The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 10

10: “Are You Actually Not a Fool?”

Qi Ren was puzzled. Fu Yu’an didn’t seem like a careless person, so why would such a large box be left unlocked? Wasn’t he afraid of someone stealing from it?

He opened the box and glanced inside, his expression darkening. He let the lid fall shut with a dull thud, then turned and ran out, shouting, “Who stole my wife’s dowry?! Huh?! Come out!”

…

By the time they left the old craftsman’s house, it was nearly dark. Spring days were short, and the nights long. It felt like no time had passed since lunch, and now it was already evening.

“We’ll take our leave now and return in seven days to pick it up. Thank you, master craftsman!” Fu Yu’an bowed respectfully and left with a smile.

Xiao Zhu handed him his hat and sighed, “It’s so late. The people at the residence know we’re out. They probably won’t leave any food for us when we get back.”

“If they don’t, they don’t. We’ll just buy some buns and porridge on the way back. By the way, tomorrow, go out and hire a cook. We’ll tidy up the small kitchen.”

“Why bother with that!” Xiao Zhu patted her chest proudly. “I can cook myself. No need to hire a cook!”

Fu Yu’an thought for a moment, then paused and patted her shoulder. “You’ve been with me for so many years. You don’t have to suffer like this anymore. We should spend money where it’s needed!”

Xiao Zhu was deeply moved by his words and silently vowed to serve His Highness for life!

As the sun set, the master and servant hired a carriage, but even hurrying, they couldn’t make it back to the general’s residence before nightfall.

Guhe Garden was located in a remote area, and the path leading to it was quite long. On this moonless night, it felt especially eerie.

A cold breeze blew by, carrying the faint sound of a woman crying.

Fu Yu’an stopped and exchanged a glance with Xiao Zhu.

“Who’s there?” Xiao Zhu raised the lantern and called out.

There was no response.

The two continued walking, but the crying grew louder until they reached a pavilion. The moon emerged from the clouds, revealing a faint figure inside.

Having lived in the cold palace for so many years, Fu Yu’an wasn’t afraid, but he found it strange. Who would be crying in such a secluded place in the middle of the night?

Xiao Zhu wanted to go investigate, but Fu Yu’an stopped her with a shake of his head.

The paper lantern was slowly lowered, and after a moment, footsteps echoed as the light gradually moved toward Guhe Garden.

As they reached the courtyard gate, Li Ke approached with a stern expression, bowing to Fu Yu’an. “Your Highness, you’re finally back. The general has been causing a scene all afternoon.”

Xiao Zhu asked, “What’s he upset about?”

“He says someone stole your dowry. He questioned everyone, but no one admitted to it, so he threw a tantrum. No one in the courtyard dares to approach him now. He’s sulking in his room.”

Fu Yu’an’s eyelids twitched, and he quickly made his way to the main room.

Qi Ren was indeed sitting at the table, his face dark as ink. The room was a mess, clearly the result of his earlier outburst.

Fu Yu’an took the buns from Xiao Zhu and placed them on the table, tapping the surface lightly.

“What’s wrong? What was stolen?”

Qi Ren huffed, crossing his arms and looking at Fu Yu’an with a pout. “Your dowry! The lock’s gone. Someone must have stolen it! I know it was the First Madam! It had to be her!”

Fu Yu’an smiled and gestured for Xiao Zhu to go check while he unwrapped the oiled paper. “You haven’t eaten dinner, have you? Here, have something to eat. Let Xiao Zhu investigate. Don’t be angry, okay?”

Qi Ren’s expression softened slightly. He picked up a bun and took a big bite, mumbling something about catching the thief.

Fu Yu’an already had a rough idea. It must have been the box containing the manuscripts. Xiao Zhu must have forgotten to lock it when she was organizing things the other day.

But now that the whole residence knew about it, it was a good opportunity.

Fu Yu’an sat beside Qi Ren, trimming the lamp wick. The flickering flame cast half of his face in shadow, making his expression unreadable.

*Is Qi Ren really a fool?* Fu Yu’an still had his doubts. But regardless of the truth, Qi Ren’s actions today clearly showed he was protecting him.

It was hard to figure out.

After eating, Qi Ren stopped making a fuss. He rested his chin on his hand and watched Fu Yu’an read a book, looking surprisingly well-behaved.

The storeroom had been checked, and nothing was missing. Qi Ren’s outburst had been a false alarm.

But Fu Yu’an wasn’t planning to let the matter rest.

“Since no one admitted to it, go inform the First Madam that Guhe Garden doesn’t keep dishonest servants! They can go wherever they please!” Xiao Zhu stood beside Fu Yu’an, scolding the group of servants below.

The servants erupted into murmurs. One bold servant raised his head to argue but was hit by a marble thrown by Qi Ren, who stood like a guardian at the front. The servant yelped and quickly shut his mouth.

“What are you doing, trying to talk back?! Do you even know who’s in charge of this household? It’s my wife!” Qi Ren shouted, his tone proud and slightly henpecked.

Fu Yu’an glared at him, clearly unhappy with the “wife” title.

*I just reminded him, and he’s already forgotten!*

Qi Ren stood with his hands on his hips, towering over Fu Yu’an by nearly a head. His imposing and domineering presence silenced the servants below.

Xiao Zhu dismissed them, leaving only herself and Li Ke to serve in Guhe Garden.

Li Ke was Qi Ren’s trusted guard and likely wouldn’t do menial tasks.

“I regret this, Your Highness. Tomorrow, let’s hire some servants. I can’t handle this alone!” Xiao Zhu looked dazed and pleaded with Fu Yu’an.

Fu Yu’an walked back into the room, waving his hand without saying anything.

Qi Ren followed him inside, glaring at Xiao Zhu before closing the door.

“Ah…”

Xiao Zhu was confused and knocked on the door. “Your Highness, don’t close the door! I haven’t helped you wash up yet!”

“You don’t need to help!” Before Fu Yu’an could respond, Qi Ren was already shooing her away. “Go, go!”

Xiao Zhu waited outside for Fu Yu’an’s response, but her arm was suddenly pulled, and she stumbled into a broad chest.

Li Ke stood behind her with his usual stoic expression, saying coldly, “The Second Madam will send maids and servants tomorrow. You should go rest now!”

Xiao Zhu thought for a moment but couldn’t figure it out. Still, she trusted that His Highness wouldn’t make her handle all the chores in Guhe Garden alone. She sighed and left.

Inside the room, Fu Yu’an sat Qi Ren down, deciding to get straight to the point.

“Tell me the truth,” he said seriously. “Are you actually not a fool? Are you pretending?”

Qi Ren’s back stiffened, and he almost blurted out, “How did you know?” But he caught himself, his eyes darting around before he blinked innocently. “An An, what are you talking about? I’m not a fool!”