The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 64

64: The Truth of the Past

The Second Madam gave a bitter smile, the crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes deepening as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, “I’m getting old! At my age, I had hoped to hold a grandchild in my arms in my remaining years, but now… I don’t blame Yu’an, of course. Yu’an is a good child. It’s just that I…”

Her eyes grew wetter as she spoke, and the once-harmonious atmosphere suddenly turned sentimental.

Fu Yu’an didn’t know whether he should speak or what to say if he did.

As a virtuous “wife” when his mother-in-law lamented his inability to bear children, he should console her and suggest that his husband take a Concubine. That would be the proper, understanding thing to do.

But how could he possibly say such a thing?

He was still wearing a matching ring with Qi Ren. They… had been married for less than a year.

But still…

Fu Yu’an’s lips trembled, and after a long pause, he slowly said, “Perhaps… we should arrange for Qi Ren to take a Concubine?”

“No!” Before the words had fully left his mouth, Concubine Jue stood up abruptly, accidentally knocking over her wine glass. Amber-colored liquor spilled across the floor.

Everyone was startled. Qi Ren didn’t know whether to ask why she had reacted so strongly or to question why Fu Yu’an would suggest such a thing.

After a stunned silence, Concubine Jue touched her earring and sat back down awkwardly, explaining, “Forgive my outburst. I just… didn’t expect Yu’an to say that.”

Fu Yu’an forced a smile. “I can’t bear children, and this marriage was arranged by His Majesty. If you wish to take a Concubine to continue the family line, I won’t stand in the way.”

Qi Ren grabbed his hand under the table, gripping it tightly as he glared at him in disbelief. “What are you saying?!”

“I mean it.” Fu Yu’an added fuel to the fire, oblivious to the storm brewing beneath Qi Ren’s suppressed anger. “I really can’t have children. ‘There are three forms of unfilial conduct, and the worst is to have no descendants.’ Isn’t it only right for you to take a Concubine?”

“What kind of reasoning is that?!” Qi Ren snapped. “We’ve been living just fine—why would we need a Concubine?! Or do you not want to be with me anymore? Is that it?!”

His eyes burned red, the unease in his heart erupting the moment those words left Fu Yu’an’s mouth, like a torrent of lava—overwhelming and terrifying.

Fu Yu’an leaned back slightly, about to explain, when the Second Madam finally interjected, “This is my fault. Don’t argue. I never meant to blame Yu’an. Yu’an, don’t overthink it, all right?”

Concubine Jue added, “Exactly. Mother was just speaking offhand. Look at the two of you—we’re in public! Qi Ren, if you’re this fierce now, are you going to hit him when you get home?”

Fu Yu’an hadn’t expected his casual remark to cause such an uproar and instantly regretted it. He tugged at Qi Ren’s sleeve, urging him to sit back down as he apologized sincerely, “I misspoke. I wasn’t overthinking anything. Let’s talk about this at home, all right?”

The Second Madam quickly smoothed things over. “See? Yu’an was just joking. Qi Ren, you scared him! Apologize!”

Qi Ren didn’t believe it was just a joke—Fu Yu’an was never one to speak carelessly. He must have been hurt by his mother’s words.

But he couldn’t make his own mother apologize, so he swallowed his frustration and muttered a reluctant “I’m sorry.”

The biggest regret of the day was voicing my true thoughts at the dinner table, Fu Yu’an thought.

After the meal, he remained sullen. Qi Ren wanted to talk about the earlier incident, but Fu Yu’an locked himself in the study as soon as they returned home, refusing to see anyone, leaving Qi Ren with no way to approach him.

Concubine Jue arrived later in the evening, a servant girl behind her carrying a plate of dried persimmons.

Qi Ren casually took one and bit into it, gesturing helplessly toward the study with a shrug.

Concubine Jue sighed. “Mother really… why did she have to bring that up? Ah, never mind. Just comfort him properly. He’s all alone in this world—he shouldn’t suffer any grievances in our family.”

“I know.” Qi Ren said, finishing the persimmon in a few bites. He took the plate and walked over, knocking on the study door.

Perhaps hearing Concubine Jue’s voice, Fu Yu’an opened the door after only a brief hesitation.

Qi Ren held out the persimmons. “A gift from my sister. Don’t stay cooped up in here. How about I take you horseback riding?”

Fu Yu’an peeked out and smiled at Concubine Jue, but his expression turned cold when he looked back at Qi Ren. “Come inside.”

“Of course, of course.” Qi Ren, relieved that he was finally willing to talk, quickly agreed. “Do you want any persimmons?”

Fu Yu’an shook his head.

So he glanced around and happened to see Aunt Ni approaching, so he beckoned her over and handed her the plate of persimmons.

Aunt Ni hastily wiped her wet hands on her apron before taking the plate. But when she turned her head and caught sight of Concubine Jue, both of them froze in shock.

The study door opened and closed again, and a cold wind whistled through the courtyard.

Concubine Jue smiled faintly. “You look somewhat familiar to me. Have we met before?”

Aunt Ni’s grip on the plate tightened until her knuckles turned white. At these words, her heart pounded even harder, and she bowed her head as low as possible, repressing her voice as she answered, “Your Highness is noble and radiant—how could a lowly servant like me have ever met you…”

“Noble and radiant…”

Concubine Jue murmured the words, then suddenly let out a soft laugh. “You’re quite the learned one. Lift your face and let me have a proper look.”

Aunt Ni couldn’t suppress a shudder. Knowing there was no escape, she clenched her teeth and raised her head.

Concubine Jue studied her carefully for a long moment before finally letting out a cold laugh.

“So it really is you.”

A sudden crash came from the study, as though something had been thrown to the ground.

Concubine Jue glanced toward the door but ignored it, turning her gaze back to Aunt Ni instead, her eyes flickering over her like a venomous snake sizing up its prey.

She took two steps forward, leaning in close as she whispered with a smile, “You were quite the survivor back then. Who would’ve thought so many people couldn’t even catch you?”

Aunt Ni’s face turned deathly pale. With a thud, she dropped to her knees, kowtowing desperately as she wailed, “Your Highness, spare me! Spare me! This servant has received much kindness from Lady Qiao—I could never repay her with betrayal!”

“Oh, so you’re the virtuous one, and I’m the heartless villain?” Concubine Jue sneered. “We’ll settle this another day. I suggest you behave yourself and keep those rotten old secrets buried. If you dare breathe a word—well, you might not care about your own life, but your daughter is still young, isn’t she?”

Her voice was low, nearly drowned out by the furious argument raging in the study. But to Aunt Ni, it was like a deafening thunderclap, striking her to the core.

She continued kowtowing frantically, her forehead smeared with dirt and bl00d, the skin raw and bruised.

“This servant wouldn’t dare! I wouldn’t dare! Please, spare my family—I swear I’ll never speak a word of it!”

Concubine Jue straightened up with satisfaction, adjusting her hairpin before sighing. “The older one gets, the softer the heart grows. I truly wish to get along with my dear sister-in-law, so I advise you to be sensible. Let’s not make things difficult for everyone—no one benefits from a messy scene.”

“I know, I know! Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness! Thank you!”

She kowtowed repeatedly, her voice trembling with fear, eager to please.

“Enough! You may leave now. Anyone would think I’ve been tormenting you!” With a dismissive wave, she flung the words at the servant, then strode toward the study.

Aunt Ni, as if granted a pardon, hurried away with the tray in hand.

The arguing in the study had gradually quieted. Concubine Jue adjusted her sleeves, forcing what she believed to be a natural and dignified expression, before knocking on the study door.