Chapter 160 Day 24 of Transmigrating into an Imperial Examination Novel

Chapter 160: The Twenty-Fourth Day of Transmigrating into a Scholar's Story

Qin Cang had indeed ridden through the night, still in his travel-worn clothes, and had billeted his equally weary personal guards at the courier station on the outskirts of the capital.

He then made his way to An Yi's study deep in the night.

He couldn't even wait until the next day; he hastily submitted his report to the court before the palace gates closed, then rushed here impatiently.

Tomorrow, he'd have to formally appear before the emperor and report on the frontier situation, but at this moment, he only wanted to stay where An Yi was.

He watched An Yi's strikingly handsome profile in the candlelight, and the longing in his heart grew like wild vines.

He licked his slightly chapped lips and tried to make his voice sound less eager: "Master."

He spoke in a low voice, his gaze burning: "Cang has just arrived in the capital and has no place to stay... The official courier station is noisy and hard to sleep in. I wonder... maybe Master could let me stay here a few days?"

He paused, blinked, and pleaded: "If Master agrees, Cang would be willing to sweep the courtyard, wash clothes, and cook—I swear I won't slack off!"

"Just... just a corner to sleep in would be fine."

An Yi:...

An Yi looked up and calmly gazed at him.

Candlelight flickered in his clear eyes, reflecting Qin Cang's face, which wore an expression of feigned meekness.

For a moment, An Yi couldn't quite tell how much of this was genuine concern about lodging and how much was... an excuse with ulterior motives.

After all, according to court custom, a military officer newly transferred to the capital, like Qin Cang, if his rank wasn't high enough and the emperor hadn't granted him a mansion, did indeed need to find his own lodging.

He couldn't stay at the courier station forever.

But as for Qin Cang... it was probably more about ulterior motives.

Seeing how Qin Cang's gaze seemed fixed on his face, and his jawline, slightly tense from nerves, the mild irritation An Yi had felt from his climbing in through the window late at night had already dissipated, replaced by an almost imperceptible hint of amusement.

He didn't call him out on it, but a gentle smile slowly spread at the corners of his mouth, and he nodded: "Alright."

Qin Cang's whole body relaxed—he'd managed to weasel his way in.

He could barely contain the surging excitement. His tall frame leaned forward a little, and, as if unconsciously, he knelt on one knee, taking a liberty, bent down, and gently pressed his forehead against An Yi's calf.

Then, as if that weren't enough, he carefully rubbed his high-bridged nose against the moon-white fabric, a gesture of dependence.

An Yi:...

An Yi could clearly feel the warmth of his nose through the thin fabric, tickling him slightly.

He shook his head, a little helplessly, gave a light kick, his toe tapping against Qin Cang's abdomen, his tone carrying an almost imperceptible hint of indulgence: "Get up."

Only then did Qin Cang snap back to reality, realizing how presumptuous he'd been, and a dark red flush crept up to the tips of his ears.

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The next morning, Qin Cang rose before dawn, carefully adjusted his military uniform, and went to the palace for his report.

The emperor saw that he was young, capable, had outstanding military achievements, and answered properly—and was greatly pleased. He praised him warmly, and on the spot granted him the title of General Dingyuan, ordering him to take up the post that same day.

For a young general newly transferred to the capital, this was a rare favor and honor.

Qin Cang calmly expressed his gratitude and took his leave of the emperor.

As soon as he left the palace, he quickly arranged for his guards' billeting and their upcoming shifts. After getting all the chores neatly sorted out, he couldn't contain himself any longer and headed straight for An Yi's study.

Before he even got close, he saw that the front of the study facing the street was quite busy, with many young scholars coming and going.

But the atmosphere wasn't noisy; it was tranquil.

Qin Cang didn't stop his steps. He took the familiar back alley and pushed open the unlocked side door to the small courtyard.

Inside the courtyard, the sunlight was perfect, casting the gnarled branches of the old plum tree into sharp relief.

An Yi was sitting at a stone table under the plum tree, leisurely enjoying a cup of tea.

Across from him sat a young man in a sapphire-blue brocade robe.

The young man had his back to Qin Cang, his stature not yet fully grown, making him look somewhat slender. He was saying something to An Yi, a relaxed smile on his face.

An Yi also wore a gentle expression, a faint smile on his lips, as if listening attentively.

Qin Cang's footsteps suddenly halted. The softened aura that had enveloped him at the thought of seeing An Yi instantly turned cold and hard.

Who was this? He didn't recognize him.

Why did he seem so... familiar with An Yi?

It seemed An Yi liked him?

As if sensing something, An Yi looked up and met Qin Cang's gaze.

He wasn't surprised; instead, he smiled slightly and beckoned to Qin Cang, signaling him to come over.

Upon hearing the sound, the young man in the blue robe also turned his head.

His face still had a hint of childishness, but it already showed a handsome bone structure. His eyes and brows revealed a maturity and intelligence far beyond his age. It was Fang Huaixing.

He looked at Qin Cang, and a flash of bewilderment first appeared in his eyes, as he clearly didn't immediately recognize the tall, cold-aired officer with the sharpness and aggression honed on the battlefield.

He only felt that this person had an imposing presence—definitely no ordinary soldier.

It wasn't until An Yi put down his tea and calmly introduced them: "Qin Cang, this is Fang Huaixing—Top Scholar Fang. Huaixing, this is Qin Cang. You asked about him before."

Qin Cang?

Oh, it was him! He had indeed asked about him a year ago.

Fang Huaixing?

Qin Cang's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. It was him?

The "little prodigy" who used to hang around An Yi in the village when they were kids?

He hadn't expected to see him here in the capital, still hovering around An Yi... what a persistent presence.

Fang Huaixing was equally astonished. He looked Qin Cang up and down, almost unable to connect the tall, sharp officer before him with the silent, fierce-eyed teenager from Tuhei Village that he remembered.

The change... was far too great!

He had originally thought that since Qin Cang had studied under An Yi, even if he didn't take the imperial exams, he would have followed a scholarly path. How could he... have joined the military and ended up like this?

Both had their own private thoughts, but on the surface, they maintained basic courtesy.

Qin Cang cupped his hands, his voice low and cold: "Scholar Fang."

Fang Huaixing also returned the salute with a clasped hand, his tone indifferent: "General Qin."

A dry, brief greeting, nothing more.

Fang Huaixing clearly noticed Qin Cang's almost undisguised displeasure towards him, and a sense of absurdity welled up in him.

Could it be that this man, at his age and station, was still jealous like he was as a child, simply because An Yi talked to someone else?

This was simply too ridiculous.

Childish!

Senior Brother An isn't his dad!

Qin Cang sneered inwardly.

Haunting little bastard.

As for jealousy? Not really.

This little punk in front of me—he probably wouldn't even reach An Yi's shoulder, and he still looks so childish?

Is he worthy? Hmph!

His gaze had already shifted away from Fang Huaixing and landed back on An Yi. The coldness in his eyes instantly melted into a spring-like warmth, brimming with undisguised affection and tenderness. His voice softened as well: "Master."

He called, a sweet smile curling his lips, tinged with satisfaction and a hint of smugness.

Fang Huaixing: ...

Fang Huaixing watched Qin Cang's sudden change in expression, then glanced at An Yi's calm demeanor, as if he were used to it, even a hint of indulgence in his eyes.

His heart skipped a beat, and an absurd, persistent thought crashed into his mind.

This... the vibe between these two... how is it so weird?

Could they be... *that* kind of relationship?

An Yi can't be gay, can he?!