The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 58

58: If She’s Family, Then What Am I?

Qi Ren quickly explained, “It’s fine, she recognizes my handwriting. Better safe than sorry, right?”

Fu Yu’an’s head throbbed with irritation, but he had no choice but to relent.

“Alright!” Qi Ren walked over and patted Fu Yu’an’s head, calling out, “Li Ke!”

Fu Yu’an swatted his hand away. “He and Xiao Zhu went to the market to buy supplies. The engagement banquet is in half a month—they want to hold the ceremony before the New Year.”

“So soon? That brat Li Ke, why didn’t he tell me?” Qi Ren muttered under his breath.

“Li Ke seems like the quiet type—maybe he was too embarrassed to mention it.” Fu Yu’an said. “If you’ve got nothing better to do, go check the gifts we’re preparing for them. After all, you’re his master—it wouldn’t look good if the gifts are too shabby.”

“True. He’s followed me through battlefields all these years, often going hungry. We should prepare something nice.” Qi Ren thought for a moment, then asked, “That shop where you had your bracelet repaired—where is it? Could they make a longevity lock for him? Something his future child could wear for safety and peace.”

Fu Yu’an considered it and nodded in approval. “That could work. Let’s go tomorrow, then. With about a month’s time, it should be ready. Their business is quite good.”

Qi Ren took Fu Yu’an’s wrist and examined it, then switched to the other, scrutinizing both carefully.

Fu Yu’an knew he was checking for the bracelet and explained, “I put it away in the drawer—I didn’t want it to break again. Besides, I’ve been wearing the jade pendant Second Aunt gave me close to my body. Look!”

He pulled out the pendant from under his collar, dangling it in front of Qi Ren with a smile.

Qi Ren chuckled softly, poking it with a finger before murmuring, “Yeah, I know. Every time in bed, I have to take it off first.”

The implication was subtle, and Fu Yu’an didn’t catch it at first. Qi Ren just grinned at him, eyes burning.

When Fu Yu’an finally processed the words, he froze, his ears turning red, and punched Qi Ren lightly.

“Why hit me?” Qi Ren clicked his tongue, leaning in to kiss him. “Wasn’t I telling the truth?”

A vein pulsed in Fu Yu’an’s forehead as he pushed him away, his face flushed, and stormed off.

Qi Ren watched his retreating figure, lost in thought for a long moment before sighing softly.

It’s been so long already. Eldest Sister-in-law’s child is about to be born, and yet I still haven’t even cooked the rice here!

How tragic!

…

The old craftsman who repaired the bracelet had a full head of white hair and wore a monocle. His surname was Zhou, and his jewelry craftsmanship was unparalleled in the capital, making his shop perpetually crowded.

When Fu Yu’an arrived, business happened to be slow. The old master and his apprentice were gathered around a hot pot inside.

Surprisingly, the old man recognized Fu Yu’an. At first, he had been grumbling about closing up shop, but the moment he saw him, his attitude shifted. He greeted him warmly and personally ushered him inside.

The room was heated by a stove, the door curtain thick, making it far warmer than outside.

Qi Ren followed behind, his expression cold as he helped Fu Yu’an remove his cloak.

Master Zhou exclaimed, “Ah! This must be General Qi, right? I had the honor of meeting you years ago. My, how you’ve grown!”

Qi Ren just stared at him, silent.

Master Zhou chuckled awkwardly before quickly offering, “Come, have you eaten dinner? Join this old man for a bite? Xiao Zhao, fetch two more stools!”

The apprentice, Xiao Zhao, was thin and short, with sharp features. He scurried off to obey.

The two sat by the stove, Qi Ren’s tall frame awkwardly hunched on the small stool, looking utterly out of place.

Master Zhou picked up a slice of meat and noticed Qi Ren’s bare wrist. “Hm? Why aren’t you wearing the bracelet? That was such fine red agate… What a shame it broke. Even though it was repaired, it’s just not the same… Ah!”

Fu Yu’an’s bracelet had always been entrusted to him for maintenance, and the two could be considered friends despite their age difference, sharing a deep mutual trust.

But now, with others in the room and Xiao Zhu not by his side, he couldn’t bring it up.

Master Zhou immediately caught on, slurping a few mouthfuls of noodles before saying, “Wait until this old man finishes eating this bit. You two go inside first. Xiao Zhao! Take the guests over!”

Fu Yu’an smiled and nodded at him, then followed Xiao Zhao inside to wait.

Qi Ren stood up as if relieved of a burden, the small wooden stool creaking under his weight.

The inner room was filled with tools, the walls lined with all kinds of jewelry and ornaments. A large round table stood in the center, and a section of the far wall was dedicated to a roaring fire, crackling loudly—it was even warmer than the outer room.

Qi Ren casually found a chair to sit on and patted his thigh. “Come, sit on my lap.”

Fu Yu’an walked over and flicked him on the forehead. “Can’t you behave properly even outside?”

His strength was light, more like a tickle. Qi Ren rubbed his forehead, grabbed his arm, and stubbornly tried to pull him down onto his lap.

Fu Yu’an struggled fiercely, and the two wrestled for a while until a cough suddenly sounded at the door. Only then did Qi Ren let him go.

Master Zhou walked in, chewing on a toothpick, and closed the door behind him.

With only the three of them in the room, Fu Yu’an dropped all pretenses, stood up, and bowed respectfully. “The reason for our visit is to ask for your help in crafting something.”

Master Zhou spat out the toothpick and asked, “What is it? Don’t tell me there’s something wrong with that bracelet again? Honestly, that wife of yours is too domineering—how can she have nothing better to do than torment people all day?”

Fu Yu’an listened quietly, then shook his head and explained, “It’s not her. The bracelet is fine. This time, it’s for someone’s wedding. I’d like to gift them a longevity lock. Can you make one?”

“Ha! Why wouldn’t I be able to? Let me tell you, there’s nothing in this world that Old Zhou can’t craft! A longevity lock? Too easy!”

Qi Ren raised an eyebrow. “You can make anything? Then I want a pair of jade-inlaid gold thumb rings. Can you make those?”

His abrupt question displeased Master Zhou, but given his status, the old man didn’t dare to snap. He merely nodded.

Fu Yu’an smiled apologetically and quickly smoothed things over. “We’ll talk about the thumb rings later. Master Zhou, as you know, General Qi’s mind isn’t all there—he speaks bluntly. I’m truly sorry.”

Master Zhou waved a hand. “Ah, young friend, this old man won’t hold it against him. Don’t worry! Since it’s a longevity lock, who’s it for?”

“For Xiao Zhu. She’s getting married before the New Year.” Fu Yu’an said, his eyes brimming with unconcealed warmth.

He looked like a father sending off his own daughter.

Master Zhou let out an “Oh.” then asked, “And who’s the groom?”

Fu Yu’an pointed at Qi Ren. “One of his guards, named Li Ke.”

Qi Ren chimed in, “Do you know him?”

Master Zhou: “…”

“I barely step outside—how would I know him? But I do know Xiao Zhu. She used to run errands for you often—a spirited young girl. Ah, so she’s getting married too!”

Fu Yu’an nodded. “We’ve relied on each other for so long that in my heart, she’s already like family. Please make it well—money isn’t an issue.”

Qi Ren snorted at this, stood up, and walked over to him. “If she’s family, then what am I?”

Fu Yu’an rubbed his temples in exasperation and replied dismissively, “You’re family too, alright? You’re family too! If you keep causing trouble, go back to the manor by yourself!”