The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 57

57: Concubine Jue’s Flattery

Fu Yu’an had only occasionally seen this man a few times in his childhood. After so many years apart, he appeared even more aged.

His complexion was decent, but his entire demeanor had clearly declined.

Fu Yu’an communicated with him using sign language, occasionally hesitating. It had been so long since he last used sign language that he felt somewhat rusty.

Fortunately, the Emperor simply assumed he was nervous and comforted him, saying, “You needn’t be afraid. We are, after all, father and son. Why are you so afraid of me?”

Fu Yu’an felt a wave of nausea at these words, thinking that the term “father and son” sounded utterly undeserved coming from him.

He probably never expected Fu Yu’an to live this long. Back when he had abandoned him in the cold palace without a second thought, there had been no mention of “father and son.”

How hypocritical!

The two fell into silence. Fu Yu’an kept his head lowered without speaking, and the Emperor had nothing to say either.

After a long pause, the Emperor finally sighed and said nostalgically, “You resemble your mother greatly, especially your lips—they’re practically identical.”

Fu Yu’an pressed his lips together and lowered his head even further.

What was the point of saying such things now? She was already dead.

Concubine Jue interjected, “The dead cannot return, Your Majesty. Please restrain your grief. At least the Seventh Prince has grown up well! If you feel you owe him, you can make it up to him now.”

“Enough, enough!” the Emperor said. “Whatever you want, just ask. I’ll do my best to grant it!”

Fu Yu’an shook his head, refusing to request anything.

“This Concubine sent many gifts to the Seventh Prince a few days ago, though I’m not sure if he found them to his liking.” Concubine Jue said with a smile. “They were all rare and precious items!”

Hearing this, the Emperor glanced at her approvingly and nodded in satisfaction. “You’ve always been thoughtful.”

Concubine Jue replied, “Your Majesty flatters me. Since Yu’an has already married Qi Ren, as his elder sister, it’s only natural for me to take extra care of him. Qi Ren’s condition… as Your Majesty knows, it’s fortunate that he and the Prince share such a deep bond now. They can rely on each other for the rest of their lives!”

Hearing this, the Emperor felt a weight lift from his heart.

If he were to appoint Concubine Jue’s son as Crown Prince, Concubine Jue was still young, and her maternal family had once been filled with great generals. What if they were to raise an army in rebellion…?

Fortunately, Old General Qi and the eldest Qi son had met with misfortune five years ago…

Though the court had lost two exceptional military talents, with Qi Ren holding the line, the southern border had remained peaceful all these years.

But now, even Qi Ren had lost his mind. What divine power had the Qi family offended to suffer such misfortune?

Who would shoulder the responsibility of guarding the southern border from now on…?

The two of them conversed cheerfully, while Fu Yu’an kept his head down, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.

Half an hour later, Tan Zhiqi entered the palace, and Fu Yu’an was finally permitted to return to his residence.

The two exchanged a glance, and Tan Zhiqi gave him a slight nod, signaling that there was no need to worry.

Upon returning, Qi Ren was extremely anxious about him, pulling him aside to inspect him from head to toe, as if fearing he might be injured somewhere.

Fu Yu’an found his nervous demeanor both amusing and exasperating. He pushed away Qi Ren’s hand, which was trying to slip into his collar, and said, “It was just a conversation. Why are you so tense? The Emperor even said he wanted to compensate me for his neglect!”

Qi Ren raised an eyebrow. “Compensation? What kind of compensation? A hundred acres of fertile land or rare treasures?”

Fu Yu’an smiled. “It’s the general he likes the most.”

For a moment, Qi Ren didn’t react. Just as he was about to curse, Fu Yu’an simply gazed at him with a smile, his eyes brimming with tender affection. Only then did Qi Ren realize who that general was.

His heart swelled with emotion, and he pulled Fu Yu’an tightly into his arms, showering his eyes and cheeks with light kisses.

Fu Yu’an ended up with a face full of saliva and quickly pushed him away. “Alright, alright! Sister-in-law is still in the palace. Let’s wait until she returns to ask her.”

“Fine.” Qi Ren said. “We’ll go together.”

Sister-in-law likely wouldn’t stay much longer. By now, Fu Yangyao had probably already reported everything he knew to the emperor, and her summons was likely just for verification.

She only mentioned sending a letter to her mother and said nothing about the food box the Fourth Prince had mentioned. The Crown Prince, realizing he had been tricked, trembled with rage.

But those involved were her family. Tan Zhiqi’s birth mother had passed away suddenly, and the news had left her devastated, nearly causing her to lose the child in her womb.

Fortunately, she was in the palace, where the imperial physicians were most skilled in obstetric care. A few well-placed needles later, she was out of danger.

Her stay in the palace lasted an entire day, and she didn’t return until evening.

A eunuch from Concubine Jue’s palace escorted her back and took the opportunity to brief Qi Ren and Fu Yu’an on the situation.

“Should we go see her?” Qi Ren asked. “She’s probably grieving right now.”

Fu Yu’an shook his head. “Let’s talk tomorrow. With Elder Brother by her side, our presence would only add to the chaos. She might not even want to see us.”

Qi Ren thought it made sense. Given their current hostile relationship with Elder Brother, showing up would likely be pointless.

…

The next day, the two went to Sister-in-law’s courtyard, only to be told that Tan Zhiqi was too heartbroken to receive guests and was turned away.

Qi Ren, though rebuffed, wasn’t angry. The two exchanged a glance, both feeling melancholy.

A few days later, the so-called food box was discovered in the Crown Prince’s residence. The Crown Prince flew into a rage, shouting about being framed, but with Fu Yangyao fanning the flames and the evidence undeniable, there was nothing he could do.

Already under house arrest, this incident further isolated him, leaving him confined to his residence in a daze.

The Empress pleaded with the Emperor for leniency, but it was useless—the Emperor had completely lost faith in his son.

At the end of October, Fu Yu’an ran into Sister-in-law at the market while delivering his paintings with Xia Xiu. At first, no one recognized him.

She was supporting her belly while browsing jewelry when Xia Xiu pointed her out. “Isn’t that your sister-in-law? Why does she look so listless? Her lips are so pale.”

Only then did Fu Yu’an notice. Xia Xiu tried to drag him over to greet her, but Fu Yu’an quickly resisted, pulling him behind a courtyard wall.

“Why go over?” He glared at Xia Xiu and whispered, “What’s there to say? Besides, her mother passed away last month. Qi Ren and I tried visiting several times, but she refused to see anyone. I’m not going!”

Xia Xiu was startled, not realizing the circumstances. Reluctantly, he gave up. “Fine, we won’t go. No point forcing warmth where it’s not wanted!”

Fu Yu’an nodded and stole another glance at her.

She truly looked much more haggard than before.

“She really does look much more worn out than she used to.” he murmured.

Back at the estate, Fu Yu’an couldn’t help but bring it up.

Qi Ren set down his brush and said, “Carrying a child while suffering such a blow—of course she’s struggling. Winter is approaching—why don’t you write to your sister and ask her to send some nice materials for winter clothes?”

Fu Yu’an: “…”

That didn’t seem quite right.

“There’s no need to feel embarrassed. We’re all family. Here, take a look—anything else you want to add?”

It was as if Qi Ren could read his mind—though, in truth, Fu Yu’an’s thoughts were always written plainly on his face.

Fu Yu’an leaned over to skim the letter and shook his head.

Two pages long, with a page and a half dedicated to lamenting their poverty.

Fu Yu’an hesitated before speaking. “Actually, I have money. We don’t need to be so… uh… humble about it. Besides, didn’t Concubine Jue give us a dowry?”

He gestured toward the inner chamber. “That luminous pearl was from Concubine Jue, and there’s plenty more in the treasury—”

“Ah, but we’re family! If she’s willing to give, you should gladly accept! No objections—I’ll have this sent off soon. Be good.” Qi Ren cut him off, flicking the envelope with his fingers.

Fu Yu’an had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Only then did Qi Ren look satisfied, signing off the letter with Fu Yu’an’s name.

Fu Yu’an: “???”