The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 52

52: “You’re not fun, but I really like you.”

The foolish Fu Yu’an wanted to laugh but couldn’t.

He turned his head and stared at him intently, asking seriously, “What about me? Do you think I’m fun?”

Qi Ren hadn’t expected him to ask this and only realized upon reflection that Fu Yu’an was feeling jealous.

He pinched Fu Yu’an’s nose and laughed, “You’re not fun, but I really like you.”

“…”

He had never said anything as sentimental as “I like you” to him before.

The closeness between them seemed to come naturally, an unspoken understanding. Neither had ever confessed their feelings, yet they had gone as far as kissing and even…

Fu Yu’an’s heart skipped a beat at his words, despite himself.

Forget it! Whether this “like” was genuine or not, why was he even throwing a tantrum over it?

“Hmm.” he mumbled, burrowing deeper into the blanket, his voice muffled. “I really like you too.”

Could this be considered a mutual confession? Qi Ren wondered.

Though it felt a bit hasty, it was better than nothing!

His heart softened as he looked at Fu Yu’an’s slightly tousled hair peeking out from the covers, finding it unbearably adorable.

Outside, the wind still howled, but inside the room, it was warm and cozy.

Qi Ren held him in his arms, embracing a warmth that filled him with deep satisfaction.

He closed his eyes but soon opened them again, staring at the intricate patterns on the bed canopy. “Did you forget something?” he asked.

Fu Yu’an let out a vague “Mmm” not immediately recalling what it could be.

After a while, his eyes suddenly flew open—he had just remembered that he had promised to go see an opera with Xia Xiu yesterday!

…

Early the next morning, Xia Xiu stormed in, fuming, demanding to know why Fu Yu’an had stood him up the day before.

Qi Ren wrapped an arm around Fu Yu’an’s waist, looking smug. “So what if he forgot? Always running off to watch operas—such idleness!”

Xia Xiu wasn’t the least bit intimidated. Despite being significantly shorter, he planted his hands on his hips and shouted back, “Do you live by the sea? Mind your own business!”

Fu Yu’an smiled helplessly, extricating himself from Qi Ren’s grip and stepping toward Xia Xiu. “Don’t be angry. It’s my fault—I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have forgotten our plans. I’m really sorry.”

“Hmph!” Xia Xiu shot Qi Ren a defiant glare. “It’s fine! We’re good friends. I’m not as petty as someone!”

Qi Ren: “……?”

Seeing that the two were about to argue again, Fu Yu’an quickly intervened, “Alright, alright, are we going or not? My treat.”

Xia Xiu sighed, drooping his head as he complained, “That performer is a star! They only had one show last night. If we go today, there probably won’t be another!”

“Even stars have to eat, don’t they?” Fu Yu’an said dismissively. “I’ve got money—last month’s bonus was quite generous. Let’s go check it out, come on!”

Xia Xiu thought it over and realized it made sense, so his mood brightened, and he became cheerful again.

Qi Ren felt sour inside, deeply dissatisfied with Fu Yu’an’s willingness to spend money to make outsiders happy.

Shouldn’t you keep the good stuff for your own people? he thought. You’ve never been this generous with me!

But the two paid no attention to his dark expression and, without even a word of farewell, walked off shoulder to shoulder.

Qi Ren couldn’t bear it and called out plaintively from behind, “Can you bring me back some lunch? I want to eat—”

“Ask Aunt Ni if you want to order food. I’m busy.”

Fu Yu’an refused without even turning his head.

Aunt Ni, who happened to be passing by, didn’t dare make a sound. She wanted to respond but, seeing Qi Ren’s expression, quickly shut her mouth and retreated to the kitchen.

Only after the two had completely disappeared did Qi Ren dare to vent his frustration. He swung his fist and punched the peach tree in the courtyard, sending leaves fluttering down onto his head and shoulders.

Qi Ren grew even angrier.

…

In front of the opera stage.

Fu Yu’an splurged and managed to invite the star performer out.

Xia Xiu was both touched and a little embarrassed. After much persuasion, he insisted on reimbursing half the cost, which finally eased his conscience a bit.

The star performer truly lived up to their reputation—their voice was like the melodious song of a nightingale, lingering in the air and stirring the soul.

The two patrons sat in the front row, sipping tea and nibbling on melon seeds, occasionally clapping and cheering.

Taking advantage of the crowd, Fu Yu’an nudged Xia Xiu and asked if the prince would be attending the autumn hunt.

Xia Xiu, utterly engrossed in the performance, kept his eyes fixed on the stage as he leaned over and answered briefly, “Yes, he goes every year.”

Fu Yu’an nodded thoughtfully, thinking that if the nobility were attending, the imperial guards and other forces would naturally be mobilized for defense, making it an opportune time to act.

Moreover, the hunting grounds weren’t too far from the prison. He wondered if the crown prince would personally escort Tan Zhiqi there.

There was still no news, but the crown prince was certainly patient.

“Too bad your Qi Ren can’t go this time.” Xia Xiu whispered. “I heard that in previous years, as long as he was there, no one else stood a chance at taking the top spot! You know that fox fur cloak Concubine Joe loves wearing in winter? That was hunted by General Qi!”

“…Quite impressive.”

“Of course! If Qi Ziqian hadn’t lost the use of his legs, the autumn hunt would’ve just been a competition between the two brothers!”

Fu Yu’an thought of Qi Ziqian’s gloomy demeanor and found it hard to imagine him in his prime, gallantly hunting on the fields.

Tan Zhiqi, on the other hand, was truly devoted. She had cared for him all these years without complaint, and now she was pregnant—whether it was a boy or a girl remained to be seen.

The future of the general’s household would depend on them to carry on the family line. But if Qi Ren were to abandon him…

Well, who knew?

By his calculations, her pregnancy should be nearly five months along now.

Ten months of pregnancy, and it was only early September. If the baby happened to arrive around the New Year, it would be an auspicious sign.

Fu Yu’an curled his lips into a faint smile, suddenly looking forward to the birth of this little nephew or niece.

…

When they returned at noon, Qi Ren wasn’t at the residence. Xiao Zhu said he had gone to Prince Qing’s place to mooch a meal, claiming he would “eat back all the money you wasted.”

“Probably went out to eat.” Xiaozhu said. “This servant will first help you wash your hands and serve your meal. No need to worry too much—we can’t let the General go hungry!”

Fu Yu’an nodded and handed her the roast goose he was holding.

Just as the master and servant were about to head inside, a servant hurried over to announce that someone from the palace had arrived.

Fu Yu’an’s heart skipped a beat, thinking it might finally be a messenger from the Crown Prince.

But instead, it was an elderly maidservant from Concubine Jue’s palace.

She had come to deliver gifts. Back then, Fu Yu’an had casually brushed off Fu Yangyao’s remarks, never expecting that he would take it seriously and actually send someone to deliver the items.

The maidservant smiled and had the boxes carried in. When opened, they revealed six or seven rare and precious treasures.

Fu Yu’an quickly declined, saying, “I’ve done nothing to deserve such generosity—how could I trouble Her Majesty to go to such expense?”

But the maidservant replied, “Her Majesty is fond of you—just accept them! Otherwise, this old servant will have a hard time explaining myself!”

Fu Yu’an figured these were probably meant for his so-called dear younger brother anyway. He might as well take them and toss them into the storeroom to gather dust later!

The maidservant took out each item one by one, introducing them to him.

Fu Yu’an listened for a while, but aside from the “radiant as moonlight” luminous pearl, none of the other treasures seemed particularly useful to him.

He preferred things that were more practical rather than these lavish and delicate luxuries.

All flash, no substance.