The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 60

60: In Broad Daylight…

Of course, Qi Ren was relentless. After being scolded so lightly, he only grew more intrigued and chased after him, asking, “Are you angry? What are you angry about? Could it be… you’re embarrassed?”

“I’m the one looking at it, and I’m not even shy about it.” he pressed on, refusing to let it go. “You’re the one who drew it—why should you be the one blushing?”

Fu Yu’an’s face burned crimson with embarrassment. He quickened his pace to the main room’s door, then turned to glare at him.

Qi Ren raised an eyebrow, curious about what he’d do next.

Fu Yu’an shoved the luminous pearl into his hands and slammed the door shut in his face.

Qi Ren: “…”

“Go sleep in the side room tonight!” came the muffled voice from inside. “I don’t want to see you!”

Qi Ren hurriedly apologized, swearing repeatedly that he wouldn’t tease him about it again. Only then did Fu Yu’an soften and let him in.

Qi Ren lowered his head, brushing his nose against Fu Yu’an’s cheek, and chuckled. “How are you so easily flustered? I only said a couple of things…”

Fu Yu’an leaned back to avoid him, glaring furiously.

“Alright, alright! I won’t say anymore, don’t be mad.” Qi Ren released him and stretched lazily.

The night was cold. Guhe Courtyard had been uninhabited for years, unlike Madam’s quarters, where the heated floors kept the rooms warm year-round.

Xiao Zhu brought in a brazier and placed it in the room, making it slightly more bearable.

Qi Ren stripped off his outer robe and slipped under the covers, unsurprised to find a warm bundle already there.

He wrapped his arms around Fu Yu’an contentedly and sighed. “Ah, the bed is so warm! Since we have nothing to do tomorrow, let’s not get up at all!”

Fu Yu’an was even more sensitive to the cold than he was. The little warmth he’d managed to regain was instantly stolen away by Qi Ren’s embrace, making his teeth chatter uncontrollably.

Qi Ren noticed immediately and grimaced in regret. He quickly got out of bed, fetched the warming pan, and tucked it into Fu Yu’an’s arms.

“Better now.” Fu Yu’an murmured. “Blow out the candle and let’s sleep.”

Qi Ren hummed in agreement, rubbing his hands together before climbing back into bed.

He didn’t dare hug Fu Yu’an again, afraid of chilling him further.

Fu Yu’an found it amusing. Once his hands had warmed up from the pan, he pushed it aside and boldly slid an arm around Qi Ren’s waist.

Qi Ren’s body was all firm muscle, especially around his abdomen—his well-defined abs were neatly arranged and incredibly satisfying to touch.

Fu Yu’an let his fingers wander, stroking lightly a few times, and felt Qi Ren’s body tense beneath his touch.

Qi Ren had been on the verge of sleep, but now he was wide awake. He let out a low laugh and caught Fu Yu’an’s hand, teasing, “What’s this, you little pervert? What are you touching?”

Fu Yu’an replied innocently, “Are my hands still cold?”

Qi Ren cupped his hands under the covers, rubbing them gently. “No, they’re warm now.”

Fu Yu’an hummed, entirely unrepentant. “I thought you didn’t want me touching you because my hands were cold.”

Qi Ren, rarely the one being teased, couldn’t help but laugh. He turned over and pulled Fu Yu’an—hands and all—into his embrace, pressing his scorching chest against him.

“Are you quite knowledgeable?” he asked in a low voice, his tone light and laced with laughter.

Fu Yu’an didn’t understand what he meant and let out a puzzled “Huh?” staring at him in confusion.

Qi Ren then leaned close to his ear and whispered an explanation.

Fu Yu’an immediately flushed red, shooting him a reproachful glare before falling silent.

Qi Ren’s hand slid down to pinch his waist, pressing further: “Isn’t that so? I’ve seen it—you’re quite skilled! How come you’ve never used any of it on me?”

Fu Yu’an: “Th-That’s not the same! I’m just talking theory. After seeing so much, of course I’d…”

“Seeing what so much? Have you been visiting brothels?”

Qi Ren’s tone cooled slightly, and the hand at his waist tightened, making Fu Yu’an gasp sharply.

“No!” Fu Yu’an exclaimed urgently. “How could I ever go to such places! I meant book knowledge! Theory! You… don’t slander my innocence for no reason!”

“Alright, alright! My mistake, my mistake.” Qi Ren obediently apologized. “But since you’re so well-read, why not teach me? We’ve been married for so long, and we still haven’t consummated—wouldn’t people laugh their heads off if they found out?”

The moment this topic was brought up, Fu Yu’an shrank back in fear, especially after experiencing Qi Ren’s… size firsthand in previous encounters. But whenever he told Qi Ren he was afraid, Qi Ren refused to believe him.

You draw those things so well—what’s there to be afraid of?

He didn’t understand.

“I’m scared.” Fu Yu’an said, closing his eyes. “Can we take it slow? I can…”

Qi Ren had expected this answer. Though disappointed, he didn’t want to force him, so he just hugged him tighter, biting his lower lip as he murmured, “Fine, I’ll let you off this time… but next time…”

Only then did Fu Yu’an relax.

Escape for now—deal with the future later!

…

Li Ke had followed Qi Ren for many years, sharing his living arrangements. Since they rarely stayed in the capital, he had never bought property there.

Hearing this, Fu Yu’an felt displeased, as if Xiao Zhu was being shortchanged.

So after some discussion, the two gave him some money—framed as a loan—so he could at least purchase a place now. If they returned to the southern border later, he could sell it then.

The weather grew colder, and by the end of the eleventh month, a heavy snow began to fall. The snowflakes, thick as goose feathers, blanketed the sky for a full day and night.

By the next morning, the world outside was nearly impassable.

The servants in the courtyard had risen early to sweep the grounds. Fu Yu’an joined in, but before long, his hands were frozen bright red.

Qi Ren had gone to the Second Madam’s courtyard to help—they were short-handed and likely struggling.

Xiao Zhu came bounding joyfully through the snow, followed by Qi Ren, whose nose was red from the cold.

“The general says—since it’s freezing, there’s no need to cook! He’s treating everyone to a meal out!”

Fu Yu’an had just stuck a dead branch into a snowman and froze at the announcement, turning to look at the newcomers.

Xiao Zhu sidled up to Aunt Ni and took the broom from her hands. “Aunt Ni, your daughter asked the Second Madam for leave. Can I go to the market with her this afternoon?”

Aunt Ni smiled and tapped her forehead. “Go on, go on! You’re a grown girl about to be married, yet you’re still so wild!”

Xiao Zhu chuckled awkwardly, unconsciously toning herself down.

Qi Ren walked over, took off his gloves, and handed them to Fu Yu’an. “Look at your hands—they’re frozen. Here, wear these.”

Fu Yu’an shook his head, stood up, and looked contentedly at the snowman on the ground. “It’s done. You keep the scarf for yourself!”

With that, he turned and went back inside.

Qi Ren glanced at the yard full of crooked, misshapen snowmen and clicked his tongue, thinking none of them looked as neat and proper as the one Fu Yu’an had built.

He chased after him into the house and saw Fu Yu’an about to plunge his hands into hot water to warm them up. Immediately, Qi Ren stopped him, his expression darkening as he scolded, “Didn’t I tell you? You can’t just dunk them in hot water like that—what if you get frostbite?”

Fu Yu’an pursed his lips. “It’s fine, just this once. I’m really cold.”

“Let me warm them for you.” Qi Ren enveloped Fu Yu’an’s hands in his own, only to realize his own hands weren’t much warmer. Reluctantly, he gave up.

Fu Yu’an chuckled and withdrew his hands. “You can’t even save yourself, yet you’re still worrying about me? Never mind, I’ll ask a servant to bring a heating pot.”

“No!” Qi Ren, feeling his pride wounded, grew even more irritated. He pulled Fu Yu’an back, yanked open his own collar, and pressed Fu Yu’an’s icy hands against his bare chest.

Fu Yu’an gasped in shock, feeling Qi Ren’s body tremble slightly from the cold. He immediately tried to pull away.

Qi Ren’s eyes flashed with stubborn determination, gripping him tightly to prevent escape, his voice low and firm. “Don’t move!”

Fu Yu’an curled his fingers instinctively, only to have them forcibly straightened again, his palms now pressed fully against the warmth of Qi Ren’s skin.

In broad daylight—this… this was so improper!

His face flushed slightly, and he squirmed, trying to retreat, but Qi Ren held him in place and kissed him.