ASFTB 37: Marry the Princess to General Li

The legendary, noble and aloof Archangel was wailing like a ghost in the living room.

The servants and attendants stood far away, as if long accustomed to this scene.

Jian Chengxi held the child and exchanged a glance with Li Lingfeng.

While wailing, Mirage glanced at the child by Jian Chengxi’s side and said, “Although you’re not much yourself, your two kids do look pretty good.”

Jian Chengxi replied, “These are my daughter and son, both three years old.”

Mirage crouched down, gazing at the fair and adorable children, and mischievously said, “Later, when you go inside with uncle for a physical check-up, you’d better behave. Otherwise, your Daddy won’t want you anymore~”

Jian Chengxi and Li Lingfeng frowned, just about to speak.

Li Chen raised his eyes to look at him and asked, “Uncle, how old are you?”

Mirage hadn’t expected the little boy to ask him that, so he replied, “I’m 150 years old, why?”

Li Suisui lifted her little face and said, “I’m already three years old, and I don’t cry like that anymore.”

Mirage choked, “Aren’t you only three?”

“That’s right.” Li SuiSui nodded and said, “And uncle is already over a hundred.”

Mirage retorted angrily. “I’m not like you!”

Li Suisui buried herself into Jian Chengxi’s arms and said, “That’s right, it’s different. Luckily Suisui’s wife didn’t run off with someone else.”

“You don’t even have a wife.”

“Uncle does, though.” Li Suisui’s little face turned serious as she countered in her soft, childish voice, “Your wife doesn’t want you anymore~”

Heart-struck Mirage: “…”

Is this child a little devil or what!!!

He burst into loud sobs!

After a brief chat in the front hall, although Mirage didn’t seem all that reliable, he was actually a very competent doctor when it came to treatment.

At the back of the mansion stood a large floating statue.

Opening the door of the statue revealed Mirage’s treatment room inside.

The interior was very spacious, filled with all sorts of bottles and jars. Entire walls were lined with books, while the floor was cluttered with all kinds of miscellaneous objects. It was easy to step on if one wasn’t careful.

And then—

Whoosh!

A flying creature suddenly darted out from some unknown corner and crashed toward them.

Jian Chengxi was so startled that he stepped back, accidentally bumping into the table behind him. Just as he was about to fall, Li Lingfeng grabbed his arm in time, saving him from disaster.

“Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!”

The little yellow bird was caught by Li Lingfeng’s other hand.

Mirage quickly turned around and said, “Hey, don’t kill it, don’t kill it—that’s my spirit pet!”

Only then did Li Lingfeng release the bird.

The little bird seemed to know it had caused trouble and immediately hid behind Mirage.

Jian Chengxi clutched his waist. He had hit the sharp corner of the table, the very point of it. In an instant, the pale skin there turned bluish-purple. The pain made his lips tremble and he couldn’t get a single word out.

Mirage hadn’t expected it to be that serious. He walked over and reached to pull at Jian Chengxi’s clothes. “Are you okay…”

His hand froze in midair before it could touch Jian Chengxi.

Li Lingfeng pulled his wife closer, casting a cold glance at Mirage. The aura around him was like that of a dangerous wolf guarding its prey.

Mirage gave an awkward smile and said, “You should go outside for now. I’ll have my assistant bring some medicine over.”

Li Lingfeng nodded slightly and said curtly, “Thank you.”

Mirage chuckled and replied, “No need to thank me, just send someone to help me find my wife and we’ll call it even.”

Li Lingfeng gave him a faint, indifferent glance.

Mirage cleared his throat awkwardly, knowing he was in the wrong, and released the little bird. “I rescued it from Shen’an Garden. It’s a timid little thing, I don’t know why it got so worked up when it saw you. It’s never acted like that before.”

Jian Chengxi, now that the pain had eased a bit, asked, “Shen’an Garden?”

It sounded like a rather solemn name.

Mirage said naturally, “You don’t know? Shen’an Garden is where the Divine Tree once stood, but now that the tree has withered, the other plants and animals in the garden have lost their source of life. When I went there, this bird was on the brink of death.I saw that it still had a breath left, so I brought it back and saved it. It’s quite intelligent, but very timid—doesn’t dare to meet anyone. Strangely enough, it seems very excited to see you.”

Jian Chengxi said, “So that means I’m the first one?”

Mirage smiled. “The elves have always had a natural affinity with nature but their power comes from nature itself. When the Sacred Tree withered, most of the elves perished. You, on the other hand, survived precisely because you didn’t possess elven power.”

Jian Chengxi: “…”

Are you praising me or mocking me?

Their small talk came to an end. Mirage seemed to finally remember his main task. When he became serious, he actually looked quite reliable. “Both of these children need a physical examination. When I’m casting the spell, I must not be interrupted.”

Li Lingfeng spoke up, “I’ll wait outside.”

Mirage trusted him completely. “Alright, then I’ll take them in.”

Li Lingfeng put Li Chen down from his arms.

Jian Chengxi gently patted the child’s head, looking a bit worried. “Don’t be afraid.”

Mirage fanned the flames from the side, adding, “It might hurt a little. If you can’t hold it in, just cry out loud—crying isn’t shameful. Uncle won’t laugh at you.”

“Don’t worry.” Li Chen glanced sideways at him, the three-year-old’s expression was calm. “I’m not like you, Uncle.”

Mirage: “…”

How presumptuous!

Once the child went in for the physical exam, Jian Chengxi got ready to step outside and apply medicine to his own waist.

Seeing that, Li Lingfeng felt more at ease inside.

After stepping outside, it wasn’t long before a handsome young boy came out from inside, carrying a tray in his hands. He said, “Mr. Jian, this is the medicine for your injury.”

Jian Chengxi assumed this was the assistant and nodded. “Thank you.”

The assistant smiled shyly. “You’re welcome. Shall I help you apply it?”

Jian Chengxi quickly waved his hands. “No, no, I can do it myself.”

Fortunately, the assistant didn’t insist. Jian Chengxi applied the medicine himself—its cool texture eased the pain around his waist almost immediately.

The assistant then brought over a tray of fresh fruit and set it on the table. “Our distinguished guest has come from afar. We didn’t have much time to prepare, so these are just some simple offerings. I hope you won’t mind.”

Jian Chengxi glanced at the table and realized that many of the fruits were ones he didn’t recognize.

The assistant smiled as he introduced them. “This one is a firefly fruit, and this is a crescent fruit. They’re both very fresh, sometimes we even have them for dinner.”

Jian Chengxi asked in surprise, “Isn’t your dinner usually a nutrient solution?”

The assistant looked genuinely shocked and shook his head repeatedly. “Of course not! That stuff tastes awful, who would drink it? I’d guess only people in the Underground City eat that kind of thing.”

Jian Chengxi felt a bit uneasy but still asked in confusion, “But isn’t all the land unable to grow food anymore? Where did these fruits come from?”

The assistant, exuding an air of nobility, looked at Jian Chengxi as if he were some country bumpkin. “Of course they’re all imported. Fruits brought in from interstellar trade every month are quite common in the markets. You’re probably just new to Sky City and not familiar with things yet. Your family’s Marshal holds immense power—second only to the Emperor himself—so in the future, there will be no shortage of fruits and vegetables like these.”

Jian Chengxi murmured, “If they’re imported, then they must be really expensive?”

The most common things traded on the streets of the Underground City were sour and astringent fruits.

The so-called “unpalatable nutrient solution” was considered a luxury for many impoverished civilians.

Yet those things weren’t even worth mentioning here.

The assistant said, “Money isn’t what matters, please, have a taste. These were just imported.”

Jian Chengxi casually picked up a piece of fruit and popped it into his mouth. The moment it touched his tongue, the overwhelming sweetness hit him, and he frowned.

The assistant handed him some water. “Are you all right?”

“Do you all really like eating this fruit?” Jian Chengxi forced himself to swallow and spoke hesitantly. “I think it’s a bit too sweet?”

The assistant nodded. “It is indeed too sweet. To be honest, even the master of the house has long grown tired of it.”

Jian Chengxi asked in confusion, “If he knows that, then why does he still eat it?”

The assistant smiled. “Because he likes to show off—all about saving face, even if it means suffering for it.”

“…”

Fair enough.

Inside the medical room—

Mirage was bathed in a holy radiance, and as he stepped out of the operating room, the door outside opened.

Li Lingfeng turned to look at him.

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Mirage said, “It’s done.”

Li Lingfeng asked, “How did it go?”

Mirage looked at the man before him, dressed in a formal military uniform, his demeanor stern and composed. He remembered the time long ago when he had first met Li Lingfeng. Back then, Li wasn’t yet a marshal—just an obscure nobody in the Underground City. Yet when they first crossed paths, Mirage had looked at that boy, still seemingly too young, perhaps not even of age, and wondered if handing over a bounty to someone like him was some kind of joke.

Yet in the end, the joke had been on him.

On blood-soaked ground, the boy’s methods were swift and ruthless. When Mirage later heard that Li Lingfeng had personally silenced his targets, even someone like him—long accustomed to power and status—couldn’t help but feel a chill.

He was like a feral beast, savage and untamed.

The scent of blood clung to him, impossible to wash away. His cold, emotionless eyes made Mirage once wonder whether this man even possessed the seven emotions and six desires of an ordinary human.

He was simply too dangerous…

Mirage had once believed that someone as ruthless as Li Lingfeng would never take a wife or have children.

“You really do care a lot about your children,” Mirage said as he took off his coat. “Your little daughter isn’t seriously ill—just a bit malnourished. With some proper nourishment, she’ll be fine. She’s indeed a half-elf, but it seems she won’t have any elven powers.”

Li Lingfeng said quietly, “That’s fine. As long as she’s healthy.”

Mirage walked over and continued, “Your son’s situation is a bit more serious. His leg injury is quite severe. To be honest, if it had been left until now without any care, even I wouldn’t have been able to treat it—it should’ve been necrotic by now but it seems someone has been tending to it all along. When I examined him, I found that the meridians in his leg were still intact. Although I can’t restore it to full health right away, if he comes for treatment once a month, it should heal in a few years.”

Li Lingfeng nodded. “Thank you.”

Mirage waved his hand and reached for a drink of water.

“I’ll have someone take care of your lover’s matter,” Li Lingfeng said, glancing at him sideways. “He’ll be sent back tomorrow.”

Mirage nearly spat out his drink and coughed. “…Thanks.”

Li Lingfeng said nothing in reply.

As he walked past, the two children lying on the bed were already fast asleep.

From behind him, Mirage said, “It’s just a short sleep, they’ll wake up in the afternoon.”

Li Lingfeng nodded, then picked up a blanket from the side and gently covered the children, his movements soft and careful.

Mirage had never seen this man look like this before. Holding his cup of water, he said, “Honestly, I never thought you would settle down and start a family. With your vengeful nature, I figured you would never let things go. What’s this then—don’t tell me you’ve actually liked your little wife?”

Li Lingfeng’s movements froze.

The man turned around, his tall frame filling the room with an oppressive presence. His voice was utterly devoid of emotion. “Like?”

Mirage nodded. “Like.”

Li Lingfeng seemed unfamiliar with the word. He simply asked, “Why do you say that?”

Mirage rubbed his chin. “Isn’t it obvious? He abused your children and cheated on you. He’s got no morals, and as for looks… well, I’ll admit he’s easy on the eyes. Don’t tell me you fell for his face?”

When his words fell, the room went completely silent.

Li Lingfeng stood there quietly. For most people, that would have been a very difficult question to answer.

But for someone who was born emotionally indifferent, it wasn’t.

“He’s the child’s biological father and he’s my wife,” Li Lingfeng’s voice was icy. “Since he married me, it’s my duty and obligation to take care of them.”

Mirage choked up. “Then… what about the things he did to betray you?”

Li Lingfeng said calmly, “Wang Zhe is already dead.”

Mirage looked at him in disbelief, a little exasperated, and said, “One’s already dead,  what if he doesn’t change his ways and finds another one?”

Li Lingfeng lifted his eyelids to glance at him, his gaze icy.

“I mean, look, he’s so good-looking,” Mirage scratched his head. “And he’s got a prior record, too. If he starts having other thoughts, what will you do?”

The room fell into silence.

Li Lingfeng seemed to have taken that sentence to heart.

Just when Mirage thought his resentful brother had finally come to his senses, he saw the man speak in a low voice, “It was he who wanted to marry me in the first place—I didn’t force him. Since he’s already married to me, there’s no room for regret.”

The room fell silent.

The cold walls shimmered with a faint, chilling light.

The man’s military boots stepped on the polished floor, and the silver insignia on his shoulder was as sharp and fierce as an unsheathed sword.

He slowly walked out from the inner room, and for a moment, the Archangel seemed to see once again that dangerous, bloodthirsty wolf from the past. “As for being unfaithful…”

Li Lingfeng looked down at Mirage from above—exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure.

The man’s voice was cold and devoid of any emotion, yet it carried the power and dominance that only the strong possess, “Do you think his lover would live long enough to take him away?”

A layer of cold sweat had unknowingly formed on Mirage’s back.

The archangel, who was used to grand scenes, gave an awkward smile and said, “You’re quite confident.”

The corners of Li Lingfeng’s lips curved slightly. “After all, not everyone is like you.”

Miraije, whose wife had just run away: “…”

Thank you.

I feel offended.

Outside the hospital room—

Jian Chengxi, who had just finished having his wounds treated, was standing outside and happened to hear everything that was said inside.

The assistant looked at him, his face pale from fright, and comforted him with some pity, “Although General Li doesn’t seem to love you, you don’t have to be this sad…”

Jian Chengxi turned to glance at him, walking away as he said, “Who told you I was sad.”

The assistant froze. “Then you…?”

There was no sadness on Jian Chengxi’s face. He sat down on the sofa and said, “If I ever thought the General would really fall in love with me because of what happened before, then I’d be the stupid one. As long as he no longer holds a grudge about the past, that’s already a good thing for me.”

After all, he only wanted to live a peaceful life with Li Lingfeng.

Love, or no love—

How could that be possible? He wasn’t a child anymore.

Assistant: “…”

That does seem to make some sense.

Looking at Jian Chengxi, who was sitting on the sofa without a care in the world, the assistant couldn’t hold back and said, “Mr. Jian, I think you really should have a bit more sense of crisis. The General’s current status isn’t what it used to be, you need to find a way to win his heart and keep it.”

Jian Chengxi picked up a piece of fruit and took a bite. “Why? I think things are just fine the way they are now.”

The assistant said, “If he doesn’t love you, then maybe someday, when he meets someone he really likes, he’ll take a concubine.”

Jian Chengxi almost choked on his fruit and coughed twice. “W–what?”

Seeing his surprised expression, the assistant said, “Isn’t that normal? All the big names in the Empire, people of high status, they all have several concubines at home.”

Jian Chengxi stared wide-eyed in shock.

When he had just transmigrated here, he had taken it for granted that the system in this world was the same as on Earth—that it must be monogamous.

But to his utter shock, it wasn’t!

Yet back in the underground city, no one in the village had ever mentioned marrying multiple wives!

Jian Chengxi stammered, “I–is that common? I don’t think I’ve seen anyone with several wives.”

The assistant chuckled softly and said, “It’s very common here in Sky City. You probably just haven’t gotten familiar with things yet,  you’ll understand in time. I’m only reminding you because you seem like a kind person. The Marshal holds immense power and has countless military achievements, his name is known throughout all of Sky City. There are plenty of noble families whose sons and daughters are all hoping for a chance with him!”

Jian Chengxi felt a chill run through his heart—not for himself, but for the children.

If in the future, some stepmother or stepfather really did enter the picture, what if his children ended up being mistreated?

He could afford not to think for himself, but he couldn’t not think for the children.

…

Just as he was lost in thought, the door inside opened, and Li Lingfeng came out holding the two children in his arms.

Jian Chengxi naturally couldn’t worry about anything else at that moment. He hurriedly stood up and walked over. “How are they?”

Li Lingfeng said in a low voice, “Nothing serious. We can go home now.”

Jian Chengxi let out a sigh of relief. Looking at the two sleeping children, his voice softened. “Then let’s go.”

Li Lingfeng nodded.

As the two of them walked out to the main gate, they happened to run into a few nobles who had also come seeking medical treatment — delicate, good-looking young angels and beastfolk noble sons.

The moment they recognized Li Lingfeng, both of their eyes lit up.

After exchanging a quick glance, they looked slightly shy and full of admiration. “We never expected to meet the Marshal here, what a pleasant surprise. We’ve all heard so much about your glorious achievements…”

Li Lingfeng looked at the two of them coolly. “You…”

The young beastfolk noble exclaimed excitedly, “You know me?”

Li Lingfeng’s expression didn’t change. “You’re in the way.”

“…Sorry.”

Li Lingfeng walked past them and out the door, but still didn’t forget to call back to Jian Chengxi behind him, “Be careful coming down, don’t fall.”

Jian Chengxi caught the two boys’ resentful glances, gave an awkward smile, and hurried to catch up with Li Lingfeng.

He hadn’t been outside before, so he hadn’t realized how people treated Li Lingfeng. Yet seeing those two young men just now, his heart finally sank completely. It seemed he really did have reason to worry.

Once they got into the vehicle, Li Lingfeng gently laid the two children down on the rear bed to sleep.

Jian Chengxi felt a little uneasy. He wanted to test his man’s attitude, so he tentatively said, “Those two just now seemed to really admire you, General. When we left, they looked a bit disappointed.”

Li Lingfeng gave him a cool glance.

Jian Chengxi tried his best to appear calm, though he couldn’t help feeling a little nervous.

But then—

The man spoke coldly, “Whether he’s sad or not is none of my business. If I had to stop and chat with every random person who blocks my way, how would I ever get my own things done?”

Li Lingfeng cast him a glance, a hint of danger in his eyes. “What, are you that free?”

Jian Chengxi blinked.

Jian Chengxi hurriedly gave a quick smile and said, “No, no, I just said it casually.”

The nervousness that the assistant had stirred up in him instantly faded away. His own general’s cold and detached temperament used to make him feel afraid, but now it somehow gave him a sense of reassurance. It seemed that, despite all the temptations in the outside world, Li Lingfeng had no interest in any of them—which was, in fact, a good thing.

The next day.

This morning, Jian Chengxi was the one who got up earlier.

Because today was a rather formal occasion, and since quite a few incidents had occurred halfway through Sky City’s welcoming ceremony that day, the emperor had specially arranged for several officers’ families to enter the imperial palace and attend what was called a flower-viewing banquet.

Sitting by the bedside, Jian Chengxi asked, “Are our children going too?”

Li Lingfeng nodded. “All family members are required to attend.”

Jian Chengxi said worriedly, “I’m afraid the children might not be used to it.”

Li Lingfeng lifted his gaze to look at him. “Since we’ve already moved to Sky City—they are my children. The people they will have to face and the things they will have to go through will only increase in the future. Sooner or later, they’ll have to get used to it.”

He didn’t know how many more years he had left to live.

With his current status, the storms of blood and strife awaiting him would only grow fiercer.

In the limited time he had left, he would do his utmost to pave the way for his wife and children, never intending to raise them like flowers sheltered in a greenhouse.

Jian Chengxi thought for a moment, then nodded. “You’re right.”

Li Lingfeng was a little surprised by how sensible his little wife was.

Jian Chengxi smiled and said, “Anyway, the kids are actually pretty brave. They might even be less nervous than I am.”

Li Lingfeng replied, “With me here, there’s no need to be nervous.”

Looking at the man’s tall and broad figure, Jian Chengxi couldn’t help but feel a sense of security. The tension in his heart eased considerably.

This time, since they were entering the imperial palace, special court robes had been sent over. When Jian Chengxi bought school uniforms for the two children, he had also picked up a few small formal outfits—perfect for them to wear now.

He himself put on a court robe in the same deep blue color as Li Lingfeng’s.

Little Li Suisui lifted his face and said, “Daddy, you look so pretty.”

Jian Chengxi was dressed in a sky-blue robe adorned with ornate jewels. The fabric was soft, enhancing his naturally gentle temperament. What might have looked gaudy on someone else appeared refined and graceful on him, thanks to his delicate, handsome features.

“Really?” Jian Chengxi picked the child up with a smile. “Is Daddy really that good-looking?”

Li Suisui nodded earnestly. “Good-looking.”

Jian Chengxi said with a bright smile, “Then give Daddy a kiss.”

Li Suisui leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek.

Feeling quite pleased, Jian Chengxi carried the child out. In the corridor, he saw Li Lingfeng waiting. The man, dressed in his military uniform, stood tall and straight—his handsome features and composed bearing exuding the mature charm of a grown man. At the sound of movement, he turned to look their way.

“Ahem.” Jian Chengxi hadn’t expected him to be there. After a moment’s hesitation, he asked, “Does this outfit look good?”

Li Lingfeng nodded.

Jian Chengxi felt a sudden flicker of happiness. “Thank you.”

Just then, little Li Suisui piped up, “Then Father should give Daddy a kiss too!”

Jian Chengxi: “!!”

Li Sui­sui’s eyes were bright and innocent as he said, “Didn’t Daddy say that if you think something looks nice, you should give it a kiss?”

Jian Chengxi’s whole face flushed red. He glanced at Li Lingfeng and stammered, “I didn’t say that.”

Li Lingfeng, however, remained perfectly calm.

In the brightly lit hallway, the man walked over slowly, his military boots making crisp sounds against the polished floor. Li Sui­sui was picked up and carried away.

Jian Chengxi let out a sigh of relief, thinking he had only come to take the child.

Just as he was about to turn around, his arm was pulled back with surprising strength. Startled, he turned his head—only for a cool yet gentle kiss to fall on his forehead.

Jian Chengxi’s eyes widened in shock. When he looked up, he saw the man’s sharp, chiseled face and those dark, deep eyes.

Li Lingfeng’s gaze rested on him, his voice low and elegant as he said, “That outfit looks very good on you.”

Jian Chengxi felt as if his whole body suddenly caught fire for no reason. The kiss had only been on his forehead, yet his earlobes were burning red. He nodded hastily, flustered. “Mm…”

Li Lingfeng said calmly, “I’ll wait for you in the car.”

Jian Chengxi nodded blankly, and even after the man had walked far away, the heat in his ears still hadn’t faded.

Although he had crossed into this world and now had a child, he had actually never been in a relationship, let alone kissed anyone before.

When it came to Li Lingfeng, his husband, Jian Chengxi had always felt a bit afraid. He had never dared to treat him as a lover, nor had he ever expected much. Yet he hadn’t thought the man would actually kiss him.

Jian Chengxi touched his own forehead.

A faint, inexplicable flutter passed through his heart and quickly faded.

It felt as though…

He doesn’t  really dislike that kind of thing, either.

When he returned to the car, Jian Chengxi got in holding the child.

What had just happened felt like nothing more than a brief interlude. Li Lingfeng was reading the documents in his hands, while the two children beside him seemed perfectly relaxed and at ease.

Jian Chengxi let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Although this wasn’t their first time visiting Sky City, it was their first trip to the Imperial Palace and also the first time he would meet the Emperor. To him, that man was almost a mythical figure. He had never actually seen what an emperor looked like before.

…

When he stepped out of the car, Jian Chengxi still couldn’t help feeling a little nervous.

He had thought they would have to walk quite a long way before meeting the Emperor, but to his surprise, as soon as they reached the palace gates, he saw a man dressed in pure white robes approaching, surrounded by attendants.

The Emperor came forward warmly and said, “General Li, I’ve been waiting for you for quite some time.”

Li Lingfeng seemed long accustomed to this and simply nodded. “Your Majesty.”

“I heard you were entering the palace today. I happened to return from a trip and thought you’d probably arrive soon, so I waited a bit,” the Emperor said kindly. Dressed in his immaculate white robes, he looked gentle and approachable. “I didn’t expect I’d really get to see you.”

Li Lingfeng’s voice was calm and even. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern.”

Jian Chengxi stood to the side, staring in surprise. He had always imagined the Emperor to be a stern and imposing figure but seeing him now, the man seemed anything but. He carried no air of superiority, only warmth and grace.

As Jian Chengxi looked at the Emperor, the Emperor’s gaze also fell on him.

Their eyes met, and both froze for a brief moment.

A smile appeared on the Emperor’s face as he walked over and said, “So this is General Li’s wife, isn’t it? I’m very pleased to meet you. We didn’t get the chance to meet last time, I suppose you were held up by something?”

Jian Chengxi knew what he was referring to and nodded, saying, “Mm, yes…”

He thought the Emperor was just making casual conversation.

Who would have thought—

The Emperor’s smile deepened. “I’ve heard about all that. It hasn’t been easy for you these past few years, managing the household and raising a child on your own. But it won’t be a problem anymore. As it happens, I know a clever and virtuous young lady. If you were to become family in the future, and if you’re willing, she could help share your burdens.”

Jian Chengxi: “?”

The Emperor had long wanted to marry the princess off to Li Lingfeng, but he was utterly unyielding, like a wall that no wind could pass through.

Now, upon seeing Jian Chengxi, the Emperor took him for a simple villager from some Underground City, unsophisticated and easy to handle.

So the Emperor added, “That young lady has been accustomed to a life of luxury since childhood but she’s not good at managing money, and on ordinary days, she enjoys romantic and poetic things, though her learning and talent in poetry and literature are both excellent, she’s a little lacking in worldly experience, but she has a good temper and is sensible, and she also enjoys making friends. I think she’ll surely have much in common with you!”

The meaning behind those words was clear.

The princess would come with a generous dowry and had a good temperament—marrying her wouldn’t just ease his burdens but would also bring wealth and status.

An ordinary person might have been easily swayed by that.

However, Jian Chengxi only smiled while holding the child in his arms and said, “Is that so? She sounds wonderful then.”

The Emperor nodded.

He thought he already had him completely under control.

Jian Chengxi looked at him openly, pretending not to understand on purpose. “In that case, Your Majesty should just keep her for yourself. How could our general possibly steal what someone else loves? Since you seem to like her so mucht, when will we be able to attend your wedding banquet?”

The Emperor: “…”

How presumptuous.