What's the Big Deal? We're All Bros

The brilliant gentleman on the outside, a scheming, reserved, dramatic flirt on the inside, paired with the pure-hearted young general who is the dream lover of four generations, young and old.

[Blurb]

Tang Zhao transmigrates into a book and becomes the nine-year-old youngest son of the accomplished General Tang.

What are boys supposed to do in ancient times? At what age do they learn to read and practice martial arts? How do they go about studying at a private school? How do you fasten a long robe? What are the rules for dining? Are you not supposed to step on the threshold when entering a room?

Tang Zhao is completely bewildered. To make matters worse, the System abruptly goes offline, leaving him completely cut off. But it doesn't matter. He's an extrovert, and he can get along anywhere.

Cheng Shuyi, the young master of the literary family next door, is about the same age as Tang Zhao, around ten, yet possesses a talent beyond his years. Outsiders say he's the reincarnation of Wenquxing, the star of literature.

The two boys, both from prominent families, can't stand each other. One is lively, dazzling, and loud, while the other is cold and aloof, keeping to himself.

Until one day, they run into each other in a narrow alley. Tang Zhao has already stuck out his foot, ready to trip him, when Cheng Shuyi suddenly says, "Love you wandering the world alone?"

Tang Zhao: "!!! Love the way you refuse to kneel..."

They speak in unison: "Love how you stood face-to-face with despair and refused to cry!"

Holy cow! They got it right!

So he isn't the only one who transmigrated into a book! The two hug and weep. No need to say another word: from now on, you're my best buddy!

Ten years fly by. The emperor personally appoints Tang Zhao to lead troops to guard the frontier, while Cheng Shuyi stays behind and passes the civil service exam.

"It's fine, buddy. A man should defend his country! I'm off. Write to me whenever you can!"

Later, news reaches the frontier that the Cheng family has been framed, fallen into ruin, and lost both parents. Tang Zhao hears that his childhood friend is being forced to marry into the family of a dissolute young marquis with a preference for men, becoming his male concubine. They'll even parade him through the streets in a red bridal sedan!

Tang Zhao slams the table and leaps to his feet. "Damn it! As if I'd let that happen!" He races back to the capital on horseback...

...to steal the groom.

Tang Zhao hijacks the dissolute young marquis's bridal sedan in the middle of the street, then escorts Cheng Shuyi home in grand style.

Cheng Shuyi looks at Tang Zhao in his red battle robes. "Zhaozhao, why don't we take advantage of the situation and get married? I think having that relationship will make it easier for me to investigate how my parents were framed."

Tang Zhao thinks it over. "Sure, you've got a point. I'll help you uncover the truth and clear your parents' names!"

After the wedding...

Cheng Shuyi: "Zhaozhao, we should show people how affectionate we are. We don't want them thinking we got together as part of some scheme."

Tang Zhao readily agrees. "No problem!"

Cheng Shuyi: "Zhaozhao, we've got nothing on tonight. Want to take a bath together after dinner?"

Tang Zhao: "Sure! That's totally normal back where I come from!"

Cheng Shuyi: "Lately, people have been saying that since we're both men, we can't consummate the marriage, and that this whole thing is a sham, probably part of some conspiracy."

Tang Zhao looks thoughtful. "And?"

Cheng Shuyi pins him beneath him. "Zhaozhao, will you let me take the lead this once?"

Tang Zhao lies flat with noble resolve. "Damn, go ahead! What's the big deal? We're buddies, after all!"

[Reading Guide]

1. Two transmigrators, a wedding snatch, sweet romance, one-on-one pairing, happy ending, love grows over time, and a rabbit eating the grass by its burrow.

2. Both the gong and shou are adults who transmigrate into a book. Their bodies become children, but their minds remain adult. They accompany each other as they grow up. The growing-up years don't get much attention, as the main story begins when they're older.

3. Though the two can be silly and childish at times, it's only with each other. In public, they're both true big shots, thriving and shining in their respective fields.

4. The gong and shou never switch roles, and there's no angst at any point.

5. All the settings are fictional, and very loosely so. Please don't nitpick~

Theme: Don't worry about having no kindred spirits ahead; who in the world doesn't know you?