After the Foolish Beauty Wore Women's Clothes and Married the Brutal General - Chapter 22

Chapter 22: That’s Exactly How They Kiss.

At the thought of the Nan Jianxue in his dream, Liang Qifeng felt his blood surging.

When he was asleep, it surged downward; now that he was awake, it surged upward, straight to his head, making him feel entirely lightheaded.

If he truly was a “broken sleeve,” then why did his heart flutter for Nan Jianxue?

Was it simply that he couldn’t let go of the obsession in his heart, causing him to use Nan Jianxue as a fantasy object in his dreams?

This thought flashed through his mind but was quickly dismissed by Liang Qifeng.

Liang Qifeng had never felt attracted to anyone else. When he first liked Nan Jianxue, he thought she was a man, so he naturally assumed he was a “broken sleeve.” Now, falling for Nan Jianxue again while knowing she was actually a woman, he felt he should be someone who liked women.

But setting Nan Jianxue aside… he couldn’t say for sure.

He had never been moved by anyone else, so he truly couldn’t tell if he preferred men or women.

He simply liked Nan Jianxue.

Thinking of this, Liang Qifeng calmed down completely, even feeling a bit self-deprecating about his momentary confusion. He must have been influenced by Nan Jianxue; how else could he start thinking such fanciful thoughts?

Liang Qifeng raised a hand to rub his brow, tossing these messy thoughts out of his mind. Just as he lay back down to sleep, he heard a very faint whimper coming from Nan Jianxue’s side.

Liang Qifeng froze. Frowning, he called out tentatively, “Nan Jianxue?”

Nan Jianxue didn’t make a sound, but after a long while, he spoke again in a very tiny voice.

It was very quiet, but Liang Qifeng still heard it.

Nan Jianxue was calling for his Imperial Mother.

After a moment’s thought, Liang Qifeng got up and walked over.

The curtains inside the bed were all drawn. It was dark—so dark that Liang Qifeng couldn’t see Nan Jianxue’s condition at all. He could only reach out tentatively, wanting to touch Nan Jianxue.

However, Nan Jianxue didn’t seem to like having his body touched, especially when wearing sleeping robes. Liang Qifeng’s extended hand paused, clenched in the air, and he withdrew it.

“Nan Jianxue,” Liang Qifeng called out louder. “Wake up, you’re having a nightmare.”

Nan Jianxue remained trapped in the dream, unresponsive.

Liang Qifeng had to go out and fetch a night-luminescent pearl, which illuminated Nan Jianxue’s sweat-drenched face.

“Nan Jianxue.” Liang Qifeng hurriedly shook him to wake him up.

Nan Jianxue finally opened his eyes.

Dazed and not yet grasping the situation, he saw the figure sitting by the bed and instinctively called out, “Imperial Mother.”

Liang Qifeng’s body stiffened. He said helplessly, “It’s me.”

It took Nan Jianxue two seconds to realize that his Imperial Mother hadn’t turned into a man.

He gave a muffled “Oh.” “Why are you here?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” Liang Qifeng said as he reached out to touch Nan Jianxue’s forehead, finding it covered in sweat.

Nan Jianxue reached out and handed him a handkerchief from the head of the bed.

Liang Qifeng took it to wipe the sweat.

Nan Jianxue paused. “I meant for you to wipe your hand.”

“I’m not that delicate.” Liang Qifeng wiped the sweat from his face thoroughly before asking, “Did you dream of Consort Jing?”

Nan Jianxue nodded. “How did you know? Did I talk in my sleep?”

Liang Qifeng nodded.

Nan Jianxue gave an “Oh,” still sounding quite listless.

Liang Qifeng asked, “Want to talk about it?”

Nan Jianxue didn’t answer. He huddled under the quilt with drooping eyelids, devoid of energy.

Liang Qifeng understood and said softly, “Go to sleep.”

Nan Jianxue shook his head and looked up at Liang Qifeng. “I miss my Imperial Mother.”

Liang Qifeng reached out to stroke his hair. “Consort Jing… what kind of person was she?”

“What do you think?” Nan Jianxue asked.

Liang Qifeng shook his head. “I don’t know, but she must have loved you very much.”

Nan Jianxue hummed. “Everything I have now was obtained by my Imperial Mother’s pleas.”

Liang Qifeng didn’t respond, quietly listening to him talk about the past.

But there wasn’t much he could say. He wasn’t very old when Consort Jing passed away, so there were few things he could remember. Furthermore, as many years had passed, no matter how much he replayed them, memories would always fade.

“Once, Lady Xianfei’s family came to visit her and brought many things into the palace. Lady Xianfei distributed some to the other palaces, and Imperial Mother received some too—it was a bolt of satin with a very beautiful pattern. She made an outfit for me,” Nan Jianxue said. “I asked her then, where was her family? I thought then that it would be good if someone loved Imperial Mother too, but she said she didn’t know.”

Liang Qifeng was stunned. Thinking of the few people Nan Jianxue had settled in the side courtyard, his expression became complicated. “Perhaps… they were just too far away?”

“Maybe,” Nan Jianxue said. “I never saw them send many letters to her either.”

Liang Qifeng couldn’t gauge his attitude. After some thought, he said, “Then… shall I help you drive them away?”

Nan Jianxue shook his head again and whispered, “Maybe Imperial Mother just… didn’t want to involve them.”

Liang Qifeng didn’t quite understand, but Nan Jianxue spoke no more.

Nan Jianxue had no feelings for the Jiang family, but he did for Consort Jing, so he was willing to show the Jiangs a kind face—provided they truly had no ulterior motives.

Liang Qifeng sighed. “They have been very well-behaved since moving in. Only Jiang Qiuyan went out once.”

Nan Jianxue looked at him.

Liang Qifeng explained, “She went to a pastry shop and bought a few items, likely to coax the child. There wasn’t much to see.”

“Liar,” Nan Jianxue said sullenly. “You mentioned it specifically, so you must have seen something.”

Liang Qifeng smiled. “The mansion has chefs. If they want to eat something, why can’t the chefs make it?”

Nan Jianxue thought about it and said, “Because they rarely come to the capital, and they heard the things from that shop are delicious?”

“It’s not exactly a famous shop,” Liang Qifeng said. “The owner is a local whose father is a low-ranking official. His mother’s embroidery is quite good, and she saved some money to let him open that shop. It’s mediocre at best. Most importantly… that shop is very far from the Princess’s Mansion.”

After all, the Princess’s Mansion was in the most prosperous part of the capital, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold. Ordinary people couldn’t afford to rent shops in this area.

Hearing this, Nan Jianxue also found it strange. “Is it someone they know?”

Liang Qifeng shook his head again. “She didn’t speak much; she just left after buying the items.”

Nan Jianxue fell silent. “So… you suspect she went to deliver a message?”

“The antidote was indeed sent after they arrived,” Liang Qifeng sighed. “The person who sold the prescription to Huo Wenkang is also dead.”

Nan Jianxue: “So the clues are gone?”

Liang Qifeng shook his head. “Still investigating, but… there might not be a good result.”

Nan Jianxue frowned. “Who on earth is this person? They work so meticulously. I have no idea what they want.”

“Unclear. The only certainty is that they have been planning this for a long time.” Liang Qifeng asked softly, “Are you afraid?”

“What is there to be afraid of?” Nan Jianxue huffed. “I don’t believe they have the ability to reach into my Princess’s Mansion.”

Liang Qifeng smiled. That was indeed unlikely. This mansion especially the staff in the main courtyard had been carefully selected by Nan Zhanyuan. Although Nan Jianxue was often dazed, he had grown up in a wolf’s den; his methods of managing subordinates weren’t poor, otherwise his situation would have leaked long ago.

“Then sleep peacefully,” Liang Qifeng said. “I’ll let you know when there’s news.”

Nan Jianxue nodded, wrapped himself in the quilt, and slept.

Liang Qifeng stood guard for a while, and seeing that he didn’t have any more nightmares, finally left.

The next day.

Huo Chun arrived at the Princess’s Mansion early with the medicine, stating that it was indeed the antidote. It had been tested and there were no issues.

Nan Jianxue saw that his complexion was poor and guessed he hadn’t rested. After all, this involved his grandson; solving it sooner meant peace of mind sooner. Nan Jianxue took the pill and swallowed it with the honey water Qingqian brought.

To ensure there were no subsequent issues, Huo Chun prepared to stay and keep watch. Nan Jianxue didn’t stop him, instructing Qingqian to arrange a place for him to stay, lest Huo Chun collapse just as Nan Jianxue recovered.

Qingqian agreed and led the man away.

Nan Jianxue looked at Liang Qifeng. “Now I can go to the palace, right?”

Liang Qifeng nodded. “Go ahead, but you have to act a bit weak.”

“I know what to do,” Nan Jianxue said, happily going to change his clothes.

Usually, he would enter the palace very early, but today’s situation was special, so he delayed his departure until evening. Once inside the palace, he went straight to the inner courts.

Arriving at the Palace of Longevity and Health, the guards recognized him and immediately bowed, letting him in without even announcing him. It was always like this when the siblings visited; they only gave notice once they reached the door.

This time, however, it wasn’t necessary. As soon as Nan Jianxue entered the courtyard, he saw the Empress Dowager and the Empress talking, with two little toddlers following beside them.

Nan Jianxue walked over and bowed to them. “Imperial Mother, Imperial Sister-in-law.”

Liang Qifeng also bowed. “Greetings to the Empress Dowager and the Empress.”

Seeing the two of them, the Empress Dowager immediately gave a gentle smile. “Rise.” She beckoned to Nan Jianxue. “Come here, let Mother look at you.”

Nan Jianxue went to her side. As soon as he drew near, his hand was taken. He took the opportunity to squat beside her, calling out softly, “Imperial Mother.”

“A-Yuan said your poison has been neutralized?” The Empress Dowager touched his face heart-wrenchingly. “You must have suffered these past few days.”

“It’s fine. The Imperial Academy kept the poison suppressed; it wasn’t painful,” Nan Jianxue said. “I’ve made Mother worry.”

“As long as you’re okay. In the future, you must still be careful outside.” The Empress Dowager stroked his hair and then looked at Liang Qifeng. “How is the Old Lady’s health lately?”

Liang Qifeng replied, “Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My grandmother is eating and sleeping well; her health is quite good.”

Seeing them talking, Nan Jianxue moved to talk to the Empress. However, before he could speak, the two children beside her gathered around.

“Auntie!” “Imperial Aunt.”

These two were her nephews, both born to the Empress. The brother and sister looked very much alike, but their personalities were different. The brother had been raised as the Crown Prince since childhood; his personality was stable, sometimes acting like a little adult. The sister was more lively and had just begun her schooling; she was quite close to Nan Jianxue.

Nan Jianxue patted their heads and asked how their studies were going. The brother told her about his recent lessons in a serious manner, but the sister covered her ears: “Imperial Father asks, and now Auntie asks too!”

Nan Jianxue was amused. He picked her up and sat to the side to talk with her.

The group stayed there for a while until Nan Jianlan and Nan Jianfei arrived. Seeing them, the Empress Dowager said helplessly, “Why are you so late today?”

Nan Jianlan explained, “We were worried about A-Xue’s health and wanted to fetch her together.”

“That’s too late,” Nan Jianxue pouted. “I thought you’d be here already.”

The two shook their heads, came over to ask about his condition, and once certain there were no problems, they headed toward the banquet hall with the Empress Dowager and the Empress.

To act weak, Nan Jianxue appeared listless throughout the journey. After getting off the palanquin, he was supported by Qingqian as he walked.

Those who had arrived early came over to ask what had happened, but they were all dismissed by Liang Qifeng, so Nan Jianxue didn’t have to deal with them.

Liang Qifeng didn’t like these social gatherings. After sitting down, he said to Nan Jianxue, “If I had known, we would have come later.”

There would be a smaller banquet later with just the family, drinking wine and eating snacks; it was much more comfortable than this grand banquet.

“What’s wrong with this?” Nan Jianxue said. “There are songs and dances to watch. The small banquet won’t have those.”

Liang Qifeng had little interest in such things. His romantic sensibilities were minimal; they would flare up for Nan Jianxue, but for these dances, he truly had zero interest. He’d rather take Nan Jianxue out for some fresh air.

However, Nan Jianxue clearly liked this lively atmosphere, occasionally whispering to Liang Qifeng about which dancer was particularly beautiful.

Liang Qifeng’s gaze, however, was fixed on him. He gave a distracted “Mhm.”

“Perfunctory,” Nan Jianxue glanced at him. “You aren’t even looking. Can’t even their beautiful figures attract you?”

Liang Qifeng thought of that dream from last night and laughed softly.

“They can’t,” Liang Qifeng said. “No matter how good they are, they aren’t as good as you.”

As soon as he finished, Nan Jianxue hit him from under the table. “Acting like a rogue again.”

“I’m praising you.” As Liang Qifeng spoke, he reached out and took the wine pot from beside his hand to pour into his own cup. He was stunned to find only half a cup came out. “You finished it all?”

Nan Jianxue hummed and ordered someone to bring another pot.

Liang Qifeng frowned. “You…”

“Don’t worry, my tolerance isn’t that poor, and this wine isn’t easy to get drunk on,” Nan Jianxue whispered. “Who would dare serve me strong spirits?”

Liang Qifeng was helpless. “Have you forgotten you just neutralized the poison?”

“I remember. Since it’s neutralized, I’m fine. I’m perfectly okay now.” Nan Jianxue drank the cup in his hand and turned to talk to his Imperial Sister.

The grand banquet lasted for a while. Once the performances ended, Nan Zhanyuan said a few words and dismissed the guests, leading the family back to the Palace of Phoenix Ceremony.

When the late Emperor was alive, they would have small gatherings here. After Nan Zhanyuan ascended the throne, this habit remained, though it was now livelier. They had all started families, and Nan Zhanyuan would bring his children along.

As soon as they sat down, the Empress Dowager couldn’t help but nag Nan Jianlan. “I don’t care if you keep male favorites in your mansion, but you should pick a suitable consort soon.”

This happened almost every small gathering. At first, Nan Jianlan would explain seriously, but over time, knowing her mother was just mentioning it casually and wasn’t truly in a rush, she would perfunctorily agree with a few “Yeses” and then steer the conversation away. “When is A-Ming coming back?”

“Likely still some time,” Nan Zhanyuan said. “I thought he could make it for their wedding, but he got tied down by something and hasn’t returned yet.”

“It means he still needs more practice,” Nan Jianfei said. “If Royal Sister went, it would have been solved long ago.”

Nan Zhanyuan was also helpless. “I didn’t expect something to happen back then.”

“Even if you knew, you’d have to let him go. How can he grow without training?” Nan Jianlan said, then looked at Nan Jianxue. “Next time, let A-Xue go.”

Nan Jianxue immediately shook his head. “I’m not good at those things.”

“Let Qifeng help you,” Nan Jianlan smiled at Liang Qifeng. “Shouldn’t you be heading back soon?”

“No rush,” Liang Qifeng said. “I plan to stay in the capital for a while longer.”

Nan Jianlan shot Nan Jianxue a teasing glance. Seeing him turn his head to pretend to look at the moon, she let out a laugh.

The family chatted until nearly midnight before dispersing. Both had drunk quite a bit. Liang Qifeng had a high tolerance and the wine was light, so he wouldn’t get drunk no matter how much he drank. But Nan Jianxue was different; by the time he left the Palace of Longevity and Health, he was already complaining of dizziness.

Liang Qifeng saw that he didn’t seem sober and had to support him. He asked, “Do you still remember who you are?”

“Nonsense.” Nan Jianxue glared at him and pointed at himself. “I am Grand Princess Anle.”

Liang Qifeng nodded. It seemed he was indeed drunk.

He had someone bring a palanquin, but Nan Jianxue refused to get in, insisting on walking back to sober up. Liang Qifeng had no choice but to follow beside him.

But Nan Jianxue wouldn’t allow it, pointing at him and saying, “Go home, no need to see me off. I have Qingqian.”

Liang Qifeng was amused. “Which home?”

“How should I know? That’s your business.” Nan Jianxue waved his hand, grabbed Qingqian, and left.

Qingqian was caught between laughter and tears. She told Liang Qifeng she would take care of Nan Jianxue and told him to head back first. Liang Qifeng didn’t agree, following behind with the palanquin bearers.

The palace was vast, and after walking for a short while, Nan Jianxue began to complain of exhaustion. Even when drunk, he maintained his dignity; when tired, he leaned against a street lamp and complained softly to Qingqian, “My feet hurt.”

“Then take the palanquin,” Qingqian persuaded gently. “Once we’re back at the mansion, a foot soak will make it feel better.”

Nan Jianxue immediately shook his head. “Dizzy.”

Qingqian continued, “I’ll give you a massage once we return.”

“Now,” Nan Jianxue said. “Getting back takes forever.”

“It’ll be fast.” As Qingqian spoke, she reached out to support him. Seeing he was willing to go with her, she signaled the palanquin bearers to come over and helped him in.

Seeing him complaining of dizziness even in the palanquin and wanting to get out to sober up, Liang Qifeng found it a bit funny. “Is she always like this when she drinks too much?”

Qingqian nodded. “The Princess doesn’t cause a scene when drunk.”

He just became a bit difficult to manage, wanting to do things that were hard to stop. However, letting him do it once would settle him down, and then coaxing him would make him very agreeable.

Liang Qifeng arched an eyebrow. “Quite well-behaved.”

Qingqian gave a bitter smile. “Most of the time, yes, but occasionally she has some strange ideas.”

Liang Qifeng’s interest was piqued. “Like what?”

Qingqian glanced toward Nan Jianxue. Seeing him staring blankly at the moon, she lowered her voice and explained, “For example, last year, she insisted she wanted to bathe in the Imperial Garden’s pond. His Majesty couldn’t even hold her back.”

Liang Qifeng: “And then?”

“Then she was locked up by His Majesty. He couldn’t actually let the Princess jump into the lake.” Qingqian recalled the incident with some helplessness. “The Princess kept crying in her room, saying His Majesty didn’t love her anymore. Later she fell asleep from crying, and her eyes were swollen the next day.”

Liang Qifeng: “And you still let her drink so much?”

Qingqian explained, “The Princess doesn’t usually drink much. She only has a few more cups during reunions and festivals. His Majesty says to let her be happy and just have us watch over her.”

Liang Qifeng understood and looked at Nan Jianxue again. He was indeed very quiet after drinking, even speaking less. He had heard somewhere that a person’s behavior while drunk is a reflection of their true nature. If someone goes crazy and smashes things, it means they are malicious at heart. If they become talkative, it means they usually hold back too much. So what about Nan Jianxue? Was he actually someone who didn’t like to speak?

Just as this thought surfaced, Nan Jianxue turned his head to talk to him, asking if he knew how to brew wine.

Liang Qifeng said he did.

Nan Jianxue then asked him what kind of wine he liked to drink, and then talked about brewing wine.

The two of them left the inner courts together. Just as they were about to head toward the palace gate, a shout suddenly came from behind: “Princess! General!”

Liang Qifeng had everyone stop. Turning back, he saw a small eunuch running toward them; it was someone who followed Nan Zhanyuan.

Qingqian immediately went to meet him. “Eunuch Shunxi, is something the matter?”

Shunxi hurriedly bowed to them and explained, “The Lady in the palace made some pastries, and His Majesty asked this servant to deliver them.”

Qingqian acknowledged and took the food box from Shunxi.

Liang Qifeng looked at the eunuch. “Why is it you? Where is Fulu?”

“His Majesty also drank too much, and Master is attending to him,” Shunxi replied with his head bowed.

Liang Qifeng understood and was about to wave him away when he heard Qingqian ask which Lady had made them and why they were being sent now.

Shunxi replied, “It was Noble Lady Lan, who recently entered the palace. She wasn’t sure if His Majesty was meeting with the princesses, so she sent them to the Hall of Purple Brilliance. Finding no one, they then went to the Palace of Phoenix Ceremony.”

Qingqian understood. “No wonder. Understood, thank you, Eunuch.” She gave Shunxi a few gold leaves before continuing on their way.

Seeing this, Liang Qifeng asked, “Are you very familiar with him? He actually told you all that.”

Qingqian nodded. “He comes to the Princess’s Mansion often. If anything happens, I ask him. He tells me such trivial things. If Eunuch Fulu came, he would say it too.”

Liang Qifeng thought to himself that it was likely to curry favor with Nan Jianxue. The head eunuch beside Nan Zhanyuan was Fulu, who usually had to stay by his side, so this apprentice did all the errands. He remembered this small eunuch didn’t speak much; usually, when he went to his own mansion, the boy wouldn’t even say a few words. He was completely different from his master. He had thought it was a personality issue.

Liang Qifeng looked at Nan Jianxue, seeing him gesturing for Qingqian to give him a pastry. He looked quite cute, and Liang Qifeng felt it probably wasn’t just about currying favor. Nan Jianxue was cute and beautiful; wanting to be good to him was only natural.

By the time they left the palace and returned to the Princess’s Mansion, Nan Jianxue had finished the pastries. He began to say his stomach was too full and he was so bloated that he couldn’t walk anymore.

Liang Qifeng stood by the carriage. Seeing him slumped inside without any poise, he laughed. “Then what do you want?”

“I want you to carry me on your back,” Nan Jianxue said.

Liang Qifeng turned around. “Come here.”

Nan Jianxue immediately came out of the carriage happily, about to climb onto his back, but backed away before he could latch on.

Liang Qifeng: ?

He turned back in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“It’ll squish my pastries.” As Nan Jianxue spoke, he opened his arms to Liang Qifeng. “Carry (hug) me.”

Liang Qifeng arched an eyebrow. “Why are you so hard to serve? No.”

Nan Jianxue immediately frowned. “If you don’t carry me, you aren’t allowed into my mansion!”

“Then I’ll go back to the General’s Mansion,” Liang Qifeng said. “You’ll just have to walk back by yourself.”

Upon hearing this, Nan Jianxue’s face fell instantly. He muttered, “I’m not walking.”

Liang Qifeng looked at him squatting there, not appearing particularly worried about the pastries in his stomach. He was caught between laughter and tears. Just as he was about to reach out to pick him up, a thought flashed through his mind. He withdrew his hand and said, “I can carry you, but you have to kiss me.”

Nan Jianxue immediately looked up. “Really?”

Liang Qifeng nodded.

Nan Jianxue bargained with him: “I’ll kiss you only after you carry me.”

Liang Qifeng opened his arms.

Nan Jianxue immediately reached out to hook his neck, hanging himself onto Liang Qifeng.

Liang Qifeng held him steady but didn’t move. He said, “I’ll only carry you inside after you pay, otherwise I’ll put you on the ground.”

Nan Jianxue’s arms tightened instantly, and he gave him a kiss on the cheek. It was still a kiss completely devoid of intimacy; it caused no stir in Liang Qifeng’s heart, only making him want to laugh.

As he carried him inside, he heard Nan Jianxue still muttering, saying that in storybooks, kissing feels so comfortable.

Liang Qifeng hummed. “Then do you find it comfortable?”

“So-so. They don’t kiss like this,” Nan Jianxue said.

Liang Qifeng smiled. “Then how do they kiss? Under the flowers and the moon? Or secretly behind people’s backs…?”

Before he could finish, Nan Jianxue kissed the corner of his mouth.

Nan Jianxue said, “That’s exactly how they kiss.”

After speaking, he leaned in again and gave him a very light peck on the lips.