comparison to the fake monks that the 6th Prince found, the difference was heaven and earth. With one look, one can tell that this monk was on another level.
Li Yu only looked briefly. Not knowing if it was intentional or unintentional, Liao Kong’s burning gaze immediately shot over at fish.
Fck. This one was a genuine master monk. Would he see through the fact that Li Yu was a transmigrated fish?
Startled, Li Yu didn’t dare to peek again.
Jing-wang subconsciously blocked his sleeve, obstructing the view.
“Your highness, Jing-wang, long time no see.” Liao Kong said with a smile.
Jing-wang furrowed his brows and nodded.
The Emperor was very grateful. Lian Kong’s arrival made him remember some things that happened in the past. The Emperor rubbed his hands and said: “TianChi, do you still remember Liao Kong? When you accidentally fell into the water in your youth, you had a high fever that refused to go down. Life in peril, the imperial physicians all didn’t know what to do. I could only invite Liao Kong over to take a look at you. Luckily he knew an ancient prescription that reduced the fever for you. He told me, your life lacked water. Because of this, I decided to change your name to change your fortune. After that, you got better day by day and eventually recovered completely.” The Emperor exclaimed: “What an escape from calamity. I still remember the pond that you fell into. Back then the pond lit up with gold light, very dazzling. With the addition of Liao Kong’s advice, I decided on the word “chi” for your new name.”
Jing-wang: “……”
This was the first time that Jing-wang had heard the Emperor tell this past event. Before he was three years old, his name was TianJing. After that, it was changed to TianChi. When he became of age, he was given the title of Wang. The Emperor specifically granted the word “Jing” for his title, giving back the name that originally belonged to him. However, because he had a fever back then, he couldn’t remember what had happened to bring this about; therefore, he also didn’t know there was this story inside.
Li Yu who was unable to peek but still able to eavesdrop: “……”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Li Yu was completely dumbfounded. Was what happened in the illusion not a complete illusion? Did it also happen to Jing-wang himself?
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The situation back then must have been very dangerous. A fever that even imperial physicians couldn’t do anything about was a matter of life and death for a 2-3 year old. The Emperor must have really been out of his wits and had no choice but to find a monk instead of a doctor. Changing Jing-wang’s name to change his fortune, this can be considered making a desperate last attempt.
At this time, Li Yu didn’t actually realize what the gold light inside the pond that the Emperor had mentioned was about. He only thought there was always light inside a pond; that was most likely reflected from somewhere else.
The fact that Jing-wang was originally called TianJing was something that he had guessed correctly.
Good thing Liao Kong advised the Emperor. Li Yu thought randomly. What if the Emperor got too creative and changed Jing-wang’s name to TianGuang, TianJin, or whatever. None of them sounded as good as TianChi.
Although Jing-wang didn’t remember what happened in the past, under the Emperor’s special reminder, he still cupped his hands and saluted, expressing thanks towards Liao Kong.
Liao Kong said humbly: “This old monk was only lending a passing hand. Your highness Jing-wang was the one who the heaven’s thought it worthy to save.”
“Honorable master, there’s no need to be humble.” After this pleasant exchange, the Emperor finally moved on to the main point: “Today, I need to trouble you once more and have you take a look at the fish that Jing-wang has been raising lately. I think it’s pretty nice.”
Li Yu: “…….”
Li Yu finally realized in the aftermath, so it’s not because Jing-wang wanted to become a monk. The Emperor wanted Jing-wang to see Liao Kong mainly because of fish.
The little carp instantly felt somewhat apprehensive. He wasn’t afraid of others, but Liao Kong, this master monk… would he be able to tell instantly that Li Yu was a transmigrated fish?
Li Yu decided that if possible, he’ll hide this fact and did his best to feign being a normal ingredient carp. He definitely wouldn’t cause trouble right under Liao Kong’s eyes.
Since the Emperor opened his golden mouth, Jing-wang pulled out the crystal bottle from his sleeve with a heavy face and opened the cover in front of the Emperor and Liao Kong.
When Liao Kong looked at the black and gold fish inside the crystal bottle, he became pensive.
Under his gaze, the little carp was extremely vigilant, not swimming around much. Afraid of Xiao Yu getting nervous at seeing a stranger, Jing-wang used his uninjured left hand to lightly touch the fish’s back.
Li Yu: “……”
Li Yu pretended he didn’t feel anything and didn’t respond at all. He indifferently blew a bubble.
Jing-wang: “………….”
Jing-wang and the fish’s every move and action were seen by Liao Kong’s eyes. After Liao Kong mumbled for a moment, he said to the Emperor: “From what I can see, Jing-wang’s fish is indeed very unique.”
Pausing, Liao Kong, who was about to continue speaking, quickly received two burning gazes from the normally cold-faced Jing-wang and the little carp who was acting stupid in Jing-wang’s hand.
Talk about pets acting like their masters.
Liao Kong secretly laughed and continued to say: “I have never encountered this kind of situation in my life. This fish……”
He purposely paused for the suspense. As expected, Jing-wang’s gaze was practically about to cut him into a thousand pieces.
Even as a 70 year old, Liao Kong could still feel a chill to the back of his neck. With a faint smile, he said: “This fish should be a descendent of Koi. Right now it doesn’t really look like it, but in the future, it will look more and more similar.”
Li Yu: !!!
Li Yu was flabbergasted. He never thought this master monk would have such high wisdom. If you say that he didn’t sense anything, then why would he specifically say “will look more and more like a Koi.” But if you say he did sense something, then why not expose Li Yu?
Jing-wang gave Liao Kong a cold glance. As long as he didn’t say Xiao Yu was some kind of demon or monster, or say that Xiao Yu will turn into a dragon, then it didn’t matter to Jing-wang.
The Emperor was stunned for a moment, then said: “This fish is really a koi?”
“…… yes.” Liao Kong nodded his head and said dramatically: “However, this kind of Koi is extremely rare. For his highness Jing-wang to encounter it, it is an extremely lucky thing.”
The Emperor trusted Liao Kong. Liao Kong’s words also matched the divination from the astronomy department. Finally, the Emperor felt at ease and said with a smile: “No wonder I’d feel like it’s an auspicious sign. So it’s actually a descendant of Koi.”
Internally, the Emperor felt even more disdain towards the 3rd Prince, who’d go so far as to slander a koi.
Li Yu still did his best to pretend he was only a normal carp as he continued to secretly observe the Emperor and Liao Kong’s actions.
When Liao Kong spoke, he’d always paused in the middle of his sentences, really maintaining the air of a master monk to its fullest extent. It caused Li Yu to tremble in fear several times. However, ultimately, Liao Kong stated that Li Yu was a koi in front of the Emperor. If Li Yu changed in the future, then… there’d be no issues?
This Liao Kong looked quite scary but in the end, he helped fish out. Fortunately for Li Yu, he managed to unwittingly find a good excuse right in front of the Emperor and Jing-wang’s eyes. Looks like it won’t be long before he can receive the Koi mission reward.
The Emperor and Liao Kong conversed happily. Jing-wang listened quietly to the side. When Liao Kong took his leave, the Emperor ordered Jing-wang to send him off personally.
For once, Jing-wang didn’t bring the little carp with him. Instead, he ordered Wang Xi to bring the crystal bottle back to his room first. He still had many questions that he needed to ask Liao Kong, but he didn’t want the carp demon to know about it.
Sending everyone away, Jing-wang gave a deep bow.
Liao Kong said with a smile: “Many thanks for trusting me, your highness. I hope I have not disappointed you.”
Jing-wang raised his head and shared a smile with Liao Kong. Back then when Jing-wang was investigating Mu TianXiao(6)’s attempt to create the “transform into a dragon” rumor, he already thought that things might spiral out of hand. The longer this kind of rumor dragged on, the worse it got. Only decisive action can resolve this complex situation. By finding a person that the Emperor believed wholeheartedly in, he could overthrow this rumor completely.
But who to find? At first, Jing-wang wasn’t too certain.
Although head divinator Sun had the Emperor’s trust, he couldn’t guarantee that the Emperor wouldn’t be swayed by the rumor and continued to remain indecisive. Only relying on divinator Sun was not enough. Jing-wang very quickly remembered the head of Guardian Temple, Honorable Master Liao Kong. The Guardian Temple was established by the royal family. The Emperor had absolute trust in Liao Kong. If he had any doubts, he’d definitely ask Liao Kong. Therefore, Jing-wang might as well directly ask Liao Kong for help.
Everyone knew that Liao Kong didn’t bother with worldly matters and basically only listened to the Emperor. However, they didn’t know that Liao Kong had a personal friendship with Jing-wang’s grandfather, the Old ChengEn Gong. Although only the Emperor can summon Liao Kong, he would also bustle about for close friends.
Back then when Liao Kong accepted the Emperor’s invitation and saved the extremely sickly 5th Prince, it was also partially for Old ChengEn Gong’s sake. Jing-wang knew about this. The reason he could successfully obtain Liao Kong’s assistance this time was also because of Old ChengEn Gong’s mediation. Jing-wang already went over the answer to this issue with Liao Kong early on. The display before the Emperor just now was only making the act look real in order to dispel the Emperor’s suspicions.
Now that there was no one in the vicinity, Liao Kong exclaimed repeatedly: “With this kind of cunningness, your future is really boundless and prosperous.”
Jing-wang only thought Liao Kong was teasing. Lowering his eyes, he cupped his hands and saluted.
The following conversation was all top secret. Jing-wang pulled the already prepared paper and brush from his sleeve and gave it to Liao Kong. Liao Kong picked up the brush and wrote quickly: Keeping him beside you, are you really not afraid of the consequences?
Liao Kong didn’t actually state clearly who this “him” was, however, Jing-wang and Liao Kong both knew in their hearts.
Not even needing any time to consider, Jing-wang confidently wrote: He wouldn’t hurt me.
Liao Kong nodded his head. He can also sense that Jing-wang’s fish wasn’t a normal carp. However, it also wasn’t anything evil. Liao Kong didn’t feel any ill will. If this wasn’t the case, he wouldn’t have agreed to help Jing-wang here and cover up for this special fish.
Liao Kong said: “Since you know clearly already, what else do you need me to answer?”
Jing-wang wrote: Do you know why he came here?
Liao Kong gave Jing-wang a deep look: “Other things I might not know, but I just happen to know a little about this one aspect. Many years ago, on the day you accidentally fell into the water, I just happened to be in the Imperial Palace. I discovered that a black fish with gold streaks swam past inside the pond that you accidentally fell into.”
Jing-wang: !!!
Gaze stirring and hands trembling uncontrollably, Jing-wang swiftly wrote something and then crossed it out.
Jing-wang calmed down. In the end, he wrote: What kind of fish is this?
Liao Kong said: “The same as the fish that you are raising right now. Basically pitch black with some gold scale on its stomach and tail. Just a little larger.”
Jing-wang fell silent. Size really didn’t matter. His family’s Xiao Yu doubled in size not long ago. What Liao Kong saw…was most likely Xiao Yu.
Did Xiao Yu come find him before when he was younger?
Liao Yu continued to say: “Back then, the pond that you fell into was very deep. A 2-3 year old child couldn’t have swam out on their own…… Do you understand what I mean, your highness?”
“Let’s say it like this.” Liao Kong said with a smile: “I also don’t know what “he” is. However, “he” definitely came here for you.”
–came for him?
Jing-wang felt extremely touched. He suddenly remembered when Xiao Yu returned to fish form and laid on his chest. The reason he thought it felt familiar was because it was something that happened when they first met. Back then when he first picked up this fish that almost died after being discarded by the cat.
What exactly was he thinking at that time? Why did he halt specifically for a fish?
Because he had heard something lightly hitting the floor.
This was…… the sound of a fish tail touching the ground. Don’t know why he knew. This seemed like something was engraved in his memories.
The sound of the fish’s tail meant the fish was still alive. Later, this sound disappeared, meaning the fish was about to die.
Because of this, he thoughtlessly went to save the fish.
Jing-wang couldn’t help but chuckle lightly. Although he no longer remembered what happened in the past, this instinct that remained in his body… was probably a memory from that time.
———————
TN Note: For some silliness, please enjoy this twitter thread and comments about a modern au with Li Yu and Jing-wang. Also pictures I saw on twitter by talented peeps:
The twitter arts are amazing lol
If you like the arts, please leave comments for the artists <3
Ofcofc
Illustrations are really beautiful and funny! AU really suits this couple, hehe
Thank you for your translation 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
If you like the arts, please leave a comment for the artists!
Unfortunately, I don’t have a twitter account and I can’t create one(╥﹏╥)
thanks for the chapter!
Thank you for the update ❤️💯
Because the future Li Yu saved the prince’s past self after transmigrating as a fish, the system needed to have Li Yu’s past self transmigrate into a fish to eventually have his future self save the prince of the past.
So from our pov, Li Yu got transmigrated and saved for really no reason, but in reality, its because he had already saved the prince as a child! Thus making a mark on him that allowed the prince to save the man who had unexpectedly saved him as a child… while neither of them had any clue that this all happens—
This book as some… annoying aspects, but things like this really make them easy to overlook!
Thank You for the chapter (｡’▽’｡)♡
AYYYYY, I’M GONNA SCREENSHOT THESE AND PUT THEM ON MY WALLPAPER!!!!!
AND THANKS FOR ALL THE UPDATES!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
If you like the arts, please leave a comment for the artist! 😀
Yeah, I’m definetely gonna do that as soon as I have a twitter account!!!
this liao kong guy is more fun than the usual monks
Thanks for the chapter 😊.
I love the “is this my husband” meme
It made me giggle so hard😂
AAA I was right, our dear fish actually saved Jing-wang 😭 it wasn’t just an illusion!!
The twitter thread is so fun and funny, I can totally see Li Yu and Jing-wang acting like that lolol 😹
lmao i guess i was thinking too much conspiracies getting out of hand😅
I enjoyed the fan arts ✨ thanks a lot 💖
awh it’s real!! then how is he gonna think of it
AHHHHHHH MY GOD, THIS JS SO CUTE. I LITERALLY SQUEALED AFTER READING “–he came here for you.” HOW ROMANTIC IS THAT??? THEIR FATES WERE ALREADY INTERTWINED BEFORE BOTH OF THEM EVEN KNEW.
The twitter arts are super cute! I really like ‘Fish hopping for a kiss’!! ^^
i love the honorably mentioned twitter links! especially the modern au thread gave me shit and giggles.
I’m confused, what’s the problem with Xiao Yu ?even if Jing Wang becomes an immortal by cultivating , what’s that got to do with the OG plot? perhaps it threatens JW becoming an emperor..??
It’s because in most stories the mortal and immortal world is separate. To become a cultivator he would have to give up the throne. And because he is supposed to be the protagonist of a court struggle novel it would change the plot.