My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 26

26

Ruan Zhi lay on Gu Qingci’s back, her gaze fixed on the back of Gu Qingci’s head, which swayed slightly with each step forward.

Ruan Zhi wore a rainproof veil hat, so Gu Qingci didn’t bother with a bamboo rain hat, only pulling up the hood of her oilcloth coat. Before long, her face and the hair at her forehead were drenched.

“Everything’s packed. Be careful—the path is slippery. I’ll trouble Nanny Qin and Madam Zhao to handle things here.” Gu Qingci said to the others.

The carriage had been left at the post station at the foot of the mountain, with the coachman staying behind to watch over it. This area was on higher ground and wouldn’t be flooded.

The rest of the group carried their bundles and proceeded on foot.

Gu Qingci had a small oilcloth-wrapped bundle tied to her chest—her own valuables. Ruan Zhi still trusted Madam Zhao and Nanny Qin enough to let them carry the more precious items, while she only kept her personal seal and large-denomination banknotes in her sleeve pocket.

Xue Sanniang had also come along with them. Over the past few days, she had been kept under the watchful eyes of the “shaman” who had been recruited, along with two other fierce and domineering women skilled at managing people, and hadn’t dared to spout any more nonsense about demons and evil spirits.

Now, as she watched Gu Qingci carry Ruan Zhi on her back, she still didn’t dare to make a sound.

After instructing the women to keep an eye on Xue Sanniang, Gu Qingci stopped by Qin Ruofang’s carriage.

Standing beside Qin Ruofang’s carriage was Qin Xuanming.

They were heading to Linglan Temple today, but she hadn’t expected him to come as well.

Meeting Qin Xuanming’s cold, stern, and hostile gaze, Gu Qingci raised an eyebrow, her eyes deliberately provoking.

Just as Qin Xuanming’s anger flared, Gu Qingci looked away.

Now, even Qin Xuanming seemed irritating to her, so she certainly wouldn’t give him a pleasant look.

“Mother-in-law, the ground is slippery. Please be careful. I’ll take Madam up first and then come back for you.” Gu Qingci called into the carriage.

Qin Ruofang had just finished putting on her oilcloth coat and was about to step out when she heard Gu Qingci’s voice. Lifting the curtain, she saw Gu Qingci carrying Ruan Zhi on her back.

Ruan Zhi wore a veil hat, so her expression wasn’t visible, but her posture was upright, her wrist resting naturally on Gu Qingci’s shoulder—composed and without any sign of reluctance.

“Very well. Be careful yourself.” Qin Ruofang said. Gu Qingci acknowledged her and carried Ruan Zhi onward.

“This child… really, she has no sense of propriety. Thankfully, there are no outsiders around.” Qin Ruofang said with a smile, addressing the other woman in the carriage.

Qin Ruofang was going to the temple to pray for blessings, and some of her nearby relatives had decided to join her.

The older woman in the carriage was Qin Ruofang’s sister-in-law—Qin Xuanming’s mother.

“She’s thoughtful. That’s good.” the older woman replied with a faint smile, though her expression held a trace of discomfort.

Not long ago, Qin Ruofang had been lamenting how unfortunate Ruan Zhi’s marriage was. Now, her tone had completely changed, as if Gu Qingci were some prized daughter-in-law.

And she was just a scholar! If she were a provincial graduate, Qin Ruofang would probably be even more smug.

Though the two families were related and got along well, Qin Xuanming’s mother had never been keen on the marriage alliance. If her son married an official’s daughter, it would benefit his career and bring prestige.

But the arrangement had been made by Qin Ruofang’s brother and the Ruan family, so she hadn’t voiced her objections.

When Ruan Zhi’s misfortune struck and she ended up married to Gu Qingci, while she pitied Ruan Zhi for being wed to the wrong person, she also secretly felt relieved.

But if anyone claimed Gu Qingci was better than Qin Xuanming, she would never agree.

“Xuanming, the mountain path is slippery. Carry your mother and your aunt up.” Qin Xuanming’s mother said, as if trying to prove something.

“Understood. Aunt, please wait in the carriage. I’ll take Mother up first.” Qin Xuanming said.

“There’s no need for me. I can still walk. Just take your mother up first. Jinyu and I will go slowly.” Qin Ruofang waved her hand.

“Mother, let me carry you.” Ruan Jinyu poked his head out of the carriage.

“Nonsense. You’re still growing—if I weigh you down, you’ll stop getting taller.” Qin Ruofang chuckled, patting Ruan Jinyu’s head.

Ruan Maolin hadn’t come along—he still had matters to attend to.

The mountain path was slippery and sloped, making sedan chairs impractical.

Qin Xuanming carried his mother up first, while Qin Ruofang and Ruan Jinyu followed behind.

The group made their way up the mountain in a long procession.

Gu Qingci carried Ruan Zhi the entire way, her body gradually warming with exertion.

She had woken up early and hadn’t exercised that morning, so carrying someone like this—a form of weighted training—while surrounded by the fresh scent of rain-soaked mountain forests felt invigorating rather than taxing.

“Let’s rest at the pavilion ahead.” Ruan Zhi said, patting Gu Qingci’s shoulder.

“I’m not tired. We can rest when we reach the temple.” Gu Qingci replied, her voice slightly breathless.

“You may not be tired, but the people following us are. If you take me up alone, you’ll have to come back down to fetch the others. If I’m left by myself, who will attend to me?” Ruan Zhi said.

How dense could she be?

She was offering her a chance to rest, and Gu Qingci was still refusing.

Seeing the logic in Ruan Zhi’s words, Gu Qingci carried her into the pavilion.

The pavilion had a stone floor, free of mud, and though the wind wasn’t strong, it provided shelter from the rain.

In the center were stone benches, damp and cold to the touch.

Glancing down at herself, Gu Qingci realized the only thing she could remove to cushion the seat was her oilcloth coat. She untied it, folded it thickly, and placed it on the bench.

“Madam, please sit and rest.” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi—it wouldn’t do to have her stand the whole time.

As Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci’s face, she saw water droplets clinging to her skin, her hair dripping wet.

Was this woman really treating herself like a servant?

Ruan Zhi walked over and sat down, pulling out a silk handkerchief.

“Come here.” she beckoned to Gu Qingci.

Thinking Ruan Zhi wanted to tell her something, Gu Qingci approached and leaned in, tilting her face up.

Ruan Zhi had intended to hand her the handkerchief, but Gu Qingci had lifted her face so boldly.

Seeing the water on Gu Qingci’s cheeks, Ruan Zhi hesitated for a moment before pressing the handkerchief to her face and wiping it clean.

The soft, warm touch of the handkerchief against her skin made Gu Qingci feel lightheaded.

Carrying her wealthy boss on her back and having her personally wipe her face—worth it!

“Thank you, Madam. Even your handkerchief smells wonderful!” Gu Qingci grinned. The handkerchief must have been kept close to Ruan Zhi’s body, carrying her delicate fragrance.

“Stop talking nonsense.” Ruan Zhi’s hand paused, and she shoved the handkerchief into Gu Qingci’s grasp, refusing to wipe her face any further.

Gu Qingci took the handkerchief, unsure whether Ruan Zhi was actually angry or just pretending.

She wiped her own face with it.

Just as she finished, a startled cry rang out. Looking down, they saw Qin Xuanming stumble while carrying his mother, nearly falling.

Luckily, someone behind them caught them, or both would have tumbled.

“Madam, you see? I’m much more reliable. I train every day—it’s not for nothing. I could carry two of you without stumbling.” Gu Qingci seized the moment to boast, shooting a disdainful glance at Qin Xuanming.

“……” Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci, sensing some kind of competitive streak toward Qin Xuanming. What kind of rivalry was this?

Below the path, Qin Xuanming’s mother had been thoroughly frightened.

Qin Xuanming was a frail scholar—carrying someone for a short distance was manageable, but after a while, his steps grew increasingly unsteady. When he glanced up and saw Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi behaving intimately in the pavilion, his emotions spiraled out of control, and he nearly fell backward.

“Let’s just walk the rest of the way.” Qin Xuanming’s mother said, no longer daring to let him carry her.

Qin Xuanming, too, feared dropping her, so he could only help her walk the rest of the way.

By the time Nanny Qin and Lian Rui arrived, Gu Qingci handed Ruan Zhi over to them.

With the cushion Lian Rui had brought, Ruan Zhi was comfortable, so Gu Qingci retrieved her oilcloth coat and went back down to fetch the others.

The group rested in the pavilion for a while before setting off again.

Gu Qingci carried Ruan Zhi once more, this time all the way to Linglan Temple.

Ruan Zhi donated a sum for incense money and arranged with the abbot to stay for a few days. The abbot assigned them some of the best guest quarters—spacious, well-lit, and with a serene view.

After settling Ruan Zhi in, Gu Qingci went back to fetch the others.

Qin Ruofang, watching Gu Qingci tirelessly going back and forth to help, grew even more fond of her.

Once everyone was settled and had eaten the vegetarian meal provided, Gu Qingci prepared to leave for the martial school.

They had discussed it the day before, and she had even prepared the tuition for the instructor.

As she was about to leave, her mood soured—Qin Xuanming had decided to stay behind, claiming he wanted to study in the meditation room.

She hoped Ruan Zhi wouldn’t run into him.

Gu Qingci carried her things down the mountain, took the carriage to the martial school, and sought out instructor Sun Pengdun, presenting him with the tuition she had brought.

“Our martial school doesn’t stand on ceremony. There’s no need for gifts. Last time I saw you, you were so thin—I never expected you to take first place. Let’s head to the training ground today so I can see your skills for myself.” Sun Pengdun said when he saw Gu Qingci.

He found it hard to believe that someone of Gu Qingci’s build—especially her delicate appearance—could have taken the top spot.

Something about the whole situation didn’t add up, and he wanted to verify it firsthand.

“…Instructor, it’s raining. If I get soaked, I might fall ill. Let’s train another day.” Gu Qingci said quickly.

“Such delicacy won’t do. In martial training, we practice rain or shine. If you can’t endure this, you won’t make it.” Sun Pengdun said, suspecting Gu Qingci was making excuses.

“……” Gu Qingci mainly didn’t want to return covered in mud. Her oilcloth coat was expensive—what if this rough brute tore it?

Besides, she needed to get back quickly in case the weather worsened.

“Ah, these rainy days always give me headaches. Otherwise, I would have come to the school sooner. Next time, I’ll definitely train with you. But for now, there’s something I’d like to ask.” Gu Qingci said, pressing her fingers to her temples and feigning weakness.

“…Go on.” Sun Pengdun sighed inwardly. What kind of delicate alpha was this?

“I’ve noticed the rain hasn’t let up for days. My home is in a low-lying area—if the rain gets any heavier, it might flood. If that happens, could I bring people here to take shelter?” Gu Qingci asked, offering a plausible reason.

The martial school wasn’t exactly luxurious.

They were already settled in the temple, but if more people needed refuge, the school could serve as a backup.

“How could this place flood?” Sun Pengdun waved her off, growing increasingly convinced of Gu Qingci’s timidity.

“How could it not? If the rain keeps up, the nearby riverbanks might burst in a few days, and Minshan County could be submerged. It’s better to be safe than sorry. This concerns lives—we can’t afford to be careless.” Gu Qingci said seriously.

Hearing this, Sun Pengdun’s expression turned grave.

“If something like that happens, of course we wouldn’t turn people away. Bring them here.” Sun Pengdun said.

Seeing that Sun Pengdun was taking it seriously, Gu Qingci didn’t press further. She thanked him, pleaded poor health, and requested a few more days off before hurrying back to the carriage.

Gu Qingci was worried about thunderstorms—she didn’t want Ruan Zhi to be alone if one struck.

By the time she reached the temple quarters, no thunder had sounded, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

But as she stepped inside, she heard unpleasant voices.

“Clear out the largest room in the west wing for our young lady immediately. Don’t dawdle—you’ll regret it if you offend her!”

A maid’s voice, sharp and domineering.

“We arrived first and have already settled in. It’s inconvenient to move now. There are other rooms available.” another voice replied, timid and hesitant.

Gu Qingci recognized it—Lian Rui.

She walked further in and saw several new people in the guest hall.

A young woman sat in a chair, dressed in bright colors and adorned with gold jewelry, her face spoiled and impatient. When she saw Gu Qingci, her eyebrows lifted.

“Scholar Gu, what a coincidence.” the woman greeted her.

Gu Qingci blinked, having no recollection of who this woman was.

“Scholar Gu, I was just a little late, and the room in the west wing with the lotus pond view was taken by your people. What do you propose we do about that? If I don’t stay in that room, I won’t be able to sleep.” the woman said in a sickly sweet voice.

“What does that have to do with me? This is a sacred place—making a scene here is disrespectful.” Gu Qingci said coldly, her expression stern.

“……” The woman gaped at her, as if stunned.

“By the way, Magistrate Guo is known for his benevolence and dedication to the people. How do you think his reputation would fare if word got out that his daughter used her status to bully the martial scholar who took first place out of her temple lodgings?” Gu Qingci took a few steps forward before turning back to add.

“You—” The woman’s face darkened.

Though Gu Qingci didn’t recognize her, she could guess from the context.

If she wasn’t Guo Tongyi’s daughter, Guo Renshu, who was she?

This was the ripple effect in action.

Ruan Zhi’s visit to the temple had drawn Qin Ruofang and her family, which in turn brought Qin Xuanming and his mother, and now Guo Renshu had followed.

At least they’d all unknowingly escaped the flood.

Gu Qingci ignored Guo Renshu and called Lian Rui to leave with her.

Guo Renshu sat in the guest hall, fuming as she twisted her handkerchief.

This woman had once fawned over her—how dare she act so arrogantly now that she’d passed the exams!

She wouldn’t even yield a room!

She was just a petty scholar!

Unable to force her way into the room, Guo Renshu could only storm off with her maids to the smaller quarters assigned to her.

Ruan Zhi, watching from her room, had seen everything unfold.

She had planned to let Guo Renshu make a scene until nearby guests witnessed her tantrum before conceding, but Gu Qingci had shut her down outright.

For someone who claimed to be timid, she certainly had no qualms about confronting people.

When Gu Qingci returned to their quarters, the maids had already tidied up. They had brought their own bedding, simple and elegant.

Gu Qingci sat down and sipped hot tea.

The space wasn’t as large as their home, but Gu Qingci didn’t mind. However, when she noticed there was only one bed in the room, her expression shifted.

A sacred Buddhist temple—this was practically sacrilege!

“Wife, how did it go at the martial school?” Ruan Zhi’s voice pulled Gu Qingci back to reality.

“Ahem, Madam, Instructor Sun agreed. If more of our people need shelter later, they can stay at the school. He knows the local garrison commander and will speak to him.” Gu Qingci said after a sip of tea, reporting back.

As they spoke, the weather remained calm, with only a light drizzle. But by evening, thunder rumbled, and the rain intensified.

That night, Ruan Zhi let Gu Qingci sleep beside her. The thunder persisted throughout the night, but Ruan Zhi slept slightly better than usual.

With earplugs Gu Qingci had given her blocking the noise and Gu Qingci’s hands covering her ears, surrounded by her alpha’s soothing pheromones, Ruan Zhi couldn’t perceive the thunder. For the first time during a storm, she fell asleep.

Gu Qingci, however, couldn’t sleep.

Holding her soft, fragrant “boss” while battling the indecent thoughts in her head was exhausting.

It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that she finally drifted off.

Gu Qingci woke at her usual time, and Ruan Zhi, well-rested, rose with her. They went to have the vegetarian meal with Qin Ruofang and the others.

The thunder had stopped, but the rain fell heavily, pooling in the courtyard. Servants dug trenches to drain the water.

As the rain grew heavier, Ruan Zhi knew the days-long downpour had truly begun.

Worried, she sent someone to fetch Ruan Maolin, fearing the worsening weather might put him in danger.

By noon, neither the messenger nor Ruan Maolin had returned.

Qin Ruofang grew frantic and came to see Ruan Zhi.

“Could something have happened? I told him to come with us, but he said he’d finish his business first. He still isn’t here!” Qin Ruofang fretted.

Ruan Zhi’s fingers trembled slightly with dread.

She had asked Ruan Maolin to handle some matters for her. If something happened to him because of it, she would never forgive herself.

“I’ll go down and look for him—bring Father-in-law back.” Gu Qingci offered, seeing their distress.

“The floodwaters could rise any moment—it’s dangerous. I’ll send someone else.” Ruan Zhi said after a pause.

“I’ll be quick. The sooner Father-in-law returns, the sooner you’ll stop worrying. Trust me.” Gu Qingci said.

This wasn’t empty bravado—during the apocalypse, she’d endured rainy seasons far worse than this.