After the Foolish Beauty Wore Women's Clothes and Married the Brutal General - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Those Two Slaps Were Actually Quite Worth It.

Liang Qifeng’s mind went blank for a split second.

At the tip of his nose was a very faint scent of wine and flowers; he couldn’t tell if it came from the wine they drank today or from Nan Jianxue’s body. The sensation on his lips was soft, like a pastry, yet far more enticing than any sweet.

“Nan Jianxue,” Liang Qifeng’s breathing grew heavy. “Do you black out when you drink too much?”

Nan Jianxue blinked at him. After a long moment, a brilliant smile broke across his face. He hooked his arms around Liang Qifeng’s neck, leaned in, and rested his head on Liang Qifeng’s shoulder, hugging him tightly.

Liang Qifeng looked toward Qingqian.

Qingqian’s face was also a bit awkward. She explained softly, “The Princess says herself that she doesn’t remember anything.”

But in reality, it was hard to say. After all, after the incident in the Imperial Garden back then, she had refused to step foot near that place for a very long time.

Liang Qifeng let out a soft chuckle.

“What are you laughing at?” Nan Jianxue immediately pulled back from his embrace and reached out to pinch his cheeks. “No laughing! I hate it!”

Liang Qifeng suppressed his smile and carried him back into the mansion.

Nan Jianxue was restless the entire way. It was as if he had suddenly discovered that Liang Qifeng’s face was a fun toy; he spent the whole trip messing with him. One moment he was pinching a cheek, the next he was tugging an ear. He even pinched Liang Qifeng’s nose to stop him from breathing, and upon seeing Liang Qifeng forced to open his mouth, he gleefully let go to cover his mouth instead.

Harassed beyond endurance, Liang Qifeng abandoned any thoughts of enjoying the “warm fragrance and soft jade” in his arms. The moment they entered the room, he immediately moved to set him down on the bed.

But Nan Jianxue refused to get off. He clung to Liang Qifeng’s neck like a monkey, refusing to let go, shouting, “I want to go out and feel the breeze!!”

Liang Qifeng could only try to pry his hands loose. He didn’t dare use force, so he spent a long time coaxing and persuading him to let go. Just as he was about to leave the mess to Qingqian, his sleeve was grabbed.

Nan Jianxue tugged at his sleeve, staring at him for a long while. Liang Qifeng tried to pull back, but Nan Jianxue held on with a death grip. He had no choice but to give up and crouch by the bed, asking in the gentlest voice possible, “What do you want to do?”

“You…” Nan Jianxue blinked at him. “Do you like men or women…?”

His voice was a pitch lower than usual. It didn’t sound as sweet, but the tone remained soft.

Liang Qifeng froze, his brow furrowing slightly.

Beside them, Qingqian felt like her soul was about to fly away. She hurriedly rushed forward to persuade him, “Princess, you are tired. Please go to sleep.”

Nan Jianxue glanced at her, a smile spreading across his face as his voice returned to its sweet tone: “Qingqian!”

Qingqian breathed a sigh of relief and whispered to Liang Qifeng, “The General should go rest as well. I will look after the Princess.”

Liang Qifeng didn’t answer her. Instead, he looked at Nan Jianxue and said, “Women.”

Nan Jianxue paused and looked at him. “Only women?”

Liang Qifeng thought to himself that he didn’t really know. He had wanted to say he only liked Nan Jianxue, but the fact that Nan Jianxue asked meant he actually cared. If he answered that way, it would feel like he was just using sweet talk to coax him. After a moment of hesitation, he didn’t say it and simply nodded.

Nan Jianxue gave an “Oh” and lowered his head. “Then you can go.”

Liang Qifeng paused. “Then let go of me.”

Nan Jianxue’s hand tightened even more on the sleeve, yet he still said, “Go!”

Liang Qifeng was helpless and could only try to pull his sleeve from his hand. Nan Jianxue was instantly unhappy: “Why are you stealing my things!”

As he spoke, he pulled the sleeve toward his own chest. Caught off guard, Liang Qifeng was jerked forward and nearly tumbled onto the bed. He hurriedly pulled the sleeve back. Nan Jianxue pulled even harder, even attempting to shove the sleeve under the pillow to hide it.

Between this back-and-forth, the soft fabric finally reached its limit. As Nan Jianxue dragged the sleeve to the side once more, there was a loud crrrack, and it tore right off.

Losing the resisting force, Nan Jianxue fell back onto the bed on his bottom, looking dazed.

Liang Qifeng: “…”

Nan Jianxue was only dazed for a short moment before he stuffed the severed sleeve under the pillow and pulled the quilt over it, hiding it well.

Liang Qifeng was amused. “Then how are you going to sleep tonight?”

“I’ll fall right asleep!” Nan Jianxue said, reaching out again to grab Liang Qifeng’s other sleeve, but he grabbed empty air. He took Liang Qifeng’s hand and looked at it closely, then looked at him strangely: “Where are your clothes?”

Liang Qifeng: “…”

He chuckled. “They were hidden by a little fool.”

Nan Jianxue immediately frowned. “Did someone bully you?”

Liang Qifeng gave an “Mhm.” “Are you going to help me get revenge?”

Nan Jianxue nodded. “When it’s light out, I’ll take you to his house to file a complaint.” He then pointed at Liang Qifeng’s clothes. “I’ll sew it back on for you!”

Liang Qifeng coaxed him: “Good. You rest first. When you wake up, then you can help me sew it.”

“I’ll sew it for you right now.” Nan Jianxue stood up, actually going to fetch a needle and thread.

Liang Qifeng really wanted to say “no” to this sudden burst of consideration, but Nan Jianxue clearly didn’t care whether he needed it or not. He quickly produced the needle and thread and said to Liang Qifeng, “Take off your clothes! I’ll fix it for you! My needlework is very impressive!”

Liang Qifeng: “…”

He looked at Qingqian, hoping to get some advice.

Qingqian said helplessly, “Just take off your outer robe, General. The Princess will stop after a few stitches. If you don’t give it to him, he’ll probably make a scene.”

Liang Qifeng had no choice but to take off the robe and hand it to Nan Jianxue.

Nan Jianxue held the robe and looked at it. Finally, he grabbed an edge, folded it, matched it up crookedly, and actually began to sew. Liang Qifeng looked at the collar being sewn together and thought to himself that this drunkard was surprisingly multi-talented.

He turned toward the wardrobe to change into a clean, light set of clothes. Just as he opened the door, he heard an “Ah” from behind. Liang Qifeng immediately turned back and saw Nan Jianxue staring at his hand in a daze. When Qingqian tried to touch him, he wouldn’t let her.

Liang Qifeng went over to look and found a tiny bead of blood on Nan Jianxue’s finger; he must have pricked himself with the needle. He hurriedly grabbed Nan Jianxue’s hand and took Qingqian’s handkerchief to wipe it, but before he could touch him, Nan Jianxue jerked his hand back and looked at him with a frown.

Liang Qifeng: ?

Nan Jianxue huffed. “Why did you prick me!”

Liang Qifeng: “…”

“When did I prick you?” Liang Qifeng said irritably. “You’re the one who insisted on sewing clothes in the middle of the night.”

But Nan Jianxue clearly wasn’t listening. His eyes grew wet, and tears began to go pitter-patter down his face. “I’m going to go tell Royal Brother!”

Liang Qifeng laughed out of sheer frustration. “How are you going to complain? Say that I took advantage of you being drunk and poked your hand with a needle?”

Nan Jianxue nodded heavily.

Liang Qifeng simply took the robe out of his arms and picked him up. Nan Jianxue immediately began to struggle. “What are you doing? Are you going to prick me again? Put me down!”

His struggling was completely chaotic. Liang Qifeng took two slaps to the face before he could react. He looked at Qingqian speechlessly: “And you call this not making a scene when drunk?”

Qingqian also hadn’t expected her Princess to be this difficult this time. After a moment of silence, she said, “Perhaps the Princess has had things on his mind lately.”

Liang Qifeng was puzzled. “What could he possibly have on his mind?”

Qingqian thought to herself, Because of you, obviously, but she couldn’t say it directly. She only gave a look for Liang Qifeng to figure it out himself.

Liang Qifeng smiled. Suddenly, he felt those two slaps were quite worth it.

He carried the person back to the bed, pulled over the quilt, and wrapped him up like a scroll. “Sleep!” He used a commanding tone, but it wasn’t harsh.

Nan Jianxue immediately became obedient. “Oh.”

Liang Qifeng laughed. “So you respond to the hard way and not the soft way, huh?”

Nan Jianxue hummed, then looked at him and whispered, “Uncomfortable.”

“How is it uncomfortable?” Liang Qifeng glanced at the quilt; it wasn’t wrapped tightly, so that shouldn’t be it. Just as he was about to check if there was something in the bed, he heard Nan Jianxue say: “Need to go pee-pee.”

Liang Qifeng: ?

He hurriedly called Qingqian over to take him away. Watching Nan Jianxue walk out with the air of a dignified Princess, Liang Qifeng felt as though this evening had taken half his life.

Fortunately, he was much better after returning. He didn’t struggle when Qingqian helped him undress; he only told her that he had to go to the palace tomorrow morning to file a formal complaint, so he needed to eat his fill.

He was still dwelling on that complaint.

Liang Qifeng didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He kept his mouth shut to avoid giving Nan Jianxue another reason to find trouble with him.

Since Nan Jianxue was going to the palace in “full dress,” changing clothes, selecting jewelry, and removing makeup usually took several maids a fair amount of effort. With only Qingqian, it took even longer. By the time everything was finished, Nan Jianxue was already nodding off in front of the mirror.

Qingqian coaxed him softly, urging him to go to bed. Nan Jianxue gave an “Oh” and swayed as he walked, unclear if it was from the wine or exhaustion. Seeing that he was about to walk into a screen, Liang Qifeng went over, picked him up, placed him on the bed, and tucked him in.

Nan Jianxue’s eyelids drooped, leaving only a sliver to look at him. He called out mumble-mouthed, “Liang Qifeng.”

His voice was a bit raspy and low, different from his usual vibe.

Liang Qifeng hummed. “What is it?”

Nan Jianxue reached out to grab his sleeve, but Liang Qifeng’s current clothes didn’t have wide sleeves; he could only catch a small piece of fabric. Liang Qifeng immediately took his hand and asked again, “What is it?”

Nan Jianxue whispered, “Do you like me?”

Liang Qifeng nodded. “I like you.”

Nan Jianxue’s voice grew even lower. “How much do you like me?”

Liang Qifeng froze. Many answers flashed through his mind. I like you very much, I love you immensely, you are the only one for me in this life, I love you enough to give my life for you. Many, many pieces of sweet talk that could make Nan Jianxue happy.

“I don’t know,” Liang Qifeng said softly. “I just like you.”

Nan Jianxue gave a muffled “Oh” and went silent, his eyes downcast.

Liang Qifeng didn’t speak either, just stood guard by his side. Just as he thought Nan Jianxue was about to fall asleep, Nan Jianxue suddenly propped himself up and asked with a serious expression, “Then can you only like me?”

Liang Qifeng nodded.

Nan Jianxue added, “Don’t like women, and don’t like men. Just like me.”

Liang Qifeng didn’t quite understand for a moment, but considering the person was drunk, he nodded again, reached out to touch his face, and said softly, “I only like you.”

Nan Jianxue was finally satisfied. He lay down, wrapped the quilt around himself, and soon fell asleep.

Only then did Liang Qifeng rise to leave.

Qingqian hurriedly followed him. “General.”

Liang Qifeng paused. “Yes?”

“Tomorrow… tomorrow when the Princess wakes up, could you please not mention tonight’s events to him?” Qingqian asked in a whisper. “If the Princess doesn’t bring it up herself.”

Liang Qifeng frowned and didn’t answer. He felt Qingqian was overstepping a bit, but seeing her conflicted expression, he suddenly realized something: “He’s sobered up, hasn’t he?”

Qingqian shook her head. “I just don’t want the Princess to be unhappy.”

But Liang Qifeng was right. Nan Jianxue had indeed become a bit more sober toward the end. Qingqian had followed him for so many years; she knew him too well. That was exactly why she didn’t want Liang Qifeng to ask, yet she couldn’t give a more logical reason.

As she was agonizing, she heard Liang Qifeng say, “Fine.”

Qingqian was stunned. “Really?”

“Why not?” Liang Qifeng laughed. “I want him to open his heart to me, but I don’t want to make him miserable.”

He left after saying that, but Qingqian felt even more tormented.

The next day, Nan Jianxue didn’t wake up until noon. He sat on the bed in a daze for a long time before lowering his head and covering his face.

He didn’t want to live anymore.

Seeing him like this, Qingqian felt some sympathy. She said softly, “Don’t worry, Princess. I told the General you don’t remember anything.”

Nan Jianxue’s body stiffened. He forced a neutral expression and glanced at her. “Remember what?”

Qingqian gave him an indescribable look and sighed.

Nan Jianxue: “…”

“You should really drink less in the future,” Qingqian said. “You nearly exposed yourself last night.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t,” Nan Jianxue said as he got out of bed and went to wash his face listlessly. He had been careful about his voice since he was a child; it was likely a habit by now, and even when the wine went to his head, he wouldn’t forget. Plus, perhaps because he had pinched his voice since youth, it was naturally much thinner than most men’s. Even his normal voice was a bit hard to distinguish as male or female; even if he accidentally slipped up, he could completely bluff his way through.

Like now.

“Do you really think my voice sounds good right now?” After washing his face, Nan Jianxue took the clothes Qingqian handed him and began to change. His throat was a bit raspy, it didn’t sound sweet—it was even a bit coarse.

“Still, you must be careful.” Qingqian picked out jewelry from the casket, set it aside, and brought a cup of honey water for Nan Jianxue. She began to style his hair while he drank. “Anyway, when the General comes later, whatever you do, do not mention last night.”

Nan Jianxue gave a muffled response, but then felt something was off. “What happened last night? Didn’t I just go to sleep when I got back?”

Qingqian didn’t want to argue with him. She thought to herself, Just as long as you don’t start avoiding him.

She was right. The moment Nan Jianxue saw Liang Qifeng, his first reaction was to turn around and flee. He had to run; if he didn’t, he’d think of last night. If he thought of last night, it would be awkward. He couldn’t stand it!

But how could Liang Qifeng let him run? He caught him like a little chick. Just as Nan Jianxue turned, Liang Qifeng leaped and landed right in front of him. It was like seeing a ghost.

Nan Jianxue immediately assumed his Princess poise: “What are you doing?”

Seeing him like this, Liang Qifeng smiled. “What, are you afraid I’ll bring up last night?”

Nan Jianxue frowned. “What happened last night? I don’t remember.”

“Is that so?” Liang Qifeng’s smile deepened. “So you don’t remember saying you were going to file a complaint with the Emperor?”

Nan Jianxue: “…”

“You don’t remember framing me, saying I pricked you with a needle?”

Nan Jianxue: “…”

“And you don’t remember how you…”

Nan Jianxue hurriedly reached out to cover his mouth, glaring at him, each word a threat: “I. DO. NOT. REMEMBER!”

Liang Qifeng moved his hand away and finished the sentence: “And you don’t remember how you kissed me?”

Nan Jianxue’s ears instantly turned red, but he still denied it: “I don’t remember! Don’t be unreasonable!”

Liang Qifeng laughed. “Then how about I help you remember?”

Nan Jianxue looked at him warily. “How do you plan to help me remember?”

Liang Qifeng didn’t explain. He simply pulled the person closer and leaned down to kiss his lips.

Nan Jianxue froze instantly.

“Remember now?” Liang Qifeng whispered. “Nan Jianxue, since you ‘don’t remember,’ I’ll say it again. I like you. I only like you.”

The color on Nan Jianxue’s ears instantly spread to his face. He hurriedly pushed Liang Qifeng away, glaring at him yet not knowing what to say. Finally, he gave him a light kick, called him a “rogue,” and ran away.

Seeing this reaction, Liang Qifeng couldn’t help but laugh again, slowly chasing after him. He had thought about it all night; he truly couldn’t stand not mentioning last night. But to mention it… Qingqian’s reaction was a glaring sign that this was a sore spot for Nan Jianxue. He didn’t know how big that spot was, or if it had taken root in Nan Jianxue’s heart and become a trauma. Touching it recklessly might make Nan Jianxue miserable.

So, he could only bring up the parts that could be spoken of.

Liang Qifeng followed Nan Jianxue back to the room. Seeing him sitting at the table gulping down tea, he went over and sat down, saying, “You still owe me a robe.”

Nan Jianxue shot him a glare and shouted, “Qingqian! Take the General to the storehouse to get some silver.”

“I don’t want a store-bought one. You make me one,” Liang Qifeng said. “Isn’t your needlework very good?”

“Just because it’s good means I have to make one for you?” Nan Jianxue shot him a sidelong glance. “Keep dreaming.”

“Then I want the one from last night.” Liang Qifeng scanned the room. “Where did you put it?”

Nan Jianxue had obviously thrown it away. “It’s gone,” Nan Jianxue said. “Go buy new ones. I’ll compensate you with ten!”

Liang Qifeng thought for a moment and stood up, heading toward the bed. Nan Jianxue didn’t understand what he was doing at first, but soon saw Liang Qifeng returning with a severed sleeve.

Nan Jianxue: “!”

How did he forget about that!!

He immediately turned away and lowered his head to drink water, not saying another word. Liang Qifeng placed the sleeve in front of him. Nan Jianxue looked away, staring at the floor.

“What, is there money on the floor?” Liang Qifeng smiled and took the teapot, refilling his empty cup. He was then glared at by Nan Jianxue.

Seeing this, Liang Qifeng said helplessly, “Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Let’s talk business.”

Nan Jianxue still ignored him.

“Don’t want to hear how far the investigation into Huo Wenkang has gone?” After Liang Qifeng said that, he saw Nan Jianxue finally willing to stop glaring. He then steered the conversation back: “What I just said… you don’t plan to respond?”

Nan Jianxue: “…You are so annoying! Just tell me!”

Liang Qifeng sighed. “If I tell you, can you give me an answer?”

Nan Jianxue pursed his lips and went silent again.

Liang Qifeng then spoke about the Huo Wenkang matter: “My people followed the person who sold the prescription. It led to the palace.”

Nan Jianxue froze. “The palace again?”

Liang Qifeng nodded. “I’m not sure who exactly it is, but it should be a small eunuch—likely just a runner. I thought the trail had gone cold again, but unexpectedly, I discovered someone else.”

Nan Jianxue immediately pricked up his ears.

Liang Qifeng poured himself a cup of water. Nan Jianxue kicked him under the table. “Hurry up! Stop being so dramatic!”

“Can’t a man be thirsty?” Liang Qifeng took a sip of water. Seeing Nan Jianxue glaring again, he finally uttered two words: “Prince An.”

Nan Jianxue’s brow furrowed. Prince An was his second imperial brother. His maternal family was of low status, and he wasn’t flashy; he didn’t have much of a presence among the princes. However, he remembered that during the struggle for the succession, he had stood on the side of his Royal Brother.

“That can’t be right,” Nan Jianxue said hesitantly. “Even if we aren’t from the same mother, we are siblings.” It wasn’t that it was impossible for him to harm him, but… “You said… that the culprit was lusting after me.” Nan Jianxue frowned and explained, “This is too far-fetched, it’s too…” At that possibility, he couldn’t help but rub his arms.

“It might not be him; it could be someone close to him,” Liang Qifeng explained. “Prince An is not a clever man. The reason he has survived until now isn’t because he chose the right side, but because he’s a coward. Even if Prince Xuan had won back then, he wouldn’t have killed him, because he poses zero threat. He might not even know about this.”

Nan Jianxue understood. He frowned and said, “I’ll go find him later.”

Liang Qifeng smiled at that. “You’re certainly direct.”

Nan Jianxue pouted. “It’s not like I’m afraid of him.”

“I’ll go into the palace later and tell A-Yuan, let him handle it. He should be able to trick more information out of them,” Liang Qifeng said. “You’ve finally neutralized the poison; do you really want to deal with this headache?”

“It’s my own business. Of course I have to deal with it,” Nan Jianxue said.

Liang Qifeng tilted his chin toward a certain direction. “There are still a few Jiang family members over there. Now that you’re better, you should see them.”

Thinking of those people, Nan Jianxue’s expression became complicated. If it weren’t for them, the relationship between him and Liang Qifeng wouldn’t have turned out like this.

Liang Qifeng saw his expression and thought he simply didn’t like those people. He said, “If you don’t want to see them, don’t.”

“No.” Nan Jianxue frowned and spoke his thoughts. “I think it would be better if we were like we were before.”

Liang Qifeng asked, “Like what?”

“Like friends,” Nan Jianxue said. “It was more comfortable being with you then.”

Liang Qifeng arched an eyebrow. “I don’t see you being uncomfortable now.”

Nan Jianxue pouted and stopped talking. He wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, but he always felt a bit unsettled in his heart. He had never dealt with someone like Liang Qifeng before and didn’t know what to do.

“Besides, it has nothing to do with them,” Liang Qifeng added. “Nan Jianxue, before I knew you were that person from back then, my heart was already moved by the current you.”

Nan Jianxue froze.

“It was just a bit fuzzy then. I only became certain once I knew who you were,” Liang Qifeng said. He suddenly sighed, his voice lowering a bit. “I’ve fallen for you twice already. Can’t you just give me a chance?”

Nan Jianxue suddenly felt that he was perhaps being a bit unfair. He guiltily looked away and didn’t speak.

Seeing this, Liang Qifeng sighed again and stood up dejectedly. “I’ll go to the palace to tell A-Yuan about Prince An. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everything is handled. I won’t let you be harmed.”

He walked toward the door. Just as he stepped out, Nan Jianxue called out to him: “Wait.”

Liang Qifeng stopped but didn’t turn around.

Nan Jianxue stared at his back and whispered, “Let me think about it some more. I… I’ll tell you once I’ve thought it through.”

Liang Qifeng gave a muffled “Mhm,” and the corners of his mouth couldn’t help but curl upward.