The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 19

19: Don’t Give Him Random Books

Li Ke covered her eyes with one hand and pulled her arm with the other, leading her away: “Don’t look, don’t look! You’re a young lady, have some shame!”

Xiao Zhu wanted to say something, but before she could even call out “Your Highness” she was dragged away from the scene.

Qi Ren’s gaze was dark and unreadable as he stared at his glistening lips. He reached out a finger and gently wiped away the moisture, then licked his lips with satisfaction.

You think you can avoid me? Qi Ren thought. What’s wrong with a kiss? When you wake up, I’ll kiss you again!

He snorted smugly, placed the book back over his face, whistled at the parrot, and left with a spring in his step.

The sound of footsteps gradually faded, and when they completely disappeared, the person on the recliner lifted a pale hand, removed the book from his face, and his eyes were clear, showing no trace of sleepiness.

…

Yu Residence.

Madam Yu was holding Xiao He and playing with him, while Yu Liao sat nearby reading a book, creating a picture of peaceful tranquility.

“By the way, husband, Qi Ren borrowed a book from me last time. It’s been a month, why hasn’t he returned it yet?” Madam Yu frowned slightly as she asked.

Yu Liao hummed, not particularly concerned. “He probably forgot. I’ll ask him about it the next time he comes over.”

Madam Yu sighed and said, “That’s a rare, out-of-print edition! You must make sure to remind him properly. Don’t let it get lost!”

“Two erotic picture books count as rare, out-of-print editions? You’re a lady from a respectable family, why are you always reading these homoerotic picture books?”

Xiao He, hearing this, looked up in confusion and asked, “Mommy, mommy, what does ‘homoerotic’ mean?”

“Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t, little one!” Madam Yu scolded him gently. “I can read whatever I want. Look at all those calligraphy and paintings in your room—have I ever said anything about them?”

Yu Liao, knowing he was in the wrong, quickly apologized to calm his wife. As the two of them were talking, a servant came in to announce that Qi Ren and His Highness had arrived.

Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Yu Liao was overjoyed and hurried out to greet the guests.

Madam Yu bounced Xiao He in her arms, then set him down on the ground and took his hand. “Son, weren’t you just talking about your Uncle Qi Ren? Come, Mommy will take you to play with him!”

As soon as Xiao He saw Qi Ren, he broke free from his mother’s hand and rushed over, pulling on Qi Ren’s arm to show off his new toy.

Yu Liao waved his hand, letting the two go out to play, somewhat puzzled as to why Fu Yu’an had also come along this time.

Xiao Zhu took out the two books that Qi Ren had borrowed and placed them on the table. Fu Yu’an pursed his lips, his eyes flickering over Yu Liao and Madam Yu, seemingly hesitant to speak.

Yu Liao could only ask his wife to go take care of Xiao He, leaving them a space to talk.

After she left, Fu Yu’an gestured to him: “These are the books Qi Ren borrowed earlier, and I haven’t had the chance to return them to you.”

Yu Liao smiled slightly: “It’s no trouble. If he wants them, there are plenty more in the study.”

Plenty… plenty…

Fu Yu’an was momentarily speechless, his expression growing even more complicated.

Yu Liao was also at a loss, chuckling awkwardly as he asked, “Your Highness, your visit must be for something important. Please, speak freely!”

Fu Yu’an then pointed to the books and asked, “Are these your books? Don’t you have a child?”

Yu Liao: “…”

Well, this misunderstanding has gone too far!

“No, Your Highness, let me explain. These aren’t my books, they’re my wife’s. Qi Ren came to our humble home earlier and mentioned that you were sometimes kind and sometimes harsh to him. My wife, considering your marital relationship, lent him these books… I know it’s inappropriate, but she’s my only wife…”

He explained somewhat nervously.

Fu Yu’an thought to himself, I really must thank you two. Not only did he learn from it, but he also applied what he learned!

“Qi Ren’s situation is special. We are already looking for a highly skilled physician for him in the manor. Besides, neither of us is into men. These books should not be given to him anymore.” Fu Yu’an gestured stiffly, unable to smile.

Yu Liao was startled. So His Highness isn’t into men? Does Qi Ren know that?

These two seem deeply affectionate, but is it all just an act?

Since the other party has made it clear, Yu Liao knew he was in the wrong and could only agree wholeheartedly.

After seeing them off, Madam Yu noticed the books on the table and asked cheerfully, “Did His Highness come specifically to return the books?”

Yu Liao’s face darkened as he scolded her, “You still bring it up! He thought these books were from me and asked if I was into men! You, really!”

“How could he think that! Hahaha! Alright, alright, I’ll personally deliver them to his manor next time, how about that?”

“Don’t meddle anymore. He’s not into men, and this time he came to hold us accountable.” Yu Liao said.

Madam Yu was puzzled, “Really? If he’s not into men, then what about Qi Ren? He specifically asked me for these books!”

Yu Liao lowered his voice, “He thinks Qi Ren is a fool and blames us for misleading him. Anyway, don’t interfere in this matter anymore!”

Madam Yu could only agree, saying she wouldn’t send anything anymore, but in her heart, she didn’t believe Fu Yu’an’s words at all.

If he’s not into men, how could he tolerate Qi Ren? And with everything peaceful for a month, his sudden visit must mean Qi Ren finally made a move!

Goodness, this story is more interesting than any play script!

After returning, Fu Yu’an began to distance himself from Qi Ren. With the books returned, he temporarily had no need to “learn” any more reckless behaviors.

Please, let a doctor cure him soon! Fu Yu’an thought.

However, heaven did not grant his wish. The notice had been posted for almost two months, and still, no truly suitable doctor had been found.

The weather in June grew increasingly hot. The head of the household couldn’t bear the heat and had already taken his son and daughter-in-law to the mountain villa to escape the summer heat. The entire manor, except for the second lady’s quarters, only had a bit of life left in Guhe Garden.

Once they left, Qi Ren was like a monkey returned to the mountains, spending his days climbing trees and playing in the water with Xiao He, even raising several tanks of fish in the courtyard.

The pears and peaches in the yard were growing larger, but recently they were plagued by insects. Every evening, Xiao Zhu led people in the yard to catch bugs.

The servants were all tight-lipped, so Fu Yu’an had fewer concerns, directing them with a folding fan in hand.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!” Li Ke hurried in, “Your Highness, another old man claiming to be from the Divine Doctor Valley has arrived at the manor, saying he can cure the general’s illness!”

Fu Yu’an was indifferent, “At least seven people from the Divine Doctor Valley have come this month. Qi Ren isn’t even in the manor right now. Let’s keep the guest and have him diagnose tomorrow!”

Li Ke insisted, “You should go see for yourself! The old man has white hair and a youthful face. With just one needle, he cured the second lady’s headache that had been troubling her for days. He must be a divine doctor!”

Li Ke, who is usually the most steady and reserved, was now so agitated. It seems that person might indeed have some real talent.

Fu Yu’an immediately perked up and told him to hurry and bring Qi Ren back, while he himself took Xiao Zhu to the second wife’s courtyard first.