My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 20

20

After having lunch with Ruan Zhi, Gu Qingci still wanted to take an afternoon nap when the county yamen’s congratulatory messengers arrived. They were beating gongs and loudly announcing the news, making it impossible not to hear.

Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi stepped outside to listen carefully to the official’s announcement. Seeing Gu Qingci’s name on the posted list, everyone finally felt the surreal moment turn into reality.

Not only had Gu Qingci passed the exam, but she had also achieved the highest rank—first place!

Ruan Zhi glanced at Gu Qingci a few more times, utterly baffled as to how she had managed it. It remained a mystery.

But with black ink on white paper, there was no denying it.

The officials in the prefecture couldn’t be easily bribed, and Gu Qingci certainly didn’t have the connections or wealth to do so.

First place couldn’t have been obtained through underhanded means.

Neighbors, curious about the commotion, came out to look. Once they confirmed the news, they were equally astonished and rushed to offer their congratulations.

Everyone who congratulated her received a monetary reward—regardless of the amount, it was a gesture of celebration.

Gu Qingci watched the money being handed out with a pang of heartache—it felt like throwing cash away.

But then she thought of the over ten thousand taels of silver she was about to receive, and she felt slightly better.

After the messengers left with their rewards, Gu Qingci headed to the county yamen to update her identity token.

Although her status had already been recorded in the official list sent from Guide Prefecture to the county yamen, and she could update her identity token anytime, Gu Qingci didn’t want to wait a moment longer. She was eager to get it changed so she could claim her silver.

As Gu Qingci hurried to the yamen, Ruan Zhi stopped her—her clothes and hair were too casual.

“Your hair needs to be redone. Where is your hairpin?” Ruan Zhi frowned as she inspected Gu Qingci’s attire.

“Madam, I lost that hairpin on the way. Could I have another one? A wooden one is fine.” Gu Qingci said.

“That wooden hairpin was made of golden nanmu, more expensive than gold. Each one cost over two hundred taels of silver, and I only had two made. If you lost it, there isn’t a third.” Ruan Zhi said with a frown.

“What?!” Gu Qingci was stunned, her heart bleeding at the loss.

Rich people were truly rich—what had seemed like just an exquisitely crafted wooden hairpin turned out to be made of golden nanmu!

Heavens, she had lost two hundred taels of silver!

Seeing Gu Qingci’s devastated expression, Ruan Zhi ignored her and called Lian Rui over to tidy her up.

Once she was presentable, Gu Qingci still hadn’t recovered.

If she had known, she would have dug through the ground to find that hairpin!

“It’s just a hairpin. You’re about to receive over ten thousand taels of silver for free.” Ruan Zhi said, seeing Gu Qingci still looking upset.

“It’s not the same, not the same. I’ll go look for it again later.” Gu Qingci shook her head, the pain still fresh.

Ruan Zhi sighed inwardly. She didn’t even care, yet Gu Qingci was the one agonizing over it.

This time, when choosing a hairpin, Gu Qingci made sure to ask about the price and picked a very cheap silver one.

She took a carriage to the county yamen to update her identity token. By the time she arrived, she had adjusted her gloomy expression.

The magistrate of Minshan County, Guo Tongyi, personally came out to greet her upon hearing of her arrival.

Previously, he had been polite to Gu Qingci because of her nominal noble title, but deep down, he had looked down on her. Now that she had become a xiucai (scholar) and might advance further, he dared not show any disrespect.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gu Qingci’s identity token was promptly updated, now bearing the words “Martial Xiucai.”

“I won’t trouble you further today. I hope you’ll honor us with your presence at the celebratory banquet another time.” Gu Qingci said politely before taking her leave.

Guo Tongyi watched her go, sighing in amazement.

Who would have thought someone like Gu Qingci could pass the xiucai exam?

“Back then, I thought Gu Qingci was a good-for-nothing with no skills and an inflated ego. Marrying her to the Ruan family’s daughter would ensure the Ruans never rose again—better than letting her marry Qin Xuanming. Who knew she’d actually become a xiucai, and even rank first? What a pity—the Ruans have been quite generous with their gifts over the years.” Guo Tongyi lamented privately upon returning to the yamen.

“Sir, she’s just a xiucai, and a martial one at that. Minshan County has many xiucai—how many ever pass the provincial exams? There’s no need to worry. The Ruans still rely on you to do business here. Gu Qingci won’t be of any use to them for now. They won’t dare stop their gifts.” his trusted advisor whispered.

“That’s true. But we can’t raise their fees arbitrarily. Their restaurants and inns have been doing well this year.” Guo Tongyi waved his hand, though he still felt a twinge of regret.

“Sir, with the Xia family around, if we don’t raise the Ruans’ fees, we can raise the Xia family’s instead and let them clash with the Ruans. These two families have been at each other’s throats for years—they’ll care more about the Ruans’ growth than we do. Even if Gu Qingci has the ability to pass the provincial exams, whether she has the luck is another matter.” the advisor continued.

Guo Tongyi felt slightly better at these words, though the thought of losing some silver still stung.

“Sir, Scholar Qin has always ranked first in the top class. He’s sure to pass the provincial exams—his future is limitless. How could someone like Gu Qingci, who got lucky with a martial xiucai title, compare to such a son-in-law?” the advisor flattered further.

Guo Tongyi smiled smugly.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingci returned to the spot where she had lost her hairpin the previous day to search again, even asking several people.

This time, she finally gave up.

It was truly gone.

She could only head home.

Updating her identity token and the impending windfall from the bet kept her spirits somewhat lifted.

Back at Xiuyi Garden, Gu Qingci proudly showed Ruan Zhi her updated identity token.

“Can we go to the gambling house to collect the money now?” Gu Qingci asked eagerly, her eyes shining.

Only by reclaiming that silver could her wounded heart heal a little.

“I’ve already sent someone to arrange a meeting. It’s not time yet.” Ruan Zhi said, suppressing a smile at Gu Qingci’s enthusiasm.

This woman only had money on her mind.

Xia Lingyan, unwilling to believe the news, had ridden to Guide Prefecture. If she encountered the prefecture’s messengers on the way, she might return early. Otherwise, she’d have to go all the way to Guide and back, meaning she wouldn’t return until the next day.

Ruan Zhi wasn’t worried about Xia Lingyan running away.

“Alright. Call me when it’s time. I’ll take a nap.” Gu Qingci said.

“…” Ruan Zhi was speechless. The entire household was buzzing with excitement over Gu Qingci’s success, preparing for celebrations, yet she could still sleep?

Remembering Gu Qingci had been restless the previous night and barely slept, Ruan Zhi waved her off.

“Can I nap at Xiuyi Garden?” Gu Qingci ventured cautiously, hoping her new status might earn her some privileges.

“Go to Mojin Pavilion.” Ruan Zhi said after a pause.

“Fine. I’ll go then.” Gu Qingci pouted and left.

Ruan Zhi watched her go, amused that Gu Qingci remained as unassuming as ever, despite her new title.

With a shake of her head, she thought, Well, that’s just her.

Gu Qingci’s success had disrupted some of Ruan Zhi’s plans.

Merchants often sought xiucai or juren (provincial scholars) to reduce taxes, and the Ruan family had previously relied on Qin Xuanming.

If Ruan Zhi wanted to run her own business without involving Qin Xuanming, she’d have to find someone else.

Many xiucai and juren, aware of their leverage, demanded exorbitant fees—sometimes nearly equal to the taxes themselves.

Ruan Zhi had contacted a few but temporarily shelved the idea.

Now, it seemed she wouldn’t need to look further.

Gu Qingci could fill that role.

But if they were to separate later, she’d still need someone—just not urgently. She could take her time finding someone reasonable and reliable.

“Ah Zhi, why did you send the lord to Mojin Pavilion again? Today is her big day—if you’re upset with her, isn’t it time to let it go?” Nanny Qin asked when she saw Gu Qingci’s dejected expression as she left.

“Don’t worry, Nanny. It’s nothing serious. I’m not angry anymore—I just don’t want to spoil her.” Ruan Zhi softened her tone, understanding Nanny Qin’s concern.

“…” Nanny Qin didn’t know what to say.

To an outsider, it might sound like Ruan Zhi was the lord and Gu Qingci the wife.

Since it was their private matter, Nanny Qin didn’t press further.

“Ah Zhi, the menu for the celebratory banquet has been finalized and sent over. Take a look and see if anything needs adjusting. Also, the blank invitation cards have been purchased.” Nanny Qin said, setting down the items.

Ruan Zhi reviewed the menu and found it acceptable, only changing the wine selection.

The banquet was more of a celebration for Gu Qingci’s success than a formal “thank the teacher” event.

Gu Qingci napped but initially couldn’t sleep, her heart aching over the lost hairpin.

After some self-consolation, she finally drifted off.

She woke up in the mid-afternoon, freshened up, and went to find Ruan Zhi.

“Who should we invite to the banquet? Do you have any friends or teachers you’d like to include?” Ruan Zhi asked when Gu Qingci arrived.

“Let’s invite my in-laws, Jinyu, and my martial arts teacher. As for the rest, I’m not familiar with anyone. You decide.” Gu Qingci said, happily delegating.

“…” Ruan Zhi had expected this but was still surprised.

Her old unsavory friends aside, now that she was a xiucai, shouldn’t she try to network with that circle?

“Madam, is it time yet? Can we go?” Gu Qingci was more focused on collecting the money.

“Yes, it’s about time. We’ll leave soon.” Ruan Zhi said.

They took a carriage to a restaurant near the gambling house, where a private room overlooked the bustling street and the gambling den in the distance.

The area was lively, teeming with people from all walks of life.

“Why aren’t we going inside the gambling house?” Gu Qingci asked, eyeing the crowd below.

“You’re a xiucai now. Do you want to ruin your reputation by going to a gambling den? Do you want everyone to know about your windfall?” Ruan Zhi said coolly.

“Have you never been to a gambling house?” Ruan Zhi asked, noticing Gu Qingci’s curiosity about the surroundings, as if it were her first time.

The old Gu Qingci had visited countless times.

“Never. Why would I go? Gambling is a vice—a waste of money.” Gu Qingci quickly denied.

“…” Ruan Zhi didn’t press further.

They waited for about the time it took an incense stick to burn before Xia Lingyan arrived.

She had washed up at home, her hair still slightly damp.

Her expression was stormy as she entered, her eyes flashing with anger at the sight of Gu Qingci and the veiled Ruan Zhi sitting together.

Gu Qingci, too, glared at Xia Lingyan, their mutual hostility palpable.

They had clashed just that morning.

Unfazed, Ruan Zhi produced the betting slip from when they had placed the wager.

“A hundred taels bet. As the bookmaker and representative of the gambling house, you know what to do.” Ruan Zhi said calmly.

At this, Gu Qingci couldn’t help but laugh, her body shaking with mirth.

No wonder Xia Lingyan was so furious—she had been the one running the betting pool!

Karma was a beautiful thing.

This woman had caused her to lose her hairpin, and now she was getting her comeuppance.

“I don’t have the money.” Xia Lingyan spat after a long pause, her face taut with anger.

“Oh? No money? I assume you’ve checked elsewhere—raw materials are scarce in neighboring prefectures. If you renege, I’d rather burn those materials than let the Xia family have them. Your family will lose its official contracts, face legal consequences, and be publicly shamed for dishonesty.” Ruan Zhi said casually, making Xia Lingyan break out in a cold sweat.

Ruan Zhi had laid a trap, leaving Xia Lingyan with no real choice.

Gu Qingci watched Ruan Zhi’s effortless dominance with starry eyes.

Boss is so cool—completely in control!

As for Xia Lingyan? Pathetic. Trying to outmaneuver us?

Overestimating yourself!

Gu Qingci subtly shifted closer to Ruan Zhi, smirking triumphantly at Xia Lingyan.

Cornered, Xia Lingyan grew increasingly flustered, her anger flaring anew at Gu Qingci’s expression.

“Aren’t you afraid I might resort to desperate measures and kidnap you both here?” Xia Lingyan gritted out.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Gu Qingci moved protectively in front of Ruan Zhi, glaring at Xia Lingyan. If it came to that, she’d have to abandon civility.

Ruan Zhi gently pressed Gu Qingci’s arm.

“Xia Lingyan, feel free to try. Among the escorts your father hired from Yanjing, one is my milk brother.” Ruan Zhi said evenly. She had contingencies for such scenarios.

“You—” Xia Lingyan was speechless, seething but powerless.

Ruan Zhi remained silent.

Under the weight of reality, Xia Lingyan’s fury gradually dimmed.

“The money is tied up in materials. I don’t have that much cash on hand. What do you propose?” Xia Lingyan finally gritted out, forced to yield.

“If you can’t pay in silver, property will suffice. Unless you’d rather hand over the Xia family’s entire fortune, there’s another option—sign a five-year indenture to me, worth five thousand taels.” Ruan Zhi offered helpfully.

The suggestion made Xia Lingyan’s face darken further.

Indentured servitude was a profound humiliation for someone whose personal assets far exceeded five thousand taels.

Gu Qingci, however, was scandalized.

Five thousand taels for five years? That’s over eighty taels a month—equivalent to over eighty thousand in modern currency!

Who does she think she is?!

Gu Qingci’s own monthly allowance had only recently been raised to ten taels.

“Madam, five thousand is too much—she’s not worth it!” Gu Qingci whispered behind Ruan Zhi’s veil.

“Not worth it? If I’m not, then you are?!” Xia Lingyan snapped before she could even consider the offer.

“Indeed, she isn’t. Willfully undercutting competitors, reckless betting without proper odds—such shortsightedness would only cause trouble. Five thousand is excessive.” Ruan Zhi agreed coolly.

“…” Xia Lingyan fell silent.

Ruan Zhi had pinpointed her biggest regrets—impulsive decisions she now deeply regretted.

But it was too late.

“Time is precious. I’ll be direct. This ends today. A five-year indenture for three thousand taels. If you agree, I’ll accept an IOU for up to two thousand. Between deeds, promissory notes, and the indenture, the total must reach fifteen thousand taels today. If you refuse and choose mutual destruction, by all means, try.” Ruan Zhi broke the silence.

“Charge interest.” Gu Qingci interjected, relieved Ruan Zhi had lowered the price but still wanting fairness.

“The interest rate will match the banks’.” Ruan Zhi amended, humoring Gu Qingci.

“Fine. Let me return home first.” Xia Lingyan exhaled sharply.

“You have half an hour.” Ruan Zhi set a deadline.

Once Xia Lingyan left, Ruan Zhi explained to Gu Qingci, “The Xia family’s priority is keeping their official contracts. The money is for the materials we stockpiled. They truly don’t have enough cash. Property is an alternative.”

Since the winnings were technically Gu Qingci’s, she deserved an explanation.

“Madam, that’s fine—you can decide. But why the indenture?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Securing Xia Lingyan means securing the Xia family. The merchants of Minshan County—the Xia and Ruan families have feuded for years, forming factions. It’s time to end it. With the government oppressing merchants, infighting leaves no path forward.” Ruan Zhi glanced at Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci’s eyes shone with admiration.

“Madam, your vision is truly unparalleled!” she praised unreservedly.

Ruan Zhi found Gu Qingci’s gaze almost blinding and rubbed her temples.

“Madam, with this money, could we buy another carriage and a house with a riding field?” Gu Qingci bargained.

Ruan Zhi stared at her. Had she forgotten the money was hers to begin with?

“Of course. Once Xia Lingyan delivers the items, aside from her indenture, you may keep the rest. Buy what you wish.” Ruan Zhi said.

“No, no! Madam, you should manage the properties. Invest the money—just keep records and give me my share of the profits, along with my monthly allowance.” Gu Qingci insisted.

She was no financier—better to let Ruan Zhi grow the money.

Ruan Zhi was a sure bet. Early investments would multiply, ensuring endless wealth.

Then she could laze around worry-free.

“…” Ruan Zhi studied her, baffled by her mindset.

Previously, handing over the management of the Gu family’s shops—which were unprofitable and problematic—was one thing. But this was a significant sum.

“I’ll keep accounts. There’s another matter. Now that you have funds, we should settle past debts.” Ruan Zhi said.

“What debts?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Your past gambling losses were covered by my father. He mentioned you owed around a thousand taels. Also, a set of jewelry from my dowry—fine jade and gold, worth twenty taels of gold—and a pair of jade bracelets you took, likely given to someone named young lady huan. In total, about five hundred taels.” Ruan Zhi listed, watching Gu Qingci’s expression darken with anger.

Gu Qingci was furious.

She had no memory of these things, but Ruan Zhi wouldn’t lie. The old Gu Qingci must have done it.

That scoundrel had already been terrible, but Gu Qingci hadn’t realized she’d taken so much from the Ruan family.

No wonder, during her visits, any compliment she paid made Ruan Zhi’s father assume she wanted the item, leading to constant gifts.

And she’d taken Ruan Zhi’s jewelry to give to someone else? Outrageous!

“That woman was despicable! Don’t worry, Madam—I’ll repay every tael. Deduct it from the winnings.” Gu Qingci said, her heart aching.

“…” Ruan Zhi was silent.

The amount taken from her father wasn’t quite a thousand taels, and the jewelry’s value was inflated.

But since Gu Qingci accepted it without question, Ruan Zhi let it stand for now.

They waited until Xia Lingyan returned with a box.

Sullenly, she presented its contents.

“Four thousand taels in silver notes. Three shops in the neighboring county, five estates…” Xia Lingyan listed.

“Not enough.” Ruan Zhi interrupted, instantly calculating the shortfall.

“I’ll sign the indenture. But my terms—no fourth person must know. I’ll obey you, but nothing involving extracting money from the Xia family. This is my personal contract, separate from the family.” Xia Lingyan said.

“Without the Xia family heir’s status, are you worth three thousand? My terms stand. The indenture stays confidential. You won’t serve directly but must come when summoned. You’ll heed my decisions on pricing and conflicts with the Ruans. Also, I plan to form a merchant guild to unite Minshan County’s businesses. Begin preparations—sound out Xia-aligned families about joining and mediate their disputes with the Ruans.” Ruan Zhi dictated.

Xia Lingyan’s face cycled through emotions, ending in shock. She’d expected humiliation, not this vision.

“If you refuse, find another five thousand taels.” Ruan Zhi slid the indenture forward.

Xia Lingyan signed and stamped it, pledging five years to Ruan Zhi.

“And the IOU.” Ruan Zhi reminded.

Xia Lingyan wrote out a two-thousand-tael IOU.

“This indenture won’t be filed with the yamen yet. Satisfy me, and it’s yours in five years. Cross me, and there will be consequences.” Ruan Zhi said, taking the documents.

“I know. I, Xia Lingyan, keep my word.” Xia Lingyan declared.

With business concluded and a follow-up meeting set, Ruan Zhi and Gu Qingci left.

Xia Lingyan remained in the room, her anger fading into contemplation.

Outside, her confidant whispered news that made her eyes narrow.

“Keep watching. If she clung to her even at her worst, now that she’s changed, I refuse to believe it.” Xia Lingyan ordered before mounting her horse and riding off.

Gu Qingci, carrying the box of silver, was in good spirits on the ride back—if not for the lost hairpin, the day would have been perfect.

Her bad luck ended here. From now on, only good fortune!

She consoled herself.

Ruan Zhi raised her monthly allowance to ten taels. Now, her income would include a tax-exempt share, tea profits, and earnings from the newly acquired shops and estates.

Finally, she could laze in peace.

That night, after dinner at Xiuyi Garden, Gu Qingci returned to Mojin Pavilion to sleep, still in high spirits.

But her restless phase wasn’t over—by midnight, the heat returned.

She exercised to exhaustion, bathed, and went back to sleep.

Ruan Zhi, unwilling to relent just because Gu Qingci had become a xiucai, decided to wait a few more days.

The next morning, they breakfasted together.

“We’ve received several invitations—banquets and gatherings. Would you like to review them?” Ruan Zhi asked afterward.

“Madam, I don’t know any of those people. I’d rather not go. As a martial xiucai, I’ve nothing in common with them.” Gu Qingci had no interest in hollow socializing. Besides Ruan Zhi, no one in Minshan County was worth befriending.

Pointless socializing was pointless.

“…” Ruan Zhi finally understood—Gu Qingci simply didn’t want to socialize.

She didn’t press further.

While Ruan Zhi was busy during the day, Gu Qingci went out alone, unaccompanied.

She visited Jin Yu Fang to check on Ruan Zhi’s gift. If it wasn’t ready, she’d pay extra to expedite it.

She wanted to give the gift soon so she could visit Ruan Zhi’s room and soak up her scent.

At Jin Yu Fang, she learned it wasn’t finished and paid extra to hurry the process.

With two hundred taels from Ruan Zhi as pocket money, a few extra taels were worth it.

On her way back, Gu Qingci strolled leisurely.

Her new fame as a xiucai meant constant greetings from strangers, so she took quieter routes.

“Xiucai Gu!” a voice called from an alley.

Gu Qingci turned to see a familiar face—Xue Linlang.

Disinclined to engage, she gave him a cold look and walked on.

“Xiucai Gu, have you truly abandoned young lady huan? She’s willing to be your concubine now—she’s always loved you!” Xue Linlang pleaded.

His attitude had shifted entirely—now that Gu Qingci was a xiucai with prospects.

“…” Gu Qingci was about to shove him aside when she remembered Ruan Zhi’s words.

The old Gu Qingci had given young lady huan many of Ruan Zhi’s valuables.

Since they’d broken up and Gu Qingci had no intention of taking her as a concubine, shouldn’t those items be returned?

“Love? Ha! Xue Linlang, do you think I’m a fool? I gave young lady huan so much, yet you demanded land deeds and more as dowry. How could I take in someone so greedy? Who knows how much she’d cost me? Even if I were interested, I wouldn’t dare.” Gu Qingci feigned indignation.

“Xiucai Gu, young lady huan was just testing you! She kept everything untouched—it would all return to the Gu household if you took her in.” Xue Linlang pressed.

“I dare not. How do I know you’re not lying? Do you take me for a child?” Gu Qingci scoffed.

“Xiucai Gu, if you doubt me, I’ll fetch those items now. Meet me at Fu Yun Restaurant at noon.” Xue Linlang offered.

“Fine. Don’t disappoint me.” Gu Qingci snorted and walked off.

Xue Linlang watched her go, his eyes calculating. Instead of returning home, he hurried in another direction.

At noon, Gu Qingci returned to find Ruan Zhi absent and ate alone.

As the hour approached, she walked to Fu Yun Restaurant.

Fu Yun was unique in Minshan County—a three-story building, the tallest in town.

Xue Linlang waited with a bundle.

“I’ve reserved a private room upstairs.” he said.

Gu Qingci followed him up to inspect the bundle’s contents.

The room was clean but oddly smoky, with a faint incense scent.

Xue Linlang set the bundle before her.

“Look through it. I’ll order food.” he said, stepping out.

Gu Qingci opened the bundle, confirming the presence of gold hairpins and jade bracelets.

Relieved, she stood to leave—only to find a garishly dressed woman blocking the door.

Tears welled in her eyes as a heavy floral scent filled the air.

“Qingci, how could you abandon me for so long?” the woman—Xue Linhuan—sobbed, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

Gu Qingci’s skin crawled.

She had expected a trap but not this.

“Xue Linhuan, marry someone else. Stop scheming. I’m leaving.” Gu Qingci said, stepping forward.

Xue Linhuan untied her sash, letting her robes fall to her undergarments, and lunged to embrace Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci’s mark tingled unnaturally—her restless heat, usually nocturnal, surged prematurely.

The overpowering floral scent came from Xue Linhuan, who clung to Gu Qingci’s sleeve.

Shoving her away, Gu Qingci heard approaching voices.

If she left now, she’d be seen with a half-naked woman—inescapable scandal.

She couldn’t possibly marry this woman.

Thinking fast, Gu Qingci tied the bundle to herself, chopped Xue Linhuan’s neck to knock her out, wrapped her in her discarded robes, and leaped out the window—thankfully overlooking a lake, not the street.

An hour earlier, Ruan Zhi had just finished work when Xia Lingyan arrived, smug.

“Look what I found.” she said, producing a silk-wrapped item.

“Recognize this hairpin? Gu Qingci gave it to Xue Linlang, who pawned it at a Xia-owned shop. She’s been entangled with Xue Linhuan all along—did you know? She even promised to make her primary wife, calling you a mere ornament.” Xia Lingyan sneered.

She’d investigated Gu Qingci but lacked proof until now.

Ruan Zhi studied the hairpin Gu Qingci had claimed was lost.

Gu Qingci’s devastation upon learning its value had seemed genuine.

Perhaps it truly had been lost.

“And?” Ruan Zhi asked coolly.

“And? How can you not care? She’s betraying you! I saw her with Xue Linlang earlier—they’re meeting at Fu Yun Restaurant now. Xue Linhuan will be there too. Does none of this matter?” Xia Lingyan demanded.

Ruan Zhi’s frown deepened.

“Don’t believe me? See for yourself! Must you be like those pathetic women, clinging to unfaithful alphas?” Xia Lingyan fumed.

Ruan Zhi stood.

Regardless, she needed to see.

They arrived at Fu Yun Restaurant’s third floor to find scholars crowding outside a locked door as staff forced it open.

The scene mirrored Ruan Zhi’s own past humiliation at the magistrate’s daughter’s birthday banquet.

The door burst open, revealing—

“Empty? How? This is the third floor—ghosts?” a voice exclaimed.

Xia Lingyan pushed forward, stunned.

Ruan Zhi, catching the heavy floral scent mixed with a familiar, heat-inducing incense, spotted Xue Linlang slipping away.

She hurried downstairs, needing to find Gu Qingci—who might be affected by the incense and in the throes of her restless phase.

“Told you! She must have fled.” Xia Lingyan chased after her.

“Silence! Find Xue Linlang first. Contact me afterward.” Ruan Zhi snapped, lifting her skirts to descend faster.