The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 31

31: You Dare to Seduce Even a Prince?

Ningchi Palace.

“I heard that Ren’er is also taking the medicine prescribed by Elder Shu. Has it been effective?” Concubine Jue asked, sipping tea with her delicate fingers raised.

Fu Yu’an sighed. “It’s not entirely useless. A month ago at the villa, he was lucid for an hour or two, but since then, he’s still been… like this.”

“No need to rush. He’ll recover slowly.” she replied with a faint smile.

Fu Yu’an nodded and then asked, “How has His Majesty’s health been lately? I heard Elder Shu’s miraculous elixir is quite effective?”

“He’s well enough to hold court again, full of vigor. Recently, he’s taken in a few new women for his harem. Hmph, it’s been nightly revelry!”

Fu Yu’an gasped inwardly, thinking that such indulgence couldn’t possibly end well!

But whether the Emperor lived or died had nothing to do with him. If Concubine Jue could help Fu Yangyao ascend the throne, he could take advantage of the chaos to escape.

“These days, according to ritual, you must observe mourning in the palace. Why not stay here with A’Ren for now? I’ve already had rooms prepared for you. Once everything is settled, you can return.”

Fu Yu’an accepted her kindness, then suddenly remembered something and said, “It was the First Madam who suggested finding a physician for Qi Ren.”

“Her? Since when has she been so kind-hearted?”

“That’s why I suspect Tan Zhiqi has grown suspicious.” Outside the palace, Qi Ren clutched a freshly planted chrysanthemum from Concubine Jue’s garden and spoke slowly.

Fu Yangyao nodded. “She’s certainly no ordinary woman. But a few days ago, her father—the Minister of Revenue—was impeached by a censor for corruption and bribery. The court is in an uproar over it right now!”

Qi Ren plucked a petal and sneered, “Hasn’t that old bastard been embezzling for years? Ever since His Majesty fell ill and suspended court sessions, he’s grown even more brazen—openly selling official posts with fixed prices. By now, half the court must be under his wing. Impeaching him won’t be easy!”

“It’s a newly appointed censor, young and hot-headed. What’s more, he’s Grand Tutor’s prized disciple—backed by solid support. He fears nothing.”

“Let them stir the pot. Once you… Well, I won’t stay in the capital to meddle in this filth. If his impeachment fails, there’s always you to clean up the mess!”

“Enough! I’ve no time to deal with him now! Just handling the Crown Prince is exhausting enough. Father grows older by the day, obsessing over alchemy and immortality—it’s maddening!”

Qi Ren burst into laughter, plucking a flower and twirling it in his fingers. “Annoyed already? Your troubles have only just begun!”

With that, he strode off toward the main hall, leaving behind a trail of crushed petals and a fuming Fu Yangyao.

Every time he visits, he ruins Mother’s precious flowers. Unbearable!

“Second Highness!” Just as he was about to chase after him, a clear, bell-like voice called out from behind.

Fu Yangyao turned to see none other than Noble Concubine Sun Han.

Puzzled, he wondered—Mother and Noble Concubine Sun had never interacted before. Why would she come today?

“Is Concubine Jue inside? I’ve brought some bird’s nest soup freshly made by the kitchen.”

Fu Yangyao offered a polite smile and gestured for her to enter, informing her that Concubine Jue was inside speaking with the Seventh Highness.

At this, Noble Concubine Sun’s eyes lit up with barely concealed delight. She thanked him hastily and hurried in with her maid.

Baffled but unwilling to involve himself further, Fu Yangyao returned to his quarters.

When Noble Concubine Sun entered, Fu Yu’an stiffened in surprise—he hadn’t expected her to actually follow through on her word and come.

Qi Ren noticed his tension, then observed the fervent gaze Noble Concubine Sun fixed upon Fu Yu’an. Instantly, his eyes turned icy.

“They really have no fear of death.”

Fu Yu’an still had the flower that Qi Ren had given him pinned in his hair—large and ostentatious, impossible to miss. Noble Concubine Sun gasped in exaggerated admiration, exclaiming, “Your Highness, that flower in your hair is simply exquisite! It enhances your noble and radiant beauty even further. May I ask where you obtained such a lovely bloom?”

Concubine Jue let out a cold laugh, her expression darkening.

Qi Ren crossed his arms and stepped in front of Fu Yu’an, raising his voice defiantly. “It’s mine! Don’t even think about it!”

Noble Concubine Sun forced an awkward smile and stumbled through a few more compliments about Qi Ren’s “excellent taste” though her words rang hollow and unconvincing.

Concubine Jue, growing impatient, cut in sharply. “Noble Concubine Sun, what brings you here so suddenly?”

Only then did Noble Concubine Sun realize she had gotten carried away. Meeting Concubine Jue’s icy gaze, she broke into a cold sweat, trembling uncontrollably.

“I—I prepared some bird’s nest soup myself and thought… to offer it to Your Ladyship… I only hope you won’t find it too humble.”

Concubine Jue set down her teacup with a faint smile. “How thoughtful of you. Unfortunately, I’ve just had some pastries brought by my brother-in-law here, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to enjoy your bird’s nest soup.”

“Oh…”

“However, since it was given with such sincerity, it would be a shame to waste it. Why don’t we have it gifted instead—”

Noble Concubine Sun’s heart leapt with hope.

“—to Seventh Highness’s maid, Xiao Zhu!”

?!

Xiao Zhu, who was enjoying the drama without a care, suddenly heard her name called and quickly knelt to express her gratitude before accepting the bird’s nest.

Noble Concubine Sun was furious but didn’t dare to speak out, her face turning red as she clenched her handkerchief tightly.

Concubine Jue and Qi Ren exchanged a glance, both satisfied with the unspoken understanding between them.

“Ren’er, Yu’an, why don’t you two go see if the west side chamber has been arranged to your liking? If there’s anything else you need, just let Long Xi know!”

Long Xi bowed to them and said, “Your Highness, General, this way, please.”

Once they had left, Concubine Jue dropped her kind demeanor, picked up her teacup, blew on it lightly, and spoke unhurriedly, “Noble Concubine Sun, as your elder sister, there’s something I wonder if I should say?”

How could Noble Concubine Sun refuse? She had no choice but to listen attentively.

Concubine Jue snorted coldly. “A prince will always be a prince, and a Concubine will always be a Concubine. I advise you to recognize your place and not overstep the bounds of propriety!”

Noble Concubine Sun twisted her handkerchief nervously, meekly agreeing.

“In the harem, the Emperor’s favor is the only thing that truly matters. Relying on anything else—hmph—is nothing but an illusion. Who knows when it might vanish? In the end, it’s all just a fleeting dream. What awaits you is either the cold palace or the executioner’s block.”

“……”

“Think carefully about it! This palace is tired now. Someone, see our guest out!”

Concubine Jue rose and left, leaving Noble Concubine Sun thoroughly shaken by her words, biting her lip in stunned silence.

Her maid carefully helped her up. “Mistress, let’s return.”

“He promised he’d treat me well forever… He promised… He said he would… It can’t be…”

The maid frowned slightly but softened her expression and coaxed her mistress a few more times before finally managing to guide her back.

For the Empress Dowager’s funeral rites, the princes and imperial grandsons like Fu Yu’an were supposed to take turns keeping vigil. The Empress, unwilling to let her son suffer, arranged for others to take the late-night shifts on his behalf.

The Crown Prince, who had long held a grudge against Fu Yu’an, ensured that for the last five nights of the vigil, Fu Yu’an alone had to take three of the late-night shifts.

When Qi Ren found out, he was furious. He forced Fu Yangzhao to swap shifts with Fu Yu’an, threatening that if Fu Yu’an’s health gave out and he collapsed before the coffin, it would be a grave offense of disrespect.

Fu Yangzhao was also deeply unwilling, but Concubine Jue’s hints made it clear she expected the same. So, no matter how much he disliked it, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and take on the miserable duty.

“It’s all the Empress’s fault! Just wait—once I come of age, my mother will be promoted to Noble Concubine with authority to assist in managing the harem. Let’s see if she dares to act so arrogantly then!” Fu Yangzhao muttered under his breath as he burned paper offerings. Glancing outside, he happened to see Qi Ren arriving to pick up Fu Yu’an, which only deepened his bitterness, leaving him seething with pent-up frustration.