The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 61

61: The Ring is Snatched

Qi Ren had recently developed a strong fondness for kissing. Sometimes, just locking eyes with him would make him grin and lean in, pressing a hand to the back of Fu Yu’an’s head to pull him closer.

Fu Yu’an felt that if this continued, his dignity would sooner or later be completely compromised.

Noticing his distraction, Qi Ren nipped lightly at his lips. Fu Yu’an winced in pain, furrowing his brows as the two parted slightly.

“Uncomfortable? What’s on your mind?” Qi Ren asked in a low voice, his warm breath brushing against Fu Yu’an’s earlobe, sending shivers down his spine.

Fu Yu’an shook his head. “It’s nothing. I was just wondering when Master Zhou’s things would arrive.”

“Oh?” Qi Ren released him. “Then let’s go check this afternoon?”

Fu Yu’an nodded. “Sure. I know of a newly opened restaurant—want to go together? My treat!”

With a sly grin, he took a step back toward the door.

Qi Ren wasn’t about to let him off so easily. He immediately pulled him back in, kissing him thoroughly until he was satisfied before finally letting go.

…

The residence Li Ke had arranged for them was in a relatively secluded location, though not too far from the general’s estate.

In any case, it would be sold eventually, Qi Ren thought, so it didn’t matter much.

After drinking Laba congee, the New Year was just around the corner. The general’s estate bustled with activity as preparations for the year-end festivities began.

Outside, the snow stubbornly refused to melt, piling up in pristine white drifts that greeted them every time the door opened.

Xia Xiu, wrapped in a snow-white fox-fur-collared coat, came to find him, asking if he wanted to go watch an opera together.

Since Fu Yu’an had nothing better to do at home, he agreed.

On their way back, they happened to run into Xiao Zhao, Master Zhou’s talented apprentice, who was on his way to deliver something to the general’s estate.

Xiao Zhao was happy to save himself the trip and handed the package to Fu Yu’an before cheerfully heading back.

Xia Xiu was quite curious and leaned over to ask what he was doing.

Fu Yu’an: “Xiao Zhu is getting married soon, isn’t she? This is a longevity lock for them. And by the way, Qi Ren had a pair of rings made.”

Xia Xiu quickly swallowed the candied hawthorn skewer in his mouth, his eyes sparkling with interest. “Rings? Can I take a look?”

“Of course.” Fu Yu’an found a less crowded spot by the roadside and opened the box to show him.

Inside was an exquisitely crafted longevity lock, while the two rings were stored separately in a small wooden box.

Fu Yu’an took out the small wooden box and opened it for him.

The silver rings were simple and elegant, with one engraved with “An” and the other with “Ren” on the inner bands.

Fu Yu’an was very pleased.

Xia Xiu let out a soft gasp of admiration, holding them up to the sunlight for a closer look. “They’re beautiful! If Master Zhou weren’t so hard to book, I’d get one too!”

Fu Yu’an smiled but said nothing.

“Hey, look—are these twin lotus flowers carved on the outside? Such intricate detail on such a tiny piece—this craftsmanship is truly divine!”

He couldn’t stop praising them, his eyes filled with envy.

“And you said Qi Ren doesn’t care enough about you. Seems to me he’s quite thoughtful. At least Fu Yanxiao would never come up with such a good idea.” Xia Xiu said. “I’ve heard that once you put on these rings, you’re bound together for life!”

Fu Yu’an replied, “Thoughtful? More like a spur-of-the-moment whim! Wearing these things every day would be so impractical!”

Though his words carried a hint of complaint, the expression on his face was unmistakably one of contentment and happiness, nearly making Xia Xiu’s teeth ache from the sweetness.

Just as the two were admiring the rings with great interest, a man in coarse linen suddenly darted out from a nearby alley and, with lightning speed, snatched the wooden box from their hands. Both the longevity lock and one of the rings were stolen.

Shocked, Xia Xiu handed the remaining ring back to Fu Yu’an and immediately took off after the thief, shouting as he ran, “Stop! Thief! How dare you rob someone in broad daylight!”

Fu Yu’an was startled and quickly gave chase. But he couldn’t match Xia Xiu’s speed and could only follow from a distance, not daring to call out for fear of being recognized on the street.

Why did he just run off like that? What if the thief was armed? It’s too dangerous!

Though the street was crowded, no one wanted to stir up trouble during the New Year festivities. They all watched coldly, unwilling to intervene.

Xia Xiu was no match for the thief. After chasing him for two blocks, he was completely exhausted, leaning against a wall and panting heavily.

Fu Yu’an caught up and patted his shoulder, equally out of breath. “Let’s report this to the authorities! With so many people around, we… we’ll never catch him.”

Xia Xiu was furious and also a little guilty.

If he hadn’t insisted on looking at the rings in the middle of the street, perhaps the thief wouldn’t have snatched them away.

“Sorry, Yu’an, it’s all my fault, I…”

“Let’s not talk about that now. There’s no reason to blame the owner when something gets stolen.”

He knew this was meant to comfort him, and while he inwardly marveled at how gentle Yu’an was, he only felt even more guilty.

“How about I compensate you with a new one? But the ring is also… Ah, I’ll go back to the prince’s residence right now and have Fu Yanxiao send people to search!” Xia Xiu turned to leave but was pulled back by Fu Yu’an.

“There’s no need to make such a big fuss.” Fu Yu’an said, carefully putting away the remaining ring. “Let’s report it to the authorities first. With you accompanying me, they’ll surely give us some face. Besides, both the longevity lock and the ring were custom-made. Once word spreads, even pawnshops won’t dare take them, and the thief won’t be able to sell them.”

Xia Xiu finally calmed down a little, no longer as frantic. He patted his sleeves and led Fu Yu’an to report the theft.

Before they could reach the end of the street, a familiar voice called out from behind.

“Yu’an.”

It was Concubine Jue.

Fu Yu’an was startled, thinking he had misheard, but when he turned around, he saw Concubine Jue wearing a hooded cloak.

He was about to bow when she quickly stopped him, whispering, “No need for formalities out here. We don’t want to draw attention.”

Fu Yu’an nodded. She gestured, and a black-clad guard seemingly materialized out of nowhere, holding the very box they had lost.

Xia Xiu brightened, pointing at the box in hushed excitement.

The guard knelt and presented the box. Concubine Jue took it with a smile and handed it to Fu Yu’an, then looked at Xia Xiu. “You must be the young master from the prince’s residence, right? Prince Qing has mentioned you before. Now that I’ve met you, you truly are as dashing and clever as they say.”

Xia Xiu grinned sheepishly and softly greeted her as “Concubine Jue.”

“Earlier, while passing by, I happened to see you and Young Master Xia on the street. I wanted to come over and say hello, but then I noticed the thief robbing you, so I had my guard intervene.”

Fu Yu’an thanked her repeatedly and opened the box to inspect the contents—everything was intact.

He placed the remaining ring back inside the small wooden box and securely fastened the clasp.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere and having nothing else to do, Xia Xiu quickly excused himself and hurried off.

Fu Yu’an watched Xia Xiu leave, then smiled and asked, “How did Your Majesty find the time to leave the palace today?”

Concubine Jue adjusted her hairpin and sighed mournfully. “The palace is too stifling, so I came out for a walk. It’s also been a long time since I’ve seen Mother and A’ren, so I thought I’d visit home. It was thoughtless of me—I’m sure the house isn’t prepared to host me for a meal, is it?”

Fu Yu’an froze for a moment, slightly embarrassed.

Of course, the household wouldn’t have prepared a meal for her. Palace Concubines rarely left the palace—who would bother keeping meals ready for her every day?

But her tone did sound rather pitiful and aggrieved. After some thought, Fu Yu’an said, “It’s still early, and I don’t know what you’d like to eat. A few days ago, Qi Ren took me to a newly opened restaurant—how about we dine there tonight?”

Concubine Jue faintly softened her smile and replied, “That would be fine. Let’s return to the estate first and see Mother.”

Fu Yu’an nodded, walking slightly behind her, feeling somewhat stiff and at a loss.