Li Yu passed a chaotic and heart palpitating period of time that consisted of all sorts of attempts to maintain his disguise. Jing-wang pitied him for never traveling far outside before. Whenever they passed any small towns along their journey, they’d always stay at the inn for a few days. Bringing Li Yu to roam around on the streets and eat a few hot meals, Jing-wang would wait until Li Yu rested enough before continuing on their way.
Because they were traveling, they brought a lot of dried food along with them. At first, Wang-gonggong prepared a lot of snacks and meat patties, but they were all eaten after a few days. In human form, Li Yu quickly got tired of eating dried food after eating the same thing consecutively for a few times. However, he could change back into a fish. Fish can always eat fish food. Jing-wang also took him to eat delicious meals every so often, as well as ordering Wang Xi to purchase little snacks from the towns along the way. Li Yu, who continued to be carefully cherished, felt like he didn’t actually suffer much hardship at all.
Actually when there weren’t any civilization nearby, they’d set up tents along the way. Li Yu would abandon the comfortable carriage and sleep together with Jing-wang in thick fur blankets. Li Yu, this fish, once he got a certain idea, he became a completely shameless little imp. Pestering Jing-wang for intimacy, Li Yu stated that the wilderness held a different kind of appeal. Jing-wang often couldn’t persuade him in this matter and went along with him. The two people embraced as they listened to the wind blowing outside of the tent, feeling each other’s excited heartbeats. If Li-gongzi didn’t have to dive into the carriage with disheveled clothes in the end, it’d be even better.
Certain segments of the journey were completely desolate wilderness. Li Yu was bored senseless and started to develop a new skill.
He attempted to find some wild vegetables on the hillside, and always found piles and piles of them. He also attempted to dig for sweet potatoes, and always dug up a pile at a time as well. In comparison to Wang Xi, who came back empty handed, Li Yu returned each time with a bountiful harvest, not even capable of carrying everything he found with both hands, making Wang Xi extremely envious.
When they encountered a river, Li Yu’s luck was also very good. He only needed to stand at an area with slow flowing water and lightly pat the stones there. Plenty of shrimps, crabs and loaches would start crawling out from underneath. Sometimes, there’d even be fish. However, Li Yu no longer ate fish so he’d release the fish back into the water. The shrimps, crabs, and whatever that were left can be eaten by simply boiling them in water, which maintained their authentic taste.
As Wang Xi praised Li Yu in admiration, he insisted on taking over the task of cooking for Li Yu, firmly not allowing Li Yu to do it himself. Li Yu thought it was strange. When he cooked in the kitchen in the Jing Estate, Wang Xi never stopped him before. How come he couldn’t this time?
The usually sharp tongued Wang-gonggong started to stammer at Li Yu’s questioning. Why not? Of course it was because he was afraid that Li-gongzi’s culinary skills would ruin all of the river food. However, his highness had ordered that no one was allowed to mention Li-gongzi’s culinary skills. Wang Xi was very cautious. Li Yu asked several times, but even didn’t get any hints at all.
This was only a small trifle though. Li Yu swiftly threw it to the back of his head. To Li Yu, searching for different food was more practical to his abilities than making food. By this time, Li Yu also became aware that he had explosive luck in terms of searching for food.
Li Yu finally understood. The luck points that the System gave him for ‘food and clothing’ weren’t indicating that he’d have outstanding culinary skills. But rather that he’d always be successful in terms of searching for food (and perhaps searching for clothes in the future?).
For a while, Li Yu cursed the shitty system for always shifting fish’s good luck on some random obscure paths. But then he also spent some time rejoicing the fact that a food finding Koi won’t have to starve in the future.
Thinking about it carefully, Li Yu realized: actually, other than the time when he starved himself, he really has not ever missed a meal before.
After two months passed, they finally reached a small town inside the West Frontier– Maple’s Landing. This was the temporary residence that the Emperor picked out specifically for Jing-wang.
The mayor of Maple’s Landing already received a secret order from above and prepared a place to stay for Jing-wang’s delegation, saying it’s the best estate locally. It was already completely cleaned. Jing-wang brought Li Yu over to take a look. To call it an estate, actually, it was only a two house sized courtyard. It obviously couldn’t compare to the enormous Jing estate.
Li Yu often lived in the fish tank so he didn’t care about the size of the residence. Jing-wang silently rubbed fish’s head. In his eyes, not as good as Jing Estate was equivalent to making Xiao Yu suffer. Furthermore, because the journey was long, the crystal fish tank could not be transported. What Jing-wang had brought were some smaller fish tanks that fish often used. Jing-wang even felt this was being unfair to Xiao Yu, even though Xiao Yu himself didn’t complain at all.
This trip, Jing-wang also brought plenty of guards, as well as servants. Two houses weren’t enough for all of them. Wang Xi had a great idea and used some silver to buy the neighboring residences as well. Now it was enough space for people to stay. Although the residence had been cleaned already, it was still old. Wang Xi originally planned to renovate it somewhat and also enlarge the main courtyard as well. However, Jing-wang shook his head.
They came this time on imperial orders. It’s best to avoid doing too many things outside of royal decree.
Once Li Yu reached the new territory, he toured around in each of the rooms. He saw his fish tank still placed in Jing-wang’s main room. This room was a lot smaller than the one in the Jing estate. It was also filled with ordinary furniture. There’s not even enough space to turn. Li Yu instinctively felt that it wouldn’t be very convenient for Li-gongzi to transform. He was just about to say something when Jing-wang ordered Wang Xi to clean up the room next to his and make it available for Li-gongzi to live in.
“Li-gongzi won’t be living together with you, your highness?” Wang Xi didn’t get it, or perhaps was too surprised. His master rode on a horse this entire trip and didn’t sit in the carriage, giving the carriage away for Li-gongzi. This was already enough pampering. Was he even going to sleep separately from Li-gongzi? Was he that engrossed in Li-gongzi’s ‘pregnancy’?
Jing-wang gave Wang Xi a cool glance: The area is too small. Li-gongzi won’t sleep well.
Wang Xi: “……”
Originally, the room next door was to be Jing-wang’s study. Since Jing-wang insisted, Wang Xi couldn’t say anything really. Very quickly, he tidied it up for Li Yu.
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.
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“Li-gongzi, I will hand over his highness’s care to you!” Pulling on Li Yu’s hands, Wang Xi gave him a whole bunch of instructions and heads up. Wang-gonggong was also chased away by Jing-wang to go get his own rest. Therefore, Wang Xi could only leave everything to Li Yu.
With a reddened face, Li Yu promised. Actually, he felt a bit excited inside.
After Wang Xi left, Li Yu awkwardly poured some hot water into a bronze basin in an inexperienced manner. Thinking briefly, he added a bit of cold water inside, blending to make warm water. Then he carried it over to Jing-wang.
“Your highness, you can first…… wash your face and hands.” Li Yu didn’t really know how to care for someone so he just followed his own usual habits.
He already brushed his own hair and took out the hairpin. He tied his hair, which had been growing longer and longer, casually into a bun behind his head so it didn’t fall into his face and prick his eyes.
Jing-wang really liked Li Yu’s simple, domestic look. He held Li Yu’s hands and placed them inside the warm water together, gently rubbing and pressing the center of the other’s palms.
Li Yu can’t be any more familiar with water. Cupping the water with both hands, he poured it over the back of Jing-wang’s hands. Jing-wang smiled and the two people unconsciously started to play with the water for a while.
Li Yu silently cursed: Crap, forgot about the time again. He secretly glanced at the silver hourglass that he had brought over from the Jing Estate.
This hourglass perfectly calculated the time for his transformation. Li Yu swiftly estimated. There was enough time for a bath.
“Your highness, do you want to bathe? I…. I can help you wash your back.” Li Yu blurted out. After he asked, he felt like he was acting stupid. They just finished washing their hands, and now he was asking about bathing?
He was a fish and soaked in the water all day. He really couldn’t be all that dirty. However, Jing-wang had been traveling on horseback for two months. On the road, he could only wash while they stayed in the inns. Li Yu was only worried Jing-wang would feel uncomfortable.
Jing-wang also knew his intent. With a smile, he nodded his head. Afraid of making Li Yu busy, Jing-wang walked over to the bathtub himself. Wang Xi left plenty of hot water. Jing-wang saw Li Yu pouring water into the bronze basin earlier. This time, he firmly refused to let Li Yu pick up the kettle again. As Jing-wang tested the temperature of the water, he began to fill it himself.
“Your highness, I can scrub your back for you!” Eyes shining bright like crystals, Li Yu placed a towel on his arm.
Jing-wang narrowed his eyes and secretly glanced towards the silver hourglass. There should be enough time. Jing-wang suddenly reached out and pulled Li Yu into the bathtub.
“Your highness, what are you doing!” Suddenly plunging into hot water, Li Yu got quite a scare.
With a smile, Jing-wang pressed him against the side of the bathtub. His highness didn’t only want his back scrubbed. He also wanted to eat fish.
This bath left Li Yu with crimson red cheeks and lingering pleasure at the corners of his eyes. Sitting on a chair, he restlessly kicked and swung his legs. Jing-wang helped him put on a snow white inner robe made of silk. Then he dried Li Yu’s damp hair, and fixed it again.
Li Yu, who suddenly realized that he was the one receiving care instead: “……”
Forget it, fish won’t argue over trivial matters!
Throwing away the towel, Li Yu stepped on the back of Jing-wang’s feet with a smile. He didn’t put on socks yet and there was still some water remaining on his feet, but just like this, he nudged the top of Jing-wang’s feet. Stepping on one wasn’t even enough, he had to step on the other as well.
Jing-wang: “……”
Li Yu knew he was playing with fire. The two of them already had been dating for almost half a year now, their feelings gradually deepening. He followed Jing-wang from the Jing Estate to move into this impoverished courtyard. Yet he still felt pretty sweet and happy. Didn’t this represent that their relationship can advance a little more?
In any case, the three basic rules that were established originally weren’t because Li Yu didn’t want to, but rather because he was afraid of changing back to a fish midway and exposing his secret.
Actually– the transformation wasn’t a completely insolvable issue. Now that he has an extremely accurate timer, he can completely split the bedroom exercise accurately into two halves. For example, he can arrange the transformation to be in the dark of the night, close to midnight. When the sand from the hourglass is almost gone, he can use bathroom as an excuse to return to the other room and turn back into a fish. Then he only needed to wait for a moment for it to be then next morning, and he can transform again.
In simple terms, he just needed to put two transformations close together, one after the other. Plus, nighttime was the perfect opportunity for bedroom exercises. Hard Work pays off. Fish even came up with this kind of smart idea. He definitely needed to give it a try. In the last few months, Jing-wang has been so vegetarian, he was about to become a monk. Li Yu secretly attempted to seduce Jing-wang several times, but Jing-wang was stickler to details in terms of agreements, not even entering the door. Li Yu was extremely suspicious that if they continued to boil like this, he might also become a monk.
Really, what was he thinking making those three basic rules originally? See, now retribution has come. QQQ Fish really wanted to DO IT!
Li Yu randomly nudged all over with his feet, Jing-wang also couldn’t take it. He got up and took a step, wanting to figure out clearly what this fish wanted. Li Yu was stepping on him with both feet, but also dazing off. Losing his balance, Li Yu almost fell over. Jing-wang hastily reached out to support him.
Li Yu took the chance to drape himself over Jing-wang. Rubbing his eyes, he pretended to be extremely drowsy.
Jing-wang picked up this misbehaving fish, walked to the bed and put Li Yu down gently. Li Yu swiftly clung to him, grabbing and biting, not letting him go. Although they just finished bathing, he knew the other was actually suppressing fire and not relieved yet.
Despite following the three basic rules for so long, Li Yu still knew how to stir up the other’s interest. Quickly, Jing-wang got into the mood. The two people simultaneously glanced at the silver hourglass with the corners of their eyes to make certain of the time.
After a while of intimacy, Li Yu felt like he was almost about to be successful. As usual, Jing-wang let him go. However, Li Yu didn’t say any ‘goodbyes’. Instead, he suggested in a tiny voice: “Your highness, just wait a second for me.”
Jing-wang froze. Li Yu blinked towards him mischievously and then gave him an (what Li Yu considered to be) extremely flirty look. He planned to rush into the other room and make preparations.
Just at this time, something unexpected happened. Outside of the house, someone shouted loudly: “Your highness, look out!”
Immediately afterwards, Li Yu and Jing-wang both heard the sound of swords crossing. The two silently exchanged gazes. Who would have expected that a little town in the West Frontier a thousand miles away from the Imperial City would also have assassins!
Li Yu wasn’t mentally prepared at all. Not to mention, his transformation limit was almost up. For a second, he froze, not knowing what to do. Jing-wang responded much faster than him. Immediately, he rushed over like an arrow and dragged back Li Yu, who had almost reached the door. Half pushing and half carrying Li Yu, Jing-wang moved him behind a wardrobe.
Hide here and don’t move!
Jing-wang nodded his head towards Li Yu. He himself waited until the noises became louder outside the room, then pulled out his sword and charged out.
The West Frontier was already a chaotic place, plagued by war. However, no one lived in this courtyard before. As soon as Jing-wang moved in, assassins appeared. What a coincidence!
Jing-wang naturally felt like they came targeting him. Nevertheless, he still needed to go out. All together, there weren’t many houses in this courtyard. If he didn’t go out, some villain might try to sneak in. Then, Xiao Yu would be in danger. If he went out and put up a fight, at least Xiao Yu would be safe.
Jing-wang went out the door and immediately closed it behind him.
Composing himself, he saw guards currently fighting with a group of masked men in black clothes. Temporarily, it was hard to tell who was winning.
Jing-wang kicked away an attacking assassin and entered the fray. Sure enough. The men in black were originally searching the houses. After seeing Jing-wang appearing in the flesh, they immediately stopped their search. More than half of the men in black gathered their attacks on Jing-wang.
Outside was full of fighting and yelling, Li Yu spun in circles in worry inside the room. How could he hide by himself? Jogging stealthily under the window, he pushed open the window a crack. He glanced and saw Jing-wang managed to converge with his guards and was fighting with the men in black. Instantly, Li Yu felt a lot more relieved.
Safety confirmed, he looked around the surroundings in all directions. Unexpectedly, he accidentally caught sight of someone drawing a bow in the distance.
Li Yu said silently: not good! Who knows if Jing-wang will be able to dodge it or not. Heart burning with anxiety, Li Yu swept his gaze around the room. His eyes lit up. There was that bronze wash basin in the room. Li Yu then took a glance at the silver hourglass and clenched his jaw. He still had a little time. As long as he moved quickly and didn’t dally, it’d be fine!
Li Yu grabbed the bronze basin and placed it in front of himself like a shield. Then, he pushed open the door and sprinted out wildly.
“Your highness, watch out for the archer!” Li Yu yelled loudly.
As soon as his voice landed, an arrow shot towards Jing-wang. Li Yu can only scream loudly. Jing-wang calmly leaned his head to the side and evaded this arrow.
The next moment, Li Yu jumped over and used the bronze basin to block in front of Jing-wang.
The fear was only for a second. The hands that Li Yu used to hold the bronze basin were even trembling. However, Li Yu quickly composed himself.
He was also a man. He knew that Jing-wang went out to protect him. He wasn’t scared of death though. He also wanted to protect Jing-wang!
Pretty much at the same time, Wang Xi arrived with more guards. There were also plenty of other people continuously rushing over here from nearby.
The men in black were gradually surrounded. Seeing the poor turn of events, they started trying to escape. Jing-wang swiped a bow and arrows from Wang Xi’s hands, placed an arrow on the notch and drew back on the bow. Without even aiming, he hit someone. It was the person who shot the secret arrow earlier.
The men in black were very quickly surrounded by the guards. There shouldn’t be any more danger. Li Yu ran over and hugged Jing-wang tightly. Before, he was afraid of blood. Right now, Jing-wang was covered in blood, yet Li Yu didn’t care at all. Not only did he not care, he even started to laugh wildly.
In that second just now, he had imagined what would happen if Jing-wang got shot.
In comparison to his fear for assassins, Li Yu was even more afraid of losing Jing-wang. He wished that the two of them could both live happily and safely together.
As Li Yu’s mental state experienced this change, at the same time, the System’s notification sounded, indicating that “for better or worse” was completed.
Li Yu smiled smugly. He was just about to praise himself a little when his smile stiffened on his face.
…… fck, the time limit was up!
Li Yu had no time to speak with Jing-wang and started to rush back into the house. The instant that he pushed open the door, Li Yu heard the terrifying sound of a bow being drawn again.
“Gongzi, look out!” Wang Xi hastily yelled loudly. However, he was far away and couldn’t lend any assistance at all.
Li Yu’s eyes widened. He didn’t even have time to look behind him. Seeing the arrow almost about to hit Li Yu, Jing-wang leaped and tackled him into the room. The two people fell to the floor in unison and dodged that arrow.
Protected securely under Jing-wang’s body, Li Yu felt some tears gather at the corner of his eyes.
“Your highness……” Li Yu choked out. He didn’t even manage to express his thanks. The next second, he turned back into a hopping and flailing fish right in front of Jing-wang’s eyes.
Ooo, the “secret” is out~~~
thanks for the chapter!
Ohmygodohmygodohmygod😮😮😮😮. This is me pretending our dear Jing-wang didn’t already know about xiao yu’s secret
Omg, I’m pretending also for our fish, oh, oh what now! LMAO! Hahaha!
shiiiia finally he can tell to his prince that he was his precious fish!😁😁
Thank You for the chapter (♡ >ω< ♡)
Ohoho fish secret has been revealed!
“oh Li Yu you’re actually my pet fish? I didn’t know that, no, not at all” (・o・) *pretends to be shooketh
WHHAAAAAT gasp I’m pretending to be shocked 😳
Our little koi has been officially ’outed’ !!!
Oops. There we go. Also finally. 😩
Oh noo he knows~ (・o・) in monotone voice
Even though Jing wang already knew, why was I still shocked? 😂
well… didn’t expect it to happen this quickly!!
AHHHHHH YES! FINALLY!
Omg yass. Now the secret is finally out!!