The Foolish General's Mute Spouse - Chapter 9

09: Who Doesn’t Have a Wife?

Xiao Zhu noticed Fu Yu’an spacing out and called out to him softly from behind. Fu Yu’an snapped out of his daze, turned to her with a smile, and took the food box from her hands.

“An An, you’re back!” The fool, Qi Ren, spotted him and immediately dropped the watering can, rushing over like a gust of wind. He looked at Fu Yu’an and then at the food box in his hands, sucking on his finger as he whined, “I haven’t eaten yet… Have you eaten?”

Fu Yu’an frowned slightly, pulling Qi Ren’s hand away from his mouth. “Don’t suck your fingers. It’s dirty.”

“…” Qi Ren gave him a pouty, resentful look, wiped his finger on his clothes, and then reached for the food box again. “I’m so hungry…”

Fu Yu’an chuckled helplessly and handed him the box. “I knew you hadn’t eaten. That’s why I brought this back for you! There are peach blossom cakes at the bottom. Be careful not to shake them!”

Qi Ren nodded obediently, his usual fierceness completely gone, replaced by a childlike simplicity. He took the food box and happily headed inside.

Outside, the sun was shining brightly. A breeze blew through the courtyard, causing the peach tree to shed a shower of pale petals, painting the fresh spring scenery with a touch of beauty.

After eating, Qi Ren rushed back out to water his precious plants, while Fu Yu’an stayed inside to go over the accounts, meticulously reviewing their recent expenses.

The dowry had been prepared by the Ministry of Rites, with Concubine Jue adding some extra items. As for the Emperor… he couldn’t even be bothered to make a token gesture.

Now that they had just received payment for the illustrations, Xiao Zhu carefully stored the banknotes, planning to deposit them in the bank that afternoon.

“Your Highness, our income has been increasing steadily, and here in the general’s residence, we don’t have to worry about food or clothing. It won’t be long before we save up enough money!”

Her tone was cheerful, full of hope for the future.

Fu Yu’an smiled and nodded but didn’t respond.

The situation in the capital was tense, and Qi Ren’s condition only added to the complexity. Fu Yu’an couldn’t help but recall the small kindnesses Qi Ren had shown him when he was younger—though Qi Ren had never known his true identity.

Fu Yu’an absentmindedly touched the teacup in his hand, staring at the stack of banknotes. After a long pause, he spoke slowly, “Keep an eye on the shop for now. There’s no rush. If you have time, start looking for skilled doctors—even those who specialize in unconventional treatments. We might as well try everything.”

Xiao Zhu let out a small sound of surprise, clearly reluctant. “You want to cure the general? But even the imperial physicians said his condition is incurable. Why go to so much trouble? Aren’t we leaving sooner or later?”

“Xiao Zhu!” Fu Yu’an set the teacup down with a sharp clink, the sound piercing the quiet room. “Imperial physicians aren’t infallible, and there are many skilled practitioners among the common folk. If we can cure him, we’ll owe him a favor. It won’t hurt to try.”

“…” Xiao Zhu lowered her head, twisting her fingers nervously. After a long silence, she murmured, “This servant understands her mistake,” and quickly left.

Fu Yu’an watched her retreating figure, feeling a heavy weight in his chest.

Xiao Zhu had grown up with him and was always cautious and reliable, but she was also overly pragmatic, always prioritizing their own safety.

Yet, he had to admit that he wasn’t a saint either. Seeing Qi Ren in such a state, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Perhaps it was because of past kindnesses, or perhaps it was just his own weakness.

He should have been a man of integrity and honor. How had things come to this?

Sighing, Fu Yu’an looked outside and met Qi Ren’s gaze. The man grinned at him, looking like a big, silly wolfdog.

As the sun began to set, Qi Ren turned his back to the light, a faint smile playing on his lips in a place Fu Yu’an couldn’t see.

It seemed the Seventh Prince was no ordinary person, his cautious mind always calculating. So, all along, he had just wanted to owe me a favor.

Looks like I need to work on my acting skills!

…

The spacious study was adorned with an entire wall of expensive-looking calligraphy and paintings, though the sheer number of them made the owner seem a bit ostentatious.

Qi Ren stood with his hands behind his back, staring at a landscape painting for a long time, sighing repeatedly.

“What’s wrong? You came in here sighing like this. Isn’t being a fool supposed to be carefree and easy?”

Yu Liao walked in with a smile, closing the door behind him.

Qi Ren turned and glared at him. “What do you know? I’m just thinking… longing… This capital is no place for a man like me. I really want to go back to the southern border!”

Yu Liao chuckled and handed him an envelope. “Here’s what you asked for. Everything’s been investigated.”

“Thanks.” Qi Ren finally tore his gaze away from the painting, muttered his thanks, and opened the envelope.

“From what I can see, the Seventh Prince doesn’t seem suspicious. Somehow, the Crown Prince targeted him, and now he’s your… well, male wife.” Yu Liao carefully chose his words, not wanting to upset his friend.

After all, pretending to be a fool was hard enough, and now the Crown Prince’s faction had taken advantage of the situation, forcing him into this unprecedented marriage.

Qi Ren quickly scanned the document, folded it, and tucked it into his robe.

Fu Yu’an seemed to be clean, likely just a pawn in the Crown Prince’s schemes.

Qi Ren’s mind drifted back to Fu Yu’an’s words at noon about owing him a favor. He rubbed his fingers together, lowered his eyelids, and stared at the wolf-hair brush on the table, muttering, “Who’s playing whom? Just because I look like a fool, everyone thinks they can mess with me…”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing! Do you know any craftsmen who can repair jade or other precious items?”

Yu Liao gave him a strange look. “Why are you looking for that? You’re a grown man… Don’t tell me it’s for—”

“Don’t speculate!” Qi Ren cut him off sharply. “Just tell me if you know anyone!”

Yu Liao leaned back slightly, raising his hands in surrender. “I don’t know. I’ll ask my wife later.”

His tone was teasing, and Qi Ren frowned, taking a step back and pointing a finger at him threateningly. “Don’t flaunt it! If you don’t know, just say so. Asking your wife… as if that’s something to brag about! I’ll find someone myself!”

With that, he stormed out in a huff, leaving a bewildered Yu Liao standing there, unsure of what had just happened.

Outside, the sun was still shining brightly. Qi Ren, acting like a madman, returned to the residence and searched around but couldn’t find Fu Yu’an or Xiao Zhu. He clicked his tongue in annoyance and rushed to the storeroom where the dowry was kept. Seeing that everything was still there, his expression softened slightly.

A passing maid, standing at a distance, called out to him, “General, Madam went to the northern part of the city to repair a bracelet. She said she’d bring you some pastries tonight!”

Qi Ren glanced at her but didn’t respond, scaring her into fleeing in a panic.

So, he went to repair the bracelet himself. What a waste of my effort, trying to help him find a solution!

And bringing pastries? Who cares about your little treats!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He kicked a wooden box in front of him, and the box, unable to withstand the force, cracked at the corner with a loud snap that echoed in the quiet room.

Qi Ren looked down, his frustration growing. He glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then carefully moved the box to hide the damaged corner.

The box was unusually large and heavy, and it wasn’t even locked, making it all the more suspicious.