Ch21 - The Qiao Family’s Yingxuan

Translator: Lisha
Editor: Dom

Lightly hopping off the horse, Qiao Yingxuan approached and asked Gong Zhuoliang with a smile. 

“This lowly one is Qiao Yingxuan, and Qiao Yingze is my big brother. Is this little brother perhaps a younger sibling of my sister-in-law, ba?”

Qiao Yingxuan already heard from a random family member that his little sister-in-law was from one of the most high-ranked merchant families in Bo City. It was said that the Matriarch of the family is known to be very fierce. There was the eldest Young Master who’s already an adult yet hadn’t achieved any success yet. And there was also the youngest child, a year younger than his sister-in-law, who had been evicted out of the family some time ago so the little boy in front of him should be that child.***

Gong Zhuoliang made a polite smile, cupped his hand to Qiao Yingxuan and returned his greetings in a humble tone while he stepped back two steps away from him. 

“Little brother Gong Zhuoliang greets Qiao Family’s second brother.”

Gong Zhuoliang was wondering about Qiao Yingxuan’s sudden appearance. For half a month, he had been away from home and it was said that he had been actually staying at a friend’s house as a guest. Seeing him rushing here on a horseback, perhaps something major happened back at home? Then the second Young Master Qiao shouldn’t be introducing himself to him right now, ah…

Speaking of him, ever since Gong Zhuoliang got married into the Qiao’s Family, he had only seen this brother-in-law five times; and during those times, they rarely exchanged long conversations so right now, Gong Zhuoliang was not scared that he would be found out immediately.

As soon as Gong Zhuoliang received Qiao Yingze’s present last night, an idea sprang to his mind. At first, his plan was to use ‘Gong Zhuoliang”s name to publish books to satisfy himself and also motivate himself even more; but then the moment he wore the men’s attire, he became reluctant to part with it. As a result, he discussed with Qiao Yingze about the feasibility of him acting out two roles. In the end, Qiao Yingze couldn’t bear to go against his wishes so after that, they started to discuss and thought for some countermeasures once they have to deal with the consequences.

But in the end, because Gong Zhuoliang would have to wear men’s attire for a long time, Qiao Yingze could only expose the truth to Han Shu and Qiao Ming about the true identity of Gong Zhuoliang. Qiao Yingze never doubted the loyalty of these two, so adding with Ruo Lan’s cover, afterwards, Gong Zhuoliang’s plan can be carried out.

As for Ruo Zi, she was a hindrance. That is why Gong Zhuoliang had already sent her away earlier this morning to the Gong Family under the excuse of helping prepare for Madam Gong’s birthday.

Gong Zhuoliang did not actually fear that she would yammer at Madam Gong and bad-mouth them behind their back. On the contrary, the more she complained and expressed her hatred towards the Qiao Family, the more Madam Qiao would feel fear and she would never dare quarrel openly with Gong Zhuoliang.

Qiao Yingze grabbed Gong Zhuoliang’s arms to stop his greeting, then he started to observe the person in front of him carefully with the tilt of his head. Somehow, seeing this person made him feel sudden friendliness and closeness towards him. 

“Sister-in-law and little brother truly resemble each other. Both are remarkably good-looking. Are you temporarily living here?”

Qiao Yingxuan originally had a sunny and optimistic personality who could make friends with anybody, despite their reputation.

Assuming that Qiao Yingxuan might’ve already thought of him as an evicted relative who came to seek help from his sister, Gong Zhuoliang’s smile faded and his eyes landed on the hand that was holding his arm. He then pushed the hand away, and pretended to be bashful as he retracted his hands away, slightly distancing himself from Qiao Yingxuan.

“Mn… My jiejie and brother-in-law luckily didn’t throw me away and allowed me to temporarily stay at Zhuangzi for a few days.” 

Gong Zhuoliang is aware himself that his identity had already become this awkward so obviously, he would be seen as a banished family relative who had become poor, hence coming here to seek his sister for a shelter. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Qiao Yingxuan began to have this thought.

However, in this current lifetime, Gong Zhuoliang absolutely wouldn’t allow having a stain on his name. He already let Qiao Yingze know that he’s simply using the pretext of becoming free and living a vagrant life to cut ties with the Gong Family. After that, because of his family relationship with the Qiao Family’s Young Madam, he could ask for her and his brother-in-law's help so he could buy his own house and a tiny piece of land at City Bo. In that way, his identity can be perfectly justified.

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.

“This is great then! I’m also here to ask my Gege and sister-in-law to take me in as well, but I’m afraid that during my stay here, I would disrupt their leisure time. But luckily you’re here, because I can hang out with you!” 

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“Zc..”

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“Gege and sister-in-law should’ve already known about my arrival and I’m just about to go visit them. Would you like to come with me?” 

Qiao Yingxuan pulled the horse’s rein with him as he turned his head to ask Gong Zhuoliang. After receiving his consent, he then walked together with Gong Zhuoliang towards the gate where Qiao Ming was already standing and waiting for them. As Qiao Yingxuan’s horse was then led to a proper settlement, Qiao Ming then glanced towards Gong Zhuoliang and inquired something to him using his eyes. After receiving a response from the other party in return, he personally escorted Qiao Yingxuan and Gong Zhuoliang to see Qiao Yingze.

Until now, Qiao Ming still found it hard to believe that their beautiful Young Madam was actually a guy the whole time. Him and Han Shu were in a confused state the whole morning but right now, their minds were now a bit calm compared to this morning, and it is only because the two of them will naturally acquiesce to any of their Young Master’s orders. Since their Young Master had already decided about this**, the two will certainly never go against their Young Master’s wishes and they will do their full best to protect the secret of their Young Master and Madam.

Qiao Yingze had been waiting for the two of them back in his study room. He had been truly exhausted after a whole day’s journey yesterday, and since there’s still a possibility that he ― whose health is slowly improving, might fall ill again ― after fooling around with Gong Zhuoliang this noon, he slept in his room to recuperate. When he heard the news of Qiao Yingxuan’s arrival, he got up from his sleep then went to his study room and tidied it up.

“Why the sudden visit, second brother? I haven’t been able to send out someone to come and greet you outside. We’re in such a rush yesterday that the courtyard hadn’t been cleaned up properly yet. Second Brother can freely laugh at us” 

After the two brothers greeted each other, they both sat on their respective seats. Qiao Yingze sat upright on his chair and wore a look that was completely expressionless; the relaxed and carefree attitude he had whenever he’s alone with Gong Zhuoliang was not in sight.

Today is no significant occasion, and also normally, the brother-in-law and sister-in-law shouldn’t meet frequently lest suspicions would arise, hence there’s no need for Gong Zhuoliang to change attires now, and at least Qiao Yingze is here to represent both of them. Today, Gong Zhuoliang was Qiao Yingze’s brother-in-law, and as they sat in his study room, he casually chatted with them.

“Why does it seem like Gege’s treating me like an outsider here, ah? In fact, I went to Gege because I wanted to take refuge here, be”

When Qiao Yingxuan listened to Qiao Yingze’s estranged and polite manner of speaking, there was a trace of downcasted look in his eyes for a while, but then after that, he started smiling once again. Even if he was clearly losing face in front of his brother, he still clearly explained everything to him. 

It turns out that last night, Qiao Yingxuan actually came home once until when he saw Madam Qiao, her eyes were red and it looked like she had just finished crying. When he inquired her what happened, he then learned that she had just been furious at an arrogant concubine.

When Patriarch Qiao had just come home, he instantly criticized Qiao Yingxuan for not attending to his proper duties, then he continued to say that Madam Qiao was truly an ill-bred who had been spoiled rotten ever since then. When Qiao Yingxuan heard this, it incited anger in him that he instantly talked back to Patriarch Qiao, saying how he’s such a “licentious old man who always spoils his concubine yet neglects his first wife” which then almost made Patriarch Qiao grab a discipline stick to hit on him.

This morning, Madam Qiao urged him out of their house and for the time being, he had been strolling around the city for a while. It was only then when he remembered that his Gege was actually out of the city, that he instantly rode on his horse and rushed to this place.

“How could you quarrel with Father? All right, since the situation’s like this, you may stay here for the time being. But once Father finally calms down, you must quickly go back and accompany him, ba.” 

Qiao Yingze pitied his younger brother somehow. He may never be able to have a close relationship with his brother, but he’s completely aware of his own concern for his own brother. Qiao Yingze will never be willing to add more flowers to a brocade, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be generous towards his younger sibling who’s in need of help.

“I’m not even in the wrong here, though…. Well fine, Gege.”

Although Qiao Yingxuan was indignant, he never dared to act impudent in front of his elder brother, also, he didn’t have any nerve to talk back to him so he could only sullenly acquiesce.

It’s a wonder how Qiao Yingxuan is not the least afraid of this Venerable Magistrate, but the only thing is, he really had high reverence towards his elder brother. He pitied his elder brother’s sickly body, and also felt like he owed him for the missing love of their mother and the lost appreciation of their father towards his brother. As a result, Qiao Yingxuan’s always submissive in front of him lest he would be ignored by him. 

“Traveling all the way here, that must’ve tired you already so you must go take a rest in the guest room, ba. Tonight, they will be making your favorite honeyed barbecue for dinner.”

When Qiao Yingze noticed the faint sadness and grievance on Qiao Yingxuan’s face, his heart couldn’t help tightening, that’s why his tone of voice was a lot more gentle when he talked to him. Speaking of the Second Young Master Qiao’s love towards meat, it is already a known fact within the Qiao Household.

“Thanks a lot Gege! Zhuoliang, you’re also living in the guest room, right? Let’s chat tonight!”

Noticing that Qiao Yingze’s attitude had become a lot more relaxed, Qiao Yingxuan began to smile once again, but then immediately he noticed Gong Zhuoliang once again who’s been silent and only listening to their sibling’s interaction the whole time. Recalling how this child must’ve endured a lot of bitter hardships back at his own home, he couldn’t help but pity him in his heart. Since this child was also Gege’s brother-in-law, Qiao Yingxuan took the initiative to get closer to him again. 

(TL/N: Just a heads up that Qiao Yingxuan referring to QYZ both “Elder Brother” and “Gege” were two different things, and he constantly switches his way of calling him. When he referred to him as “Elder Brother” during his POV, he’s a lot more respectful towards QYZ and uses the term “Zhangxiong” and “Xiongzhang” , but when it’s “Gege”, he’s a lot more intimate/informal towards QYZ~ ^^)

“…Umm…”

Gong Zhuoliang had been earnestly listening to Qiao Yingxuan talking about his great acts and also started to imagine how entertaining must’ve been back at home last night that when Qiao Yingxuan suddenly called for his name, he jolted and was dazed for a while then subconsciously, he looked towards Qiao Yingze.

“Zhuo Zh- …. Liang-er won’t sleep in the guest room but in our courtyard. Since he also just arrived today, his big sister would want to chat with him tonight.” 

When he heard Qiao Yingxuan’s way of calling Gong Zhuoliang, Qiao Yingze’s brow furrowed a bit. Seeing Gong Zhuoliang’s questioning eyes, he stopped Qiao Yingxuan’s words with an indifferent tone.

The twelve years old Gong Zhuoliang is currently living in the same courtyard of his elder sister and elder brother-in-law, so it would be reasonable to say that a sixteen-year-old Qiao Yingxuan entering his sister-in-law’s courtyard is considered improper. But Qiao Yingze will not allow his wife to ‘chat’ with Qiao Yingxuan in the middle of the night, ne.

“Oh, I see… Then I’ll go look for you when there’s another opportunity.”

Qiao Yingxuan was a bit disappointed when he heard him say this. But even if he really wanted to get along more with Gong Zhuoliang, compared to him, his elder sister is a lot more important, so he could only give up and allow the servants to escort him. 

“Liang-er?”

As soon as the two of them were left alone in the room, Gong Zhuoliang smilingly leaned on Qiao Yingze and his tone of speaking was going in different direction.***

“D-Do you not like me calling you that?”

Thinking how Gong Zhuoliang must’ve already found out his thoughts, Qiao Yingze embarrassedly shrank back his head. It’s just that, when he heard Qiao Yingxuan referring to Gong Zhuoliang intimately, his heart felt really uncomfortable. 

“How can I not like it? In fact, I really loved how you call me by that name, my Husband…”

Gong Zhuoliang placed both of his hands on each handle of the chair, trapping the embarrassed Qiao Yingze in his arms, before he leaned in and nibbled the other’s earlobes, calling ‘Husband’ in his ears, instantly causing half of Qiao Yingze’s body to go numb.

“Z-Zhuo zhuo….”

Qiao Yingze stabilized his breath for a while before facing the smiling Gong Zhuoliang, pursing his lips and then slightly inclined his head to the side to press his lips on the other party. 

When Gong Zhuoliang suddenly felt Qiao Yingze sticking out his tongue, he then let go of the earlobes from his mouth and accepted Qiao Yingze’s tender kiss.

His family’s little Husband went to school quite early, ma. ***

…………..

With the addition of another ‘brother-in-law’, there are now two brother-in-laws residing as a guest in the courtyard. During this time, naturally a female family member wouldn’t be sitting together with them during dinner so Gong Zhuoliang could still hang around with Qiao Yingze and his younger brother back at the outer hall using his original identity. 

After the dinner, Qiao Yingxuan began to urge the two of them to drink tea and chat with him. During their chat, he asked Gong Zhuoliang whether he had learned about horsemanship and archery before and also what kind of games he usually played when he was still living at their home.

“I grow up within the inner chambers. Also, ever since I was a child, I rarely stepped out of my courtyard so I have never learned about those things. Mostly, I spend my leisure time doing no fun things but stay coped inside my room and read various of books.”

Gong Zhuoliang recalled that the original goods were almost treated like a maid throughout his whole depressing childhood. Everyday, the little kid would stay in his room all day, doing various of needleworks ’till he gets bored of it. It wouldn’t be a surprise anymore if one day, this child literally turned into a woman ne…. But of course, he’ll never say these things.

“And Gege is also a book lover! So that’s why you and Gege were getting along well! But I assume you haven’t learned about equestrian archery and martial arts so you don’t know how enjoyable it is. How about I teach you? Tomorrow, let’s go horse riding! There are lots of small animals around the nearby woods so we will go there and you could go shoot arrows and hunt the animals. Also, I will go teach you how to catch birds as well, all right?” 

Qiao Yingxuan is not usually the type of person who’s way too fond of playing around, but when he saw that Gong Zhuoliang is just as quiet and steady as his Gege despite for being a kid, he couldn’t help recalling his own days when he was still at the same age as Gong Zhuoliang. When he was 12, all he did was happily hopping and running around the places, and everyday he would also try to escape from home to play outside. Right now, he wanted to relive his childhood games to amuse Gong Zhuoliang.

Sure enough, not even when Qiao Yingxuan finished talking, Gong Zhuoliang’s eyes was still shining brightly, but then he didn’t agree immediately and unexpectedly, he instead turned to his Gege as though he’s asking permission from him; seeing this, Qiao Yingxuan’s heart couldn’t help but feel a little distressed. Hadn’t it just been the first day since Gong Zhuoliang met the two of them, why does he look closer to his Gege yet when he was with himself, he’s more polite?

Ah… Horse riding and hunting…

Gong Zhuoliang felt like he had internally turned into a hot-blooded chicken. Even rich people couldn’t afford to enjoy this sport in the modern Country Z, ah! 

What cars, what guns? Can it compare when one rides a horse and draws a bow, ma! Being given the opportunity to enjoy these hot-blooded sports, Gong Zhuoliang had a hard time calming himself down, so he excitedly looked towards his little husband and eagerly stared at him to transmit to him through his eyes that he really wanted to go.

“Liang-er is still young. And to begin with, he never also learned how to ride a horse and shoot an arrow. Also, the hot spring doesn’t have any good horses and suitable attires for archery….”

Qiao Yingze was extremely worried with the idea of Gong Zhuoliang riding a horse and hunting animals, especially when he’s together with Qiao Yingxuan. And what he just said was true; since he himself doesn’t know how to ride a horse, obviously the village hot spring won’t own any materials for horse riding and hunting at all.

“……..” 

Gong Zhuoliang didn’t say anything as soon as he heard those words, and only furrowed his eyebrows slightly as he pursed his lips, but then he proceeded to give Qiao Yingze pitiful faces. Qiao Yingxuan, who had also done the same in the past, made the same pitiful faces as well― causing a doubled mental pressure to Qiao Yingze.

“…. It’s already late. Tomorrow morning, the servants will go back to our residence to gather the stuff. Liang-er’s attire is also needed to be made ahead, so you two will have to go out the day after tomorrow.”

Seeing Gong Zhuoliang’s appearance, Qiao Yingze was at a loss for a while. He was really reluctant to let him go, but even so, he still chose to be soft-hearted and agreed to him. He then saw the pleased smile on Gong Zhuoliang’s face, and Qiao Yingze also couldn’t help but smile as well, then he started to think about having his own clothes embroidered into two pieces of clothes. It seems like Han Shu and Ruo Lan had to double-time working on the horse riding attire considering Qing Hua’s absence.

But when he saw Qiao Yingxuan staring at his wife, Qiao Yingze began to frown again….. 

He really didn’t want Zhuo Zhuo to go.

The little Qiao who’s completely unaware that he had actually unintentionally annoyed his elder brother again, was smilingly gazing towards Gong Zhuoliang as he secretly thought in his heart― What an adorable and charming little boy! He really must quickly get close to him!