After the Foolish Beauty Wore Women's Clothes and Married the Brutal General - Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Then… Can We Do Something Else?

Liang Qifeng had not expected Nan Jianxue to be so proactive. He froze in place, momentarily at a loss for how to react. It wasn’t until Nan Jianxue began to pull away that he instinctively pursued him, pressing a hand to the back of Nan Jianxue’s head to kiss him again.

This kiss was deeper, heavier, and far more assertive than the one Nan Jianxue had given him.

Almost the instant their lips met, Liang Qifeng pried Nan Jianxue’s lips open, attempting to capture that naughty little tongue. But Nan Jianxue, who had been death-defyingly bold just a moment ago, began dodging him again. Within such a small space, he was quickly caught by Liang Qifeng, only to escape once more.

Nan Jianxue was like a cunning little snake; every time he was caught, he fled, but once he fled, he couldn’t help but return to test Liang Qifeng. This continued until Liang Qifeng grew ruthless, entangling him firmly and refusing to let him go.

At first, Liang Qifeng’s kissing technique was truly unrefined; he even bumped into Nan Jianxue’s teeth because his movements were too forceful. But he learned quickly so quickly that before Nan Jianxue could even process what was happening, he was being controlled and dominated. Unable to escape, he could only submissively yield. His brain grew sluggish, leaving him with only one thought:

It really is very comfortable.

By the time they parted, Nan Jianxue’s waist had gone soft. He leaned against Liang Qifeng, his breathing ragged, cheeks flushed, and eyes misty. The sight made Liang Qifeng’s heart itch, and he couldn’t resist leaning down to kiss him again. This time it was gentle a mere touch before pulling apart.

Nan Jianxue’s face turned even redder. He stared at Liang Qifeng for a long while before saying, “Kiss me again.”

Liang Qifeng’s breath hitched. This is going to be the death of me, he thought.

Could he really restrain himself from touching Nan Jianxue? If he actually held back, could he even be called a man?

Thinking this, he leaned down and exchanged another kiss with Nan Jianxue. Seeing the curve of his eyes, Liang Qifeng hesitated for a moment and asked, “If you won’t let me do that thing, then… can we do something else?”

Nan Jianxue looked at him in confusion.

Liang Qifeng gave a dry cough. “For example, using hands…”

Before he could finish, Nan Jianxue scrambled away from him, looking at him warily. “Don’t even think about it.”

Liang Qifeng looked at his crumpled clothes and then at his expression—he looked like a cat that had suddenly puffed up its fur. He said helplessly, “I’m just asking; it’s not like I’m actually doing anything yet.”

“That’s hard to say,” Nan Jianxue said. “What if you coax and trick me in a moment? I’m someone who can’t withstand being tricked.”

Liang Qifeng: “…”

“I really won’t do anything.” Liang Qifeng reached out a hand toward him. “One more hug?”

“Forget it!” Nan Jianxue retreated a few steps, shrinking behind the bead curtain and staring at him gloomily. “Royal Sister said that not a single word a man says in bed can be trusted.”

Liang Qifeng immediately stood up. “Then I’ll say it again.”

Nan Jianxue took another step back.

Liang Qifeng was exasperated. “Fine, I won’t hug you. Can I sleep on the bed tonight?”

Nan Jianxue turned and ran. Only after he reached the bed did a ghostly voice drift back: “If you dare get on the bed, we’re through.”

Liang Qifeng thought to himself that he should have asked about the bed first; perhaps Nan Jianxue wouldn’t have been so guarded. But considering today’s progress, he felt it was already a massive step forward. He compromised: “Fine then, I’ll continue sleeping over here.”

Nan Jianxue gave a satisfied “Mhm.”

“Then can I kiss you again tomorrow?” Liang Qifeng asked. “I don’t even get to hold you anymore.”

Nan Jianxue thought about it and agreed: “I can give you one kiss.”

This single sentence was enough to give Liang Qifeng the motivation to go to sleep, and he spent the entire night having indescribable dreams. In the dreams, Nan Jianxue’s face was also flushed, his eyes misty like a fragile small animal as he called his name. His voice was somewhat raspy, making it difficult to distinguish between male and female.

When Liang Qifeng woke up, he tried to recall the details of the dream, but he really couldn’t. He didn’t even know if Nan Jianxue was still a man in his dream.

He had to blame Nan Jianxue; why did he have to dress as a man for no reason? It had caused him to misunderstand for so many years, and it likely couldn’t be corrected in a short time.

Maybe once I’ve actually seen it, I won’t be confused anymore…

Liang Qifeng’s thoughts began to wander again, forcing him to take a cold bath early in the morning.

By the time he returned from his bath, Nan Jianxue was already up. He had likely just finished washing up, as there were still drops of water on his face. He didn’t seem to care, standing at the doorway in nothing but thin inner robes.

“What are you doing?” Liang Qifeng asked. “Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold?”

“Breathing in some fresh air. My health is fine, nothing will happen,” Nan Jianxue said. “Is the autumn hunt coming up soon?”

Liang Qifeng nodded. “I expect preparations have already begun. The envoys from various countries are likely on their way as well.”

Nan Jianxue nodded. “Then A-Ming should be back soon. Are you participating this year?”

“Whatever works,” Liang Qifeng said. “Do you want me to participate?”

“Whatever works,” Nan Jianxue said. “Whether you go or not, we won’t lose anyway.”

Liang Qifeng laughed at that. “I’m asking you—do you want me to accompany you?”

Nan Jianxue hesitated. Every year, his two elder sisters would participate. He had gone in the past, but his riding and archery were poor; he couldn’t even hit a rabbit. He basically went just to play, and living in the mountains wasn’t as comfortable as a tent. He lost interest after going once.

Nan Jianxue shared his feelings.

Liang Qifeng smiled. “Then how about I take you with me? I’ll teach you.”

Nan Jianxue thought about it again. He hadn’t tried that before; it was worth considering. So he nodded: “Then we’ll try it. If it’s not fun, I’m never going again!”

Liang Qifeng nodded as well, staring intently at him.

Nan Jianxue: ? “What is it?” Nan Jianxue frowned and shrank his neck. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Do you remember what you promised me last night?” Liang Qifeng asked.

Nan Jianxue thought for a moment, gave an “Oh,” and before Liang Qifeng could speak again, he leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. Then he asked, “Qingqian said the kitchen made crab congee. Do you want some?”

Liang Qifeng: “…Yes.”

“Then we’ll eat in the courtyard; the weather is great today.” After saying that, Nan Jianxue skipped back into the room to change his clothes.

He usually dressed very simply in the mansion, but today he suddenly changed into a more elaborate outfit. Liang Qifeng guessed he was going out. “Something to do today?”

Nan Jianxue shook his head. “I’m going to the palace to tell Royal Brother about us.”

Liang Qifeng was stunned. “You have to tell him that too?”

“Naturally,” Nan Jianxue said. “Otherwise, he’ll think we still intend to divorce.”

Only then did Liang Qifeng realize he had misinterpreted the situation. Indeed, no matter how good Nan Jianxue’s relationship with his brother was, he wouldn’t go as far as sharing their private bedroom affairs. He had truly been tormented into fear by Nan Jianxue’s sudden whims.

Thinking about what Nan Jianxue was going to tell Nan Zhanyuan, Liang Qifeng couldn’t help but want to smile. He said, “If you tell the Emperor, it makes us official. It won’t be easy if you want a divorce later. Have you really thought it through?”

Nan Jianxue gave him a strange look. “Even if I tell him, Royal Brother will still agree if I want a divorce in the future. What is there to think through?”

Liang Qifeng: “…” He really shouldn’t have bothered teasing Nan Jianxue.

“I forgot how much A-Yuan dotes on you,” Liang Qifeng said, feeling a slight chest pain. “The congee is getting cold.”

Nan Jianxue finished his last bite and asked Qingqian for a refill.

“When do you plan to go?” Liang Qifeng asked.

“Near noon,” Nan Jianxue said. “Just in time to eat at the palace.”

Liang Qifeng nodded. “Then I’ll go too.”

Nan Jianxue gave an “Mhm.” “Then you go practice your spear first.”

“And you?” Liang Qifeng asked. “Planning to continue embroidering?”

“No, I’ve finished,” Nan Jianxue said. “I was originally going to give it to you, but since you’ve been behaving very well lately, forget it.”

Liang Qifeng: ? Isn’t that backward?

“Good behavior should be rewarded,” Liang Qifeng said.

Nan Jianxue hesitated upon hearing this. “Are you sure?”

Liang Qifeng nodded. His wife was embroidering something for him for the first time; of course he wanted it.

Nan Jianxue emphasized: “If you take it, you have to use it.”

Liang Qifeng nodded.

Nan Jianxue ordered Qingqian to bring the embroidery. Qingqian bit her lip and smiled, quickly walking away.

Liang Qifeng: ?

Soon, Qingqian returned with a sachet. Nan Jianxue had added a decorative knot; it looked very exquisite, no worse than something from a shop. Liang Qifeng’s heart pounded with excitement.

Nan Jianxue looked at it and gave one last instruction before handing it over: “I put some calming herbs inside; you must wear it often.”

Liang Qifeng nodded. Only then did Nan Jianxue hand him the sachet.

Liang Qifeng took it to inspect. One side was embroidered with a pattern symbolizing peace a very common design. Then he flipped it over.

He saw a pig’s head. On its forehead was his own name.

Liang Qifeng: ?

Seeing his expression freeze, Nan Jianxue said, “You were the one who said you’d wear it. A real man’s word is his bond. Breaking a promise makes you a laughingstock.”

Liang Qifeng looked at Nan Jianxue with an indescribable expression. Seeing that Nan Jianxue didn’t look guilty at all, he asked, “What benefit do you get from me being embarrassed?”

“No benefit,” Nan Jianxue said. “So I figured if anyone asks, I’ll just say I don’t know. I’ll say you made me angry and wore it yourself to make me happy. I’ll say I also think you’re very embarrassing.”

Liang Qifeng: “…”

His mood grew even more complex. “You even thought of an escape route. You’re truly clever.”

He looked at the sachet again. He had to admit Nan Jianxue’s needlework was indeed superb. The pig’s head looked lifelike, even carrying a slightly fierce expression. Combined with the three clear characters on its forehead, it really did evoke an image of him when he was angry. “It must have been hard for you to embroider something so complex in such a small space. You must have put in a lot of effort?”

“It was fine, not difficult,” Nan Jianxue said. “If you like it, I can embroider a bigger one for you to use as an official rank patch.”

Liang Qifeng immediately refused. “Please don’t. I don’t want to be a laughingstock at court.”

He stood so far at the front that Nan Zhanyuan would see it instantly, and if he turned around, the entire civil and military officialdom would see it. It would be a 360-degree, dead-end embarrassment. If he actually went like that, he probably wouldn’t want to attend morning court for the rest of his life.

“This,” Liang Qifeng shook the item in his hand. “Can I wear it with the other side facing out?”

“Sure,” Nan Jianxue said. “Why else would I embroider two different sides?”

The complex emotions in Liang Qifeng’s heart were instantly swept away by this sentence. How could his wife be so kind and lovely?

“I’ll definitely wear it every day,” Liang Qifeng said.

“No need for that,” Nan Jianxue frowned. “You’ll make us look very poor if you do that.”

Liang Qifeng: “I’ll explain to them that my wife made it for me.”

Nan Jianxue: ? “That sounds like it’s not worth much either.” Nan Jianxue paused. “Talking about you.”

Liang Qifeng pretended not to hear. Nan Jianxue added, “If you like it, I’ll embroider another one for you.”

Liang Qifeng immediately shook his head. “Don’t. Use that time to go play instead.”

“This is playing,” Nan Jianxue said. “I quite like doing this. Many things in my room were embroidered by myself.”

Liang Qifeng arched an eyebrow. “You’ve made clothes too?”

Nan Jianxue nodded. “Naturally.”

Liang Qifeng immediately gave him an expectant look.

Nan Jianxue hesitated. “I’ll consider it. Small things are fast, but big ones are more troublesome.”

Liang Qifeng thought for a moment and asked, “The clothes we wore for the wedding did you make those too?”

Nan Jianxue shook his head. “Royal Brother had all the palace embroiderers rush those for several months. If I did it myself, I’d have to start a long time ago and embroider every day to finish.” He paused and frowned. “Then it wouldn’t be playing; it would be labor.”

Liang Qifeng laughed. “Then just do whatever you want, don’t embroider that anymore.”

“As long as you don’t make me unhappy, I naturally won’t.” Thinking of this, Nan Jianxue ordered Qingqian to bring paper and brush. He wanted to draw some patterns and then pick out some nice fabrics and jade from the treasury.

Seeing that he had found something to do, Liang Qifeng went to practice his spear.

However, Nan Jianxue’s interest only lasted a short while. After drawing a few sheets, his mind went blank. He didn’t know what else to draw, so he held the brush and thought for a while. Unable to think of anything, he simply put the brush down and prepared to stroll through the garden.

The garden in his mansion was specifically designed; it was large and beautiful, not at all inferior to the Imperial Garden. As soon as Nan Jianxue entered, he saw the gardeners busy at work. He walked over and asked, “What are you doing?”

Seeing it was the Princess, the gardener immediately knelt. “The weather is getting colder. These flowers are delicate and easily damaged by frost, so we are preparing to move them indoors.”

Nan Jianxue understood. He recognized the flowers as something his Royal Sister had brought him, though he couldn’t remember the name. He nodded and led Qingqian toward the pond.

He actually didn’t like walking in the Imperial Garden because he would occasionally run into Royal Brother’s concubines. Knowing Royal Brother doted on him, they would all try to get close to him to gain an opportunity to visit the Emperor. Although he could refuse, it ruined the mood. His own little garden was better.

“Princess?” Just as Nan Jianxue thought this, a male voice called out.

His body stiffened. He looked back and saw a somewhat familiar man walking over with an excited face. It was his uncle, Jiang Qiuhe.

Recalling what Liang Qifeng had investigated earlier, Nan Jianxue didn’t really want to acknowledge this person. He didn’t call out to him, only giving a slight nod. “Is there something?”

Hearing his cold tone, Jiang Qiuhe’s footsteps faltered. The smile on his face dimmed, becoming a bit restrained. “No, nothing. I just saw you and wanted to talk. Is your health better?”

“I’m fine now, thank you for your concern,” Nan Jianxue said. “Are you accustomed to living in the mansion?”

Hearing this, Jiang Qiuhe’s smile widened instantly. He nodded repeatedly. “Of course, it’s very good here. The place is large and there are many people. It’s just that coming and going is a bit troublesome; sometimes if I want to see someone, I still have to go out.”

Nan Jianxue’s brow furrowed, his voice growing cold. “The security in my mansion is naturally strict. Otherwise, should I just let every cat and dog in?”

Jiang Qiuhe’s expression froze. Nan Jianxue turned to leave, but then he heard Jiang Qiuhe say, “You really look like Wanwan.”

Nan Jianxue paused.

Jiang Qiuhe continued, “But your temper isn’t very similar. You seem more like the Empress Dowager.”

Nan Jianxue’s voice softened slightly. “I was raised by Imperial Mother; naturally, I am like her.”

Jiang Qiuhe added, “Wanwan said her own personality was too quiet; she always wanted a livelier daughter.”

Nan Jianxue didn’t really want to deal with him, but hearing about his biological mother, he hesitated and turned back. “When did she say that?”

“It was before she entered the palace.” Jiang Qiuhe stepped a bit closer to Nan Jianxue. “She actually had a sweetheart before entering the palace.”

Nan Jianxue didn’t respond.

Jiang Qiuhe continued, “He was a scholar in town. Good temper, intelligent. Unfortunately, the Emperor had just ascended the throne then and held the first selection for consorts. Wanwan had to go, so the two missed their chance.”

Nan Jianxue was displeased. “So? What are you trying to say?”

Jiang Qiuhe seemed not to notice the dissatisfaction in his tone and sighed. “That scholar still hasn’t married to this day. He has always been pining for Wanwan. If she hadn’t entered the palace, she would be living very well right now.”

“Then I wouldn’t exist either,” Nan Jianxue said. “Are you trying to tell me my mother regretted entering the palace and shouldn’t have gone?”

Jiang Qiuhe was stunned.

“If you really felt that way, you should have stopped it back then,” Nan Jianxue said with a frown. “The late Emperor did indeed hold a wide selection, but he only expanded the scope; it wasn’t mandatory. If Mother truly didn’t want to go, then it was likely you people who forced her. You had no ability of your own and wanted her to exert effort in the harem. If she was willing, are you here today to insult me?”

Jiang Qiuhe hadn’t expected her to suddenly become so aggressive. His expression turned ugly. “I didn’t mean that, I only…”

“Only what? Only wanted to plead that scholar’s case? The two weren’t even engaged. Once Mother entered the palace, she naturally had nothing to do with him. He couldn’t find a wife for himself—is he going to blame my mother for that?” Nan Jianxue said angrily. “If you dare speak nonsense again, get out of the Princess’s Mansion.”

Jiang Qiuhe waved his hands hurriedly. “I only wanted to tell you about Wanwan.”

“Then just talk about her, don’t say so much extra nonsense,” Nan Jianxue said. “I know exactly what kind of person my mother was; I don’t need you to tell me.”

Jiang Qiuhe was so embarrassed his face turned red. He opened his mouth several times to speak, but closed it upon seeing Nan Jianxue’s icy expression. Nan Jianxue had no interest in wasting time here and turned to leave.

Seeing this, Jiang Qiuhe grew anxious. “Wanwan was unhappy in the palace!”

Nan Jianxue ignored him.

Jiang Qiuhe chased after him. “Really! Your grandfather still has the letters she wrote home saying the palace was full of dangers.”

Nan Jianxue knew this better than he did. He stopped and warned, “Stay away from me.”

Jiang Qiuhe didn’t dare follow further, but said one last thing: “The Empress also had a hand in what happened to her back then.”

Nan Jianxue’s face darkened instantly. “What do you mean?”

Jiang Qiuhe lowered his voice. “Back then, the Emperor doted exclusively on Noble Consort Chen. The Empress and Noble Consort Chen were fighting tooth and nail. When Wanwan entered and the Emperor liked her so much, the Empress worried another ‘Noble Consort Chen’ would appear. So she incited Noble Consort Chen to deal with Wanwan. The child Noble Consort Chen lost back then was actually the Empress’s doing.”

Nan Jianxue’s expression became increasingly grim. He said nothing and turned to leave. Jiang Qiuhe shouted from behind, “Everything I said is true! If you don’t believe me, go investigate!”

Nan Jianxue ignored him and returned to the courtyard in a huff.

Liang Qifeng was surprised to see his face so dark after just one walk. “What happened?”

“I shouldn’t have gone out.” Nan Jianxue sat down at the stone table. “I ran into Jiang Qiuhe.”

Liang Qifeng’s brow furrowed. He had told his men to watch the Jiang family, but hadn’t restricted their movement, so they could walk freely in the mansion except for a few important areas. “They said they wanted to see you before; I said you hadn’t recovered and sent them away. What did he say to make you this angry?”

Nan Jianxue recounted Jiang Qiuhe’s words. After hearing them, Liang Qifeng also frowned.

Seeing this, Nan Jianxue said, “You also think it’s absurd, right? How could Imperial Mother do such a thing?”

Liang Qifeng didn’t answer.

Nan Jianxue stared at him. “Why aren’t you speaking? Do you believe it?”

Liang Qifeng was a bit helpless. “Do you want to hear the truth?”

Nan Jianxue shook his head. “I don’t.”

Liang Qifeng knew he understood. The Empress of back then the current Empress Dowager although she doted on Nan Jianxue and was kind in front of him, someone who governed the harem and helped her son sit firmly on the throne during the struggle could not be entirely kind-hearted. If someone said she had done something ruthless, Liang Qifeng wouldn’t find it strange at all.

Liang Qifeng said, “Although I don’t know the Empress Dowager particularly well, I can tell from the temperaments of A-Yuan and the others that it likely wasn’t her.”

Especially things involving innocent people it didn’t seem like something they would do. Of course, if the former Consort Jing had done something else to provoke the Empress, that would be a different story, but such words weren’t easy to say in front of Nan Jianxue. On one side was the mother who gave birth to him; on the other, the mother who raised and doted on him. Both were important to Nan Jianxue, and to him, both were the best of people.

But Liang Qifeng was an outsider; his perspective might seem cold-blooded or unpleasant to Nan Jianxue. So he stopped talking about that.

“I’m wondering what the point of him telling you this was,” Liang Qifeng said. “He first mentioned your biological mother likely to trigger your resonance and use those things to get closer to you. Then, by throwing this matter out, it would be easier to make you believe it. But your reaction was different from what he expected, yet he said it anyway.”

Nan Jianxue also found it strange; Jiang Qiuhe’s words today were indeed abrupt. He looked at Liang Qifeng. “Do you have a guess?”

Liang Qifeng smiled. “You know me that well?”

Nan Jianxue pouted. “It’s not like we just met. If you had no clue, you’d probably go investigate; telling me now means you have a general idea.”

Liang Qifeng said, “I told you before, he likely wanted to make a mark on your heart while you were sick. If his plan had gone smoothly, you would have met him every time he came looking for you during this period.

Your relationship would have improved, and he would likely have done what he did today talk about your mother’s life in the palace to plant a bad impression of the late Emperor and Empress Dowager. Then, by throwing this out, you would certainly become suspicious and investigate. Regardless of the outcome, a rift would form between you and the Empress Dowager.”

“But his plan failed at the first step,” Nan Jianxue said.

“Actually, the result is the same you’ll still investigate,” Liang Qifeng said. “The only difference is that in your heart, he didn’t become the close uncle he planned to be.”

Nan Jianxue still didn’t understand. “What’s the point? Just to create a rift between me and Mother?”

Liang Qifeng shook his head. “That’s a certainty, but the details are unclear. The question now is: do you want to investigate?”

Nan Jianxue nodded. “Naturally.”

Liang Qifeng sighed. “Even knowing it’s a trap, you’ll still investigate?”

Nan Jianxue nodded. “I’m going to the palace right now.”

Liang Qifeng was stunned.

Nan Jianxue said, “I’ll just go ask Mother. She will definitely tell me.”

Liang Qifeng laughed. No wonder the Empress Dowager and the Emperor doted on him so much; it truly wasn’t for nothing.

Jiang Qiuhe’s plan was indeed good; the human heart is the most fragile thing under trial. If the Empress Dowager had ever had even a tiny bit of calculation or ill-will toward Nan Jianxue, he would have been shaken. Or if Nan Jianxue had a more suspicious nature, he would have doubted her. Unfortunately, Jiang Qiuhe miscalculated the Empress Dowager’s love for Nan Jianxue, as well as Nan Jianxue’s own temperament.

Thinking of this, Liang Qifeng felt a faint worry. Even if there was only a tiny possibility that what Jiang Qiuhe said was true, how much pain would Nan Jianxue be in?

He looked at Nan Jianxue’s happy face as he prepared to go to the palace and immediately brushed that doubt aside. He shouldn’t doubt this; it was no different from doubting Nan Jianxue’s own feelings. Even if something truly happened, he would face it with Nan Jianxue.

“What if it’s true?” Liang Qifeng asked in a light tone. “Should I comfort you then?”

“In your dreams. Mother would never give you that chance.” Nan Jianxue hit him. “You think about taking advantage of me every single day. Lecherous.”

Liang Qifeng arched an eyebrow, pulled him into his arms, and kissed him heavily. No matter how Nan Jianxue struggled, he didn’t let go until Nan Jianxue bit him in anger. He pulled back, wiped the small wound on his lip, and laughed: “This is what you call lecherous.”