My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 36

36

The wine at the Eagle Banquet was of good quality, slightly higher in alcohol content, and consequently more potent in flavor.

After a few sips, Gu Qingci already felt a spicy burn in her mouth.

In a bad mood, she paid little attention to the taste, downing one cup after another.

As the top scorer in the provincial martial arts exam, she couldn’t avoid socializing.

Even if she didn’t want to, people would come over to exchange pleasantries and toast her.

Gu Qingci forced herself to respond, drinking every toast in one go, appearing very forthright.

“Her Highness Prince You has arrived!”

Before long, an announcement rang out.

The gathered martial examinees set down their cups and rose to bow in respect.

Gu Qingci also stood up and saw a figure entering, surrounded by attendants.

Dressed in an embroidered golden robe, her hair tied with jade ornaments, she exuded an air of noble elegance. Her delicate face carried a faint smile, giving off a lazy yet approachable vibe.

This was the eldest imperial daughter, Ye Youli.

Gu Qingci’s gaze fixed on Ye Youli.

Previously, she had only seen her profile, but now, seeing her in full, it was clear that her royal heritage showed—her figure and looks were outstanding, and her innate grace carried a relaxed, languid charm that was uniquely her own.

One meeting with her would be hard to forget.

Ruan Zhi, in contrast, had a cool exterior, rarely smiled, and was usually serious and tightly wound.

Judging by appearance and temperament alone, they seemed well-matched.

If she were an outsider, Gu Qingci might have already started shipping them as a couple.

But unknowingly, she was no longer an outsider.

“No need for formalities. The martial exams aren’t so rigid. At the Eagle Banquet, there’s no poetry or painting—just drink freely and enjoy yourselves. First, I’ll toast you all, congratulating you on passing the provincial martial exams. May you achieve even greater success in the spring metropolitan exams.” Ye Youli stepped forward and addressed the crowd, raising her cup and draining it in one go.

The seated martial examinees, along with the provincial governor and examiners, raised their cups in response.

“As your host, I’ve prepared some song and dance for your entertainment.” Ye Youli waved her hand, and several graceful musicians and dancers entered the hall.

They wore veils covering half their faces, revealing only their enchanting eyes. Their outfits were revealing, resembling those of foreign dancers.

As the musicians began playing, the dancers started moving.

The music was pleasant, and the dancers were exceptionally skilled, their waists twisting like supple snakes.

The delightful sights and sounds lifted Gu Qingci’s spirits somewhat, pushing her tangled emotions to the back of her mind.

Yes, this was what she wanted.

She also wanted to keep musicians and dancers!

She’d have them compose modern music she remembered and perform it for her.

She’d start a girl group!

How could she lounge around and enjoy life without these things?

“Your Highness, Gu Qingci is this year’s top scorer. Moreover, I’ve discovered she’s a descendant of the late Princess Wanyu, making her your cousin by relation. Should we invite her to speak?” Ye Youli sat in the seat of honor while Yue Yuming approached and whispered in her ear, more eager than Ye Youli herself to recruit talent. But whether to recruit or not still depended on Ye Youli’s decision.

Yue Yuming supported Ye Youli so fervently because she had no other choice—she was from Ye Youli’s maternal family, bound to her from birth.

“Ask her if she’s willing to marry Ruotang.” Ye Youli said, glancing at Gu Qingci.

“Th-This… Your Highness, she’s already married.” Yue Yuming stammered, her face paling. Yue Ruotang was her younger sister.

“I know. I’ve met her wife. Tell her to divorce her current wife and remarry. If she agrees, you can handle the rest. If she refuses, have her join the cuju team.” Ye Youli said lazily.

“…Understood.” Yue Yuming replied softly before withdrawing.

As Yue Yuming stepped down, she sighed inwardly while looking in Gu Qingci’s direction.

Ye Youli’s birth mother was originally the legitimate crown princess. But back then, another prince held greater influence, and Ye Youli’s father couldn’t retain the crown prince position. He demoted the crown princess to a concubine and allied with the Ji family, who controlled military power, to secure victory in the succession struggle. After ascending the throne, he made the Ji family’s daughter the empress.

Ye Youli’s mother died of depression.

So, was this Ye Youli’s test for Gu Qingci?

Passing it would allow her to join the cuju team and gain Ye Youli’s recognition.

It was rare to encounter talent like this, yet the test was so harsh.

It was unlikely anyone could pass.

Moreover, she had investigated Gu Qingci. Gu Qingci’s legal wife was of merchant status. After the martial exams, Gu Qingci had been spending all her time with Wen Renyi, not even living with her wife. They hadn’t seen each other in over ten days.

The Qing You Teahouse had never publicly claimed to be Gu Qingci’s business.

Gu Qingci had also never told anyone the teahouse was hers or that its owner was her wife.

It seemed their relationship wasn’t great.

Attending banquets daily, wasn’t it obvious she wanted to build her reputation to find someone better?

Yue Yuming sighed regretfully and returned to her seat. Noticing Gu Qingci leaving, she followed.

She had to at least try.

Gu Qingci had drunk too much, and her bladder was full. She stepped out to relieve herself.

On her way back to the banquet hall, she ran into Yue Yuming.

“I have a younger sister…” Yue Yuming began after exchanging pleasantries, only for Gu Qingci to grab her arm.

“I already have a wife and no desire for a concubine.” Gu Qingci said, cutting straight to the point.

She recognized Yue Yuming from the original plot—she was Ye Youli’s right-hand woman.

Who’d have thought she’d personally propose a marriage alliance?

How absurd.

Right now, Gu Qingci’s mind was foggy, her words blunt and unpolished.

Yue Yuming’s expression shifted at the outright rejection.

“My sister is a renowned talent in Yanjing, even granted the title of County Lady. Didn’t you hear of her when you lived in Yanjing? My relationship with Prince You is no secret. Your current wife is just a merchant’s daughter. If you divorce her and marry my sister as your legal wife, with the backing of Prince You and me, your future as a military official would be limitless. You’re from Youzhou—even if you tried to ally with the Crown Prince or the Third Prince, you’d struggle to be valued. Think carefully before answering so hastily!” Yue Yuming gritted her teeth, emphasizing the last sentence.

Gu Qingci was only the provincial top scorer now, but talent like hers had to be recruited before she fully blossomed.

Especially for Ye Youli’s faction, which was weak and urgently needed to bolster its ranks.

From Gu Qingci’s recent banquet behavior, Yue Yuming had been observing her. A martial talent right under their noses had to be secured.

But offering Yue Yuming’s own sister as bait? Even Yue Yuming found it outrageous.

Who could refuse such an offer?

“…” Gu Qingci stared at Yue Yuming, her expression darkening.

She had already planned to divorce Ruan Zhi. Why was Ye Youli so impatient, “tempting” her to abandon her wife for another?

She could agree to a divorce, but never to discard Ruan Zhi for someone else.

If Ruan Zhi were her wife, how could she ever divorce her?

“Even if your sister were a heavenly immortal, I wouldn’t divorce my wife for her. Let’s pretend this conversation never happened, and don’t bring it up again.” Gu Qingci said sternly.

“…” Yue Yuming was speechless.

The image she had of Gu Qingci as a social climber hadn’t materialized. This righteous stance should have pleased her.

But to think this person dared to look down on her sister was infuriating.

Yue Yuming felt Ye Youli had done this on purpose to embarrass her.

Ye Youli simply didn’t want to put in effort, content to laze around and not recruit talent.

And this Gu Qingci—was she a hypocrite? Saying one thing now but divorcing her wife later?

If so, she’d make sure to teach her a lesson!

Yue Yuming lingered outside a while longer before storming back into the banquet hall.

By then, the song and dance had ended, replaced by two people sparring in the center.

The spectators cheered loudly.

It wasn’t until Yue Yuming got closer that she realized one of the fighters was Gu Qingci!

Had she started fighting as soon as she returned?

Watching the two, Yue Yuming sensed this wasn’t a friendly match—both were striking with real force.

“What happened?” Yue Yuming asked a servant as she sat down.

“Some guests were gossiping about the owner of Qing You Teahouse, saying her figure was even more alluring than the dancers. Their words were… unflattering. Top Scorer Gu took offense and challenged one to a duel.” the servant explained.

Yue Yuming knew the teahouse owner was Gu Qingci’s merchant-status wife.

This only deepened her confusion. Gu Qingci was an odd one—now she was playing the protective spouse?

Watching the fierce fight, Yue Yuming half-hoped Gu Qingci would be taught a lesson.

Though Gu Qingci was the top scorer, the martial exams hadn’t included combat.

Her opponent was a burly male alpha, nearly twice her size.

With such a disparity, Gu Qingci was at a clear disadvantage in strength.

But Gu Qingci was agile, her flexibility exceptional.

When the man threw a punch, Gu Qingci dodged with quick footwork, countering with precise strikes to his weak points, leaving him grimacing in pain.

When he tried to tackle her, Gu Qingci flipped over him, pinning him down with a knee to his back and twisting his arms behind him.

“I don’t want your life. The owner of Qing You Teahouse is my wife. Apologize and swear never to speak ill of her again—not even in thought—and I’ll let you go.” Gu Qingci said hoarsely, breathing heavily.

Provincial martial examinees were all physically formidable.

Gu Qingci had given her all to defeat this man.

Already in a foul mood after her talk with Yue Yuming, hearing drunkards mock Ruan Zhi had ignited her fury.

The alcohol in her system made her reckless. Even knowing Ye Youli was watching, she couldn’t hold back.

“…I-I apologize! I was wrong!” the pinned man cried out.

Gu Qingci released him and turned to the others who’d insulted Ruan Zhi.

Two promptly bowed and apologized.

“Was I wrong? A merchant-class omega, flaunting herself in public—what decency is that? As her wife, instead of disciplining her, you attack others. If she were my wife, I’d have divorced her long ago.” a female alpha retorted defiantly.

“What alpha can do, why can’t omega? Since you refuse to apologize, accept my challenge. If I win, you will apologize!” Gu Qingci glared coldly.

“Bring it on!” the woman scoffed.

Gu Qingci was already exhausted from the previous fight, sweating profusely and panting heavily.

Her opponent, confident in her own skills, saw Gu Qingci as easy prey in her weakened state.

The two squared off, exchanged salutes, and began.

Gu Qingci was running on fumes, but sheer determination drove her to dodge attacks and land precise counters, eventually flipping her opponent and locking her in a cross armlock.

The woman gasped for air, her face turning purple as she tapped out.

“Top Scorer Gu, mercy!” someone shouted.

This technique was unfamiliar, but its lethality was obvious.

“Apologize!” Gu Qingci loosened her grip slightly.

“Spare me! I’ll never do it again! Please, mercy!” the woman begged.

Only then did Gu Qingci release her.

“Top Scorer Gu is truly formidable! No wonder she’s Youzhou’s top scorer!” someone marveled.

Gu Qingci’s combat prowess, already renowned, had just reached new heights.

No one expected such a delicate-looking woman to unleash such deadly moves when angered.

Wen Renyi watched in awe.

Their past sparring had been child’s play—Gu Qingci had been holding back.

This was her true strength.

It was as if she’d survived real battlefield carnage.

Even the languid Ye Youli sat up, her gaze sharpening as she studied Gu Qingci intently.

“I just…” Yue Yuming seized a moment to whisper the test’s outcome to Ye Youli.

“Find a chance to invite her to join the cuju team.” Ye Youli instructed.

Yue Yuming exhaled, hoping Gu Qingci would be more agreeable this time.

But before she could approach Gu Qingci, trouble struck.

The two intense fights had drained Gu Qingci. Sweating out the alcohol left her dizzy and nauseous—she stumbled away and vomited.

Wen Renyi offered sobering pills, but they had little effect. After apologizing to Ye Youli and the examiners, she helped Gu Qingci leave.

“Wife… sister…” Gu Qingci mumbled.

Hearing this, Wen Renyi directed her carriage to Qing You Teahouse.

Not knowing where Ruan Zhi was staying, the teahouse was the only lead.

At the teahouse entrance, Wen Renyi supported Gu Qingci inside to find help.

The teahouse was in chaos—someone was causing a scene.

“Look! This teahouse’s tea killed someone! It’s poison! The owner has no conscience!” a voice wailed.

“Only cares about profit, who knows what they added? Smells good, but it’s lethal! Look, this person’s passed out! The teahouse owes a life!” another joined in.

Gu Qingci, barely able to stand, furrowed her brows. Stumbling forward, she accidentally stepped on the “unconscious” person, jolting them awake.

The crowd gasped.

Unaware, Gu Qingci grabbed one of the accusers.

“Who has no conscience? Who owes a life?!” she slurred, her face flushed.

“Who are you? Mind your own business!” the man shoved her away.

Weak from exhaustion and intoxication, Gu Qingci fell but crawled back, grabbing the man again. They tumbled to the floor, brawling until separated by Wen Renyi and the waitstaff.

Ruan Zhi was in the back, inspecting tea leaves, when Lian Rui rushed in.

“Madam, trouble! Someone’s causing a scene, claiming our tea made them faint…”

“Isn’t the in-house physician here?” Ruan Zhi replied calmly, having anticipated such cheap tactics.

“Before the physician arrived, the lord returned, stepped on the ‘unconscious’ person, woke them up, then fought the troublemaker… The lord seems drunk… Madam, you should see this.” Lian Rui panted excitedly.

Ruan Zhi looked up.

Gu Qingci was drunk? At the Eagle Banquet?

Her alcohol tolerance was decent—she’d never been drunk at previous banquets.

“Prepare sobering tea and bring her to the back room.” Ruan Zhi instructed, removing her outer robe.

After freshening up and donning a veil, she saw two waitstaff carrying Gu Qingci, with Wen Renyi following.

“Put her in here.” Ruan Zhi directed, pointing to her resting room.

Gu Qingci’s hair was disheveled, her clothes—expensive fabric—now torn in several places.

At a banquet full of nobles, she’d gotten disgracefully drunk and picked fights.

“Thank you, Wen Renyi, for bringing my wife home. Please, let my maid escort you to a private room. Any tea or snacks are on the house today.” Ruan Zhi addressed Wen Renyi first.

“No need for thanks. Gu and I are good friends. Besides, I owe you for the gifts you sent—I loved them all. I don’t know what’s happened between you two, but I can see Gu deeply respects you. At the banquet, when someone spoke disrespectfully of you, she fought them to defend your honor. She defeated two top-ranked martial examinees, exhausting herself and sustaining injuries—all to force their apologies. Even weakened, she still stood up for you. Please don’t stay angry with her.” Wen Renyi bowed.

“…” Ruan Zhi froze.

She hadn’t known Gu Qingci’s fights were for her sake.

Earlier, seeing her disheveled state, she’d thought her reckless.

Now, with context, that messy figure took on a pitiable hue.

Hadn’t this person wanted a divorce? Why these confusing actions?

“Thank you for telling me.” Ruan Zhi bowed.

“No need. I won’t intrude further. Here’s my family’s medicine—for internal and external injuries.” Wen Renyi handed over two vials.

After seeing Wen Renyi off with premium tea gifts, Ruan Zhi dealt with the troublemakers, having them arrested.

Their brawl with Gu Qingci provided the perfect excuse.

Returning to the back room, Ruan Zhi brought the sobering tea to Gu Qingci, who was curled up in a corner, hugging her knees.

“What’s wrong? Weren’t you fearless in the fight?” Ruan Zhi tapped her lightly.

Gu Qingci looked up, tears brimming in her dark eyes. At the sight of Ruan Zhi, they spilled over, streaming down her cheeks.

Ruan Zhi’s heart clenched.

“Why the tears? Does it hurt somewhere?” she asked softly.

“I don’t want a divorce… I don’t want us to be nothing… Sister, why can’t you be my wife? Wuwuwu…” Gu Qingci sobbed.

Ruan Zhi was stunned.

What did she mean?

What exactly did she mean?!

“You proposed the divorce. Why don’t you want it now?” Ruan Zhi asked, her voice tight, resisting the urge to wipe Gu Qingci’s tears.

“You’re going to her, to be with her… I won’t be the other woman.” Gu Qingci wept.