Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 363: The Proud Little Rascal
“See that man on the horse? That’s my brother-in-law!”
The shout came from a pudgy-faced little rascal, his voice brimming with pride. He stood among a group of children, his round face tilted high, puffed up like a triumphant rooster surrounded by his brood. The look of envy in the eyes of his playmates only made him more pleased with himself. His vanity swelled until it nearly overflowed.
If one looked closer, they would notice another tiny figure standing just behind him—a little girl, fair and rosy like a porcelain doll. Her bright eyes blinked curiously as she bit her finger, innocence and sweetness radiating from every inch of her small frame.
“You say he’s your brother-in-law, and that makes it true? Go on then, call out to him and see if he answers. Anyone can shout ‘brother-in-law’ if they like,” one of the boys jeered, puffing out his cheeks in defiance.
“Heh, that’s because you don’t know how badly that country bumpkin wants to be my brother-in-law!” the pudgy boy snorted, slapping his own chubby cheek as if brushing off imaginary dust. “I usually can’t even be bothered to acknowledge him—but since you’re all so doubtful, I’ll be generous and call him once. Just once!”
He wore the air of one bestowing a great favor, as though letting Zhu Ping’an hear the word brother-in-law from his lips were some magnificent honor.
“Then call him! I bet he won’t even look your way,” another child challenged, clearly unconvinced.
“Fine, fine,” the pudgy boy folded his arms, tossing his head with exaggerated arrogance. “I’ll do it for your sake.”
These children were all the spoiled offspring of noble families—little young masters of privilege. Their attendants had long since cleared a section of the busy street for them, standing guard to ensure the small lords had a perfect view of the passing parade.
At that very moment, Zhu Ping’an was approaching, astride a tall horse at the head of the grand procession that celebrated his scholarly triumph down the imperial avenue.
“Brother-in-law!”
The pudgy boy’s voice pierced through the clamor of drums and cheers, sharp and shrill as only a child’s could be. His expression remained one of smug superiority—as if he were conferring an honor upon the man himself.
Even amidst the noise and bustle, that small, piercing voice reached Zhu Ping’an’s ears. Curious, he turned his head toward the sound.
The pudgy boy smirked, folding his arms and looking pleased as Zhu Ping’an’s gaze met his. Then, turning to his friends, he raised his chin even higher—a silent See? I told you so.
Zhu Ping’an’s brows lifted slightly in surprise. “Oh? What are you doing here?” he asked with a faint smile from atop his horse.
That single sentence was enough to make the boy’s round face glow with pride. Did you hear that? he wanted to shout. He’s surprised! He’s happy to see me! In his mind, Zhu Ping’an’s tone was proof of admiration and longing, a dream come true for the scholar who had once been just a humble “country bumpkin.”
Around them, the other children were beside themselves with excitement. The “Number One Scholar”—the Star of Literature descended from the heavens—had looked right at them! Their families had told them that the top scholar was a blessed star incarnate, a celestial being. To see him in person was like meeting a living god.
The boy—Li Yángong, as the others called him—soaked up their admiration like a sponge. His chest puffed out until it seemed he might float away.
“I’m just wandering around,” he replied coolly, folding his arms again, as if being addressed by the top scholar were nothing special.
Then, to the astonishment of all, Zhu Ping’an guided his horse closer, smiling warmly. “It’s dangerous to stand around in the street. Come on, hop up. I’ll take you home.”
For a moment, the pudgy boy’s brain nearly stopped working. His round face lit up like a lantern. He’s going to let me ride with him! The country bumpkin brother-in-law had become a hero of the capital—a man admired by tens of thousands—and now, he was going to share in that glory! He imagined the look on his friends’ faces, their envy burning like torches.
He was just about to feign reluctance, planning to say something like, Oh well, I suppose I’ll give you this one chance, when Zhu Ping’an suddenly reached out a hand toward him.
He must be thrilled that I called him brother-in-law, the boy thought smugly as he lifted his chubby little hand, preparing to be lifted onto the horse.
But before he could react further, a soft, sweet voice chimed from beside him.
“Brother-in-law~!”
A blur of pink and white shot forward—and the next thing everyone knew, the adorable little girl from before was already sitting safely in Zhu Ping’an’s arms atop the horse, smiling sweetly.
The pudgy boy froze. His outstretched hands hung in midair as his mind went blank. What… just happened?
Zhu Ping’an gently adjusted the little girl on his lap and chided softly, “Niuniu, why did you run out here? There are so many people—it’s dangerous. What if you got lost?”
With one arm holding the tiny girl securely, Zhu Ping’an tugged the reins with the other. The tall horse neighed softly and began to move forward again, its tail swishing just close enough to almost brush the stunned boy’s round face.
Laughter erupted from the other children.
“Hahaha! Li Yángong’s full of hot air!”
“The cow’s flying in the sky because Li Yángong’s blowing it from below!”
“Hahaha! He didn’t even look at you! You liar, you braggart!”
The pudgy boy’s face twisted through a rainbow of emotions—shock, outrage, humiliation. His round cheeks quivered as he glared after the departing horse. You bumpkin! Are you blind? How dare you ignore me, Li Yángong! Just you wait!
But just as his resentment reached its peak, Zhu Ping’an suddenly pulled the reins again, stopping the horse after only a few steps. He turned his head slightly and called back, his tone firm yet kind:
“Li Yángong! Go home with the attendants at once. I’ll be checking your homework later!”
The words hit the boy like a thunderclap. His sulky face instantly bloomed with joy, the clouds of embarrassment swept away. Straightening his back, he shouted after the retreating figure with all the pride he could muster, “Yes, sir!”
The laughter around him fell silent.
Meanwhile, the image of Zhu Ping’an riding tall and elegant through the streets, a little girl nestled in his arms, etched itself deeply into the hearts of every onlooker. To the young women lining the streets—the maidens and newlyweds of the capital—it was a sight of irresistible tenderness.
A scholar so gifted, yet so gentle with a child—how could any heart not flutter?
One after another, embroidered handkerchiefs and silk sachets rained down toward him like petals in the wind, accompanied by coy, suggestive words.
Though couched in flowery metaphors like “The spring breeze arrives—let the wild geese carry my letters,” their meaning was all too clear.
In modern terms, it was no different from shouting:
“Top Scholar, marry me!”
or
“Top Scholar, I want to bear your children!”
The grand procession wound through the main streets of the capital before turning toward the Marquis of Linhuai’s residence—the home of Zhu Ping’an. As the stately entourage arrived, fireworks and drums erupted in celebration.
Zhu Ping’an dismounted gracefully, then lifted the little girl from the saddle. After bidding farewell to the officials who had accompanied him, he led her through the ornate gates of the Linhuai Marquisate, disappearing into the courtyard as the cheers echoed behind him.