The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 36

36: Taking the Initiative

Qi Ren gently patted his back, softening his voice as he clumsily comforted him.

After a long while, Fu Yu’an finally stopped crying. He lifted his face, hastily wiping away his tears with the back of his hand, then wrapped his arms around Qi Ren’s neck, hiccuping softly.

“Kiss me.” he whispered, biting his lip, his face streaked with tears. “Kiss me, please? Qi Ren…”

Qi Ren’s throat bobbed as he muttered something under his breath.

Those usually cool, composed eyes now carried an unexpectedly bewitching allure, red-rimmed and glistening with tears as they gazed at him-so pitiful, so desperate for his touch.

Who could resist?

Qi Ren’s mind warred with itself. One side argued that he shouldn’t take advantage of the situation, while the other whispered that this was the perfect opportunity-hadn’t he always wanted to kiss him?

Before he could make up his mind, the delicate figure before him grew impatient. Rising onto his tiptoes, he pressed his soft lips against Qi Ren’s.

Cool, salty tears lingered on his lips. He was crying again.

Qi Ren could feel the slight tremble in his lips-no, his entire body was trembling faintly, like a rain-soaked leaf clinging to a branch in the autumn night, fragile and pitiful.

He pulled Fu Yu’an tightly into his embrace, tilting his head to take control of the kiss.

This time, Fu Yu’an seemed bolder than ever, teasing him, tempting him, until Qi Ren had no choice but to surrender, utterly captivated by this delicate yet cunning autumn leaf.

Breathing heavily, Qi Ren pulled back slightly, his rough fingertips scorching as they traced the crimson edge of Fu Yu’an’s eye.

Fu Yu’an hooked a finger into Qi Ren’s belt, stepping backward step by step until his knees hit the edge of the bed. Then, he pulled Qi Ren down with him, tumbling into the soft bedding.

Qi Ren’s gaze was fixed solely on him-his enchanting, coquettish expression. His large hand slid beneath Fu Yu’an’s robes, and when Fu Yu’an whimpered his name, Qi Ren obeyed, letting himself be led.

Their lips met again, Qi Ren tugging at his belt, ready to go further-when suddenly, a knock sounded at the door.

Xiao Zhu: “Your Highness! The hot water is ready. Shall we bring it in now?”

Qi Ren: …

Fu Yu’an closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, all traces of desire had vanished

“Bring it in.” he ordered calmly.

Luckily, neither of them had undressed yet. Qi Ren, aggrieved, adjusted his robe and wiped the tear stains from Fu Yu’an’s face.

“Yu’an…” He nuzzled against his ear pleadingly.

Fu Yu’an chuckled lightly and pushed him away with a gentle but firm hand.

Xiao Zhu entered with the maids. One stood, the other sat, the dim light hiding any trace of their earlier recklessness.

Once the bath was prepared, Xiao Zhu called out to him again before leading the servants out.

Qi Ren, still exhilarated, tried to cling to him the moment they were alone, but after a few stern words from Fu Yu’an, he had no choice but to wait obediently for him to finish bathing.

The sound of water filled the room. Qi Ren closed his eyes, but all he could see was Fu Yu’an’s earlier expression. Outside, the autumn rain drizzled, and his mind was a tangled mess. Unable to bear it any longer, he slipped quietly out of the room within minutes.

Fu Yu’an, assuming he was still inside, said, “When Mid-Autumn comes, let’s go to the temple to pray for blessings, alright, Qi Ren?”

Silence.

Fu Yu’an called his name again, but there was still no response.

He let out a slow sigh, sinking deeper into the water until he could no longer breathe, then abruptly resurfaced, gasping as he leaned against the edge of the tub.

“Xiao Zhu!” he called loudly.

Xiao Zhu, waiting by the corridor outside, hurried in and stood just beyond the inner chamber, not daring to overstep.

“Go inform Elder Shu that you and Li Ke are in love, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to leave with them.”

“…Yes. Thank you, Your Highness.”

Tears welled up in her eyes instantly. Suppressing her excitement, she stepped out the door, glanced at the sky, then went to the side room to fetch an umbrella. Holding up her skirt, she hurried into the rain.

…

Ningchi Palace.

A few wisps of steam curled up from the teacup. Concubine Jue picked up the cup and blew on it gently.

Her nails were freshly painted, and the hairpin in her updo was newly crafted—a gold-inlaid jade azalea, exquisitely lifelike and strikingly beautiful.

“Your Majesty, the Second Prince has arrived.”

“Invite him in at once.”

The maid withdrew with a bow. Fu Yangyao shook the rainwater from his sleeves and saluted her.

Concubine Jue gestured for him to rise: “There’s no need for such formality between mother and son. Please, sit. Has Elder Shu left the palace?”

“I personally escorted her out of Xuanwu Gate before noon. By now, she must have already left the capital.”

“Good.” Concubine Jue sighed in relief, smiling. “The longer the night, the more dreams one has. Now that she’s gone, my heart feels much more at ease.”

Fu Yangyao nodded and asked, “Should we stop administering the medicine to Father Emperor?”

“No rush. Wait until Noble Concubine Sun’s child is full-term before stopping.” Her bright, charming smile sent chills down one’s spine.

Fu Yangyao refilled her teacup, thinking of the naive Noble Concubine Sun, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Such is fate!

“The Mid-Autumn Festival is approaching. Later, go to the storeroom and prepare some gifts to send to your uncle’s household.” Concubine Jue said, gazing at the desolate palace walls outside the window.

“I’ve already prepared them. In previous years, when Uncle wasn’t home, we sent them directly to the Second Madam. This time, which courtyard should they be delivered to?”

“Go in person and deliver them to your uncle.”

After a moment’s thought, she rose and fetched something from her dressing table, placing it in his hand: “Take this with you and give it to Yu’an.”

“Isn’t this your favorite night pearl? Why…”

He rubbed the pearl between his fingers, frowning at her.

Concubine Jue’s eyes flickered slightly. “We’re family. Just do as I say! Yu’an lost his mother at a young age and has suffered all these years. Can’t I be good to him now?”

“But you’re being too good to him!” Fu Yangyao thought of the dowry chests—most of which had been subsidized by his mother, not the Ministry of Rites.

As the least favored prince in the palace, shunned by all, she had often secretly looked out for him.

Yet when it came to the marriage decree, Fu Yangyao had intended to plead with His Majesty, but his mother only had him go through the motions, never truly intending to stop it.

It was utterly baffling.

Concubine Jue reached out and rapped his forehead. Fu Yangyao yelped in protest.

“I pity that child! His mother and I had some friendship. What’s wrong with me looking after him?!”

“Fine, fine! You’re always right! I’ll go take care of it now, alright?” He rubbed his forehead in surrender.

“Brat!” Concubine Jue chuckled, tapping his forehead again.

…

The early cries of migrating geese signaled the fading of cicadas, as the hundred-foot tower rose into the sky, its reflection merging with the water.

As Mid-Autumn Festival approached, the autumn atmosphere grew increasingly palpable.

The rain finally stopped the day before the festival. When Qi Ren opened the door and saw the overcast sky, he worried it might rain during their mountain pilgrimage for blessings that day.

Suddenly, his waist was encircled from behind. Fu Yu’an’s voice, still hoarse from sleep, was as tantalizing as a tiny hook.

“Qi Ren… kiss me.”

Qi Ren turned around helplessly, somewhat overwhelmed by how clingy he’d been these past few days.

His eyelid twitched. He lowered his head to press against Fu Yu’an’s forehead, then nipped lightly at the tip of his nose.

Fu Yu’an seemed surprised that he hadn’t kissed his lips. Touching the spot where he’d been nipped, he stared at him in silent accusation.

Qi Ren pretended not to notice, smiling as he pulled him back inside. “Hurry and change your clothes! Didn’t you say you were taking me to the temple today?”