My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 31

31

Gu Qingci’s body was burning hot, yet she genuinely felt cold.

Running up and down the mountain in the dead of night, she had swum through deep waters to reach the county town, avoiding both Guo Tongyi’s men and General Zhao’s forces by not taking a boat.

By the time she arrived at Pinxian Pavilion, she only had time to hastily change into dry clothes. With no fuel to spare in the middle of the night, let alone the chance to bathe, the chill from earlier seemed to have seeped into her bones, making her shiver uncontrollably.

When she saw Ruan Zhi, she desperately wanted to hug her and nuzzle against her.

Ruan Zhi could tell from Gu Qingci’s body temperature that she was ill. She reached out to touch Gu Qingci’s forehead—indeed, it was even hotter than her hand.

Outwardly, Gu Qingci hadn’t shown any signs, holding up strong until everyone left before finally collapsing.

Ruan Zhi’s hand rested on Gu Qingci’s forehead, her slender fingers warm and soft. To Gu Qingci, this was the most comforting moment since yesterday.

Unable to resist, she leaned closer toward Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi paused, her gaze shifting to Gu Qingci, whose body seemed to retreat under the weight of her stare.

“Don’t you feel unwell? You’re feverish.” Ruan Zhi said.

“I’m cold, and my throat hurts a little…” Gu Qingci replied weakly, thinking to herself how close she had been to throwing herself at Ruan Zhi.

“Drink some hot water first. Lian Rui has gone to fetch the physician.” Ruan Zhi said, pouring hot water from the teapot on the table for Gu Qingci.

Remembering that Gu Qingci needed a hot bath, she stepped out to instruct Nanny Qin to fetch more hot water from the monastery’s kitchen, offering extra silver for the trouble.

Lian Rui returned quickly with the physician, who diagnosed Gu Qingci with a severe cold and prescribed medicine.

With the severe flooding, unprepared pharmacies had been submerged, making it difficult to obtain medicine. Fortunately, Ruan Zhi had previously instructed Ruan Maolin to stock up on common herbs. While someone was sent to prepare the medicine, Gu Qingci soaked in a hot bath.

Even after bathing, her fever didn’t subside, and she couldn’t sweat it out. Bundled under two layers of blankets, she shivered uncontrollably, her spirits visibly dampened.

“Now you know how strong your body really is, don’t you?” Ruan Zhi pressed a damp cloth to Gu Qingci’s forehead, her tone a mix of reproach and helplessness as she watched the younger woman tremble under the covers.

“I know…” Gu Qingci pouted.

Even wrapped in blankets, she still felt cold.

Ruan Zhi was right there, within reach, but Gu Qingci restrained herself.

She almost wished for thunder to strike—just so she’d have an excuse to hold Ruan Zhi.

Unaware of Gu Qingci’s thoughts, Ruan Zhi only saw her pitiful gaze, like a puppy begging for food but too afraid of rejection to approach.

“Do you want more water? Or something to eat? Just tell me.” Ruan Zhi offered.

“I don’t feel well… I don’t want to eat or drink. I… I just want to smell your pheromones.” Gu Qingci compromised.

Ruan Zhi hesitated but then released her pheromones.

Gu Qingci burrowed deeper into the blankets, feeling slightly better as she closed her eyes.

“If you’re tired, rest for a while. I’ll wake you when the medicine is ready.” Ruan Zhi said, leaning closer.

Gu Qingci blinked, tightened the blankets around her, and closed her eyes.

Comforted by Ruan Zhi’s pheromones, Gu Qingci finally relaxed. Combined with the exhaustion from the past two sleepless nights, she soon drifted off.

Ruan Zhi watched her, her gaze lingering on Gu Qingci’s thick lashes.

She remembered her past life, during this same torrential storm, when she had fallen ill with a high fever, unsure how she had survived.

This time, she hadn’t ventured out in the rain and had prepared in advance, avoiding illness—but the anxiety had remained, all because of the person before her.

Ruan Zhi reached out, stroking Gu Qingci’s freshly washed hair. The sleeping woman nuzzled against her palm, appearing docile and sweet.

Outside, no other alpha could be this well-behaved.

As Ruan Zhi lost herself in thought, a knock sounded at the door.

She withdrew her hand and glanced at Gu Qingci before stepping out to answer.

At the door stood Ruan Maolin, who had rushed over upon hearing the news.

Ruan Zhi stepped into the outer room to speak with him.

“How is A Ci? I heard she’s ill. I’ve already given the prescription to Lian Rui to have it prepared in the monastery’s kitchen.” Ruan Maolin said, clearly worried.

“She just fell asleep. It shouldn’t be serious—just a cold from being drenched.” Ruan Zhi reassured him.

“Ah, if she hadn’t gone in my place to fulfill the corvée labor, she wouldn’t have gotten sick.” Ruan Maolin sighed, blaming himself, unaware of the other risks Gu Qingci had taken.

“Father, don’t overthink it. A cold can be treated quickly. What’s happening outside? Has Guo Tongyi been arrested?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“Yes, he has. General Zhao is leading his troops below the mountain to rescue civilians. Guo Tongyi’s advisor was swept right into his path, clutching a box containing the incriminating letter and account books. Though General Zhao and Guo Tongyi held the same rank, given the urgency of the situation, he flew into a rage and ordered Guo Tongyi arrested—along with his family, the county magistrate, and the advisor’s relatives. A breached dam is no small matter. Guo Tongyi is finished this time. It’s just a shame we wasted so much silver bribing him all these years. Who knows if the next magistrate will be any better?”

“General Zhao, at least, is a good man. Today, he brought many rescued civilians here and set up shelters nearby to house them. Unfortunately, as a military officer, his jurisdiction is limited to his troops, not local governance. If only someone like him could be our magistrate—then we wouldn’t have to live in constant unease.”

Ruan Maolin continued updating her.

Though Ruan Zhi was no stranger to human fickleness, this incident—where even the daughter of a lowly magistrate could sway a supposedly detached monastic—was another reminder.

For merchants to thrive, too many conditions had to align.

“Father, let’s donate some of the supplies we prepared earlier to General Zhao—rain gear, food, and medicinal herbs. We’ll do it under the Jucheng Merchant Association’s name.” Ruan Zhi suggested after a moment’s thought.

“Donate?” Ruan Maolin was taken aback.

Earlier, Ruan Zhi had advised against overextending, suggesting they only provide shelter and sell the rest for profit. Now, donating meant not only losing potential earnings but also handing the goodwill to someone else.

“Father, I understand your concerns. The new magistrate hasn’t arrived yet, and General Zhao doesn’t handle taxes or corvée labor. But as a military officer, this achievement could lead to a promotion. Consider it building goodwill for A Ci. Just ensure people know it’s from the Jucheng Merchant Association.” Ruan Zhi explained.

Besides, Gu Qingci had taken so much from Guo Tongyi—it wouldn’t hurt to spread some of it around for good karma.

Understanding her reasoning, Ruan Maolin nodded.

He had nearly forgotten Gu Qingci was a martial scholar. If she advanced further, she’d become a military officer, not a civil one.

Though her prospects seemed slim, spending a bit of silver to forge connections now was worth it.

“Alright, I’ll arrange it. You focus on taking care of A Ci—don’t overexert yourself.” Ruan Maolin said.

Ruan Zhi agreed and saw him out.

When she returned, Lian Rui arrived with the prepared medicine.

Entering the room, they found Gu Qingci still asleep.

Ruan Zhi gently shook her awake to take the medicine.

Groggy, Gu Qingci took a sip—only to immediately grimace at the bitterness, curling back under the blankets.

“Drinking this will help you sweat out the fever faster. Here, have a candied fruit first.” Ruan Zhi coaxed, her voice softening as she watched Gu Qingci’s pained expression.

So Gu Qingci hated bitter things.

Yet Ruan Zhi’s pheromones were bitter, even astringent—and Gu Qingci claimed to love them.

With patient encouragement, Gu Qingci finished the medicine and ate a plate of candied fruit before burrowing back under the covers.

Ruan Zhi had never coddled anyone like this before. It felt strange, yet her heart inexplicably softened.

Now fully awake from the medicine, Gu Qingci huddled under the blankets like she’d been wronged, her dark eyes glistening with unshed tears.

Whimper—she really wanted to cry.

Her wealthy sister’s voice could be so gentle, so tender it made her lovestruck heart sprout anew.

So tender she wanted to cling to her, nuzzle against her, inhale her scent.

But Ruan Zhi wasn’t hers.

Ruan Zhi had her own destined partner, the other protagonist of her life.

As a reincarnator, Ruan Zhi already shared a bond with that person—they just hadn’t met yet.

But they would.

And Gu Qingci was just a minor side character.

Her life goal was to laze around and live happily—not to compete with the Eldest Princess of Daheng for a wife!

Tearfully, Gu Qingci stared at Ruan Zhi before closing her eyes, letting the tears fall.

In her mind, she ruthlessly chopped down the sprouting tendrils of her lovestruck heart.

Better to just go back to sleep.

Noticing her expression, Ruan Zhi stroked her hair in comfort.

Instead of leaning into the touch, Gu Qingci shrank away slightly, as if avoiding it.

Assuming she was just uncomfortable, Ruan Zhi didn’t dwell on it.

As Lian Rui cleared the dishes, Ruan Zhi was about to review the account books when Lian Rui returned.

“Madam, Young Master Qin is outside.” Lian Rui whispered.

Ruan Zhi paused, then stepped out.

From the bed, Gu Qingci’s eyes snapped open at the words. She had heard.

In the outer room, Qin Xuanming bowed deeply, his face etched with remorse.

“Ah Zhi, I was studying in the meditation room and only just learned what happened. On behalf of my mother, I apologize.” he said.

“Cousin, there’s no need.” Ruan Zhi replied coolly.

She didn’t hold Qin Xuanming accountable for his mother’s actions.

Though indecisive and somewhat weak-willed, he wasn’t a bad person. In her past life, after “Gu Qingci” divorced and expelled her, he had helped both her and Ruan Jinyu.

“My engagement to Guo Renshu was arranged by my mother. It’s been annulled.” Qin Xuanming added.

“Mm. Cousin should focus on preparing for the exams. Don’t disappoint Uncle.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Madam, Madam—come here…” Gu Qingci’s voice suddenly called from the inner room.

“My wife is calling for me. I must go.” Ruan Zhi said with a slight bow before turning away.

Qin Xuanming watched her retreating figure, his expression dimming before he left.

Burrowed under the blankets, Gu Qingci lay facedown, her cheeks puffed in displeasure.

Knowing Ruan Zhi was speaking with Qin Xuanming made her uncomfortable.

Even if there was nothing between them, she didn’t want Qin Xuanming saying another word to Ruan Zhi.

That guy wasn’t even Ruan Zhi’s destined partner, and he’d indirectly harmed her. His presence was an ill omen, a reminder of past suffering—he had no business hovering around Ruan Zhi.

“Wife, what is it?” Ruan Zhi asked, returning to the bedside.

“Madam, it’s nothing. I just… didn’t want you talking to Qin Xuanming. Madam, have you heard… marriages between cousins can result in children with disabilities or hereditary illnesses? There’s a saying: Fortune follows misfortune, and misfortune lurks within fortune. You’ll meet someone better. The days ahead will be good—no need to look back.” Gu Qingci fumbled for the right words.

Ruan Zhi studied her.

Even ill, listless, and hoarse, Gu Qingci still found the energy to say such things.

Was this jealousy?

Quite the self-praise.

Unable to resist, Ruan Zhi pinched Gu Qingci’s cheek, squeezing the soft flesh.

Gu Qingci froze, wide-eyed.

Before: No no no, she’s not my wife—she’s someone else’s, waaah—

After: Even the heavens decree she’s my wife! Who dares steal her from me, I’ll fight them to the death!