Journey to Luofeng Village

Li Yu, a young man with a secret identity as a fish, embarks on a journey with Prince Jing. As they travel, Li Yu enjoys the adventure, occasionally transforming into a fish to eat. Prince Jing, a mute prince, ensures Li Yu's comfort, indulging him with snacks and meals. They reach Luofeng Village, where the emperor has arranged a modest home for Prince Jing. Despite the downgrade from his manor, Li Yu is content, while Prince Jing worries about their new living conditions. Their bond strengthens as they settle into their new life, with Prince Jing prioritizing Li Yu's well-being.

Secrets and Revelations

During an unexpected assassin attack, Li Yu's secret is revealed when he transforms into a fish. Initially panicked, Li Yu is surprised by Prince Jing's calm acceptance. Prince Jing, having suspected Li Yu's true nature, reassures him with a note saying, "Don't be afraid." Touched by Prince Jing's understanding, Li Yu embraces his identity as a carp spirit and explains his situation. Prince Jing's wholehearted acceptance strengthens their bond, providing Li Yu with a sense of security and belonging.

The Battle of Luofeng

Prince Jing learns of a local noble's collusion with bandits and decides to confront them. With Li Yu's strategic suggestions, including using underground tunnels and traps, Prince Jing leads a successful attack against the bandits. The villagers, initially skeptical, are impressed by Prince Jing's leadership and bravery. Li Yu admires Prince Jing's prowess and feels proud of his contributions. The victory solidifies Prince Jing's reputation and earns the villagers' trust, while deepening Li Yu's admiration for him.

A Fishy Family

Li Yu discovers he's pregnant with fish eggs due to the system's meddling. Initially shocked, he comes to terms with his new role as a parent. With Prince Jing's help, they incubate the eggs, which hatch into four baby fish. Li Yu names them Dabao, Erbao, Sanbao, and Sibao. The fish babies bring joy to the couple, and Prince Jing is delighted to have a family. As the fish babies grow, Li Yu and Prince Jing navigate the challenges of parenthood, strengthening their bond and creating a loving family environment.

The Emperor's Dilemma

Prince Jing requests to marry Li Yu, a male consort, which the emperor initially resists due to concerns about heirs. However, news of Li Yu's "pregnancy" and the birth of four sons changes the emperor's perspective. Impressed by Prince Jing's achievements and Li Yu's contributions, the emperor eventually agrees to the marriage. The emperor's decision is influenced by Prince Jing's strategic handling of the western border's issues, including defeating bandits and controlling locusts. The emperor's approval solidifies Li Yu's status as Prince Jing's consort.

A Wedding and a Honeymoon

With the emperor's blessing, Prince Jing and Li Yu celebrate their wedding in Luofeng Village. The ceremony is attended by villagers and close friends, including Ye Qinghuan. The couple exchanges vows, solidifying their commitment to each other. After the wedding, they embark on a "honeymoon," a cover for Li Yu's upcoming tribulation. During this time, Li Yu must transform into a Merman or Manmer, relying on Prince Jing's protection. The couple's love and trust are tested, but they emerge stronger, ready to face the future together.

The Sixth Prince's Suspicion

The sixth prince, Mu Tianxiao, grows suspicious of Prince Jing's children, believing they might not be his biological offspring. He sends a confidant to obtain a drop of blood from Dabao, Prince Jing's eldest son, to verify his lineage. Meanwhile, Prince Jing and Li Yu, aware of the sixth prince's schemes, set a trap by using a stand-in to provide the blood. The sixth prince, convinced of his impending victory, plans to expose Prince Jing, unaware that he is being deceived.

A Secret Room's Mystery

While exploring Changchun Palace, Li Yu discovers a sealed room linked to Prince Jing's past. With the help of Head Eunuch Luo, he learns about Pu Liu, a wet nurse who was dismissed after a mistake that endangered the young Prince Jing. Li Yu suspects a deeper secret involving Pu Liu and the emperor, but the truth remains elusive. This discovery adds another layer to the complex history surrounding Prince Jing's childhood.

The Emperor's Favoritism

During a visit to the palace, the emperor shows clear favoritism towards Dabao, Prince Jing's eldest son, much to the sixth prince's chagrin. The emperor's affection for Dabao is evident as he teaches him to use a slingshot and rewards him generously. This favoritism fuels the sixth prince's jealousy and determination to undermine Prince Jing, as he feels overshadowed by his brother's growing influence and the emperor's partiality.

Hunting Festival Rivalry

At the annual hunting festival, Prince Jing, initially reluctant to participate, is urged by the emperor to compete. Despite starting late, he surpasses the sixth prince in the competition, showcasing his skills and earning the emperor's praise. The sixth prince, frustrated by his defeat, realizes that Prince Jing's abilities and the emperor's support make him a formidable rival. This event solidifies Prince Jing's status and further strains the relationship between the brothers.

A Misunderstood Confrontation

Li Yu mistakenly believes Prince Jing is taking medicine to enhance his performance in bed, leading to a heartfelt confrontation. Prince Jing reveals that the medicine is actually a contraceptive, taken to prevent passing on his muteness to future children. This revelation deepens their bond as Li Yu understands Prince Jing's fears and reassures him of his love and acceptance. The misunderstanding highlights the couple's deepening trust and commitment to each other.

A Clever Trap Set

Prince Jing and Li Yu's plan to deceive the sixth prince unfolds as the blood taken from Dabao's stand-in is used to mislead him. The sixth prince, believing he has evidence of Prince Jing's wrongdoing, prepares to expose him. However, Prince Jing's foresight and strategic planning ensure that the sixth prince's scheme will backfire, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation that could determine the future of the imperial court.

Characters

Li Yu

Li Yu is a young man who has transmigrated into a fish with a system. He travels with Prince Jing, hiding his true identity. Li Yu is resourceful, using his abilities to find food and help Prince Jing. His relationship with Prince Jing deepens as they face challenges together. Li Yu's transformation into a fish and later a parent of fish babies adds complexity to his character, highlighting his adaptability and resilience.

Prince Jing

Prince Jing is a mute prince with a strong sense of duty and a deep affection for Li Yu. He is strategic and decisive, leading a successful attack against bandits and managing the western border's issues. Prince Jing's acceptance of Li Yu's true identity and his unwavering support demonstrate his loyalty and love. His desire to marry Li Yu and create a family showcases his commitment to their relationship.

Wang Xi

Wang Xi is Prince Jing's trusted servant, assisting with various tasks and ensuring the couple's comfort. He is dedicated to Prince Jing and Li Yu, helping with the fish babies and supporting their relationship. Wang Xi's loyalty and attention to detail make him an invaluable ally.

The Emperor

The emperor is initially skeptical of Prince Jing's request to marry Li Yu, concerned about the lack of heirs. However, he is impressed by Prince Jing's achievements and Li Yu's contributions. The emperor's eventual approval of their marriage reflects his recognition of their capabilities and the importance of family.

Ye Qinghuan

Ye Qinghuan is Prince Jing's cousin and a close friend to both him and Li Yu. He attends their wedding and offers support, despite his initial shock at Li Yu's pregnancy. Ye Qinghuan's loyalty and humor add warmth to the story.

The Sixth Prince (Mu Tianxiao)

The sixth prince's ambition and jealousy drive him to plot against Prince Jing, seeking to undermine his brother's growing influence. His suspicions about Prince Jing's children lead him to take drastic measures, but his schemes are ultimately thwarted by Prince Jing's clever planning. The sixth prince's actions highlight his desperation and willingness to go to great lengths to achieve his goals.

Head Eunuch Luo

Head Eunuch Luo serves as a trusted advisor to the emperor and a valuable ally to Prince Jing and Li Yu. His knowledge of palace secrets and his ability to navigate court politics make him an essential figure in the unfolding drama. His support and guidance help Li Yu uncover important information about Prince Jing's past, furthering the couple's understanding of the challenges they face.

Plot Devices

Transformation and Identity

Li Yu's ability to transform between human and fish forms is a key plot device, symbolizing his struggle with identity and acceptance. His eventual acceptance of his role as a parent and partner highlights his growth and adaptability. The transformation theme also underscores the importance of trust and understanding in relationships.

The System

The system that governs Li Yu's transformations and quests is a significant plot device, driving the narrative and creating challenges for Li Yu. It forces him to confront his fears and adapt to new situations, ultimately leading to personal growth and a deeper connection with Prince Jing.

Marriage and Family

The marriage between Prince Jing and Li Yu serves as a plot device to explore themes of love, trust, and family. Their wedding and the birth of their fish babies symbolize their commitment to each other and their shared future. The challenges they face together strengthen their bond and highlight the importance of family.

Deception and Strategy

The use of deception and strategic planning is a key plot device, as Prince Jing and Li Yu work together to outsmart the sixth prince. Their ability to anticipate and counter the sixth prince's moves highlights their intelligence and resourcefulness. This theme of deception underscores the complex power dynamics within the imperial court and the lengths to which characters will go to achieve their goals.

Familial Bonds and Loyalty

The bonds between Prince Jing, Li Yu, and their children are central to the narrative, providing emotional depth and motivation for their actions. The couple's unwavering loyalty to each other and their family is a driving force in their decisions, influencing their interactions with the emperor and their rivals. This theme of familial bonds emphasizes the importance of love and trust in overcoming adversity.

Secrets and Revelations

The discovery of secrets from Prince Jing's past and the unfolding of the sixth prince's schemes add layers of intrigue to the story. These revelations challenge the characters to confront their fears and adapt to new information, driving the plot forward. The theme of secrets and revelations highlights the complexity of the characters' relationships and the impact of the past on the present.

Analysis

"The Disabled Tyrant's Beloved Pet Fish" explores themes of transformation, identity, and the power of love and trust. Through Li Yu's journey from a hidden fish spirit to a beloved consort and parent, the story delves into the complexities of self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one's true nature. Prince Jing's strategic mind and unwavering support for Li Yu highlight the strength of their relationship, while the challenges they face together underscore the resilience required to navigate the intricacies of court life. The novel's exploration of familial bonds, loyalty, and the impact of past secrets offers a rich tapestry of emotional depth and intrigue, ultimately conveying the message that love and understanding can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

Last updated: March 20, 2025