The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 74

74: New Year’s Greetings

Early the next morning, Yu Liao brought Xiao He to pay a New Year’s visit. Fu Yu’an had managed to sleep a few hours, yet somehow, he looked even less rested than Qi Ren.

“Uncle Qi, Uncle Fu, Happy New Year!”

The child’s voice was sweet and clear, ringing with enthusiasm. Fu Yu’an smiled and patted his head, handing over the prepared red envelope.

Xiao He let out a soft, awed “wow” but the envelope was swiftly confiscated by his mother behind him.

“Quick, say thank you to His Highness!”

Pouting slightly, the boy blinked reluctantly but obediently bowed.

“Thank you, Your Highness!”

Fu Yu’an found it both amusing and exasperating, so he reached out to Qi Ren beside him and took a few pieces of loose silver.

He tucked the silver into Xiao He’s arms and said with a smile, “This is for you to keep and buy snacks. Don’t let Mother take this one, alright?”

“Mm-hmm!” Xiao He finally brightened up a little, patting the silver in his pocket before looking up at his mother.

Madam Yu also couldn’t help but laugh. She picked him up and soothed, “Alright, alright! I won’t take it—you can keep it yourself! You’re going to be six years old after the New Year, yet you’re still so fond of snacks!”

Qi Ren interjected, “Takes after his father. Yu Liao loved sweets since he was a kid!”

Yu Liao’s face flushed slightly at the mention of his childhood habits, feeling both embarrassed and indignant. He gave Qi Ren a light smack and scolded half-jokingly, “What nonsense are you spouting?”

Qi Ren didn’t spare him any face, replying earnestly, “Isn’t it true? Come on, there’s nothing embarrassing about it. Who didn’t love candy as a kid?”

Fu Yu’an quickly stepped in to mediate, “Ah… I was quite fond of it too when I was young.”

Though in truth, he could rarely afford any—every coin spent on treats had been painstakingly saved.

After chatting for a while longer, Yu Liao took his wife and son to leave.

Qi Ren urged Fu Yu’an to go back and rest a little longer, but Fu Yu’an said he wasn’t sleepy.

“Shouldn’t we go pay a New Year’s visit to Sister-in-law? She’s all alone and pregnant—it can’t be easy for her.”

Qi Ren wasn’t particularly keen, but after all, they were bound by bl00d ties. Not even paying a visit during the New Year would be too heartless.

“Fine, I’ll go fetch some things to bring along. It wouldn’t do to go empty-handed.”

Fu Yu’an initially thought he would refuse, so he was somewhat surprised by the response. Nevertheless, he nodded and added before leaving, “Just bring the pair of jade Ruyi scepters from the storeroom. It’s perfect—since sister-in-law is due soon, it’ll bring good luck.”

Qi Ren naturally obeyed without question. Carrying the jade Ruyi scepters and accompanied by Fu Yu’an, he headed to the other side of the estate to find them.

The courtyard outside sister-in-law’s residence was eerily quiet, devoid of any festive New Year cheer.

Back in the day, the eldest brother had been one of the most sought-after noble gentlemen in the capital. But after his leg injury, he became disheartened, and his so-called friends—few of whom were genuine to begin with—scattered like monkeys fleeing a collapsing tree. No one wanted anything to do with him anymore.

The two exchanged a glance, and Qi Ren stepped forward to knock on the door. After a while, a maid finally came to answer.

“Where are your master and mistress?”

“Replying to the General, they are resting in the inner chamber. This servant will go and announce your arrival.”

As they entered the courtyard, all they saw was an air of desolation. Only the birds hanging under the eaves added a hint of vitality to the scene.

Everything was plain and austere—not a single red lantern in sight.

Sister-in-law emerged slowly, supporting her belly. Her figure was shrouded in shadow, and her complexion looked unwell.

Eight months along, her belly was already so large. Fu Yu’an let out a small sound of surprise, his admiration for mothers who bore children growing even deeper.

With such heaviness, resting must be a struggle.

And with the eldest brother also immobilized, how were they even celebrating the New Year?

“Yu’an, you’re here. Please, come in. Your eldest brother just woke up.”

The two followed her inside. Fu Yu’an quickened his steps to support her, and sister-in-law gave him a grateful smile.

The room was dim, the windows tightly shut. The eldest brother was being tended to by a servant, having his face wiped and mouth rinsed.

Qi Ren couldn’t stand it any longer and went to open the windows, revealing dust swirling in the sunlight.

“It’s the New Year—why aren’t there any lanterns hung in this courtyard? Isn’t the madam coming to celebrate with you?” Fu Yu’an asked as he helped her sit down.

The eldest brother snorted, his tone full of displeasure. “She went back to her parents’ home—she doesn’t want to see us at all! What’s there to celebrate about the New Year? Eating some dumplings is enough!”

The atmosphere wasn’t as tense as expected. Though the eldest brother wore a sullen expression, he still instructed the maids to serve them tea.

Qi Ren handed over the jade Ruyi scepters, somewhat awkwardly saying, “This is… a New Year’s gift. Yu’an prepared it. You should keep it.”

The eldest brother snorted, “Wasting money!”

The eldest sister-in-law was pleasantly surprised. She took the gift, opened it, and couldn’t resist touching it lovingly. “I haven’t received any gifts this year! Thank you!”

Fu Yu’an rubbed the teacup thoughtfully and finally spoke up, “Sister-in-law… about what happened last time, your mother… I’m sorry.”

“This has nothing to do with you,” the eldest sister-in-law lowered her eyelids, her expression sorrowful. “Everyone has their own fate. My mother… there was no other way. I still have the Qi family’s child in my belly—I can’t just think of myself, can I? Life must go on!”

Qi Ren nodded in agreement. “Remember to take care of yourself. I noticed there aren’t many servants in your courtyard—would you like me to send a few over?”

“That won’t be necessary!” the sister-in-law laughed. “The ones here are all clever and capable, more than enough. You two should tend to your own affairs! I’m not that delicate!”

Her refusal was firm. Fu Yu’an felt a flicker of doubt but didn’t dwell on it.

Perhaps she simply disliked being waited on by outsiders. Having lived in seclusion for so many years, she must have grown accustomed to the maids she had now.

He didn’t want good intentions to backfire, so he didn’t press further.

A maid brought in two plates of dumplings, steaming hot with thin skins and generous fillings.

The sister-in-law coughed lightly, and the eldest brother said, “Are you two eating? These just out of the pot are too hot. You go ahead. I’ll go outside to bask in the sun.”

He struggled to wheel his chair outward. The sister-in-law then said, “Qi Ren… could I trouble you to help your brother move his wheelchair outside? The maids aren’t very strong, and it’s always such a hassle for them.”

Naturally, Qi Ren had no reason to refuse. He rolled up his sleeves and moved his brother out the door.

Once the two brothers were gone, the sister-in-law’s smile vanished instantly. She pointed at the door and said, “Your Highness, could you please close the door? There’s something I’d like to discuss with you alone.”

Fu Yu’an was puzzled, his heart skipping a beat.

This sister-in-law was deep and cunning, her thoughts inscrutable. He had no idea what she was about to say.

Well, there was nothing for it but to meet the challenge head-on.

The dumplings on the table looked tender and appetizing. The sister-in-law sighed and said,

“Actually, back when I married into the family, Concubine Jue hadn’t yet entered the palace. The two families were on good terms, and she and I were practically inseparable—we told each other everything.”

Fu Yu’an gave a noncommittal hum, unsure why she was bringing this up now.

But when it came to scheming, Fu Yu’an thought, perhaps Concubine Jue was no match for this seemingly frail sister-in-law before him.

“Later, after she entered the palace, we still exchanged letters.

She said the Emperor had brought back a woman from his trip to Jiangnan, showering her with favor. That woman was even pregnant with the royal heir, and Concubine Jue was terrified.

I comforted her, saying, ‘You still have Yao’er—that’s your greatest bargaining chip. The Empress is frail and ill, and you’re deeply favored. It’s only a matter of time before you obtain the Phoenix Seal.’”