ASFTB 38: Is General Li Not Capable?

The emperor looked at Jian Chengxi, never having imagined that this man from the countryside would dare to speak to him like this. He was the ruler of Sky City, a person of high status!

What’s more…

When he looked at Jian Chengxi’s eyebrows and eyes, it reminded him of someone he extremely hated.

Forget it, why should he argue with a country bumpkin?

The emperor turned to Li Lingfeng and said with a slight smile, “Marshal Li, your wife really knows how to joke.”

He thought Li Lingfeng would help him save face.

But little did he know—

Li Lingfeng stood to the side, his expression calm, and he spoke softly, “I think Madam’s suggestion is quite good.”

The emperor: “…”

Wait, do you two have a grudge against me?

Seeing the atmosphere becoming awkward, the emperor finally decided to shift his focus to the children. After all, the two adults were hard to deal with, but surely the two children could be more easily controlled?

The emperor leaned in closer, looking at Li Lingfeng holding Li Chen, and asked, “Is this the marshal’s son? He looks very much like you.”

Li Lingfeng finally gave him a glance, nodding slightly, “Mm.”

If he doesn’t look alike, that’s a big problem.

The emperor looked at Li Chen, who was always silent, and tried to tempt him, “Little one, you and your sister must be lonely at home, right? How about adding someone to the family and your mother can give you more little companions to play with. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

Li Chen didn’t hesitate, “No need.”

The emperor was stunned. He refused to give up, “Why not? Isn’t it better to have more little companions to play with?”

Li Chen said expressionlessly, “We already have a little companion at home.”

The emperor was surprised, “Really?”

Li Chen nodded, “Mm, we recently bought a dog.”

The emperor: “…”

Does everyone in your family speak like this?

The emperor, whose attempt at coaxing had failed, found it hard to smile.

Fortunately, someone soon came to his rescue. This flower-viewing banquet had invited many prominent families from Sky City, and it was being held in the front garden, making it quite lively.

Jian Chengxi walked beside Li Lingfeng, holding the child.

The banquet ahead was grand and lavish, with an array of fresh fruits, wines, and meats spread out in abundance.

Li Lingfeng led him to their seats.

Jian Chengxi walked while thinking to himself, “I dreamt before that the emperor poisoned Li Lingfeng. I wonder if it’s true.”

The system responded:【You can never be too careful.】

Jian Chengxi sighed inwardly. “That dream was so real, I must stay on guard. The emperor seems a bit off. Although my family’s general is strong in martial arts, his straightforward nature makes him bad at scheming. I can’t let my guard down, or else he might be taken advantage of by bad people.”

System: “…”

This was the first time it heard someone say that Li Lingfeng is naive.

Everyone took their seats at the banquet.

Li Lingfeng’s desk was positioned higher, and now holding great power, commanding the three armies, he was naturally someone of significant stature.

Sitting beside them was the current financial steward’s family, a group of dwarves. Each race has its own advantages, just as elves can communicate with nature to build bridges, giants are born with immense strength, orcs possess animal traits and strength, and angels have healing abilities. The dwarves, however, are known for their exceptional intelligence.

Over half of the empire’s economy is monopolized by the dwarves.

The leader of the dwarves, Fuchs, looked at Li Lingfeng and smiled, saying, “General Li, you have returned triumphantly. I’ve long admired your name and have wanted to meet you. It’s an honor to finally do so.”

Li Lingfeng glanced at him and said, “Steward Fuchs, you’re too kind. Regarding the distribution of supplies for my army, I was just thinking of having a detailed discussion with you.”

Fuchs’ smile froze.

The issue of the Underground City’s supplies was something he hadn’t expected to be exposed so quickly.

The embezzled money hadn’t even warmed up in his pocket, and all his subordinates involved in the Underground City were killed. What a strong warning, the speed was so fast that he didn’t even have time to react or make arrangements.

Fuchs, with his small frame, smiled and said, “How could I trouble the general? From now on, whenever you need to meet, just contact me anytime.”

Li Lingfeng sat in his chair, his tall and upright figure exuding authority. He lifted his eyelids and glanced at him, saying, “I hope there will be no further contact like this with the steward in the future.”

A cold sweat broke out on the back of Fuchs.

This banquet had brought family members along.

Mrs. Fuchs was a delicate and beautiful beastkin rabbit. She reached out to wash a cherry fruit and handed it to her husband.

However, Fuchs, who was in a foul mood and irritated, didn’t even look at it and snapped, “Don’t you know I don’t eat them with the skin on?”

His wife flinched and quickly withdrew her hand. “I’m sorry, I’ll peel it again.”

Fuchs cast her an impatient glance. “People from the Underground City really have no manners. What’s the point of marrying you!”

Jian Chengxi was drawn by the harsh tone and looked up. He saw the poor young woman wipe her tears, not daring to say a word. For her husband to humiliate her like that in public, before so many people, was truly pitiful.

But…

Jian Chengxi’s eyes drifted elsewhere. As unpleasant as the scene was, none of the surrounding nobles, young or old, seemed to care. On the contrary, they acted as if it were perfectly natural to order around their concubines or lovers.

…

At the entire upper main table, it seemed he was the only one with nothing to do.

Jian Chengxi’s gaze fell on the fruit platter, and he reached out, trying to pick up a cherry.

But before he could touch it—

A pair of long, strong hands reached out first and took the fruit before he could.

Li Lingfeng peeled it effortlessly, yet instead of eating it himself, he placed it in Jian Chengxi’s hand.

Jian Chengxi looked at him in surprise.

Li Lingfeng’s movements were smooth and natural. The imposing general spoke in a deep voice, “What’s wrong?”

Jian Chengxi glanced across the table and spoke softly, “Thank you.”

Li Lingfeng said, “What else do you want to eat?”

Jian Chengxi put the fruit into his mouth. It was sweet, and his brows and eyes unconsciously carried a trace of a smile, but he still shook his head. “No need, I can do it myself.”

Li Lingfeng said, “Not eating anymore?”

Jian Chengxi picked a piece of fruit himself. He glanced—half intentionally, half casually—toward the table across from him and said, in a voice neither loud nor soft, “I am eating, but I’ve got my own hands and feet, I’m not disabled. I can do it myself.”

The words reached Fuchs’s ears, and his face stiffened.

Jian Chengxi met his gaze.

Fuchs was furious. He didn’t dare do anything to Li Lingfeng, but he still dared to snap at others. With a sarcastic tone, he said, “Marshal Li, sometimes, a wife still needs to be taught. Without rules, nothing can be accomplished. Look at mine, when I speak, she wouldn’t even think of talking back.”

There was contempt toward Jian Chengxi in his words.

Li Lingfeng’s cold, sharp profile looked especially frosty under the night. He raised an eyebrow without mercy and said, “What’s it got to do with you?”

Fuchs’s face turned red and his neck thickened. “Marshal Li, don’t get me wrong. I was just kindly reminding you, those who come up from the Underground City can’t be too spoiled. If you treat them too well, they’ll forget who they are.”

Jian Chengxi almost choked on the fruit in his mouth.

However, before he could react—

Li Lingfeng patted his back, his gaze toward Fuchs growing a few degrees colder. His voice carried a note of arrogance, “Steward Fuchs really is a fine citizen of Sky City. I heard that when the Zerg attacked, you were the first to propose surrender?”

Fuchs: “…”

Why was his old scandal being brought up all of a sudden?

His face flushed red, and he ground his teeth in anger but couldn’t find a retort.

Meanwhile, the orc girl beside him cast a somewhat envious glance at Jian Chengxi.

Even if outsiders said the Marshal was cold-blooded and cruel, a devil—so what?

Not only did he refuse to let his wife serve him, he even peeled fruit for his own wife to eat.

Compared to her own husband, he was better beyond measure.

Just as she was thinking that—

A sharp pain suddenly came from her waist. The orc girl met Fuchs’s slightly bloodshot eyes and heard his low, threatening voice, “What are you looking at? That brute Li Lingfeng, who only knows force—who knows how he beats his wife in private!”

Tears of pain welled up in the orc girl’s eyes as she looked toward Jian Chengxi.

Would the Marshal really hit people?

But his wife clearly looked so well cared for.

…

Jian Chengxi was peeling fruit for the child to eat.

The fruits on the table, especially the cherry-like ones, had rather hard shells. Peeling one or two wasn’t too bad, but once the sharp outer shells were removed, they pricked his hands; his palms were already faintly aching.

He finally understood why the orc girl hadn’t wanted to peel them.

Jian Chengxi frowned slightly to himself.

As he was thinking, the fruit in his hand was suddenly taken away. Li Lingfeng effortlessly peeled off the shell and placed the fruit back into his hand.

Jian Chengxi looked at him in surprise.

Li Lingfeng said, “What else do you want to eat?”

Jian Chengxi placed the fruit into the child’s hand, then pointed at the ying fruit. It wasn’t sweet, but he liked it very much — it was just hard to peel.

Li Lingfeng lowered his head and took the fruit, peeling it carefully. The mighty, imposing Grand Marshal was now seriously focused on peeling fruit. Before long, a small plateful had piled up in front of them, ready for Jian Chengxi and the child to eat and have more once they finished what they already had.

Li Sui­sui’s voice was soft and gentle as she said, “Daddy, I’m full.”

Jian Chengxi wiped the juice from the corner of the child’s mouth and asked, “Was it good?”

Li Sui­sui nodded and said, “It was delicious.”

A smile appeared on Jian Chengxi’s face.

Li Sui­sui leaned against her older brother and added, “But the pastries Daddy makes are delicious too.”

Jian Chengxi paused for a moment, then asked, “Even better than these imported fruits?”

Li Sui­sui nodded.

Jian Chengxi was thoroughly amused and rubbed her head, saying, “You’re such a clever girl.”

When he turned around, he saw that another small pile of fruit had appeared on the plate. He leaned close to Li Lingfeng and quietly said, “General, don’t keep letting us eat—have some yourself too.”

Li Lingfeng said in a low voice, “I’m not interested in these.”

Jian Chengxi was a little surprised. After all, these could be considered luxury items.

Li Lingfeng placed all the plates in front of him and said, “Elves love to eat fruit. You should eat more.”

Jian Chengxi asked, “You don’t like these fruits?”

Li Lingfeng replied succinctly, “I’m not used to them.”

Jian Chengxi thought about how Li Lingfeng was a beastman. Naturally, beastmen wouldn’t be interested in such things. Yet even so, he still patiently peeled the fruit for him to eat, for no particular reason.

He popped a fruit into his mouth, and the sweet taste spread across his tongue.

At first, it tasted good but after a while, it did get a bit cloying.

Jian Chengxi lifted his gaze toward Li Lingfeng, a hint of a smile gathering in his eyes, and said softly, “Then how about we make some pastries at home tonight?”

Li Lingfeng glanced at him.

Jian Chengxi’s smile grew wider. “I’ll make you a special meal, a midnight snack.”

Li Lingfeng had originally wanted to say that drinking nutrient solution was enough, that he didn’t care about food, but when he saw his little wife’s bright smile, the words at his lips turned into a faint curve instead.

Jian Chengxi pushed the plate toward him. “Try this one, it’s sweet.”

Li Lingfeng refused. “I’m not eating.”

Jian Chengxi urged him, “Have a little to fill your stomach, or you’ll get hungry.”

Li Lingfeng said, “I’ll wait for your midnight snack.”

Jian Chengxi was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter.

The atmosphere between the two was warm and harmonious, but not far away, the princess sitting at the head of the hall clenched her fists, nearly grinding her teeth to pieces.

The Emperor beside her also noticed his younger sister’s mood and gave a soft cough.

Everyone below the stage turned to look over.

The Emperor spoke, “For this flower-viewing banquet, I thank everyone for giving me face by coming. Everyone knows that ever since the divine tree withered last time, a large number of our native plants have died. Because of the Zerg miasma, there have been very few blooming flowers. Just a few days ago, we introduced quite a number of flowers from other planets to try planting them, and many have already survived. Now, I sincerely invite everyone to enjoy them together!”

The crowd below grew restless with excitement.

The Emperor stood up, and the officials behind him immediately rose to follow.

Jian Chengxi prepared to take the two children over.

Li Chen’s face, however, looked a little too pale. Noticing this, Jian Chengxi immediately bent down in concern. “What’s wrong? Do you feel unwell anywhere?”

The boy shook his head.

Still uneasy, Jian Chengxi said, “Daddy will take you to see a doctor.”

Seeing that he couldn’t stop him, Li Chen’s expression turned a little awkward, and he said softly, “I need to go to the bathroom.”

Jian Chengxi paused.

Li Chen’s legs weren’t very convenient, and while he could manage on his own at home, being in the palace was not the same as being at home.

Jian Chengxi wasn’t familiar with the palace either, and he hesitated for a moment.

Li Lingfeng walked over from behind, picked up his three-year-old son, and said, “I’ll take him.”

Jian Chengxi asked, “Then the flower viewing…”

Li Lingfeng glanced at the deputy general behind him and said, “You all go ahead. I’ll come over in a bit.”

Seeing that he had made these arrangements, Jian Chengxi also realized this was for the best, since he didn’t know the way either. So he nodded and said, “Alright, see you in a bit.”

Li Lingfeng gave a slight nod.

Following the main group, Jian Chengxi carried his daughter to view the flowers.

As they passed through the entire palace, he noticed the architectural and decorative style around him—the elegant, vintage angel sculptures on the walls, the vivid murals of graceful, dancing elves. Though some of these statues and paintings were a bit aged, they carried a sense of time and history. Sunlight poured down from above, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the walls, filtering through corridors and winding paths, giving the place an almost dreamlike, otherworldly feeling.

The system said:【Host, do you like it here?】

Jian Chengxi hesitated slightly and said, “I don’t know why, but I keep feeling like I’ve been here before.”

The system paused for a moment and asked:【Where have you seen it?】

Jian Chengxi scratched his head. “Maybe in a dream?”

System: “…”

The group walked through the corridor and finally arrived at the Shen’an  Garden.

It was an enormous hill, and upon entering the Shen’an Garden, the first thing everyone saw was that towering giant tree. The tree was truly immense—even though it had already withered, its branches still reached high into the clouds, and its vast root system spread across nearly half the garden. Even in its current state, it was a magnificent sight; it was hard to imagine how breathtaking it must have been when its branches were lush and full of leaves.

At the front, the Emperor spoke enthusiastically, “These flowers you see here are all successful transplants, each one carefully tended by our princess. If we can eventually cultivate them on a large scale, every household will be able to see flowers bloom once more.”

Applause rose from the crowd.

By the lakeside, a few flowers were in bloom. Their buds were very small and looked somewhat undernourished.

For someone like Jian Chengxi, who had lived on Earth and often seen flowers in full bloom, this was nothing remarkable. Yet for people who hadn’t seen flowers for many years, it was already something rare and precious.

The Emperor smiled and said, “These flowers are not ordinary flowers—they are spirit flowers. Their blooming period is very short, and some that have not yet opened will not bloom unless touched by someone with strong spiritual energy. At present, some of them only bloom when the princess sings.”

As he praised his sister’s exceptional talent, his gaze wandered through the crowd until it found Jian Chengxi. He wanted him to listen carefully, to understand the distance between a peasant and a princess, and to realize what it meant to know his place and step back.

Yet unexpectedly—

Just as he finally spotted Jian Chengxi, he saw him yawning out of boredom. As Jian Chengxi casually reached out and touched a flower, it bloomed instantly.

The little Li Suisui in his arms burst out laughing.

Seeing that the child liked it, Jian Chengxi touched a few more flowers. Those flowers didn’t need any singing at all—like eager little suck-ups, they bloomed the moment Jian’s fingers brushed against them.

The Emperor: “…”

How was this polite?

On the other side.

Li Lingfeng stood outside the restroom, waiting for his child to come out.

At this time, there were hardly any people in or around the palace, most had gone with the Emperor to view the flowers.

From the end of the corridor came the sound of footsteps.

Li Lingfeng glanced sideways and saw a figure approaching, dressed in the pure white robes that symbolized the royal family. The princess’s golden hair gleamed brilliantly under the sunlight, swaying gracefully as she walked.

For some reason—

Li Lingfeng thought that if Jian Chengxi were the one wearing this outfit, he would look even better.

The princess stopped in front of him and offered a polite curtsey. “Greetings, Marshal.”

Li Lingfeng spoke in a calm voice. “Why is the Princess here?”

“My clothes got dirty, so I was just about to go back and change,” the princess said softly, her voice gentle and pleasant. “I didn’t expect to meet the Marshal here.”

Li Lingfeng replied, “This place isn’t on the way to the Princess’s chambers.” 

The princess’s eyes lit up in surprise. “Marshal remembers where my chambers are?”

Li Lingfeng gave her a faint glance. “Because this path only leads to the central plaza.”

The princess: “…”

How awkward.

However, the princess had a strong sense of composure. She brushed back her hair and smiled. “It’s really a pity that the Marshal didn’t go see the flowers I planted—they’re blooming beautifully. Fortunately, I carefully selected a few beforehand, all personally tended by me. I wanted to give them to you. After all, you’re my idol and a hero of the Empire. I hope you won’t refuse.”

She spoke with a touch of nervousness.

But unexpectedly—

Li Lingfeng replied swiftly and decisively, “Alright.”

The princess was overjoyed; her smile spread wide as she asked excitedly, “You’ll accept them?”

Li Lingfeng nodded and said in a low voice, “Mm. My wife likes flowers.”

The princess’s smile froze. “…”

Heh.

It would’ve been better not to have it at all.

She still wanted to say something, but just then, a boy’s voice came from the bathroom: “Father.”

Li Lingfeng immediately strode forward, covering the distance in just a few steps. He picked Li Chen up and even thoughtfully took the child to a nearby sink to wash his hands clean.

The princess had never seen this side of Li Lingfeng before.

Before, she had only ever thought of him as cold and heartless—she never knew he could have such a gentle side.

The child…

So it’s because of that child that he insists on staying with that lowborn Jian Chengxi?

The princess clenched her hands tightly. Clearly, she and he were the most well-matched pair. If only he were with her, it would be a union of true power. Even her royal brother would no longer have to worry about military authority leaking beyond the throne!

So what if there’s a child?

All the children Jian Chengxi gives birth to are nothing but defects.

She could give him children too!

A shadow flickered across the princess’s eyes, but when Li Lingfeng turned around, it was replaced by gentleness once more. “The paths in the palace are quite many and confusing. General, are you heading to Shen’an Garden? Let me show you the way.”

She moved closer to him.

But Li Lingfeng took a step back. The tall, handsome man’s face was utterly cold as he said in a low voice, “Mind yourself.”

The princess’s hand froze in midair.

It turns out… 

He knew what she was thinking.

Li Lingfeng’s gaze didn’t linger on her. He walked past her, heading toward the other end of the path.

The trail was a bit long, and before he had gone far, he came across Jian Chengxi, who was leading Li Sui­sui by the hand. Beside them were the deputy general, a doctor, and the deputy general’s daughter, Miao­miao.

Li Lingfeng said, “Why did you come here?”

Before Jian Chengxi could answer, the doctor said, “Miaomiao’s stomach suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable, so I brought her to the restroom. Chengxi came along to look for you.”

Li Lingfeng looked at his little wife.

Having been exposed, Jian Chengxi met his gaze somewhat nervously and said in a low voice, “The flowers over there weren’t very pretty.”

Li Lingfeng nodded. “Mm, we’ll head back in a bit.”

Li Sui­sui nestled in Jian Chengxi’s arms, letting out a tiny yawn.

Jian Chengxi responded, “Alright. I’ll trouble Doctor-jie to take Sui­sui and Miaomiao to the restroom first.”

Li Lingfeng gave a brief “mm” in response, then walked over to discuss work matters with the deputy general.

When Jian Chengxi and the doctor walked past, they happened to catch sight of the princess’s departing figure. Everyone knew this path didn’t lead toward the princess’s chambers. Jian Chengxi paused for a moment, looking thoughtful.

After sending the two little girls into the restroom, the doctor finally came back out.

Jian Chengxi said, “Sorry for the trouble.”

“What trouble?” The doctor shook her head cheerfully. “It’s nothing!”

Jian Chengxi smiled.

The doctor also saw the princess’s back and leaned over, saying, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. That princess, she’s eight or nine times out of ten into Li Lingfeng.”

Jian Chengxi asked in surprise, “How do you know?”

The doctor snorted, wearing an expression that said who do you think I am, “At the welcome banquet that day—you weren’t there—I was sitting over there, and the princess’s eyes were practically glued to the Marshal. How could I not know?”

Jian Chengxi was a little impressed by her choice of words.

In the past, he might not have cared, but now he had to think about it.

The doctor leaned over and said, “These days, all those with status and reputation take concubines. You’re the only one in his household right now, but the general’s rank and position aren’t what they used to be. From a political standpoint, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to marry a princess—it’s all gain and no loss, after all. Besides, don’t you not even like him? Someone sharing your burden should make you happy, shouldn’t it?”

Jian Chengxi blurted out instinctively, “I’m not happy at all.”

The doctor was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, “I understand you. I also only want my man to have me alone.”

Jian Chengxi asked, “Will the deputy general take concubines?”

“He?” The doctor raised an eyebrow and said, “He doesn’t have the energy for that. Just dealing with me alone every night already keeps him busy. Where would he find the strength for anyone else?”

Jian Chengxi stared at her in shock, eyes wide.

Seeing his reaction, the doctor grew curious and leaned closer. “Your marshal looks so impressive. I’d imagine his needs are even greater, right? Can that small body of yours handle it?”

Jian Chengxi suddenly recalled the scene of Li Lingfeng walking out of the bathroom that day after taking a shower. For some reason, his mouth went dry, and even his gaze began to waver.

The doctor leaned in gossipingly and asked, “How many times?”

Jian Chengxi stepped back a little, both embarrassed and flustered, but he truly couldn’t come up with an answer.

The doctor made a hand gesture.

Jian Chengxi shook his head. “No.”

The doctor changed to another number, but he still shook his head.

Finally—

The doctor said in some shock, “Don’t tell me, not even once…”

Jian Chengxi hurriedly covered her mouth, a bit flustered and embarrassed. “Keep your voice down, lower your voice.”

The doctor caught her breath, gave Jian Chengxi a meaningful look, rubbed her chin, and said in puzzlement, “That can’t be right. From what I can see, your Marshal doesn’t look like someone who’d have any problems in that area.”

Jian Chengxi recalled that he and Li Lingfeng had been sharing the same bed for quite a few days now.

At first, he had been a little worried.

But later, he realized he had been overthinking it.

Li Lingfeng treated him with the utmost respect, never once overstepping. At times, there wasn’t even a trace of intimacy between them. Except for this morning, when he had kissed his forehead before going out, just like one would with a child. They were polite to the point of seeming like roommates.

Not husband and wife.

Just courteous and formal, like guests treating each other with respect.

Jian Chengxi said softly, “The General… probably doesn’t like me that much, so he doesn’t have those kinds of thoughts.”

The doctor immediately retorted, “What nonsense are you talking about? You’re his wife, and you’re this beautiful—whether he likes you or not, what normal man could stay unmoved with such a gorgeous wife by his side? Unless he’s impotent!”

Jian Chengxi was stunned!

Luckily, there was no one around. He immediately said, “How could that be? The General and I already have a child.”

The doctor seemed to realize that as well. She looked at Jian Chengxi and said, “Then maybe he developed some hidden ailment during those years of war, but don’t worry about it. With the kind of friendship we have, here—this is for you.”

A small, unidentified packet of medicine appeared in Jian Chengxi’s palm.

The doctor smiled mysteriously. “This is my secret weapon. Just a touch of it, and any man will be unable to resist you!”

Jian Chengxi reacted as if he were holding something scalding hot, almost tossing it away. His earlobes flushed red. “I have no use for this, I can’t take it…”

The doctor shoved it into his hands and said, “Since you don’t want your general to take a concubine, and you don’t want to share him with anyone else, yet you say he doesn’t like you. Well, you’ve got to tie him down somehow, at least in body if not in heart. Keep this for yourself, use it or not, that’s up to you.”

Jian Chengxi was about to say something more when Li Sui­sui and Miao­miao came out from inside.

Li Sui­sui yawned, looking drowsy, and called out in a soft, childish voice, “Daddy.”

Jian Chengxi picked up the little one and coaxed gently, “We’ll be home soon.”

It had indeed been a tiring day out.

Li Sui­sui snuggled into his arms and fell asleep.

Jian Chengxi carried the child back, and when he got to the front, he happened to see several young noble sons who had come along this time all crowding around Li Lingfeng, chattering nonstop.

Li Lingfeng’s brows were furrowed, but when he saw the figure of his wife, he finally relaxed.

Jian Chengxi walked over and said, “Suisui’s sleepy.”

Li Lingfeng, holding Li Chen, pulled Jian Chengxi closer, and then gathered the little girl Suisui into his arms as well. “I’ve already had the airship prepared outside. Let’s go.”

Jian Chengxi said worriedly, “His Majesty…”

Li Lingfeng said quietly, “I’ll have someone inform him.”

Only then did Jian Chengxi feel a bit relieved.

On the way back, both children fell asleep. The medicine the doctor had given him was still in his pocket, and when he thought of what she had said, his mind couldn’t help but feel somewhat unsettled.

When they reached the gate of their home, a faint wailing sound came from the lawn.

As Jian Chengxi stepped off the airship, he was momentarily distracted and almost slipped down the steps.

Li Lingfeng reacted quickly, catching him by the arm. He frowned and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jian Chengxi quickly said, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing.”

He walked over to the edge of the lawn and petted the black dog. The family dog bared its teeth at him, looking rather displeased.

Jian Chengxi said, “It looks like Wangcai didn’t eat the food we left for it.”

Li Lingfeng came down carrying the children, glanced over, and said, “If it won’t eat, then let it go hungry.”

Jian Chengxi said in puzzlement, “But the shop owner at the market said this is top-grade dog food. Why doesn’t it like it?”

The dragon cub was so furious it nearly fainted.

Refusing to eat dog food was its last shred of dignity!!

Li Lingfeng said, “Once it’s hungry enough, it’ll eat.”

Jian Chengxi sighed as well, patted Wangcai’s head, and said, “Don’t make a fuss, Wangcai. The dog food’s delicious—be good.”

The dragon cub: “…”

It had already said to stop calling it such a tacky name!!

Li Lingfeng went back to the room and laid the two children down on the bed.

When he came downstairs, he thought Jian Chengxi would already be resting, but to his surprise, the kitchen lights were still on. A small pot was simmering on the stove, and Jian Chengxi, wearing an apron, was chopping wild vegetables. Another pot of water was boiling beside him. In the spacious kitchen, his figure moved back and forth busily, and it seemed as though the once-cold house had gained a touch of warmth and life because of him.

In the past, he had always lived alone, long accustomed to surviving on nutrient solutions.

No one had ever cared about what he liked to eat.

If he didn’t eat, he went hungry; even if he starved to death because he didn’t like the food, no one would care.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Jian Chengxi turned around and said, “You’re here? Are the kids asleep?”

Li Lingfeng nodded.

Jian Chengxi put the wild vegetables into the pot to cook and said gently, “It’ll be ready in a bit.”

Li Lingfeng spoke in a low voice, “I’ll just have a nutrient solution.”

“How can that be? We agreed to have a late-night snack,” Jian Chengxi’s profile looked especially gentle under the warm yellow light of the kitchen. Smiling, he said, “You hardly ate anything at the banquet—you must be hungry. I made plenty.”

Li Lingfeng watched his back, lost in thought for some reason.

Jian Chengxi didn’t hear a response. A little puzzled, he turned back and asked nervously, “What’s wrong?”

Li Lingfeng shook his head, walked over, and said, “Go rest for a bit. I’ll watch the fire.”

Seeing the man still in his military uniform, Jian Chengxi smiled and said, “What do you know about controlling the heat? Alright, alright, go take a bath. I’ve got this. Dinner will be ready by the time you’re done.”

Li Lingfeng said, “No rush.”

Jian Chengxi didn’t dare admit that it was he who was feeling nervous. He gave Li Lingfeng a little push and said, “Go on, I can handle it myself…”

Just as he was speaking, because of the movement, his pocket opened slightly, and something fell out, landing right on the floor.

Li Lingfeng lowered his head to look.

When Jian Chengxi realized what it was, his whole body froze.

But just as he was about to pick it up, someone else moved faster as always—Li Lingfeng picked up the packet of medicine from the ground, lifted his eyelids to look at him, and said, “What’s this?”

Jian Chengxi stammered all over, “Th-this, it’s nothing, it’s just an ordinary health supplement.”

Li Lingfeng’s gaze fell on the packet of medicine.

Inwardly, Jian Chengxi prayed that he would believe him.

However—

Li Lingfeng’s eyes fell on the packet. His tall figure stood before Jian Chengxi like a towering mountain, and in a deep, resonant voice, the man read aloud, “‘Qixi Powder’—primarily used to treat male frigidity and lack of stamina…”

He was merely reading the usage instructions, yet Jian Chengxi felt despair as if he were being tortured.

Finally—

Li Lingfeng stopped reading, his dark eyes deep and piercing. “You bought this?”

Jian Chengxi immediately replied, “No, the doctor gave it to me.”

Li Lingfeng’s long fingers tapped lightly on the table, his years of authority carrying a natural sense of pressure. “It’s for your own use?”

Jian Chengxi stammered a little, “N-no, not that either.”

Li Lingfeng raised an eyebrow. “Then it’s for me.”

Jian Chengxi’s face suddenly flushed red. He was just about to explain that wasn’t what he meant, but Li Lingfeng bent down and placed the packet back into his hand. “Keep it for yourself.”

!!

Jian Chengxi thought he didn’t like it and hurried to explain, “I—I didn’t mean…”

Li Lingfeng tugged his collar open a little. The motion was a bit wild, yet on him it carried an unmistakable masculine allure. He straightened up, his voice low and magnetic as he said, “I’m going to take a shower.”

Jian Chengxi: “!!!”