The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 78

78: It Was Really Her

The moonlit night was silent and cold, the biting wind rushing in through the collar of his robes.

He heard Concubine Jue’s words, light yet heavy, drifting through the air:

“That’s right.”

Fu Yu’an could hardly accept it.

She had been one of the few sources of warmth in his dark, desolate life in the cold palace. But now, he was being told that this warmth was nothing more than guilt—the very root of his suffering.

She killed my mother.

Concubine Jue’s face was ashen, as if she had given up all pretenses. She didn’t try to defend herself, only lowered her head with a bitter smile.

“I never intended to harm her. But the moment she entered the palace, she stole His Majesty’s favor. At that time, Yao’er was only three years old, yet the Emperor wouldn’t even spare him a glance!”

“Originally, I only wanted to harm the child in her womb—you. But who could’ve guessed that damned maid would betray me at the last moment and run away?”

She turned her gaze toward Aunt Ni, who was kneeling nearby. The woman trembled, bowing her head even lower.

“So, in my anger, I decided to make sure neither mother nor child survived. But who would’ve thought… your mother was truly ruthless—she fought desperately to protect you, even at the cost of her own life.”

Fu Yu’an’s mind reeled. He had never imagined the truth would be like this.

No wonder the Emperor had treated him with such cold indifference all these years, always saying that he was the one who killed his mother. So that’s why…

“Did His Majesty know?” His lips were pale as he asked, voice trembling.

“Of course he knew. All these years, he’s been saying you were the one who killed your mother—did you really think it was just blind resentment? But my family held too much power back then. My father had just returned from victorious campaigns in the south, his merits unmatched. What could the Emperor do to me?”

Her laugh was hollow.

“To him, power has always come first.”

Fu Yu’an had no retort. He couldn’t deny it.

“After your mother died, I regretted it. His Majesty rarely visited my palace after that. All these years, I’ve only risen to the rank of Concubine.”

Her smile was bitter.

“So my kindness toward you… half of it was guilt, and the other half was just for show—to appease the Emperor.”

Fu Yu’an’s head throbbed. He couldn’t accept that the woman who had cared for him for over a decade was actually the source of all his suffering.

Xiao Zhu called out softly, “Your Highness,” and steadied him with a hand on his arm.

Fu Yu’an asked again, “Then those rumors in the capital about me and Qi Ren… were they also your doing?”

“That wasn’t me. He was pretending to be mad, and the Empress suspected him. She spread those rumors to deal with you—a prince who had outlived his usefulness.”

“…”

“Of course, before the marriage decree was issued, I did plead for you a few times—just for appearances. But in truth, I very much hoped he would marry you.”

Fu Yu’an knew exactly why she had wanted that.

Qi Ren’s military achievements were great, and as Fu Yangyao’s maternal uncle, the Emperor certainly did not want maternal relatives interfering in government affairs. If he didn’t show weakness, he wouldn’t be able to ease the Emperor’s vigilance.

She wanted to protect Fu Yu’an and also wanted to give Fu Yangyao an extra edge.

Fu Yu’an’s thoughts raced, uncertain whether Qi Ren knew what she was thinking. As for himself, he felt a chill from head to toe.

“I see you two get along quite well now. Given the circumstances, I don’t expect your forgiveness. I only hope that, for Qi Ren’s sake, you won’t reveal what happened back then.”

Fu Yu’an let out a cold laugh, shakily straightening his posture.

“Not reveal it? You committed a vile act, and now you’re asking me, the victim, to keep quiet? Besides, Qi Ren and I don’t actually have a good relationship—it’s all just an act for you.”

He forced out these harsh words, though in his heart, he was already resolved to sever ties with him.

He couldn’t bear the thought of being with the younger brother of his mother’s murderer.

Concubine Jue clearly hadn’t expected him to remain silent. After a long, silent stare, she sighed and turned away.

“Do as you wish! The Emperor has known for a long time anyway. Even if you speak up, without evidence, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

It was a blatant threat. Fu Yu’an stood frozen, watching her leave, his emotions in turmoil.

He felt unsteady on his feet. Xiao Zhu quickly supported him and hesitantly asked in a low voice,

“Your Highness, should we… still go to the lantern festival?”

Fu Yu’an’s mind was in chaos—torn between her words, her years of care for him, and thoughts of Qi Ren.

Qi Ren, who left early and returned late, doing who knew what.

His lips trembled as he leaned against a nearby rockery, his voice hoarse.

“Xiao Zhu, prepare a carriage for me. If you want to leave… never mind, you’ve just gotten married. I’ll go alone.”

“Your Highness…”