My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 35

35

Winning first place in the martial arts examination didn’t bring Gu Qingci much joy, but it thrilled Wen Renyi beyond measure.

Wen Renyi had also passed, ranking forty-fifth—just fifth from the bottom, barely scraping through.

Over the past few days, Gu Qingci and Wen Renyi had attended various gatherings. Everyone around them knew of their achievements, and as soon as the results were announced, well-wishers swarmed them.

Gu Qingci had little patience for social niceties. After exchanging a few polite words, she quickly left with Wen Renyi.

Some who wished to befriend Gu Qingci followed them.

“Scholar Gu, I have a younger sister, sixteen years old, virtuous and beautiful. If you’re interested…” a failed candidate approached Gu Qingci with an offer.

Since Gu Qingci and Wen Renyi had been inseparable these days, and no family members had been seen around them, those unfamiliar with Gu Qingci assumed she was still single. Now that she had achieved the rank of Jieyuan (provincial graduate), her popularity had soared.

“I’m already married.” Gu Qingci promptly declined.

“Married? That’s no issue. I also have a younger half-sister. If you’re willing, she could be your concubine.” the man persisted.

“…” Gu Qingci found this utterly absurd. Unwilling to engage further, she firmly refused and fled with Wen Renyi as if escaping a predator.

The two returned to Wen Renyi’s residence.

“Scholar Gu, if you stay here any longer, you’ll face more of this. And this is nothing compared to the civil examination candidates—some families even send crowds to forcibly invite scholars to their homes for betrothal discussions. When it comes to the Metropolitan exams, it gets even worse.” Wen Renyi said with a laugh.

“…Now that the results are out, I won’t be staying much longer.” Gu Qingci replied.

“Don’t forget the Eagle Banquet tomorrow. The invitation should have been sent to the address you provided during the exam. Was it the inn?” Wen Renyi reminded her.

At Wen Renyi’s words, Gu Qingci remembered.

She had listed the inn where she was staying as her address.

The messengers delivering the good news had probably already gone there.

Being the top martial arts examinee sounded impressive, but compared to the status of the Eldest Princess, it was insignificant.

Even if Ruan Zhi knew, she likely wouldn’t react much.

“Shall I go with you to the inn? Your wife must be delighted by your success. Any past disagreements should be resolved now.” Wen Renyi said, patting Gu Qingci on the shoulder.

“Passing the exam isn’t anything to celebrate. I’ll send Shimo to fetch the invitation.” Gu Qingci shook her head.

She was afraid of being a third wheel, of seeing something she didn’t want to see.

“How could it not be? If I sent news of my ranking—even at forty-something—back home, my entire family would be overjoyed. What’s bothering you? Weren’t you and your wife on good terms before?” Wen Renyi pressed.

Before Gu Qingci could think of a response, Wen Renyi’s servant arrived, reporting that a servant from the Gu family was looking for her.

Wen Renyi had the servant brought in.

“My lord, Madam sent me to deliver your examination certificate and the invitation to the Eagle Banquet. She also prepared three sets of new clothes for you and a bag of reward money for the celebratory gifts. A messenger has already been sent to inform the family.”

It was Lian Rui, accompanied by two maids, bringing the items to Gu Qingci.

Hearing Lian Rui’s words, Gu Qingci realized Ruan Zhi had taken care of everything. Her eyes inexplicably grew hot.

She was truly moved to tears.

Despite being so busy and angry with her, the wealthy elder sister had still arranged for clothes to be made for her and even worried about her not having money for celebratory rewards!

“Also, this box contains gifts Madam prepared for Scholar Wen Ren, as thanks for taking care of the lord these past few days.” Lian Rui added, pointing to another box carried by a maid.

“There’s a gift for me too? Please convey my deepest gratitude to your Madam. I’ll visit in person to thank her soon.” Wen Renyi said, surprised.

“How has Madam been these days?” Gu Qingci asked Lian Rui, her lips pressed together. Ruan Zhi was always so meticulous.

“Madam has been busy with official business, often working late into the night. During the day, she’s been networking with nobles in Youzhou City. It’s been exhausting.” Lian Rui said, studying Gu Qingci. She didn’t know what had happened between them—weren’t they fine before the exam?

As a maid, Lian Rui didn’t dare ask too much, but she felt sorry for her mistress.

Rumors said Gu Qingci, now successful, was looking to marry an official’s daughter. Was it true?

Otherwise, why would she stay away for so long?

“Go back and take good care of Madam. Tell her I’m doing well.” Gu Qingci said, her mood sinking.

Lian Rui said nothing more, left the items, and departed.

Gu Qingci glanced at the wooden box containing the clothes. Inside were garments, shoes, socks, waist ornaments, hairpins, and more.

Though Ruan Zhi had seemed indifferent when they last discussed tailoring clothes, she had still arranged for them to be made.

“Scholar Gu, your wife treats you so well! This is Jiangnan brocade, the finest silk fabric, worth its weight in gold! Just one set of these clothes must have cost hundreds of taels.” Wen Renyi exclaimed in admiration.

“…” Gu Qingci ran her fingers over the soft, delicate fabric, tracing the exquisite embroidery, and slowly clenched her hand.

Ruan Zhi might seem stern, but she had always been reasonable.

Otherwise, back then, she would have killed her without a second thought to vent her anger.

Later, when she began treating her well, it was because she had come to trust her.

During this time, Gu Qingci had been solely focused on preparing for the exam, while Ruan Zhi managed everything else—household affairs, the shops, all of it.

Gu Qingci had been a hands-off master, only responsible for eating, drinking, training, and studying.

The more Gu Qingci thought about it, the more she felt like a heartless ingrate!

After spouting all that self-righteous nonsense about what was “best” for Ruan Zhi, she had somehow offended her. When Ruan Zhi told her to leave, she had left in a huff.

She claimed she didn’t want to be lovesick, but these days away had been nothing but escapism, wallowing in her own misery!

Couldn’t she just be more detached and offer sincere blessings?

Ruan Zhi was so busy, yet she still worried about her.

Gu Qingci clenched her fists.

“I’m going back to see her.” she told Wen Renyi.

“I’ll go with you.” Wen Renyi said.

“Thank you, but I’d rather go alone.” Gu Qingci declined politely.

“Alright. Go on, then. Be gentle with your words—coax her a little.” Wen Renyi advised, worried Gu Qingci might act recklessly.

Gu Qingci left Wen Renyi’s residence and headed for the inn where she and Ruan Zhi had previously stayed.

“Madam isn’t at the inn. She’s either at the teahouse or the official shop.” Lian Rui informed her when they crossed paths.

Gu Qingci then went to those two places to look for Ruan Zhi.

While Gu Qingci searched, Ruan Zhi was in a private room at a restaurant, speaking with someone.

“Why must you be so stubborn? Young Master Hou taking an interest in your tea is an honor. Five thousand taels for the brewing method is more than fair. If you refuse, there are plenty of ways to ensure your little teahouse won’t survive in Youzhou City.” a woman in her thirties said sharply to Ruan Zhi.

“…” Ruan Zhi frowned at the woman.

Over the past few days, she had dealt with several people trying to profit from her success. This was the most brazen and the lowest offer—essentially a robbery.

The teahouse’s success had inevitably attracted envy.

The new tea-drinking trend had become popular among scholars, and many sought to use it as a gift to curry favor with superiors.

Without connections, maintaining this business would be difficult.

“I’ve already presented the tea-making method to Prince You. His Highness has visited the teahouse and shown interest—surely you’re aware of this. How could I sell it to someone else?” Ruan Zhi said leisurely.

She had included the tea-making method with every tea package she sent to Ye Youli, so it wasn’t entirely a lie.

Whether Ye Youli would use it was another matter.

Even if she tried, the rough instructions would produce tea vastly different from the meticulously refined product Ruan Zhi’s team had developed after hundreds of trials.

While the teahouse flourished in Youzhou City, branches had also opened in Guide Prefecture and Minshan County, managed by Ruan Maolin.

Those teahouses had partnered with individuals of some influence. In Youzhou City, Ruan Zhi had also sought a partner, but the so-called “Young Master Hou” had even stronger backing than her ally. For now, invoking Ye Youli’s name was her only recourse.

“You… Prince You? Prince You only knows how to indulge in pleasures and can’t even freely visit the capital. Allying with Prince You is foolish! Do you know who Young Master Hou is? He’s the younger brother of the Third Prince’s concubine! He wants the tea method to present to the Third Prince. Giving it to Prince You is a waste!” The woman was nearly speechless with anger.

She didn’t dare disrespect Prince You outright, but her tone made it clear she considered the prince inferior to the Third Prince.

“It’s already been given. Should I take it back? Prince You is still His Majesty’s child—neither of us can afford to offend him.” Ruan Zhi said coolly.

“Fine, fine! I’ll remember this!” the woman spat before storming off.

Ruan Zhi didn’t bother with further pleasantries.

It was hard to tell whether such aggressive people were all bark and no bite or if they truly had the power to back their threats.

If they resorted to underhanded tactics, it would be hard to guard against them with her current resources.

“From now on, cancel all dealings with Shopkeeper Sun—he’s Young Master Hou’s man. Keep a close watch on the teahouse these days. Make sure the ‘Qing You’ label is on every tea package without fail. Also, hire a physician to be on standby at the teahouse…” Ruan Zhi thought for a moment and decided to take extra precautions, relaying her instructions to Madam Zhao.

Madam Zhao noted each one.

“Madam, the lord is now the top martial arts scholar—no longer the same as before. Why not ask her to return? If people knew her status, they’d think twice before causing trouble.” Madam Zhao ventured hesitantly.

“Not yet. Martial arts scholars have fewer opportunities than civil scholars. The top rank in the martial exam doesn’t carry the same weight as in the civil exam. In Guide Prefecture, it might help, but in Youzhou City, it’s insignificant. Mentioning it might only invite trouble, putting her in a difficult position.” Ruan Zhi shook her head.

There was another reason: since Gu Qingci wanted a divorce, why borrow her status?

The woman had left without looking back. Every few days, Shimō would return with updates.

Gu Qingci and Wen Renyi attended banquets and gatherings daily, steadily building their reputations.

Those seeking fame all wanted a brighter future.

Many also hoped to secure advantageous marriages.

Passing the provincial exam was just the beginning.

Who knew what would come next?

Thinking of Gu Qingci made Ruan Zhi’s temples throb, her head aching dully.

Without Gu Qingci’s pheromones to soothe her, Ruan Zhi found it even harder to sleep. These days, even sedative teas couldn’t help her rest properly.

Now that the provincial exam results were out, after the Eagle Banquet, Gu Qingci’s status would be irrevocably changed.

When the time came, a divorce would be a divorce.

Whether she was a merchant or something else, the reputation of abandoning one’s spouse after achieving success would cling to Gu Qingci.

Cold rationality dictated this plan.

Yet emotionally, it still stung.

Had she misjudged her again?

Could someone with those bright, puppy-dog eyes really spout such hypocritical reasons for divorce?

She must have been blinded by the little alpha.

It was better to focus on her business, find reliable partners, hire loyal bodyguards, and grow stronger to protect her parents and younger brother.

That was what truly mattered.

As for that little alpha—if she wanted to leave, so be it.

“Let’s go.” Ruan Zhi said, her expression quickly returning to normal as she stood to leave.

After exiting, she hurried to her next appointment.

Gu Qingci didn’t find Ruan Zhi at either the teahouse or the official shop.

Instead, she overheard gossip she hadn’t encountered during martial arts gatherings.

Some claimed the owner of Qing You Teahouse personally delivered tea to Prince You’s residence daily. Others said Prince You had taken a liking to the teahouse and planned to take it over under the prince’s management.

Gu Qingci’s mood darkened further.

By noon, she still hadn’t found Ruan Zhi and had no choice but to return to Wen Renyi’s for lunch.

Youzhou City was vast. It wasn’t until afternoon that Gu Qingci finally spotted Ruan Zhi’s carriage near Prince You’s residence.

Before long, Ruan Zhi emerged from a side gate of the palace, veiled by a hat.

Just as the rumors said, Ruan Zhi personally delivered tea packages to Ye Youli.

Gu Qingci pursed her lips, watching as Ruan Zhi’s carriage departed. In the end, she followed.

Ruan Zhi returned to the inn. When Gu Qingci arrived, she found Madam Zhao and asked her to take her to Ruan Zhi.

Madam Zhao, delighted to see Gu Qingci finally returning to Ruan Zhi, eagerly led her to Ruan Zhi’s room.

“Why has the lord returned?” Ruan Zhi had just sat down when she saw Gu Qingci.

Though only ten days had passed, Ruan Zhi felt Gu Qingci had grown taller and thinner.

“Thank you for the gifts. You went to so much trouble.” Gu Qingci said, bowing slightly.

“It was my duty. Until the divorce is finalized, I’ll fulfill all my responsibilities.” Ruan Zhi replied.

“…” Gu Qingci’s breath hitched, her heart clenching painfully.

“Also, here’s the ledger I prepared, detailing the expenses for your food, clothing, and daily needs, as well as the shop income and your share. The previous estimate of five taels per month for meals was far too low—I’ve adjusted it. The cost of your new clothes is also listed. Everything will be deducted from your monthly allowance and profits. So for this month and next, you won’t receive any dividends. You mentioned wanting a ten percent share after the divorce, but we’ll need to discuss that in detail. With so many shops, we must clarify the division. If you have time today, we can settle this now—how to split the assets after the divorce.” Ruan Zhi said, pulling out a ledger.

“…” Gu Qingci felt as if her heart had been squeezed, her head struck by a blunt force.

Truly, the domineering female lead!

Even brothers keep clear accounts.

She had been moved by Ruan Zhi spending so much on her, thinking it showed care.

But Ruan Zhi had recorded every expense!

“Today… Today isn’t convenient. Let’s discuss it another time. I have the Eagle Banquet tomorrow and need to prepare, so I won’t stay long. I’ll return to Wen Renyi’s residence.” Gu Qingci said hurriedly, her voice strained, before fleeing in disarray.

Ruan Zhi watched her leave and put the ledger away.

Gu Qingci’s emotions were in complete disarray—worse than before.

She realized one thing:

To Ruan Zhi, she was just a title.

If it were someone else, Ruan Zhi would treat them the same.

Soon, she wouldn’t even have that title!

They were really getting divorced!

Returning to Wen Renyi’s place, Gu Qingci had no appetite. She skipped dinner and went to the training grounds, running and practicing with weapons until she was exhausted.

The next day, dressed in her new clothes, Gu Qingci attended the Eagle Banquet—a feast exclusively for martial arts graduates—with Wen Renyi.

At the banquet, the provincial governor and examiners from the capital were present. The graduates paid their respects before taking their seats.

While others networked eagerly, Gu Qingci sat alone, drinking gloomily, uninterested in conversation.