The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 47

47: I Am Not Kind

Eldest Brother didn’t argue with him further, letting his hand drop weakly, his eyes filled with desolation and guilt.

He glanced at Eldest Sister-in-law, her belly slightly rounded with the child of the Qi family, and said, “Enough. Eldest Sister-in-law is now carrying the bloodline of our Qi family. I don’t want to argue with you anymore.”

“Third Brother…”

Qi Ren casually found a stool and sat down, crossing his legs and leaning back against the table. Raising an eyebrow, he smirked and said, “Besides, Eldest Sister-in-law is so resourceful—I suspect today was deliberately set up to lure me here, wasn’t it?”

Eldest Sister-in-law stiffened at his words and quickly shook her head in denial.

But Qi Ren didn’t believe her. Picking up a bird figurine from the table, he toyed with it and said leisurely, “We’re all family here, so I won’t speak in circles.”

He pointed at Eldest Sister-in-law. “When did you figure out I was pretending? I should thank you for not exposing me.”

The couple exchanged glances, hesitating.

After a long silence, Eldest Sister-in-law finally spoke up. “Not long after His Highness first arrived at our home, the first time I called him over to talk, I already knew.”

“Oh? He told you?”

“No. You were the one who acted rashly out of concern and gave yourself away. The moment I summoned him, someone rushed to inform you, and you hurried back in a panic.”

Qi Ren: “…”

So that’s how it was. No wonder I felt something was off.

“You’re a clever one.” Qi Ren admitted with genuine admiration. “And this time? What do you want from me? Just to make me listen to you crying from the roof?”

“You heard everything.” she said. “I know Father never liked me, his illegitimate daughter. He got what he deserved, but… my mother is among the family members being exiled. I want… to see her.”

Qi Ren uncrossed his legs, his brows furrowing. “Minister Tan’s family is still in prison, isn’t it? How do you plan to see her?”

“Any way is fine!” she pleaded urgently. “Once they’re exiled, I’ll probably never see her again! General, I beg you—please help me!”

Eldest Sister-in-law fell to her knees before him, bursting into tears again.

She was his elder, and pregnant at that. Qi Ren didn’t dare accept such a gesture from her, immediately standing up to help her.

But she refused to rise. Her eyes were nearly swollen from crying. “If you don’t agree, I won’t get up! General, please… Just one meeting is all I ask! I truly have no other choice!”

Eldest Brother also looked haggard, adding in a low voice, “A’Ren, as your elder brother, I’m begging you too. For the sake of our years of brotherhood…”

“What if I refuse?” Qi Ren said. “What if I’m heartless and say no?”

Eldest Sister-in-law: “Then…”

“Will you go beg Fu Yu’an instead?”

“…”

Without waiting for their answer, Qi Ren leaned down, locking eyes with Eldest Sister-in-law. His gaze was fierce, carrying a warning. “I can help you. But if you ever dare to involve Fu Yu’an again, don’t blame me for disregarding family ties!”

The sister-in-law trembled and hurriedly said she wouldn’t.

In the dead of night, having been tricked by him into taking on this thankless task, Qi Ren was seething with unspoken frustration.

The parrot stood on the table, swaying its head back and forth. He reached out, grabbed it, and turned to leave.

The saying “if you take gifts, you’ll lower your head” really held true—what a wretched parrot!

He squeezed a little too hard, probably hurting the bird, and it began squawking, “Help! Help!”

Qi Ren had no choice but to loosen his grip to avoid startling anyone in the middle of the night.

What a bunch of ancestors, every last one of them!

The next day, he managed to send a message to the palace, asking Concubine Jue to find a way to get him inside for a meeting.

Since he was still playing the role of a fool, there was only one way to get into the palace—by summoning Fu Yu’an.

Fu Yu’an had no desire to chat about trivialities with Concubine Jue. This woman thrived in the harem, her cunning and tactics evident to all. A single conversation with her could easily lead to being trapped in her schemes, which was far too dangerous.

Fu Yu’an knew he wasn’t particularly clever and couldn’t outmaneuver her. In the past, he had avoided her as much as possible in the palace. But now, she had specifically summoned him—it reeked of ulterior motives.

His anxiety grew with every step of the journey. Despite being bundled in a thick cloak, his palms were slick with cold sweat, and his eyelids wouldn’t stop twitching.

“Why did Concubine Jue call for us?” he couldn’t help but ask Qi Ren. “I’m a little scared.”

Qi Ren took his hand and gently massaged it, enveloping Fu Yu’an’s smaller hand in his own. With a soft chuckle, he said, “Didn’t I tell you? Some rare treasures from the Western Regions were offered as tribute, and she invited us to take a look.”

Fu Yu’an eyed him skeptically, his obsidian-like eyes full of doubt. “Really?”

Qi Ren burst out laughing, pulling Fu Yu’an’s head against his chest before finally telling him the truth.

After hearing it, Fu Yu’an fell silent for a long moment.

Qi Ren asked, “What’s wrong? Do you think I shouldn’t have gotten involved in this mess?”

Fu Yu’an shook his head, playing with a strand of Qi Ren’s hair as he said, “I’ve heard a bit about Minister Tan’s situation. Logically, exile is what he deserves, but they’re still mother and daughter. Helping them meet is a good deed.”

“Exactly.” Qi Ren agreed. “I knew you’d be softhearted. If she hadn’t threatened to pester you if I refused, I wouldn’t have bothered with this trouble!”

Fu Yu’an reached out and tugged at his hair. Qi Ren winced in pain and slightly lowered his head, his nose brushing against Fu Yu’an’s forehead.

“She was originally asking for your help.” Fu Yu’an said, giving him a look that said you’re not very bright. “Mentioning me was just to add some assurance. What connections do I even have to help her?”

Qi Ren chuckled softly. “You could always whisper in my ear.”

“…”

“With your skills, just a little persuasion, and I’d rush to help her without a second thought!”

As he spoke, his large hand slid around to Fu Yu’an’s waist and gave it a playful pinch—utterly shameless.

Fu Yu’an, ticklish, shuddered at the touch before scowling in annoyance and yanking Qi Ren’s hair even harder.

“Ow, ow, ow—I was wrong, I shouldn’t have pinched you.” Qi Ren quickly apologized, grabbing his own hair to free it from Fu Yu’an’s grip.

Fu Yu’an straightened up and shot him a reproachful glare.

“Actually, you don’t have to worry about me whispering… ahem… in your ear. I wouldn’t agree to it anyway.” Fu Yu’an murmured, lowering his head.

Qi Ren was surprised. He had assumed someone as gentle as Fu Yu’an might have a softer heart.

“Why not?”

“Your sister-in-law is just that—your sister-in-law. As much as I sympathize with her and her daughter, if helping them means troubling you or putting you at risk, I’d choose to refuse.”

“…”

“It might sound a bit cold-hearted.” he added with an awkward smile, “but I’m not as kind as you think I am, Qi Ren.”

Qi Ren was momentarily stunned, realizing he hadn’t truly understood Fu Yu’an until now. Hearing these words left him feeling somewhat uneasy.

“You’re plenty good.” Qi Ren said. “At least you’re very kind to me.”

Fu Yu’an smiled at him, though the warmth didn’t reach his eyes.

I just don’t like owing favors, he thought. You’ve overestimated me.

“Alright.” Qi Ren patted his shoulder. “We’re almost at the palace. Stay close to me later—don’t be afraid.”

Fu Yu’an nodded and took the initiative to hold onto his arm.