My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 23

23

Gu Qingci kicked Xue Linlang several times in a row until she was pulled back by Ruan Zhi, who grabbed her clothes from behind.

Ruan Zhi had never seen Gu Qingci so furious before—like a cat with its fur bristling.

Xue Linlang had initially screamed in pain, but by now, he was coughing up bl00d, groaning weakly.

“Come here!” Ruan Zhi frowned and said. If he kept kicking him, the man would be crippled, and they still had questions to ask.

Ruan Zhi hadn’t expected such twists behind the scenes.

The name “Gu Qingci” had been a coincidence, which was why many things hadn’t made sense in Ruan Zhi’s past life. After all, “Gu Qingci” herself hadn’t known she had stumbled into someone else’s scheme, taking another’s place.

Knowing this, Ruan Zhi’s emotions didn’t fluctuate much. The outcome was already set, and she didn’t dwell on how it had come about.

What she cared about was the other person Xue Linlang had mentioned.

Pulled back by Ruan Zhi, Gu Qingci took a few steps back, understanding there were still things to ask. For now, Xue Linlang was spared.

Xia Lingyan’s expression was even more complicated and furious than Gu Qingci’s.

She had never imagined that Ruan Zhi had been forced into marrying Gu Qingci because of a setup.

She had always thought Ruan Zhi was “blind” or “willingly degrading herself” climbing the “high branch” of a useless waste like Gu Qingci.

So that was the truth.

No wonder. How could someone like Ruan Zhi ever marry Gu Qingci?

If only she had been there that day.

Then…

As Gu Qingci was pulled back by Ruan Zhi, Xia Lingyan stepped forward and yanked Xue Linlang up from the ground.

“Was everything you just said the truth? How could the maidservant from Miss Guo’s side help you? What are you, trash?” Xia Lingyan voiced her doubts.

“Cough… cough… I swear everything I said was true… Please, no more beatings. I swear it’s all real.” Xue Linlang trembled, utterly terrified.

“During Miss Guo’s birthday banquet last time, it was that maidservant who led me to Lady Ruan’s room. But I was a step too late—Gu Qingci, that lecherous fool, dared to run around recklessly in the magistrate’s residence and barged into that room! I didn’t even have time to do anything before a crowd showed up, and all the credit went to Gu Qingci. I saw through the scheme, and the maidservant, afraid I’d talk, even paid me hush money. This time, when I arranged to meet Gu Qingci, I went to that maidservant again. The incense was from her, the private room was booked by her, and she deliberately made sure we’d run into those scholars.”

Xue Linlang spilled everything in one breath, panting heavily from the pain.

Xia Lingyan’s hands, gripping Xue Linlang, trembled uncontrollably.

“Why? Why would they do this?!” Xia Lingyan demanded, no longer bothering to disguise her voice.

“I don’t know. That’s all I know. Gu Qingci was drugged with that incense—there was no way she could’ve resisted. You told me to go to her, I…” Before Xue Linlang could finish, Xia Lingyan punched him square in his already bruised face.

Given the circumstances, Xue Linlang’s words were likely true.

Ruan Zhi could guess some of the reasons behind this based on the current situation.

Seeing Xia Lingyan inexplicably so enraged, and Xue Linlang emitting a foul stench, Ruan Zhi turned and walked out.

Gu Qingci followed Ruan Zhi, still seething.

Though it was “Gu Qingci” who had stumbled into this mess, and she had crossed over to become Ruan Zhi’s wife without harming her further, the fact that Ruan Zhi had already suffered because of it made Gu Qingci ache inside.

Sullen, Gu Qingci trailed behind Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi was lost in thought and didn’t notice Gu Qingci’s mood.

After waiting outside for a while, Xia Lingyan emerged, her eyes red as she looked at Ruan Zhi.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t know.” Xia Lingyan said hoarsely.

“It’s in the past. No need to bring it up again. Do you know why the Guo family is targeting me like this?” Ruan Zhi asked calmly.

“I heard Qin Xuanming and Guo Renshu exchanged horoscopes. Qin Xuanming was originally supposed to be engaged to you. Guo Renshu—that venomous woman!” Xia Lingyan speculated based on the current situation.

Guo Renshu was the daughter of Magistrate Guo Tongyi.

“It’s not just that. Ever since Guo Tongyi came to Minshan County, our families have been in constant conflict, squeezing each other dry. The bribes we’ve had to pay him are higher than under any previous magistrate. With my cousin’s talent, he should’ve passed the imperial exams three years ago, but something went wrong. This year, with the autumn exams approaching, and Guo Renshu coming of age for marriage, they set up Xue Linlang precisely because he seemed like a decent academy student but was actually a gambling addict, hopeless trash. If I’d married him, the Ruan family would’ve been dragged down with him. Gu Qingci was an accident, but she fit the outcome they wanted.” Ruan Zhi analyzed coldly.

“You’re saying… Guo Tongyi was behind this? He went this far just to extort money from us?!” Xia Lingyan paused, disbelieving, yet Ruan Zhi’s reasoning made sense.

“Nothing’s impossible. Our families have been fighting each other pointlessly, just playing into someone else’s hands. Remember what I told you before—handle your part well. For now, we need to unite. No matter who comes later, they’ll have to think twice before crossing us.” Ruan Zhi said.

“I understand. I’ll handle it properly.” Xia Lingyan looked at Ruan Zhi, the usual thorns in her demeanor seemingly plucked away, replaced by remorse and admiration.

Gu Qingci clenched her fists nearby.

Ruan Zhi had made it clear—there were even more complicated reasons behind this, involving various interests.

Guo Tongyi had just made it onto Gu Qingci’s blacklist.

“Madam, not only do we have to pay taxes, but we also have to give Guo Tongyi extra silver? How much?” Gu Qingci asked after the two finished talking.

“Yes, it’s a private bribe. Originally, it was a thousand taels a year. Now it’s two thousand.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Outrageous! How can someone like him be a magistrate?! Do we just hand over the money like obedient sheep? Isn’t there anywhere to report him?” Gu Qingci fumed.

“Report him? He’s an official; we’re commoners. What can we do? If we don’t pay, he’ll make trouble for us, and we’ll be bankrupt in no time.” Xia Lingyan said irritably.

Gu Qingci clenched her fists again.

This was infuriating.

Paying taxes was one thing, but being extorted and forced to bribe on top of it?

“If you’ve got the skills, become an official yourself. A higher rank crushes those below. Then you can deal with him!” Xia Lingyan added.

Gu Qingci had passed the military exams and become a scholar.

But only after passing the provincial exams could one become an official.

The provincial exams were far more difficult—only three or four out of a hundred candidates might pass.

Xia Lingyan didn’t believe Gu Qingci had the luck to pull it off again.

Gu Qingci’s expression darkened.

Xia Lingyan thought Gu Qingci was frustrated at her lack of qualifications to become an official.

In reality, Gu Qingci was furious because she’d thought passing the military exams meant she could finally relax.

But now, with this nonsense, how could she rest easy?

If she didn’t deal with that scum Guo Tongyi and avenge Ruan Zhi, this anger would fester inside her!

And in the future, the money they earned would still have to be handed over to Guo Tongyi as “tribute.”

The mere thought made her bl00d boil!

“Xia Lingyan, focus on your own tasks. That’s all for today. Handle Xue Linlang—make sure no one finds out.” Ruan Zhi noticed Gu Qingci’s frustration and shot Xia Lingyan a cold look.

“I’ll handle it properly.” Xia Lingyan quickly lowered her voice.

Ruan Zhi walked out, and Gu Qingci followed.

“What about the hairpin? Xue Linlang really did pawn it!” Xia Lingyan suddenly remembered something, quickly catching up to Ruan Zhi and pulling out the hairpin she’d redeemed from the pawnshop, handing it to Ruan Zhi.

“She lost it. I hope you’ll stop paying attention to Gu Qingci. What kind of person she is doesn’t need your commentary.” Before Gu Qingci could speak, Ruan Zhi took the hairpin and said coolly, casually handing it to Gu Qingci.

Xia Lingyan was speechless, glaring at Gu Qingci with fury.

The hairpin had been recovered, and hearing Ruan Zhi defend her, Gu Qingci’s mood instantly brightened. She smirked at Xia Lingyan before trotting after Ruan Zhi.

“Madam, you’re so good to me!” Gu Qingci said cheerfully.

“Walk back. Don’t get in the carriage.” Ruan Zhi said as they reached the carriage.

Gu Qingci’s smile instantly collapsed.

“Madam, why? What did I do wrong?” Gu Qingci asked pitifully.

“Look at your skirt.” Ruan Zhi said disdainfully before getting into the carriage.

Gu Qingci glanced down and remembered kicking Xue Linlang—her skirt was stained with bl00d and reeked of him.

Ruan Zhi was fastidious and couldn’t stand it.

Gu Qingci had no choice but to walk back.

When she returned, Lian Rui informed her that she couldn’t go to Xiuyi Garden for dinner either—she’d have to eat in Mojin Pavilion.

Gu Qingci guessed Ruan Zhi was still upset, and today’s events had worsened her mood. She probably wanted some quiet.

Not wanting to disturb her, Gu Qingci obediently ate in Mojin Pavilion. After dinner, she washed up but, unusually, couldn’t sleep.

She changed into black clothes, slipped out of the courtyard, and went for a walk to clear her mind.

Gu Qingci wandered to Guo Tongyi’s residence based on memory.

Guo Tongyi’s home was near the county office, government-issued and unremarkable from the outside.

Gu Qingci only knew its location—she had no idea about the interior. She just wanted to scout around and see if she could find anything.

After wandering for who knows how long, Gu Qingci grew tired and headed back.

The next noon was the banquet Ruan Zhi had arranged at a restaurant to thank Gu Qingci’s teachers. Many guests were invited—besides the Ruan family, martial arts instructors, academy teachers, and the magistrate, Ruan Zhi had also invited scholars with good reputations preparing for the autumn exams, helping Gu Qingci build connections.

As an omega, Ruan Zhi didn’t attend, only sending Gu Qingci with a servant.

Since she was going out to meet people, Ruan Zhi had someone dress Gu Qingci up that day.

Her hair was tied up in a high bun, adorned with a jade hairpin and a pale blue ribbon—refreshing yet heroic.

Her wide-sleeved, fitted robe was cyan-colored, made of fine brocade, exuding nobility even without considering her face.

“Madam, aren’t you coming?” Gu Qingci was disappointed.

“This gathering is for alpha. It’s not appropriate for me to attend. If you’re not in the mood to socialize, don’t force yourself. The restaurant manager has been instructed to help host, and Father will also assist.” Ruan Zhi knew Gu Qingci disliked socializing and reassured her.

“If you see Magistrate Guo, don’t show any suspicion. Father doesn’t know about that incident, and I don’t want him to find out now. Magistrate Guo doesn’t want the Ruan family to grow too influential. Now that you’re a military scholar, be careful.” Ruan Zhi added.

Though Ruan Zhi’s tone and demeanor were still cool, Gu Qingci sensed a subtle softening—like ice melting slightly, sweet to the taste.

“Madam, I understand.” Gu Qingci nodded obediently.

Ruan Zhi said no more and sent Gu Qingci off to the banquet while she went to handle other matters.

The new carriage was ready—each of them had their own for travel.

The banquet took up the entire restaurant hall—five tables, lively and bustling.

Every guest, regardless of their true thoughts, offered congratulations.

Gu Qingci didn’t know most of them, simply following Ruan Maolin’s lead, calling her father-in-law affectionately and toasting or speaking to whomever he directed.

Gu Qingci’s enthusiasm and politeness, which had once creeped Ruan Maolin out, now made him the envy of his old friends and rivals. Even the magistrate treated him more respectfully than before. At the banquet, Gu Qingci treated Ruan Maolin as an elder, giving him face and making him feel quite pleased.

Gu Qingci’s figure was still slight, her skin fair, and her demeanor more docile than before—she didn’t look like a military scholar at all. Some might even mistake her for an omega.

Some, seeing how deferential Gu Qingci was to Ruan Maolin, suspected he’d paid to get her the scholar title.

When asked how she’d passed, Gu Qingci replied without modesty:

“Ninety percent talent, ten percent effort.”

Some wished her luck in the autumn exams.

“Thank you. After I pass the provincial exams and take first place, I’ll treat everyone again.” Gu Qingci said earnestly.

Ruan Zhi had advised her to keep a low profile, but Gu Qingci saw no need—she wanted those eyeing their wealth to think twice.

But her words were so arrogant even Ruan Maolin couldn’t take it.

How could someone so prideful achieve anything?

The guests inwardly sighed. Passing the scholar exams had gone to her head—the provincial exams were much harder.

When she failed, where would she hide her face?

Thinking this, they still raised their cups in polite congratulations.

The banquet ended on a harmonious note.

Ruan Maolin had wanted to admonish Gu Qingci but shook his head instead. Ruan Zhi had wanted her to stay humble, but this flamboyance might achieve the same effect.

After seeing off the guests, Ruan Maolin offered a few words of encouragement before leaving.

Once it was over, Gu Qingci headed to Jin Yu Fang to pick up the gift she’d commissioned for Ruan Zhi.

The jade was smooth and cool to the touch, exquisitely crafted with a glossy sheen.

Delighted, Gu Qingci carried the box back eagerly, assembling it in Mojin Pavilion. She plucked the strings a few times—the sound was crisp and pleasant, both beautiful and practical. Ruan Zhi would surely love it, and in her joy, might let Gu Qingci return to Xiuyi Garden for meals and stays.

Giddy, Gu Qingci rushed to Xiuyi Garden.

Ruan Zhi wasn’t back yet.

Gu Qingci nibbled on snacks while waiting.

By mid-afternoon, the sky suddenly darkened.

Thunder rumbled, startling Gu Qingci from her nap.

Hearing the thunder and seeing the ominous sky, her heart clenched.

“Madam isn’t back yet?!” Gu Qingci bolted outside while asking.

“My lord, not yet. Take an umbrella!” Nanny Qin, unsure why Gu Qingci was in such a hurry, chased after her with an oil-paper umbrella.

The wind howled, rain poured, and dark clouds rolled like the apocalypse was coming.

The umbrella was useless—Gu Qingci was drenched the moment she stepped out, her brocade robe turning deep blue when wet.

She tossed the umbrella aside, unhitched the carriage horse, and rode out.

Thunder cracked violently, lightning splitting the sky.

Gu Qingci galloped through the rain, searching for the carriage.

After a while, she spotted the familiar carriage stopped at a lane entrance.

Dismounting, she yanked open the carriage door—it was empty.

She checked nearby shops.

“My lord, Madam finished reviewing the accounts, but when the thunder started, she went to the back courtyard. The old madam is also here with her.” The shopkeeper said.

Relieved to hear Ruan Zhi was in the back, Gu Qingci’s tension returned at the mention of “old madam.”

Xue Sanniang was back? Without telling her? Had she come specifically for Ruan Zhi?

And in this storm?!

Gu Qingci sprinted to the back courtyard.

In a room there, Ruan Zhi curled in a corner.

Lian Rui and the coachman were tied up nearby, gagged with cloth.

A garishly dressed, wrinkled old woman muttered incantations, sticking yellow talismans scribbled with strange symbols on Ruan Zhi and the walls.

“Is it contained?” Xue Sanniang asked behind her, watching Ruan Zhi with satisfaction.

“It is. Evil spirits fear thunder—today is perfect for exorcism. Once I sprinkle this bowl of black dog’s bl00d, her soul will scatter.” The old woman said, raising the bowl to dump on Ruan Zhi.

Xue Sanniang watched eagerly—but the bl00d didn’t land on Ruan Zhi. Instead, it splashed onto her own face.

Screaming, Xue Sanniang dodged but was still drenched.

Then a figure burst in, rushing to Ruan Zhi’s side.

Gu Qingci.

She’d known Xue Sanniang’s arrival boded ill.

Even through the storm, she’d heard Xue Sanniang and the old woman’s conversation, fueling her rage.

She kicked over the bowl of dog’s bl00d, tore off the talismans, and scooped Ruan Zhi into her arms.

Wiping bl00d from her face, Xue Sanniang wailed at the sight of Gu Qingci.

“Qingci, you see? This woman fears thunder—she’s a monster! Wake up! She’s bewitched you! Don’t be fooled!”

“Shut up!” Gu Qingci snapped, glaring at Xue Sanniang.

Whatever lingering regard she’d had for Xue Sanniang was gone.

How dare she?!

Not bothering with explanations, Gu Qingci carried Ruan Zhi out, shutting the door behind her to trap the others inside, then took Ruan Zhi to an empty room.