Ch20 – Da Qiao’s Present

“Husband wants a reward? What kind of reward?”

Gong Zhuoliang thought that it was quite rare for Qiao Yingze to request something from him. Placing his hands on both of his sides, Gong Zhuoliang lowered his head to look at him and was extremely curious about it. 

“I’ll tell you soon while we’re out for a month. For now, everyone had to make proper preparations first. Now let’s call the maidservants in to pack our things up”

Qiao Yingze reached out for Gong Zhuoliang’s cheeks and pinched it, before he sat up with him and properly tidied their clothes and the quilts. He then summoned the maidservants and gave them orders.

The Qiao Family owned two hot springs. The biggest one was for their whole family’s personal use, while the other one was built only so Patriarch Qiao would have a place to fool around with his other mistresses. Later on, an outer room was built for his mistresses to reside, and at the moment, the third young Master ― Qiao Yingzi, and his birth mother are also currently living there. So right now, that hot spring doesn’t receive any guests anymore.

At the time when Madam Qiao learned about Qiao Yingzi’s current place, a thought came to her mind. She thought that it is much better to let that woman be placed under her nose as a concubine, than allowing her to live outside and enjoy the blissful life of a second wife, so as a result, when she visited the Old Madam’s place, she wept and whined about this matter. After that, she then pretended to be generous and led the pair of mother and son in the household. As a result, the hot spring became idle for a while. 

(*TL/N: I’m not sure whether these two hot springs had their names or not. Similarly to the previous chapter, I left the hot spring unnamed.
If there’s supposed to be a name, then one of them should’ve been either Zhuangzi, and Fengyue. But Zhuangzi literally meant “Village” O_o… while Fengyue had a much more reasonable yet cliche meaning which is “Wind and Moon/ Scenery” and it could also mean “Romantic Affair” which totally describes Patriarch Qiao’s actions right now.
I was confused as I was translating this chapter, and I might have to come back soon and edit this chapter again >.<)

Only due to Qiao Yingze’s wedding did the Old Madam decide to give him a village hot spring for him to have a place to relax and also, there wouldn’t be anyone to bother him and his little wife while they were out to relax.

But honestly, Qiao Yingze hasn’t actually been there for almost a year. There’s only a one housekeeper and few servants who takes care of it, so as a result, as soon as they received the consent from the old lady, Han Shu and Yu Hua appointed a few third-ranked servants to go clean up the place beforehand, and Ruo Lan and Wen Shu also followed to carry their materials. As for Ruo Zi, Gong Zhuoliang also brought her with them as he felt like it would not be good to let her stay so in the end, the only ones left to look after the courtyard were Wen Shu and Qing Hua.

The next day, after saying farewell to their elders, Qiao Yingze and Gong Zhuoliang rode the carriage and traveled out of the city, bringing with the two maidservants and three luggages.

Inside the carriage, Qiao Yingze lifted the thick curtains and only left the thin veils hanging from the window so Gong Zhuoliang could look through the thin layer of the curtains and watch the cheerful scene outside their carriage. Although he could only see some blurred figures moving around, he could still determine that the scene outside was indeed very lively.

Gong Zhuoliang had never ever seen the outside world ever since he transmigrated to this world, not until today. In the past, the number of times he went out was only twice, and that was when he was married to his husband, and also when he traveled back to the Gong Family. There is no opportunity for him to go outside to see what it would look like outside. There’s also not much to see from the memories of the original owner as he himself also never frequently went outside. Right now, Gong Zhuoliang somehow felt like, unlike that cage he resided in where it is mostly dominated by women, the outside world seemed to have more men.

“Don’t be anxious, even if you’re in good health, people will still look at you”

When Gong Zhuoliang saw Qiao Yingze’s pale complexion as he tried to hide himself from the public’s prying eyes, Gong Zhuoliang just stopped looking outside and pulled the beautiful man to his arms who was dizzy due to the shaking carriage, and pressed him close to his bosom so they could take a rest. 

But actually, Gong Zhuoliang was also getting a little dizzy. The carriage they’re riding isn’t steady and firm unlike the wedding palanquin. Although it would’ve been still fine when the carriage crosses through a smooth road, as soon as they encountered rocks and pithole along the way, it’s really unbearable. By the time when they finally arrived at the hot spring house during the afternoon, Gong Zhuoliang and his little husband, Qiao Yingze collapsed in their room together and they didn’t get up from their bed until dinner.

After the dinner, it was only that time when Qiao Yingze finally restored his strength and energy, and so he took Gong Zhuoliang with him to walk around the hot spring. This used to be a place where Patriarch Qiao and his fellows indulged themselves with entertainment, and soon after that, it also became a place where they keep and spoil their mistresses so the building’s style was obviously exquisite and gorgeous.

Qiao Yingze never really minded about these foreign objects lying around the places and when the hot spring was given to him, he didn’t really touched anything but he only replaced some with objects that are more simple and pleasing to the eye. But now that he’s walking around this place with Gong Zhuoliang, he began to notice some things here and there that he hadn’t realized about for the past few days, and the atmosphere became quite ambiguous due to their surroundings.

“I thought you have a present for me? So where is it, ah?” 

When he had already walked for a long time with Qiao Yingze, Gong Zhuoliang already decided to take the initiative to bring it up. He’s really anticipating what Qiao Yingze would be giving him and what rewards would be requested of him.

“About that…. Let us go back to our room first so we could talk about it”

It was rare for Qiao Yingze to witness an excited Gong Zhuoliang, so he deliberately delayed him a bit by taking him back to their room, and urged him to accompany him to soak into the hot spring.

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.

“Husband, how about you just say it now, ba?” 

Xbcu Itebiljcu rja ja atf fvufr bo atf qbbi, kfjglcu j yjatgbyf, jcv ifa Hljb Tlcuhf klqf tlr tjlg. Xbcu Itebiljcu kjr fnfc wbgf qldefv ktfc tf rjk atf batfg’r wsrafglber rwlif, rb tf geyyfv tlr vjwq tjlg ab Hljb Tlcuhf’r ybrbw.

“Tbe’ii xcbk la rbbc”

Hljb Tlcuhf rabqqfv Xbcu Itebiljcu’r qfgnfgrf jmalbcr atfc tfiqfv tlw mbwy tlr tjio-vgs tjlg, yfobgf revvfcis yglculcu bea j tfjvyjcv jcv qijmfv la lc ogbca bo Xbcu Itebiljcu’r nlrlbc.

“….” 

Gong Zhuoliang blinked at the headband in front of him, then helplessly looked up to Qiao Yingze who had a face that shows he’s extremely looking forward to this. He endured the impulse to laugh at Qiao Yingze for being so unconventional, and raised his head before feeling a cloth covering his eyes, then afterwards the person behind him tied the cloth into a ribbon at the back of his head.

“What really is it?”

Gong Zhuoliang’s vision was thoroughly black so he had to lean on Qiao Yingze as he was assisted to walk towards a certain direction. They walked around the place as Qiao Yingze enveloped him with his arms, and Gong Zhuoliang really couldn’t resist laughing but still allowed Qiao Yingze to assist him in this way since he very much enjoyed it.

In the past, Gong Zhuoliang found this type of sickeningly romantic actions fascinating, and now that it was his turn to experience it, not only he found it uncomfortable but he even liked it so much. 

May it be sickening or not, childish or not, so long as it made Gong Zhuoliang happy, personally experiencing these actions wouldn’t matter to him.

“Alright”

As Qiao Yingze led Gong Zhuoliang in front of the bed, Qiao Yingze turned around to him and looked at the smile hanging on Gong Zhuoliang’s face before gently untying the headband covering his eyes. Removing the headband, Gong Zhuoliang’s shimmering eyes were revealed.

“Is this really for me?” 

Before, Gong Zhuoliang thought that his present would be a food, a book, or a pet; but seeing the men’s attire right under his eyes, he honestly didn’t expect this to be his present. Ever since he entered the Qiao household, he had never dreamt of being able to wear men’s attire in this life ever again. That’s why he never thought of mentioning this matter to Qiao Yingze before.

In the end, this was what Gong Zhuoliang always desired the most so as soon as he saw the light blue men’s attire on the bed, it genuinely surprised him and he immediately felt a rush of excitement.

“Mhm. I ordered Qiao Ming to make one for you outside in secret on the pretext of giving the clothes as a present for my brother-in-law”

When Qiao Yingze found that his present had truly won the favor of his little wife, he immediately felt as though his efforts were not wasted and it suddenly brought a rare smug feeling to him. 

His Brother-in-law is Gong Zhuoliang. His little wife is also Gong Zhuoliang.

“My Husband is just so kind! Quickly, help me wear it!”

As though he actually saw the floating words ‘Praise me!’, ‘Reward me!’ on top of Qiao Yingze’s head, Gong Zhuoliang suddenly had the urge to push this person down the bed and XO him, but no matter how he wanted to, he really couldn’t do it now. Also, he’s most curious as to what kind of reward will Qiao Yingze want from him so he had to forcibly suppress his wolf tendencies and began to gleefully put on the men’s attire.

Qiao Yingze helped him put on the full set of the men’s attire including the shoes and socks. After that, Gong Zhuoliang was now sitting in front of the dressing table as he looked at Qiao Yingze through the mirror and watched him comb his hair. 

Thinking of it, regarding the hairstyles during this era, Gong Zhuoliang really had so much to complain about. The childrens under the age of eight are way too tragic. All of them had to tie their hairs into various kinds of pigtail style, and one of the most classic one that Gong Zhuoliang has ever seen was the hairstyle of that Qiao housekeeper’s little grandson-in-law. His little hairs were all tied into a pineapple-like shape, and each time Gong Zhuoliang recalled that strange image, he couldn’t help hugging the wall and sigh…..

At least after they reached eight, they finally had the freedom to tie their hair however they wanted. Some commoners would simply tie their hair into a ponytail with a cloth ribbon, while the wealthier ones would have to add more braids on their hair bun and so on, then they would either use a headband gilded with golds and jades, a hair clasp, or anything.

There are also those so-called romantic person who would add flowers on their hairs, for instance, Gong Zhuoliang’s prodigal older brother一 Gong Zhuoyu, whose head was always embedded with red flowers all over the place. Everytime Gong Zhuoliang saw him, the line strucked by a lightning, burnt outside but tender inside would come to mind.

Not until the men finished the crown ceremony at their age of 20, they couldn’t wear any hair accessories that coincides to their status. The young men would have their hair combed into a bun in order to look neat and upright which would be considered as their beauty in this case. Their hairs would be half tied and half draped to their shoulders, similarly to the ones one would usually see from TV Dramas, but it is said here that those who are either down-to-earth or crazy will only be able to wear this sort of hairstyle.*** 

But Gong Zhuoliang had never seen anyone tying their hairs like that too. Too bad, he really find that hairstyle very cool and handsome, ah.

As his thoughts wandered off, Qiao Yingze already finished tying his hair as soon as Gong Zhuoliang came back to his senses. His hair was already tied into a simple yet refreshing high ponytail, with a hair ribbon clasping all of his hairs which matches the color of his clothes, and there’s also a warm-colored hairclip on the ribbon. With the white jade accessories, adding Gong Zhuoliang’s clear and fine features, he looked even more outstanding.

“How do I look?”

After smugly checking himself in the mirror from left to right, Gong Zhuoliang turned to Qiao Yingze and approached him. He then thought in his mind― Sure enough, the way he looked would truly depend on his attire, ah… 

As soon as he washed off the make-up from his face and wore the men’s attire, he is clearly a handsome young boy. Compared from his frail and thin appearance two months ago, he looked more good now that he had grown some flesh.

It’s also a relief that Gong Zhuoliang is a 26 years old man from his previous life. After wearing women’s attire for so long, he still hadn’t become feminine.

“Very good”

Qiao Yingze couldn’t help but caress Gong Zhuoliang’s tender cheeks with his fingers. Looking at him, he really felt like the current Gong Zhuoliang looked much better than the one he previously drew. 

“I really love this present. So what reward would you like me to give you, my Husband?”

After he wore this attire, Gong Zhuoliang’s whole being felt even more poised. His desire to flirt with his husband has also incredibly increased. As Gong Zhuoliang smilingly approached closer to Qiao Yingze and started to caress his chest, he instantly saw the other’s pretty face flushing red.

“A- Am I allowed to kiss Zhuo.. Zhuoliang…?”

Without making eye contact with Gong Zhuoliang, Qiao Yingze softly blurted out his wishes. He really wanted to kiss Gong Zhuoliang. Not the Young Madam whose true appearance was hidden under the name Gong Zhuoyan, but the actual Gong Zhuoliang. 

“Yes”

Gong Zhuoliang was thoroughly whipped when he first heard the person in front of him call him ‘Zhuoliang’. He nearly pushed Qiao Yingze down and bite on his lips, but in the end, he still resisted this raging impulse and put on a refined and upright appearance. Hanging his eyes down, he raised his chin up and waited for Qiao Yingze’s kiss.

Being watched by Gong Zhuoliang, Qiao Yingze felt really flustered to kiss him, so he reached for Gong Zhuoliang’s eyes to gently cover it with his right hand, he then landed his eyes at Gong Zhuoliang’s slightly raised mouth before slowly leaning in and pressing his lips to give the other a soft kiss.

As soon as Gong Zhuoliang felt the soft touch on his lips slowly leaving, he couldn’t help grabbing Qiao Yingze’s and finally removing the hand covering his eyes. Smiling and chuckling, he chased for Qiao Yingze’s lips then pressed his own lips on it, sticking out his tongue then licking the other’s mouth then the teeth; causing an extreme surprise look to the other’s eyes. He then embraced Qiao Yingze’s waist, pushed him towards the bed then he crawled on top of him. 

“Z-Zhuoliang…?”

After a short period of dizziness, Qiao Yingze already found himself laying on the bed. His mouth was stupidly gaped open as he stared dumbly toward the wildly smiling Gong Zhuoliang. Just now, he had been frightened by that sudden French kiss. After all, he just touched Zhuoliang’s t-tongue…

“The reward that Husband wanted has already been granted. Now it’s time for you the Wife’s return gift”

He purposely pressed a weight when he pronounced the word ‘Wife’. Afterwards, Gong Zhuoliang leaned in once again and covered Qiao Yingze’s lips with his own to teach him how you should properly kiss someone…. 

It’s not out of sexual desire, nor he wanted to seek stimulation. Gong Zhuoliang simply wanted to properly kiss Qiao Yingze and teach him what a real kiss is.

…….

The Gong Family’s second Young Master has also come to visit their hot spring…

The Gong Family’s second Young Master truly resembled the appearance of their Young Lady…. 

The Gong Family’s second Young Master and their Young Master were already getting along just as soon as they first met, hence the second Young Master got to stay at the hot spring for the time being…

The Gong Family’s second Young Master…

Gong Zhuoliang, who was dressed in men’s attire, was leisurely walking along the meadow outside the hot spring house, resisting the urge to stretch out his body and howl to the sky.

Suddenly, he recalled the lovely appearance of Qiao Yingze who looked really confused and lost out of lust last night, causing him to feel a sudden itch in his heart. 

He really couldn’t wait to grow up and mature right away, ah!

While he was lost in his thoughts, Gong Zhuoliang suddenly heard the approaching sound of the horse’s hooves, stomping from afar. Looking over, he noticed that the other party should’ve also noticed him, hence instead of rushing towards the hot spring, he turned his horse around and rushed in his own direction…..

Looking at that person’s appearance, Gong Zhuoliang felt like this person looked kinda familiar …..

“This little brother…. Do you perhaps have the surname ‘Gong’?” 

The young man riding the horse curiously looked towards the beautiful little boy in front of him and couldn’t even conceal his amazement. Subconsciously, he gave him a bright smile.

“Youn- …. Indeed..”

Gong Zhuoliang literally almost called out ‘Young Brother-in-law’. Instantly, he looked up towards the man in front of him with black lines on his head.

With this bright and dazzling smile, other than this person being his own Younger Brother-in-law named Yingxuan, who also had the surname of Qiao, there’s no way Gong Zhuoliang could still mistake him as some other person.