My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 18

18

The results of the martial arts examination were announced immediately after the outer field test. Those who failed were eliminated on the spot, while those who passed were directly taken to the written examination.

Gu Qingci copied a passage from the Martial Classics, neither too long nor too short—exactly three hundred characters.

It wasn’t that she couldn’t write more, but she simply didn’t want to do anything unnecessary.

After submitting her paper, Gu Qingci felt an immense relief. Ignoring the pain in her neck, it was truly a wonderful day.

This outcome was no surprise to her.

Whether one passed or failed, everyone had a rough idea once they entered the written examination phase.

Unless someone handed in a completely blank paper, anyone who wrote something would receive some points.

However, the final results and rankings for the military scholar candidates would be announced together with the civil scholar candidates. Aside from the members of each group who knew a bit about their peers’ performance, no one else had any clue yet.

The fact that the results weren’t immediately posted disappointed Gu Qingci, but there was nothing she could do about it.

As she walked out of the examination hall, someone called out to her.

It was Wen Renyi.

“Lady Gu, congratulations in advance!” Wen Renyi said, her tone warm and familiar, as if they were old friends.

In their group, only Gu Qingci and Wen Renyi had passed the outer field test and advanced to the written examination. Having witnessed Gu Qingci’s performance firsthand, Wen Renyi was absolutely certain she would pass.

“Same to you!” Gu Qingci clasped her hands with a smile.

“The results won’t be posted for another five days. I feel like we’ve hit it off, Lady Gu, and there’s so much I’d like to discuss. Would you honor me with your company for a meal at Zuixian Tower? My treat. On the way, we can stop by my inn—I’ll fetch you a bottle of my family’s secret medicinal wine for your muscles.”

Listening to Wen Renyi’s invitation, Gu Qingci realized this woman genuinely regarded her as a close friend.

“Thank you, Lady Wen. Let me inform my wife first. If she agrees, I’ll join you.” The medicinal wine was too tempting to refuse.

“Great! Let’s head out then.” Wen Renyi bowed slightly, her eyes warming even more toward Gu Qingci.

The two left the military academy together.

The area outside the academy was crowded, so Gu Qingci put on her veil again—better to keep a low profile.

Once outside, she spotted the carriage Ruan Zhi had taken and told Wen Renyi she’d head over first.

The military scholar examinations never took too long. After finishing her own errands, Ruan Zhi had come to pick Gu Qingci up.

Inside the carriage, Ruan Zhi lowered her gaze, deep in thought.

Aside from opening new shops in Guide Prefecture to prepare for the tea business, another important task for Ruan Zhi was finding people—specifically, several individuals she had known in her past life.

While business matters were progressing smoothly, locating these people proved trickier. After all, it was two years earlier, and many weren’t where she remembered them to be.

She needed to investigate further based on clues.

Running a successful business required more than just suppliers and storefronts—a fact Ruan Zhi, with her past-life experience, understood well.

For instance, without a reliable security team, trade caravans couldn’t ensure their safety, limiting operations to nearby areas and leaving them vulnerable to impending disasters and wars.

Similarly, without official backing or powerful connections, a mere merchant with no background could easily be suppressed or even robbed.

These were all things Ruan Zhi had to consider and gradually rebuild.

Without a solid foundation, expanding too quickly or earning too much could become a death sentence.

As she pondered this, the carriage curtain lifted, and Gu Qingci stepped inside.

“Madam!” The moment Gu Qingci saw Ruan Zhi, she flashed a grin, her little tiger teeth on full display.

“…Mm. Should we eat first or see a doctor?” Ruan Zhi didn’t ask about the exam results, her eyes lingering on Gu Qingci’s still-tilted head.

“Madam, I was just about to discuss this with you. One of the candidates in my group invited me to a meal at Zuixian Tower. May I go?” Gu Qingci asked.

Ruan Zhi paused.

Since when did an alpha wife report her social outings to her spouse?

Then again, Gu Qingci was unlike anyone else.

“You may go if you wish. But—does your neck no longer hurt? No need to see a doctor?” Ruan Zhi asked.

Instead of rushing to treat her neck, she wanted to dine with a friend? How could she bear to wander around with that crooked posture?

“Lady Wen comes from a long line of physicians and knows medicine. She said she’d bring me a bottle of her family’s secret medicinal wine.” Gu Qingci explained.

“Wen Ren?” Ruan Zhi caught the surname. “What’s her full name?”

“Wen Renyi.”

Hearing the name, Ruan Zhi’s expression shifted slightly.

What a coincidence—one of the people she had been searching for was Wen Renyi of the Wen Ren family. She had assumed Wen Renyi was in the capital, but it turned out she was here in Guid Prefecture, taking the military scholar exam in the same group as Gu Qingci.

Finding Wen Renyi wasn’t related to business. Rather, Wen Renyi had unique expertise in certain medical fields and had once treated Ruan Zhi’s glands in her past life, using acupuncture to alleviate her pain.

Wen Renyi was an alpha. If Ruan Zhi wanted to befriend her, it would be somewhat inconvenient. But if Gu Qingci could establish ties, that would work just as well.

“Very well. You may go. The Wen Ren family has practiced medicine for generations, with clinics all across Daheng. They’re worth befriending. Take this jade token—it grants access to the best private room at Zuixian Tower, and your meal will be complimentary.” Ruan Zhi retrieved a jade plaque from her sleeve, engraved with the character “Ruan” and handed it to Gu Qingci.

“Zuixian Tower belongs to us?” Gu Qingci’s eyes lit up as she accepted the token.

“It’s part of the Ruan family’s holdings, established during my grandfather’s time.” Ruan Zhi corrected.

“That’s wonderful! Thank you, Madam. I won’t stand on ceremony.” Grinning, Gu Qingci pocketed the token, bid Ruan Zhi farewell, and left to find Wen Renyi.

Ruan Zhi lifted the carriage curtain slightly and glanced out. It was indeed the same Wen Renyi she remembered.

Wen Renyi waited by her own carriage, waving cheerfully when she spotted Gu Qingci approaching.

The two reunited, and Wen Renyi first took Gu Qingci to her inn to fetch the medicinal wine before heading to Zuixian Tower together.

The restaurant was bustling, and by the time they arrived, all private rooms were occupied.

Gu Qingci presented the jade token Ruan Zhi had given her, and the waiter immediately escorted them to the best reserved room.

“Zuixian Tower is my father-in-law’s establishment. This meal is on me—please don’t stand on ceremony, Lady Wen.” Gu Qingci said once they were seated.

“Then next time, it’ll be my treat.” Wen Renyi replied without fuss.

They ordered dishes, and while waiting for the food, Wen Renyi enthusiastically applied the medicinal wine to Gu Qingci’s neck using a massage technique.

The wine was indeed effective—first cooling, then warming the skin, slightly easing the stiff, aching pain.

“Lady Gu, if you haven’t consummated your marriage, how do you endure your rut as an alpha?” Wen Renyi asked matter-of-factly, as if posing a simple math problem.

“What’s a rut? How do you endure it? Do you have to consummate the marriage to get through it?” Gu Qingci searched her memories but found no relevant details in the plot, which had focused on Ruan Zhi’s career after her glands were ruined.

“…Do you not have any alpha elders in your family?” Wen Renyi asked.

“Ah, no. My father has passed. If you know, please enlighten me.” Gu Qingci said earnestly.

“I see. My condolences, Lady Gu. During a rut, an alpha’s emotions become highly sensitive. Some exhibit irritability, others heightened emotional fragility—but the universal symptoms are erotic dreams and the need for an omega’s pheromones to soothe them. Temporary marking or absorbing an omega’s pheromones can alleviate it. Consummation isn’t strictly necessary, though it is more effective.” Wen Renyi explained.

“Oh, I see. Thank you, Lady Wen.” Gu Qingci felt relieved she hadn’t experienced it yet.

“I feel like we’ve hit it off, Lady Gu—no need for such formality. Since you lack alpha elders to guide you, do you know how to perform temporary and permanent markings?” Wen Renyi smiled, her eyes filled with something like “compassion.” No wonder the marriage remained unconsummated—she simply didn’t know how!

“This…” Gu Qingci hesitated. Wasn’t this conversation getting a bit too deep for a first meeting?

“Lady Gu, no need for embarrassment—this is simply human nature. I’ve done extensive research in this area and am happy to share all I know!” Wen Renyi declared with solemn dignity.

Her expression radiated such altruistic nobility that it almost made the risqué topic sound academic.

“I’ve seen art manuals.” Gu Qingci said, indicating she wasn’t entirely clueless and didn’t need that much detail.

“Modern art manuals are terrible! They prioritize alpha pleasure, ignore omegas’ comfort, and depict markings as utterly crude and devoid of romance.” Wen Renyi dismissed with a wave.

Gu Qingci was stunned. Ancient people had such… advanced perspectives?

“What insights does Lady Wen have, then?” she asked shamelessly.

When perusing those manuals, Gu Qingci had also felt they were lacking.

As the “tool” Ruan Zhi used to endure her heat, Gu Qingci wanted to make the experience better for her.

After accidentally biting too hard during the last marking, Ruan Zhi had refused further attempts.

Perhaps her heat had already passed.

Who knew when the next one would arrive?

But when it did, she couldn’t afford to make Ruan Zhi kick her again.

At the very least, she had to be worth ten taels of silver.

“Through my research, I’ve concluded that foreplay is absolutely essential before temporary marking…” Wen Renyi launched into a detailed explanation.

Though the subject was blush-inducing, Wen Renyi’s delivery carried an odd sense of righteousness—like a doctor advising a patient.

Gu Qingci absorbed every word like an eager student.

Their discussion paused when the waiter brought their food, resuming once the dishes were laid out and the door closed.

By the end of the meal, their friendship had deepened.

Gu Qingci’s admiration and support for Wen Renyi’s theories had cemented her status as a kindred spirit in Wen Renyi’s eyes.

Gu Qingci hadn’t expected to encounter such a progressive thinker in ancient times—one who hadn’t even been named in the original plot, merely referenced by surname.

She felt like she’d gone from a novice to a graduate student, ready to put her knowledge into practice… pending Ruan Zhi’s approval.

Wen Renyi escorted Gu Qingci back to her inn in her carriage before departing.

When Gu Qingci entered their room, Ruan Zhi was writing letters. She set down her brush upon seeing her.

“The medicinal wine Wen Renyi gave me works well. A couple more applications should do the trick. She’s quite amiable—very impressive. I treated her this time, and she insists on hosting me next. She also said if we ever need medical care, we can visit any Wen Ren clinic and mention her name for preferential treatment.” Gu Qingci shared eagerly, omitting only Wen Renyi’s eyebrow-raising theories.

From her account, Ruan Zhi gathered that Gu Qingci and Wen Renyi had already become friends.

In her memories, Wen Renyi, though always smiling, was actually warm on the surface but cold at heart, rarely forming deep connections. That she’d taken to Gu Qingci surprised Ruan Zhi.

Perhaps befriending Wen Renyi was the greatest gain from this military scholar exam.

With this connection established, they could nurture the relationship over time. If her glands acted up again, Wen Renyi could be consulted.

After a brief exchange, Ruan Zhi resumed her letters while Gu Qingci, exhausted from the day’s events, washed up, applied the medicinal wine to her neck with some difficulty, and prepared for bed.

She unrolled her bedding, intending to sleep on the floor.

“Sleep on the bed.” Ruan Zhi said without looking up.

“Madam, really?” Gu Qingci asked earnestly.

“Unless you want to worsen your injury.”

“Thank you for your kindness, Madam!” Gu Qingci beamed at her.

Her boss was truly too good.

Ruan Zhi ignored her and continued writing.

When the room fell silent, she glanced over to find Gu Qingci curled up on one side of the bed, occupying a modest space, already asleep.

Setting aside her brush, Ruan Zhi waited for the ink to dry, sealed the letters, and went to wash up.

During the journey, napping against Gu Qingci in the carriage had eased the vise-like pain in her head somewhat.

Last night’s poor sleep had brought the throbbing back.

Having Gu Qingci nearby might improve her rest.

After drying her hair, Ruan Zhi lay down.

The moment she settled in, Gu Qingci’s scent enveloped her—mingled now with medicinal wine, yet still potent and sweet.

Like a ship finding anchor in turbulent seas, she gradually steadied.

Before she knew it, she was asleep.

Gu Qingci typically slept soundly, rarely dreaming. But the day’s revelations must have left an impression, because she dreamed vividly.

In her dream, Ruan Zhi shed her usual aloof demeanor, cheeks flushed, voice sultry as she whispered, “Mark me.”

Gu Qingci felt her glands surge, preparing frantically for the task.

A month after the first time, she bit Ruan Zhi again—in her dream.

But this didn’t feel like a worker performing a service for her boss. It felt like…

Smack! A sharp pain on her cheek jolted her awake.

Her eyes flew open to meet Ruan Zhi’s icy, murderous gaze.

The warmth and softness in her arms suddenly felt scalding.

Gu Qingci released her immediately.

Sharing a bed was dangerous!

Had she been sleepwalking? How dare she hug Ruan Zhi, pressing so close!

“Madam, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—it wasn’t intentional!” she blurted, swearing innocence.

Ruan Zhi regarded her coldly, though her ears were visibly flushed.

The room was thick with the scent of an alpha’s pheromones—lustful ones, unmistakable to an omega.

“Get out.” Ruan Zhi ordered.

Gu Qingci scrambled off the bed, guilt-ridden.

“Madam, don’t be angry. I truly didn’t do it on purpose.” she pleaded.

“Go wash up. I need to dress.”

Stealing a glance, Gu Qingci obediently left the room.

Ruan Zhi sat up, frowning.

Having Gu Qingci nearby did improve her sleep.

But…

That morning, she’d awakened to find herself tightly restrained—one hand gripping her waist, the other cupping her backside.

A furry head had been nuzzling her neck, a tongue swiping over her scent glands.

It was utterly…

Lately, Gu Qingci had been so “well-behaved” so engrossed in training for the exam, that their relationship had softened considerably.

Perhaps due to her changed mindset, Gu Qingci’s appearance and bearing had diverged more and more from the detestable figure of Ruan Zhi’s past life.

After prolonged observation, Ruan Zhi’s wariness had gradually faded.

But whether or not she was that same person, she was still an alpha.

With an alpha’s desires.

Whether her actions were unconscious or deliberate, they unsettled Ruan Zhi.

After changing and washing up alone, Ruan Zhi left without sharing breakfast.

Gu Qingci ate in solitude, her appetite diminished.

Her thoughts lingered on Ruan Zhi.

Pinching her cheek to refocus, she lectured herself sternly:

“No improper thoughts about the boss!”

“Be a model employee!”

“Horniness leads only to destruction!”

Her goal was to cling to Ruan Zhi’s powerful coattails and live happily as a carefree slacker.

Her dream of becoming a military scholar was within reach—just one step away. She couldn’t afford to slip up now!

This self-discipline helped somewhat.

After breakfast, Wen Renyi invited her out, and Gu Qingci accepted.

The medicinal wine had worked well enough that her neck was almost straight now, so she forewent the veil.

Wen Renyi, familiar with Guide Prefecture, took her boating on the lake. The diversion lifted her spirits—until she overheard unsettling gossip.

Her crooked-neck exam performance seemed to be the talk of the town.

Fortunately, her name hadn’t spread yet.

“Once the results are posted, Lady Gu, your fame will sweep through Guide Prefecture.” Wen Renyi chuckled.

Gu Qingci smiled awkwardly. She’d rather avoid such notoriety.

That afternoon, she returned first. Ruan Zhi, back later, didn’t speak to her or dine together, instead moving to a neighboring room.

With the exam over, many candidates had left, freeing up space.

Results would post soon. Those who doubted their chances—especially those eliminated in the outer field test—had mostly departed, leaving only those awaiting the announcement.

Gu Qingci waited too.

But the next morning, Lian Rui informed her they were returning to Minshan County.

“Madam, aren’t we waiting for the results?” Gu Qingci asked.

“I’ve arranged with the innkeeper to send word to Minshan County once they’re posted.” Ruan Zhi said.

Her tasks here were complete—goods purchased, time to leave.

As for the exam, Ruan Zhi held no expectations. No need to wait.

Resigned, Gu Qingci packed and followed Ruan Zhi back.

Their return caravan, laden with new inventory, moved slower.

Gu Qingci tried to mend things, but Ruan Zhi buried herself in account books throughout the journey.

Pouting, Gu Qingci shot her occasional wounded looks.

Whenever Ruan Zhi glanced up and met those eyes, she almost felt guilty—as if she were the one at fault.

But it was Gu Qingci who had crossed the line first.

Determined to teach her a lesson, Ruan Zhi maintained her silence.

By afternoon, they reached the Gu residence in Minshan County. While Ruan Zhi busied herself, Gu Qingci, bored, gathered some local specialties and wellness products she’d bought with Wen Renyi and visited her in-laws.

The elder Ruans were accustomed to Gu Qingci visiting without their daughter. Over time, Qin Ruofang’s impression of her had steadily improved, though Ruan Maolin remained wary.

“Qingci, poor exam results are nothing to fret over. You’re still young—there’s always next time.” Qin Ruofang consoled, mistaking her glum expression for post-exam disappointment.

“Mother-in-law, no, I did well. I’m upset because I angered madam. Do you know how to cheer her up? What does she like?” Gu Qingci sought advice.

Qin Ruofang hadn’t expected this. Amused by her earnest distress, she smiled.

“Since childhood, Ah Zhi loved ledgers and calculations. She adored collecting counting rods. Why not gift her a new set? I happen to have a fine piece of jade here. Take it to the goldsmith and have it carved.”

Gu Qingci blinked.

Even Ruan Zhi’s hobbies were domineering?

What kind of child loved account books and math?

But the mention of counting rods sparked an idea.

Thanking Qin Ruofang, she left with the jade rough and some pastries from Ruan Jinyu.

Back at Xiuyi Garden, Ruan Zhi had already returned, instructing Lian Rui to have Gu Qingci sleep in Mojin Pavilion that night.

Her temper was formidable indeed.

Gu Qingci obediently retired to Mojin Pavilion and fell asleep quickly—only to dream vividly again, waking at midnight with an inexplicable restlessness, an intense longing to see Ruan Zhi, to…

…drink tea.

She knew this was wrong but couldn’t help it.

To distract herself, she took a cold bath and exercised.

The next morning, she sketched designs and took the jade to a goldsmith to craft her gift.

During the day, she visited her in-laws as usual.

But nights grew increasingly unbearable.

Gu Qingci realized she might be entering the rut Wen Renyi had described.