My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 19

19

“Madam, the lord has been getting up in the middle of the night to bathe these past two days. When I asked if she needed hot water, she said cold water would do.”

Shimo reported Gu Qingci’s situation to Ruan Zhi.

Although Ruan Zhi had no firsthand experience in such matters, her memories from her past life, combined with the additional scent in Gu Qingci’s pheromones recently, had given her some clues.

The thought of Gu Qingci bathing in cold water late at night struck her as pitiable.

Would she catch a cold?

As this thought crossed her mind, Ruan Zhi froze.

That woman had been so disrespectful to her, yet here she was worrying about whether she’d catch a cold from a cold bath?!

Ruan Zhi shook her head and, as before, ignored Gu Qingci and left the house.

In the afternoon, when Gu Qingci returned from the Ruan residence, her mind was somewhat dazed.

It seemed even daytime wasn’t safe anymore.

After riding horses all afternoon, she was exhausted, but as soon as she settled down on the way back, thoughts of Ruan Zhi flooded her mind—and these thoughts were anything but innocent.

Gu Qingci refused to admit it.

This absolutely wasn’t her harboring improper thoughts about her employer. It was purely physiological.

Just like how people tear up in the wind.

It was completely normal.

It had to be.

She was far too professional for anything else.

During Ruan Zhi’s estrus cycle, she had even allowed Gu Qingci to give her a temporary mark. Maybe she could go to Ruan Zhi and soak up her scent—even staying in her room for just a little while would help.

With this thought, Gu Qingci went to Xiuyi Garden to find Ruan Zhi.

Unfortunately, Ruan Zhi hadn’t returned yet, so Gu Qingci waited for her in the outer room.

“My lord, this servant has prepared silver ear and lotus seed soup for you.”

While Gu Qingci was lost in thought, she heard a familiar voice.

She looked up and saw a pretty young maid.

This maid was someone she often saw.

She seemed to have a lot of free time.

Unlike Lian Rui, who attended to Ruan Zhi in her chambers, Ruan Zhi rarely called for her.

Gu Qingci glanced at the lotus seed soup in Lian Rong’s hands.

The color wasn’t very appealing—it didn’t look tasty at all.

After eating with Ruan Zhi for a while, Gu Qingci’s standards for food had risen sharply.

She took the bowl and sniffed it. The scent was slightly bitter and astringent, as if the lotus seed cores hadn’t been fully removed.

“Did you make this yourself?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Yes. Knowing the lord would return in the afternoon, this servant soaked the ingredients ahead of time and spent a long time preparing it in the kitchen. my lord, please taste it and see if it suits your palate.” Lian Rong nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with hope as she looked at Gu Qingci.

“What rank of maid are you? What are your duties?” Gu Qingci asked curiously.

“This servant is a first-rank maid, Lian Rong, serving in Madam’s courtyard. Has the lord forgotten? My lord, how could you forget Lian Rong?” As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes.

She was genuinely on the verge of crying.

She had originally thought Gu Qingci had taken a liking to her, but over the past month, Gu Qingci had been leaving early and returning late every day, always busy with who-knows-what. By the time Gu Qingci returned, Ruan Zhi was usually already in the courtyard, and Nanny Qin kept a close eye on her.

It had been hard to find an opportunity to speak with Gu Qingci alone.

“So your monthly allowance is two taels?” Gu Qingci asked again.

“Yes.” Lian Rong paused before answering. Gu Qingci hadn’t responded to her at all and was instead asking about her allowance?!

“My lord, you once said you’d raise this servant’s monthly allowance to five taels. Have you forgotten? My lord, you also said you’d take me as a concubine. How could you forget all of that?” Lian Rong said to Gu Qingci, her face flushed as she mustered her courage. She couldn’t afford to be reserved anymore—this was a rare opportunity.

Gu Qingci’s eyes widened. What nonsense was this?!

Just as she was about to speak, she sensed danger. Looking up, she saw Ruan Zhi walking in from outside.

Ruan Zhi’s expression was neutral, but her eyes were icy, sending a shiver down Gu Qingci’s spine.

Without acknowledging Gu Qingci, Ruan Zhi went straight into the main room.

“Don’t talk nonsense.” Gu Qingci said to Lian Rong before quickly setting down the lotus seed soup and following Ruan Zhi inside.

She had already angered Ruan Zhi—she couldn’t afford to make things worse.

“Madam, I’ve never said anything like that to Lian Rong. I swear.” Gu Qingci explained as soon as she entered Ruan Zhi’s room.

“What do you think of Lian Rong? If you like her, you can take her as a chamber maid.” Ruan Zhi said indifferently.

“Madam, we signed an agreement—I won’t take concubines or chamber maids.” Gu Qingci replied immediately.

“Not elevating her to concubine status wouldn’t violate the agreement. Don’t worry about me stopping you.” Ruan Zhi added.

“Madam, what she said really has nothing to do with me. I truly have no such intentions. I only spoke to her out of curiosity because the lotus seed soup she made looked terrible, yet she claimed to have worked hard on it all afternoon. I don’t understand why Madam assigned Lian Rong as a first-rank maid. What exceptional qualities does she have? Her monthly allowance is the same as mine. In what way am I inferior to her?” Gu Qingci explained, her tone full of grievance.

Lian Rong received two taels a month—how was she worthy of the same allowance as Gu Qingci?!

She refused to accept this.

Ruan Zhi stared at Gu Qingci in silence.

She hadn’t expected Gu Qingci to defend herself like this—even comparing herself to a maid over their allowances.

“…What rank do you think she should be?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“Second-rank.” Gu Qingci answered without hesitation.

“…” Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci, who was dead serious.

In this life, Lian Rong hadn’t done anything out of line. Ruan Zhi had kept her in the courtyard to test Gu Qingci.

Later, she became too busy to deal with the matter.

From what she could see now, Gu Qingci didn’t seem to like Lian Rong—she was just dissatisfied with her rank and allowance.

If you said Gu Qingci was money-obsessed, she accepted her monthly allowance as the head of the household, yet handed over the entire Gu family’s finances to Ruan Zhi without question.

If you said she didn’t care about money, here she was arguing over a maid’s allowance.

This person was truly unlike anyone else.

“If you don’t take Lian Rong, I’ll give her some silver and send her away. Are you really not taking her?” Ruan Zhi asked again, looking at Gu Qingci.

“Really not.” Gu Qingci waved her hands frantically, afraid any hesitation would make Ruan Zhi suspicious.

Ruan Zhi fell silent for a moment before calling for Nanny Qin to handle Lian Rong’s matter.

The things Lian Rong had said were likely promises made by the “other Gu Qingci” Gu Qingci had mentioned.

In that case, it was best to crush Lian Rong’s hopes early and let her live a different life.

Outside, Lian Rong, who had been waiting, paled when Nanny Qin delivered the news.

“You’ll leave tomorrow morning. Madam has given you severance pay—you’ll have to make your own way outside. I recall you have family. With your looks, you could marry into a respectable family as a proper wife. Scheming to become a concubine won’t lead to a good end.” Nanny Qin told her.

“…” Lian Rong was unwilling but had no choice. She was escorted out by Nanny Qin.

Inside the room, Gu Qingci cautiously studied Ruan Zhi’s expression.

“Madam, you’re not angry anymore, right?” Gu Qingci inched closer to Ruan Zhi and asked.

“…Why would I be angry?” Ruan Zhi said stiffly.

Gu Qingci secretly scoffed. Clearly angry, yet denying it.

“Madam is truly magnanimous and tolerant! Then… may I stay here tonight?” Gu Qingci flattered Ruan Zhi.

“You may stay for dinner, but you’ll return to Mojin Pavilion to sleep.” Ruan Zhi side-eyed her.

Though she had softened somewhat toward Gu Qingci, she held her ground. She couldn’t afford to be soft-hearted again.

They would have to separate eventually.

Though she couldn’t stay the night, Gu Qingci was still happy. Being able to share a meal was progress.

Once the gift was finished and given to Ruan Zhi, she would surely forgive her.

After dinner, Gu Qingci lingered for a while, chatting about the Ruan family and Ruan Jinyu.

Seeing Gu Qingci wanting to be close yet not daring to cross the line, maintaining a respectful distance, Ruan Zhi inexplicably softened again.

Perhaps letting her stay the night wouldn’t be so bad.

Unlike the inn, where they shared a bed, here they would sleep separately. Surely Gu Qingci wouldn’t climb into her bed again.

When Gu Qingci reluctantly prepared to leave, Ruan Zhi steeled herself and didn’t ask her to stay.

The next day, according to Shimo, Gu Qingci had gotten up to take another cold bath.

Ah, how pitiful.

An image of a drenched, dripping puppy appeared in Ruan Zhi’s mind.

Fine. She’d let her stay tonight.

During the day, Ruan Zhi went out to handle business. She had been very busy lately.

The construction of the tea plantation and tea shop, the selection and training of tea-roasting masters, and dealing with the Xia family all required considerable effort.

While Ruan Zhi was instructing the shopkeeper, a clerk informed her that Xia Lingyan had arrived.

After a moment’s thought, Ruan Zhi decided to receive her.

She bore no deep hatred for Xia Lingyan—she just wanted her to understand that mutual sabotage was harmful.

When meeting outsiders, Ruan Zhi wore a veil.

In the reception room, Xia Lingyan’s face was dark as she stared at Ruan Zhi, whose face and figure were completely concealed, only growing more irritated.

“All I did was open a betting pool to embarrass her. If she had any real skill, she could’ve earned honors through the exams. Do you have to defend her so fiercely? Not only did you bet on her passing, but you also spent money to target the Xia family, hoarding so much raw material. You can’t even use it all—you’re just wasting silver.” Xia Lingyan said mockingly.

“…” Ruan Zhi had thought Xia Lingyan might be here to negotiate, but it seemed she was still fuming and analyzing the situation this way.

She believed Ruan Zhi was acting out of anger on Gu Qingci’s behalf.

Indeed, buying so much raw material to sabotage the Xia family meant that if Ruan Zhi couldn’t convert it into sellable goods, she would suffer heavy losses.

Such a lose-lose strategy was something the old Ruan Zhi would never have done, even if angered by Xia Lingyan stealing the official supplier title.

Xia Lingyan probably thought Gu Qingci was behind this—after all, married omegas were subject to their alphas’ control.

“Some say omegas become dependent on their alphas after marriage. I didn’t believe it until now. You’re wasting so much silver, yet it proves nothing. It won’t change the fact that you married a brainless, freeloading good-for-nothing!” Xia Lingyan continued angrily.

“Xia Lingyan, watch your words!” Ruan Zhi raised her voice. She was angry at the insults directed at Gu Qingci, even if they seemed factual.

“Oh? Did I say anything wrong? Everyone in Minshan County knows she’s a joke. Failing the civil exams, she switches to the military exams, thinking she can pass those? It’s not me who made her a joke—she is one! Give her a few more years, and she’ll be like those perpetual candidates, still failing even with gray hair!” Xia Lingyan, sensing Ruan Zhi’s anger, grew even more furious, her words dripping with venom.

Seeing Xia Lingyan had no intention of negotiating, Ruan Zhi didn’t want to waste more words.

Before she could dismiss her, she heard a commotion outside.

“Madam, wonderful news! Wonderful news! The lord has passed the exams!” The shopkeeper shouted excitedly.

Ruan Zhi froze, wondering if she had misheard.

Xia Lingyan shot to her feet.

“What did you say? Who passed?!” Xia Lingyan grabbed the shopkeeper’s collar.

“The lord passed! Marquis Jian’an has passed the military exams as the top candidate!” The shopkeeper, ignoring Xia Lingyan’s rudeness, replied excitedly.

“Impossible!” Xia Lingyan refused to believe it.

She had just called Gu Qingci a talentless failure to Ruan Zhi’s face, saying she’d never pass in her lifetime.

And now, out of nowhere, came this news!

She wouldn’t believe it!

That good-for-nothing couldn’t have passed!

She had to see it with her own eyes!

Xia Lingyan shoved the shopkeeper aside and stormed out.

Ruan Zhi slowly rose and approached the shopkeeper.

“How do you know? Are you sure?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“Absolutely. The innkeeper from Guide Prefecture sent a reliable clerk on horseback to deliver the news. When they didn’t find you at the Gu residence, Madam Zhao sent someone to inform the shop. If Madam doubts it, wait until this afternoon—after the prefecture releases the rankings, the list will be sent to the county. The magistrate will surely dispatch a messenger to notify us.” The shopkeeper explained.

“Mm. Thank you for your hard work. Here’s ten taels—reward the shop assistants with one tael each and keep the rest. I’ll return home first.” Ruan Zhi said calmly.

It was customary to reward those who brought news of academic success.

Though she disliked Xia Lingyan’s words about Gu Qingci, Ruan Zhi herself hadn’t believed Gu Qingci could pass, let alone rank first.

Especially since she knew Gu Qingci had gone to the exams with a stiff neck.

Passing—and as the top candidate?

Ruan Zhi wouldn’t have dreamed something so absurd.

The shopkeeper’s news had not only refuted Xia Lingyan’s claims but also overturned Ruan Zhi’s impression of Gu Qingci.

If this were true, Gu Qingci’s puzzling remarks in the past would make sense.

Gu Qingci had always been confident. Over the past month, while pretending to be weak outside, she had trained diligently at the Ruan residence. After the exams, she had even been invited to dinner by Wen Renyi…

So all those things Gu Qingci had said, which Ruan Zhi had dismissed as delusional, were actually true?

Ruan Zhi also wanted to verify this.

She left to return to the Gu residence and meet the clerk who had brought the news.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingci was unaware of all this. Having slept poorly the night before, she slept in late.

After breakfast, she remembered the gift she was preparing for Ruan Zhi and went to the jeweler’s to check on its progress.

Since Ruan Zhi had taken the carriage for her errands, Gu Qingci walked.

On the way, she ran into a familiar face.

She remembered this person—Xue Linlang, with an unpleasant demeanor, shifty eyes, and a pale complexion, as if addicted to something.

“Gu Qingci!” Xue Linlang called out.

Ignoring him, Gu Qingci quickened her pace toward the jeweler’s.

The jeweler had prepared a few beads according to Gu Qingci’s specifications. After inspecting them and finding them satisfactory, she instructed the craftsman to proceed.

As Gu Qingci left the jeweler’s, she heard the sound of a horse neighing—someone was galloping straight toward her.

Gu Qingci barely had time to roll aside, avoiding the horse’s hooves.

Scrambling to her feet, she was furious.

She glared at the rider, who seemed unconcerned about being recognized and met her gaze head-on, shooting her a fierce look before riding off.

“What kind of person does that? How outrageous!” Gu Qingci fumed, asking a passerby for information.

“The eldest daughter of the Xia family, Xia Lingyan. She’s not usually like this. Did you offend her?” The person replied, equally puzzled.

“…” Gu Qingci knew of her—wasn’t she Ruan Zhi’s business rival?

Had they clashed, leading Xia Lingyan to target her?

Baffled, Gu Qingci mentally added this person to her blacklist. If they crossed paths again, she’d make sure to teach her a lesson.

As she walked back, Gu Qingci felt her hair loosening. Touching it, she realized the hairpin was missing.

She retraced her steps but couldn’t find it.

It was the wooden hairpin Ruan Zhi had given her, which she had worn ever since.

Lately, she had been practicing horseback riding and archery, making it impractical to wear anything too valuable, so she had stuck with this one.

Now it was lost.

With so many people on the street, there was no telling who might have picked it up.

After a futile search, Gu Qingci gave up.

The wooden pin wasn’t worth much. She’d head back for now.

When she arrived home, a young servant immediately greeted her.

“Congratulations, my lord! You’ve ranked first in the military exams!” The servant beamed.

“The results are out?” Gu Qingci was stunned.

In the hustle and bustle, she had almost lost track of time—today was results day!

“Yes! Early this morning, the rankings were posted—My lord is the military exam’s top scorer!” The servant exclaimed excitedly.

Delivering good news was a coveted task, as it came with generous rewards.

“Thank you for letting me know!” Gu Qingci said, turning to find Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi had just returned as well.

“Madam, I passed! And I came in first!” Seeing Ruan Zhi, Gu Qingci’s eyes crinkled with joy as she rushed over to share the news.

She had held back for days—now she could finally tell Ruan Zhi properly.

“Mm.” Ruan Zhi nodded, watching Gu Qingci hover around her like an eager puppy wagging its tail, waiting for praise.

“Madam, I wasn’t boasting, was I? If I said I could pass, then I could!” Gu Qingci said happily.

“Well done.” Ruan Zhi acknowledged her before beckoning the servant over.

“This is absolutely true—this servant wouldn’t dare lie. If Madam doubts it, wait for the county office’s official notification.” The servant repeated.

Ruan Zhi gave him a few silver coins, which he accepted gratefully.

For complete confirmation, they would have to wait for the county’s official notice.

“Ah, I should go tell my in-laws! Wait—Madam, this is just the initial news. How do I prove I really passed? Is there an official document? Do I need to go to Guide Prefecture to collect it?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Guide Prefecture will send someone. Once you receive it, you can go to the county office to update your identity token with the military scholar designation.” Ruan Zhi explained.

“Madam, once the betting houses and gambling dens find out, will they flee in fear? We shouldn’t spread the news too widely yet, right?” Gu Qingci remembered something crucial.

Her winnings—over ten thousand taels, equivalent to more than ten million yuan!

“…Given their resources, they won’t run, though it might take some effort. Once you have the updated token, take the betting slips to claim your winnings.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Good!” Gu Qingci grinned.

“Madam, do you remember the raise in my allowance and the 10% tax exemption share?” Gu Qingci followed Ruan Zhi to Xiuyi Garden, bringing up her allowance and share—this was serious business.

“I haven’t forgotten.” Ruan Zhi glanced at her.

Now that she had become a military scholar, what was going through her mind?

Ruan Zhi suspected that Gu Qingci had studied for the exams for a month purely for the raise and tax exemption share.

With this confirmation, Gu Qingci was even more delighted, trailing after Ruan Zhi like an eager puppy.

Nanny Qin and the others had already heard the news and were busy preparing a feast. When they saw Ruan Zhi, they hurried over.

“Ah Zhi, the heavens have blessed us! The lord has passed! Am I dreaming?” Nanny Qin exclaimed.

“Probably not.” Ruan Zhi said, still feeling like this was all surreal.

They would have to wait for the county’s official notice to be certain.

“Madam, My lord, we’ve never had such an occasion before. How should we distribute the rewards? What preparations are needed?” Madam Zhao asked.

“Everyone in the household will receive an extra month’s allowance as a reward. Exchange some silver and ten taels’ worth of copper coins. Reward the messengers with silver, and give copper coins to anyone who comes to deliver good news. Also, buy some firecrackers. Prepare blank name cards and book five banquet tables—follow the standard for a graduation feast. Have the guards at the front be alert—if anyone comes, report immediately.” Ruan Zhi instructed.

Madam Zhao hurried off to make arrangements.

Regardless of whether it was true, Ruan Zhi made all the necessary preparations just in case.

Gu Qingci didn’t have to worry about any of this.

Her only concern was getting her identity token updated so she could claim her winnings.

Nothing unexpected had better happen—ten thousand taels was enough to make her lose all decorum.