The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 62

62: Loss

Upon entering the general’s residence, Concubine Jue first went to the Second Madam’s courtyard. Fu Yu’an was more than happy that she wouldn’t be visiting Guhe Garden, so he suppressed a smile and bid farewell, holding the box in his hands.

When Qi Ren saw him return, he immediately set down the chess piece in his hand and stood up to greet him.

Fu Yu’an waved the box in his hand. “Concubine Jue is here—she’s in the Second Madam’s courtyard.”

Qi Ren was slightly surprised. “How did she come back? Isn’t palace discipline strict, making it difficult for her to leave the palace easily?”

Fu Yu’an shrugged. “Concubine Jue is favored by the emperor—naturally, she has ways to leave the palace. Still, we owe her thanks. If not for her, this newly acquired item would have been snatched away by a thief!”

“What happened? Are you hurt?” The mention of a thief instantly put Qi Ren on alert. He remembered how Fu Yu’an had been wronged by that malicious servant during their wedding, crying pitifully. Now, he had gone out alone and had something stolen from him. Given his stubborn nature, he must have fought tooth and nail to get it back.

Fu Yu’an let himself be turned around in a circle, somewhat amused.

“I’m fine. See? The item is back in my hands.”

He briefly recounted the incident, omitting the part where Xia Xiu had demanded to inspect it on the street. He only mentioned that he had wanted to verify the goods himself, which drew unwanted attention.

Qi Ren patted his shoulder, his expression as if looking at a fool. “I know you’re wealthy, but try not to flaunt it in the future. It’s easy to become a target.”

Fu Yu’an nodded earnestly. “Alright, I’ll listen to you. It won’t happen again.”

His obedient demeanor was unbearably adorable. Qi Ren couldn’t resist grabbing him by the waist and spinning him around in circles.

Dizzy, Fu Yu’an nearly lost his grip on the box and quickly pleaded for mercy.

Qi Ren carried him inside, kicking the wooden door open with one foot, then swinging it shut with another—his movements smooth and effortless.

Amid the whirl, the wooden box still fell to the ground with a dull thud.

Fu Yu’an was thoroughly annoyed now. He struggled free with kicks and punches, then picked up the box to inspect it carefully.

Fortunately, the contents inside were unharmed. Fu Yu’an shot him a glare and snapped, “What were you thinking, acting so recklessly? Look—the clasp is nearly broken!”

Qi Ren leaned in. “Let me see. It’s fine! You’re scolding me over a wooden box?”

Fu Yu’an scoffed. “Is this about the box? Don’t twist my words!”

Qi Ren grumbled but had no retort.

Fu Yu’an placed the box on the table and opened it for him to see.

Qi Ren let out an exclamation of admiration, picked up the longevity lock, and examined it closely for a moment. Stroking his chin, he praised, “You get what you pay for—this is truly exquisite!”

Fu Yu’an, holding the small box containing the ring in his hand, had assumed Qi Ren would look at that first.

A pang of disappointment struck his heart, but he quickly suppressed it and handed over the small box. “Here’s the ring you wanted. It’s been delivered as well.”

Qi Ren was still engrossed in the exquisitely crafted longevity lock and showed little interest in the ring at the moment. He took the box but only gave it a cursory glance before setting it aside on the table.

This gesture was undeniably hurtful. Fu Yu’an thought to himself, Has he already grown tired of me? Wasn’t he the one who made such a fuss about adding a pair of rings? How could he barely even look at it now that it’s here?

Well, he’s a man who’s used to being a general—his desire to conquer must be strong. Maybe once he’s obtained something, he no longer treasures it.

Fu Yu’an picked up the box again, lowering his gaze to stare blankly at the intricate patterns on its surface.

Is he so attentive to me now simply because he’s never been with a man before, and because I’ve refused to share a bed with him? Is that why…?

What a shameless beast!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Finally, he slammed the small wooden box onto the table with a loud thud.

Startled, Qi Ren—still holding the longevity lock—asked, “What’s wrong?”

Fu Yu’an looked up, forcing a smile as he suppressed his fury. “Nothing! The longevity lock is beautiful, isn’t it? Much prettier than the ring! And definitely much more attractive than me, right?!”

Qi Ren: “??”

Fu Yu’an turned away indignantly. “Since you like it so much, just keep staring at it then!”

With that, he stormed out of the room without looking back.

Qi Ren was utterly baffled, unsure what he had done to provoke such a reaction. He chased after him, but Fu Yu’an was already long gone.

Sigh. Other couples can at least storm off to their family home when they’re angry—but where is he even supposed to go?

I’m such a scoundrel, Qi Ren thought. I should’ve been more careful. Now I’ve gone and upset him again!

Xiao Zhu, who had witnessed their quarrel from outside, could only sigh helplessly and step forward to console him. “General, don’t worry. His Highness has probably gone to Prince Qing’s residence. He tends to overthink things—he’ll likely calm down by evening and come back on his own.”

Qi Ren scratched his head, thinking that even if he went after him now, he wouldn’t know how to apologize. Maybe it was better to let him cool off alone for now.

Just as he was about to head to his mother’s courtyard to see Concubine Jue, Xiao Zhu hesitated before calling out to him again. “General, you must understand… His Highness has had a difficult life since childhood. He’s endured bullying and learned to read people’s expressions from a young age, so his emotions are… particularly sensitive. Please… be patient with him.”

Qi Ren shook his head. “It’s my fault for upsetting him. He’s not to blame. Alright, you can go about your duties. I’ll go fetch him later.”

Xiao Zhu finally felt reassured and curtsied before stepping back to leave.

Concubine Jue was chatting warmly with the Second Madam. Mother and daughter hadn’t seen each other in over a year, and their reunion was both tearful and joyful.

Qi Ren couldn’t stand overly sentimental scenes of women crying, and the urge to turn around and leave immediately surged in him. But the servants spotted him right away and bowed in unison.

Qi Ren: “…”

He had no choice but to steel himself and step forward, unsure whether he should also shed a few tears for appearances.

They’re crying so hard—if I don’t react at all, will I seem cold-hearted?

“Mother, Sister… don’t cry. You’re reunited now, aren’t you?” he comforted, patting his sister’s shoulder.

Concubine Jue also realized she had lost her composure and quickly wiped away her tears, forcing a smile at him. She glanced behind him but didn’t see Fu Yu’an.

“Where’s Yu’an? Didn’t he come with you? He said he wanted to treat Mother and me to a meal.”

Qi Ren didn’t dare admit he had angered him into leaving, so he made up an excuse on the spot: “Young Master Xia suddenly had urgent business with him, so he rushed over in a hurry. Before leaving, he told me to take you both out to eat instead.”

Concubine Jue nodded. “That’s fine. I’ll be staying at the estate for a few days anyway—we can always have that meal another time. No need to trouble ourselves today. We can just eat at home!”

Qi Ren was surprised. “You’re staying for a few days? Did His Majesty permit it?”

Concubine Jue nodded again. “With so many beauties in his harem, how could he possibly spare a thought for me? I just informed him before leaving.”

Qi Ren didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so he simply said, “It’s good that you’re back. Mother often misses you—you should stay a while longer and keep her company!”

“Of course!” Concubine Jue waved her hand, and a maid waiting nearby stepped forward, handing Qi Ren a bulging bundle.

Qi Ren was baffled. The bundle looked extremely full, and he had no idea what was inside.

“Why did you bring so many clothes home?” he asked, puzzled. “And why give them to me? Don’t tell me you’re planning to stay at Guhe Garden?!”

Concubine Jue flicked his forehead in annoyance and scolded, “Who wants to stay with you?! These are winter clothes I made for Yu’an. Take them back and have him try them on tonight to see if they fit!”

Qi Ren tugged at a corner of the bundle to peek inside, his tone dripping with jealousy. “You’re so good to him—anyone would think he’s your real brother! Is there anything in here for me?”

“No! You’re a rough martial artist—as long as you’ve got something to cover yourself, that’s enough!” Concubine Jue laughed. “I’m his sister-in-law—who else should I dote on if not him?”

The Second Madam chimed in, “Exactly! When your sister was younger, she gave you all the best things—even splitting a meat bun in half to share with you. And now you’re getting jealous?!”

Outmatched by the two of them, Qi Ren had no choice but to relent. “Alright, alright, fine! I admit defeat, okay?! You two keep chatting—this third wheel will take his leave!”

The Second Madam chuckled and scolded, “Such a rascal!”

Carrying the bundle of clothes back, Qi Ren ran into Li Ke at the door. Shooting him a glare, he asked, “Where are you off to in such a hurry? Now that you’ve got a wife, you’ve forgotten your master, huh?!”