After the Foolish Beauty Wore Women's Clothes and Married the Brutal General - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: You Are My Wife; It’s Only Right to Let You Manage Things.

By the time Liang Qifeng returned from the palace, Nan Jianxue had already regained his composure. He was currently sitting at a stone table in the courtyard making something. Hearing him return, he merely lifted his eyelids to give him a glance before lowering his head to continue without a word.

Seeing this, Liang Qifeng walked over and asked, “Did I do something to make you unhappy while I was away?”

“No.” Nan Jianxue kept his eyes down, continuing to drop his needle into the embroidery hoop.

Liang Qifeng took a look but could only make out a few small flowers. He didn’t know exactly what was being embroidered, but he praised it anyway: “It’s embroidered beautifully.”

“Naturally.” Nan Jianxue huffed and finally deigned to look up at him. “I’m embroidering it for you.”

Liang Qifeng felt a bit flattered: “Really?”

Nan Jianxue nodded and said nothing more, but Liang Qifeng was already blooming with joy. He felt that the day he would truly win the beauty’s heart was close at hand. He couldn’t help but reach out to touch him, calling softly, “Princess.”

Nan Jianxue glanced at him.

Liang Qifeng called him again: “Nan Jianxue.”

Nan Jianxue still ignored him.

“Jianxue,” Liang Qifeng called out once more.

This time he earned a glare from Nan Jianxue: “If you have something to say, say it!”

“It’s nothing.” Liang Qifeng sat down across from Nan Jianxue and ordered someone to bring tea sets to brew tea for him.

Nan Jianxue continued with the work in his hands, occasionally taking a sip of the tea handed to him. There was truly a flavor of an ordinary couple living out their days.

Liang Qifeng was very satisfied.

“How did it go with Royal Brother just now?” Nan Jianxue suddenly spoke up to ask.

Liang Qifeng felt even more like this was the proper dynamic and smiled slightly, saying, “How else? Prince An said he didn’t know. He knelt there wailing and sniveling for a long time. A-Yuan got such a headache from the noise that he let him go back.”

Nan Jianxue lowered his eyes and thought for a while.

“Thinking about the Jiang family matter?” Liang Qifeng asked.

Nan Jianxue nodded and sighed: “It’s a pity Imperial Mother is gone; otherwise, I could have asked her.”

Regardless, for him, those people from his maternal grandfather’s side were his only remaining connection to her. If his mother had cared for them while she was alive, he would be affectionate; if they had been on bad terms, he would simply send them away.

“If they were bad to Imperial Mother and I remained close to them, she would surely be unhappy,” Nan Jianxue sighed. “But their nervousness and concern don’t seem fake.”

“I sent people to investigate them earlier. I expect a response in the next couple of days. Shall we wait a bit longer?” Liang Qifeng said. “A few more days won’t hurt anyway.”

Nan Jianxue gave a muffled “Mhm.” “It’s just that things are piling up, and it’s irritating.”

Liang Qifeng was puzzled for a moment: “Where do you get so many ‘things’ from?”

As soon as he said it, Nan Jianxue shot him a sidelong look.

Liang Qifeng immediately realized he was talking about himself and laughed. After thinking for a bit: “How about I find you something else to do?”

Nan Jianxue looked at him: “What?”

Liang Qifeng said: “As you know, the palace has bestowed many rewards over the years. Among them are many shops and manors.”

Nan Jianxue nodded. He had previously set his sights on those, but now… he felt a bit embarrassed to ask for them. Back then, he didn’t know Liang Qifeng liked him, so he viewed it as a transaction. Now that he knew Liang Qifeng’s feelings, it carried a different weight.

Just as this thought surfaced, he heard Liang Qifeng say: “I want to hand those over to you.”

Nan Jianxue immediately refused: “Why? I don’t want them!”

“You are my wife; it’s only right to let you manage things,” Liang Qifeng said.

Nan Jianxue frowned: “I am not yet.”

“We are already married, how can you say you aren’t?” Liang Qifeng said. Seeing that Nan Jianxue wanted to argue, he cut him off: “When we divorce, you can return them to me. I don’t think you’re the type to swallow my property.”

Nan Jianxue stopped speaking.

Liang Qifeng continued: “As you know, I spend most of the year at the border. I don’t have many people in the capital. Over the years, I’ve just left things to the steward, but he hasn’t done a good job.”

Nan Jianxue looked at him skeptically: “Not good? Is he…?”

“He is loyal, naturally,” Liang Qifeng laughed. “He was originally a servant by my side. He can read, but he’s a rough fellow at heart.”

Nan Jianxue understood then. He had wondered why Liang Qifeng didn’t seem to have many servants; as it turned out, he had thrown his personal attendant into the role of steward.

He didn’t have much of an impression of the General’s Mansion’s steward, but he did remember the mansion itself. The house was clean, tidy, and well-maintained, but there weren’t many servants and the decoration was a bit sparse and plain. It didn’t look like a high-ranking noble’s residence but rather like the ancestral home of a fallen aristocrat.

He had thought Liang Qifeng preferred that style, but seeing how comfortably he lived in the Princess’s Mansion, it turned out to be a problem with the stewardship.

After frowning and thinking for a moment, Nan Jianxue finally nodded in agreement: “Then I’ll look after them for you for now. If you want them back, just tell me.”

Liang Qifeng thought to himself that he would never give himself that chance, but he nodded anyway.

Nan Jianxue asked again: “If there are problems…”

“You have full authority to solve them,” Liang Qifeng said. “If you want to replace someone, replace them. I don’t have many personnel in the capital anyway; just swap in whoever you want.”

Nan Jianxue fell silent. What a hands-off boss. He nodded: “Fine, I’ll look into it over the next few days.”

Once that was settled, he started working that very afternoon.

He didn’t know it then, but once he started, he was shocked. the shops and manors under Liang Qifeng’s name were indeed a mess. Since Liang Qifeng didn’t care and the responsible steward didn’t understand the business, the subordinates naturally developed ulterior motives, embezzling heaven-knows-how-much silver over the years.

The only “good” thing was that these people had heard from the steward that the General didn’t intend to let the Princess manage his properties. Consequently, they had let down their guard and hadn’t restrained themselves at all, making it quite easy to catch them.

However, there was a lot of work.

Liang Qifeng had originally just wanted to find something for Nan Jianxue to do to distract him, not expecting these matters to make Nan Jianxue so busy. To inspect the shops and manors, Nan Jianxue spent these days leaving after breakfast and not returning until dinner time. After eating, he would bathe and sleep, or read storybooks by himself, hardly speaking to Liang Qifeng.

Liang Qifeng originally wanted to tell him to stop, but felt that saying so would make it seem like he was playing with Nan Jianxue, which might make him angry. In the end, he could only go back to the General’s Mansion and scold the steward, saying he would find someone to teach him.

The steward was very innocent. He had followed Liang Qifeng since childhood; though he could read, that was the extent of it. He was truly clueless about etiquette and bookkeeping. If he had a choice, he would rather be a house guard or continue serving by Liang Qifeng’s side.

“That won’t be necessary,” Liang Qifeng said. “The maids at the Princess’s Mansion are more meticulous. You should continue managing things here.”

Steward: So he had come back specifically to scold him, right?

The steward gave him a resentful look and told him about some matters regarding the Liang family estate. Liang Qifeng was rarely in the capital, so the General’s Mansion was usually closed. The main Liang residence rarely interacted with this branch, but since he was back now, they would occasionally visit.

“Whose coming-of-age ceremony?” Liang Qifeng recalled. “Born of Concubine Qiao? There’s such a person in the house?”

The steward explained: “She was raised outside by the Old Master and was only brought into the house recently. It seems she is pregnant and is quite favored lately.”

Liang Qifeng had no interest in the affairs of his father’s inner courtyard. He originally wanted to refuse directly, but on second thought, he retracted his words and said instead: “Go ask the Princess.”

Steward: ? He looked at Liang Qifeng with surprise: “This… even a small matter like this requires asking the Princess?”

Liang Qifeng shot him a look: “You come to me for a small matter like this?”

The steward fell silent. It was a matter of the General’s family; wasn’t it normal to ask him? It had always been like this before. But then he realized—in the past, such household matters were indeed handled by the mistress of the house. It was just that because his General had married a Princess, his brain hadn’t made the connection.

He immediately nodded in understanding and followed the General to the Princess’s Mansion that afternoon.

Nan Jianxue had been running around until his head was spinning because of Liang Qifeng’s business. Although they weren’t major issues, they were incredibly tedious, and with so many shops and manors, the accumulation was irritating. Now, hearing this, his logic “snapped.” He was so angry he grabbed Liang Qifeng’s collar: “You can’t decide a small matter like this yourself?!”

The steward was so frightened he nearly knelt, unsure for a moment whether to fear the Princess’s temper or his General’s infamous bad personality.

But there was none of that.

Liang Qifeng remained very good-tempered toward Nan Jianxue. He answered with a smile: “You know I’m not good at these things.”

Nan Jianxue was so angry he shook him by the collar: “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have agreed!!”

Liang Qifeng laughed while being shaken. Seeing that Nan Jianxue was still going to scold him, he hurriedly caught his hand and consoled him: “How about I take you out to relax?”

Nan Jianxue: ?

“Who exactly am I irritated because of?” Nan Jianxue said angrily. “I’m not going!”

“Not even if I take you flying?” Liang Qifeng said. “Have you ever been to the Star-Plucking Tower?”

Nan Jianxue frowned: “I clearly told you before…”

“I mean the roof,” Liang Qifeng said. “The roof is much higher.”

Nan Jianxue was instantly tempted. The top floor of the Star-Plucking Tower wasn’t large, but it was very high—several stories up from the top floor’s interior.

“We go tonight,” Nan Jianxue said.

Liang Qifeng nodded readily.

Only then did Nan Jianxue let go of his collar and look at the shocked steward: “Let me see the invitation.”

The steward immediately handed the invitation to Nan Jianxue. The invitation not only invited Liang Qifeng but also invited Nan Jianxue, asking if she would act as the “Primary Guest” (Zhengbin).

Nan Jianxue frowned.

The steward couldn’t gauge Nan Jianxue’s temper. Seeing her displeasure and thinking she was angry because he had concealed the content, he hurriedly explained: “The General never interferes with Liang residence matters. This servant thought such a small thing wasn’t worth bothering the Princess…”

Liang Qifeng smiled and asked Nan Jianxue: “What do you think?”

“It doesn’t look good,” Nan Jianxue said. “I’ve seen many people ask me to be a ‘Sponsor’ (Zanzhe), but this is the first time I’ve seen someone ask me to be the ‘Primary Guest’.”

Primary guests are usually virtuous and talented female elders. He guessed the other side wanted her to lend prestige to the event but felt that asking her to be a sponsor wasn’t grand enough, so they tried to elevate her status to ensure she wouldn’t refuse.

“Not going. They’re crazy.” Nan Jianxue handed the invitation back to the steward. “Go to the General’s Mansion and pick…” He paused, remembering the steward’s capabilities, sighed, and looked at Qingqian. “Go with him to the General’s Mansion. Pick some items from the treasury to send over, and while you’re at it, tell him how to pick gifts in this kind of situation.”

Qingqian agreed and left with the steward.

Seeing this, Liang Qifeng laughed: “Qingqian is very capable.”

“She was trained by the nannies by Mother’s side,” Nan Jianxue looked at Liang Qifeng. “Though she’s a bit impulsive sometimes, she is very capable.”

Liang Qifeng laughed: “Just like you.”

Nan Jianxue huffed: “I am naturally capable.”

Seeing his self-satisfied look, Liang Qifeng felt an itch in his heart. He really wanted to ask Nan Jianxue what he had decided, but considering his schedule lately, he guessed he hadn’t had any time to think. He wanted to drag the steward back to scold him again, but since the man was gone, he could only say something else to distract him: “The people sent to investigate the Jiang family are back. Do you want to see them?”

Nan Jianxue looked at him: “What did they find?”

“I haven’t seen them either,” Liang Qifeng said. “They returned last night while you were sleeping, and you were out early this morning, so I didn’t say anything.”

Nan Jianxue nodded: “Perfect. I’ll take a break and listen.”

Liang Qifeng called the men in. He had divided them into two groups: one to Jiangnan and one to Jing’an. Jiang Dai had only moved to Jing’an after Nan Jianxue was titled a Princess; before that, they had always been in Jiangnan.

According to the two shadow guards, the Jiang family actually lived quite well in their early years in Jiangnan. After all, they had a daughter in the palace serving as a consort who was relatively favored. At that time, while the Old Lady’s maternal family wasn’t a top-tier clan, they were an official’s household, so the family lived comfortably.

Later, the Old Lady’s maternal family fell from power. Jiang Dai, being the son-in-law, was involved. Although he didn’t go to prison, he was stripped of his official post. He originally wanted to seek help from his daughter, but realizing she was also having a hard time in the palace, he gave up on that idea. The Old Lady pawned her dowry and started a small shop; it was neither hot nor cold, and while life wasn’t bad, it wasn’t great either.

Later, when they heard Nan Jianxue had been titled Princess, the family sold the shop and moved to Jing’an.

“Did they go there to rely on me back then?” Nan Jianxue asked.

The shadow guard nodded: “It is said they went to the Jing’an Princess Mansion, but the Princess wasn’t there. They rented a house in Jing’an to live in and opened a few more shops.”

Nan Jianxue nodded: “And these few years in Jing’an?”

The shadow guard hesitated for a moment and said: “They indeed did many things under the Princess’s banner.”

Nan Jianxue felt a wave of disappointment. Liang Qifeng reached out to stroke his hair and looked at the shadow guard: “What kind of things?”

The shadow guard recounted the details. They weren’t major crimes; mostly using Nan Jianxue’s name to promote their shops and opening new ones once they made money. The local authorities, knowing they were the Princess’s maternal family, gave them many conveniences. After Nan Zhanyuan ascended the throne and news of the Grand Princess Anle’s favor reached Jing’an, even more people flattered the family. It was said they even accepted gifts for this trip to the capital.

Nan Jianxue’s expression worsened after hearing this. “They clearly knew I had already changed my title!” Nan Jianxue said angrily.

Despite that, they had initially claimed they went to Jing’an specifically to find the Princess of Jing’an, playing the emotional card as if they moved there purely out of longing for family.

“And about Imperial Mother?” Nan Jianxue asked the other shadow guard. “You were in Jiangnan; did you investigate Mother’s affairs?”

The shadow guard reported his findings. Before entering the palace, Jiang Qiuwan’s life at home was quite good, and the Jiang family treated her well. After entering the palace, they kept in frequent contact. The contact only dwindled after she became pregnant and was completely cut off after she gave birth.

Consequently, some people thought she had found a happy life in the palace and abandoned her family. At that time, the Jiang family had protested, saying she wasn’t that kind of person, and they tried to send letters to the palace but received no replies.

However, after the Jiang family fell from power, they stopped trying to contact her, and the connection was severed entirely.

Hearing this, Nan Jianxue felt a bit better. His mother probably truly didn’t want to involve her family back then. As for him… he had no feelings for the Jiangs anyway. It was only natural they would cling to him and use him.

“For Imperial Mother’s sake, forget it,” Nan Jianxue pouted. “I’ll see them later, give them some silver, and never see them again. I won’t care what they do in Jing’an in the future.”

Liang Qifeng guessed his thoughts and said: “I’ll find someone to help you send them back.”

Nan Jianxue gave a muffled “Mhm.”

Liang Qifeng observed his expression, but Nan Jianxue’s face was blank, showing no emotion. He could only ask: “Unhappy?”

“No,” Nan Jianxue said. “Just a few strangers. I have nothing to be sad about. I just can’t understand why they went to all this trouble to come here.”

Liang Qifeng said: “I actually have an idea.”

Nan Jianxue looked at him.

“Someone likely coached them,” Liang Qifeng said. “Thinking optimistically, they wanted to show their faces while your life was in danger. People are emotionally vulnerable at such times; having relatives suddenly appear to care for you would surely leave a mark on your heart. If you survived, they’d get some benefits.

You are the Emperor’s most beloved sister; even a tiny bit leaking from your fingers would be better than their business in Jing’an. If your luck was bad and you didn’t make it, perhaps you would mention them to the Emperor before passing. Even if you didn’t, the Emperor would find out later and treat them well for your sake.”

Nan Jianxue frowned: “And that’s the optimistic version?”

Liang Qifeng smiled, though the warmth in his eyes faded slightly: “Thinking pessimistically… they might have hoped you’d die. Then the Emperor, in his grief, might see a resemblance in your cousin and grant them your title, or… take her into the palace. Thinking even worse… someone told them to do this. That person might be the one who poisoned you—even the poisoning itself could have been meant to plant the Jiang family by your side.”

Nan Jianxue had considered this possibility before, but hearing Liang Qifeng say it still made him a bit uncomfortable. He asked: “Planting them by my side for what?”

Liang Qifeng said: “You are the Emperor’s most beloved sister. Placing people by your side is naturally aimed at the Emperor.”

Nan Jianxue still found it absurd: “I don’t interfere in affairs.”

More accurately, he didn’t interfere in politics. His brother wouldn’t talk to him about such things, so they couldn’t gather information. Even if they had malicious thoughts of assassination… that was impossible. Only trusted people were in Nan Jianxue’s courtyard; they would never have the chance.

“They don’t necessarily have to be used right away,” Liang Qifeng laughed. “Leave them there; who knows when they might come in handy.”

“That sounds too exhausting.” Nan Jianxue pouted. The tiny bit of goodwill he had saved for the Jiangs because of his mother shattered instantly. “Drive them away now—”

“Leave it,” Liang Qifeng said. “The Princess’s Mansion isn’t short on a few bowls of rice. Keep them for now and see what they want to do.”

Nan Jianxue nodded: “Fine, I’ll leave this to you. I won’t bother with it.”

Liang Qifeng smiled and hummed: “Just bother with my business.”

Nan Jianxue shot him a glare and got up to leave.

The two were going out that evening. Nan Jianxue felt that climbing to the top of the Star-Plucking Tower in the middle of the night was too conspicuous and a bit embarrassing if seen. He wanted to wait until later, but Liang Qifeng said the view wouldn’t be as good then. In the end, Nan Jianxue compromised, changed into simpler clothes, and went with Liang Qifeng.

Once he was on the roof of the Star-Plucking Tower, he realized he had overthought it. This place was truly too high—so high that anyone looking up would only see a tiny silhouette. Forget seeing who he was; they probably couldn’t even tell male from female.

“I shouldn’t have come.” Nan Jianxue reached out to hug the roof ornament, his whole body stiff as a stone. It was too high, the wind was strong, and there was no protection; he didn’t dare move for fear of falling.

Liang Qifeng found him a bit funny: “I said I’d hold you, but you didn’t want it.”

“Because you don’t just hold me, you take advantage of me!” Nan Jianxue said angrily. “You touched my waist!”

“I just wanted to hold you tighter.” Liang Qifeng opened his hands innocently. “I promise not to move around this time.”

Nan Jianxue wanted to refuse, but a glimpse of the ground below caused fear to conquer his hesitation. He said in a trembling voice: “Come over here and hold me.”

Liang Qifeng immediately moved closer and pulled him into his arms, saying blissfully: “You won’t be scared like this, right?”

“You aren’t allowed to move!” Nan Jianxue said while adjusting his position in his arms, trying to find a comfortable spot, but nothing felt right. Finally, Liang Qifeng turned him around so his back was against Liang Qifeng’s chest.

Liang Qifeng tightened his cloak, wrapping it around both of them: “Does this feel warmer?”

Nan Jianxue looked at the thick cloak. He remembered Qingqian reminding him to wear more before leaving, but he had said wearing too much would make it difficult for Liang Qifeng to hold him. Liang Qifeng hadn’t argued then—was that on purpose?

Nan Jianxue said resentfully: “You lied to me again.”

Liang Qifeng: “Hmm?”

Nan Jianxue said angrily: “You knew the wind up here was strong and cold and that I should wear more, but you didn’t warn me! And here I was worried about affecting you!”

Liang Qifeng let out a low chuckle. “You’re the one who was silly; you’re blaming me?”

The two were so close now that the sound fell right into Nan Jianxue’s ear. He could even feel the vibrations in the chest he was leaning against from those two laughs. His ears began to heat up. He wanted to elbow Liang Qifeng, but remembering they were in such a high place and couldn’t mess around, he endured it and only huffed: “Going back!”

Liang Qifeng was helpless: “We just sat down and you want to go back?”

Nan Jianxue gave an “Mhm.” “Not staying with a liar like you! Who knows what else you’re planning!!”

Liang Qifeng sighed upon hearing this: “How did you know I had other preparations?”

Nan Jianxue: ? He had just been speaking casually!

He immediately looked back and glared at Liang Qifeng: “What do you want to do?!”

Liang Qifeng didn’t say, merely pointing below: “This street is very lively every night.”

Nan Jianxue gave a suspicious “Mhm.”

Liang Qifeng added: “But it’s even more lively during festivals. It was very crowded here during Mid-Autumn a few days ago. The streets were filled with lanterns and small stalls. I heard they even hired famous opera troupes and acrobats. It’s a pity we were in the palace and didn’t have a chance to see it.”

Nan Jianxue frowned: “I stay in the palace until very late every festival; sometimes I even stay overnight.” He knew the city was lively, but he rarely participated.

Liang Qifeng nodded: “Then do you know what else there is besides what I just mentioned?”

Nan Jianxue shook his head.

Liang Qifeng took something from his robe. Before Nan Jianxue could see what it was, Liang Qifeng launched it upward. The object streaked a trail of light through the air.

It was a signal flare.

Almost the moment the light vanished, a “bang” sounded in the distance. Nan Jianxue turned to look just in time to see a massive firework explode. Then came a second, a third, blooming in various colors across the night sky.

He had seen fireworks many times, but this was the first time seeing them from such a height perhaps even higher than the fireworks themselves. Seeing the fireworks so large they seemed to envelop the entire city of Yong’an was beautiful.

Nan Jianxue couldn’t look away.

Liang Qifeng looked down at him, leaned close to his ear, and asked softly: “Do you like it?”

Nan Jianxue nodded and said happily: “I like it.”

Liang Qifeng’s eyes curved. He said softly: “Then I’ll bring you here whenever there are fireworks in the future.”

Nan Jianxue froze. He then heard Liang Qifeng say: “Every festival from now on, after returning from the palace, we’ll go look at lanterns, watch operas, see acrobats, or come here to watch fireworks.”

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