The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 20

20: …

Earlier in her life, the second wife was a singer in Jiangnan, later noticed by the old general and brought back to the capital.

Initially, their days were filled with deep affection and comfort. However, as the old general was often away on campaigns, and with the first wife being quite domineering, she had to tread carefully every day to maintain her position.

“It’s been over ten years since I last returned to Jiangnan, sigh!” Hearing that the elderly woman was also from Jiangnan, the second wife held her hand and chatted, her words full of longing for her hometown.

The elderly woman was sprightly, dressed in attire reminiscent of the Miao ethnicity, adorned with tinkling silver ornaments and emitting a delicate fragrance. She spoke softly and gently.

She was accompanied by a young girl, about thirteen or fourteen years old, with dark skin, sitting there holding a basket, her eyes filled with curiosity as she surveyed the room’s furnishings.

When Fu Yu’an saw these two, his eyelids twitched involuntarily, and he felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest.

“Your Highness is here! Come, come, sit down!” The second wife invited him in, but noticing that Qi Ren was not following, she asked, “Has Qi Ren gone out to play?”

Fu Yu’an nodded.

“That child! Always running wild! You should keep an eye on him. Yesterday, I heard he came back soaking wet and covered Mr. Yu’s child in mud?”

Fu Yu’an smiled without refuting.

“This is Elder Shu, and that is her granddaughter, Miss Qiao Ying.” the second wife introduced with a smile. “This is my son’s…”

She glanced at Fu Yu’an’s expression, unsure how to introduce him.

Elder Shu smiled at Fu Yu’an: “You must be His Highness? Although I am not in the capital, I have heard a bit about you.”

Qiao Ying, however, kept her gaze fixed on Fu Yu’an. Since he entered, her eyes had not left him, making him somewhat uncomfortable.

“We have already sent someone to fetch the general. Please wait a moment; he will be back soon.”

“No rush, no rush. Haste makes waste. It’s getting late today; it would be just as well to see him tomorrow!”

Concerned about delays, Fu Yu’an did not agree with her suggestion.

Shortly after, Li Ke came in from outside, looking troubled as he reported: “The general has just returned from catching loaches in the river, covered in mud. It’s really not suitable for him to meet guests now, and he’s insisting on taking a bath.”

Fu Yu’an sighed in frustration, having no choice but to postpone the meeting.

Returning to Guhe Garden, Xiao Zhu couldn’t help but remark: “Your Highness, I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but I always feel that the young girl resembles you somewhat.”

Fu Yu’an chuckled: “Where is the resemblance? I don’t see it.”

“Your lips are similar; both of you have very pronounced lip beads. As for the rest… I can’t tell for now.”

“Perhaps it’s because my mother is also from Jiangnan, so I share some similarities with this Jiangnan girl.” he said indifferently, shaking his head. “She seems reliable, and I find her quite amiable. I wonder if she can cure Qi Ren’s illness.”

“The general is blessed by fortune; naturally, he will welcome a turning point.” Xiao Zhu replied.

As the sun set in the west, Xiao Zhu bowed to him and said, “Since the general has returned, this servant will go and arrange the meal.”

“Go ahead.” Fu Yu’an waved his hand.

The door to the main room was slightly ajar. Fu Yu’an walked to the door intending to push it open, but hesitated as his hand rested on it.

Wasn’t he supposed to be bathing? What if I just walk in…

He pressed his ear against the door and listened, but didn’t hear any sounds of water, so he assumed the bath was over.

Just as Fu Yu’an was about to enter, the door suddenly opened from the inside. Losing his balance, he stumbled forward.

Instead of the expected fall, he collided with a damp chest, enveloped instantly by the warm steam and the familiar masculine scent.

A muffled grunt came from above, and Fu Yu’an was too embarrassed to look up.

Qi Ren, bare-chested, looked down with amusement at Fu Yu’an’s accidental embrace, thinking it might be a good opportunity to cure his “illness.”

But would that scare him even more?

Ah, he’s so timid.

It’s been so long since I’ve kissed him. He returned the book, and now I have no excuse, he thought resentfully.

Fu Yu’an hurriedly straightened up, his eyes landing on the man’s muscular chest. He quickly averted his gaze, flustered, and pushed him away as he walked into the room, stammering, “Why aren’t you wearing clothes? What if you catch a cold?”

Qi Ren closed the door, a mischievous thought crossing his mind. He took two quick steps and wrapped his arms around Fu Yu’an from behind, whispering plaintively in his ear, “Today, Xiao He told me that his mother often kisses Uncle Yu. We’re married too, so why don’t you kiss me?”

Good heavens! Don’t you two usually avoid doing such things in front of the child?!

Fu Yu’an’s expression turned grave, thinking he might need to visit the Yu household again. Xiao He is such a good child; he shouldn’t be corrupted by this!

“I want to kiss you…” Seeing no reaction, Qi Ren couldn’t help but nuzzle the back of Fu Yu’an’s neck, his tone full of grievance.

Fu Yu’an couldn’t stand seeing him so pitiful, as if he had done something terribly wrong.

Fine, fine. They say people who suffer from madness don’t remember things after they recover. It’s okay to indulge him a little now, right?

Surrounded by his scent, the exposed skin on his neck tickled by Qi Ren’s hair, Fu Yu’an tilted his head to avoid it and turned around with difficulty.

Qi Ren raised an eyebrow and asked again, “Can I kiss you?”

Fu Yu’an’s face flushed, unsure where to place his hands, which hung clenched at his sides. He slowly nodded.

His heart pounded like a drum as he heard a soft chuckle beside his ear, deep and pleasant, carrying a bewitching allure.

Qi Ren cupped the back of his head and kissed him, his lips burning.

Fu Yu’an closed his eyes, thinking it would end like before, with just a kiss. But suddenly, his lips were—

Fu Yu’an had never experienced anything like this. Although he had drawn many romantic scenes in his books, when it came to the real thing, his legs went weak.

He struggled to escape, but Qi Ren sensed his intention and tightened his grip around his waist, kissing him more fiercely.

The gates were breached. Fu Yu’an, trapped in his embrace, could only submit as Qi Ren took control.

He’s so skilled, Fu Yu’an thought. How is he so good at this…

Before long, he was kissed so thoroughly that he could barely stand, forced to cling to Qi Ren’s waist as the man continued his conquest.

When the kiss finally ended, Qi Ren pulled back slightly, giving him a moment to catch his breath. But before Fu Yu’an could protest, Qi Ren kissed him again, even more passionately.

By the end, Fu Yu’an was utterly dazed, resigned to the overwhelming disparity in their strength.

Qi Ren let out a satisfied sigh, one arm still around him. He used his thumb to wipe Fu Yu’an’s slightly swollen lips, his voice hoarse as he murmured, “So sweet. You’re so sweet.”

Fu Yu’an shot him a reproachful glare and pushed him away.

But Qi Ren, like a dog that had just been given a bone, wagged his tail and leaned in again, refusing to let go.