My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 38

38

Gu Qingci was dazed, slow to grasp Ruan Zhi’s meaning.

Did this mean she agreed not to divorce?

But… how was she supposed to please her?

What methods should she use?

Ruan Zhi hadn’t said anything.

Gu Qingci wanted to ask, but Ruan Zhi had already left. When she returned, two maidservants followed her, carrying food boxes.

The table was soon laden with dishes.

The aroma was intoxicating, making Gu Qingci swallow hard. She hadn’t eaten since returning from the Eagle Banquet the previous day and had vomited several times. Now, her stomach was gnawing with hunger.

“Eat first.” Ruan Zhi said, glancing at the still-stunned Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci hurried to the table.

Silk-thread three-delicacy soup, eight-treasure silver-ear porridge, milk, five-diced steamed buns, roasted beef, braised ox tongue, mushroom-braised chicken, three-delicacy duck, pan-fried fresh fish…

Ruan Zhi had a small appetite and preferred light flavors. Such a lavish spread, heavy on meat, was clearly prepared specially for Gu Qingci.

“The lord’s success in the provincial exam calls for celebration, so the cook prepared extra dishes. After last night’s drinking, is your stomach still alright?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“…It’s fine.” Gu Qingci replied, eyes fixed on the feast.

She hadn’t even started trying to please Ruan Zhi, yet Ruan Zhi had already “pleased” her first.

She could cry from how good her wealthy sister was to her!

“Then eat. There are matters to attend to afterward.” Ruan Zhi said, picking up her chopsticks.

Following the rule of silence during meals, Gu Qingci said nothing more and began devouring the food to satisfy her growling stomach.

Ruan Zhi had brought along a personal cook, and the dishes were exquisitely prepared. During her ten-plus days at Wen Renyi’s place, including the Eagle Banquet, Gu Qingci hadn’t tasted beef or such masterful cooking.

Every dish was a delight to her taste buds and stomach.

Ruan Zhi set down her chopsticks after finishing her silver-ear porridge and watched Gu Qingci eat.

After yesterday’s excessive exertion and not eating for most of the day, Gu Qingci had a voracious appetite. Nearly every dish on the table was wiped clean.

After the meal, there were desserts and fruit.

Ruan Zhi was not stingy, especially when it came to food. She spared no expense, ensuring the highest standards for Gu Qingci’s meals as well.

If they ate like this daily, an ordinary household would go bankrupt.

“Thank you, Madam.” Gu Qingci said after finishing, looking at Ruan Zhi with a hint of guilt.

Earlier, she had been too dazed to think clearly. Now, with a full stomach, her mind began to work.

Ruan Zhi had said she and Ye Youli had no private relationship.

Perhaps Ruan Zhi’s past memories differed from Gu Qingci’s knowledge of the plot.

Ruan Zhi had spoken frankly, and Gu Qingci believed her.

If Ruan Zhi and Ye Youli had no connection, then Gu Qingci’s suggestion of divorce so Ruan Zhi could find someone she loved was akin to slandering her virtue.

What kind of wife would suspect her spouse like that?

No wonder Ruan Zhi had been angry after hearing the divorce talk and kicked her out.

First divorce, then no divorce—anyone would be furious.

“Madam, I’m sorry. I truly know I was wrong. Can we not divorce?” Gu Qingci asked after piecing this together.

“If I’m to engage in business, I’ll inevitably interact with others. If you expect me to stay confined to the inner quarters like a traditional omega, I cannot do that. If the lord cannot trust me, it’s better to divorce early.” Ruan Zhi said.

“No, no! I trust you! I was bewitched before. I swear I’ll never doubt you again!” Gu Qingci said urgently.

“Good. Then I’ll trust the lord once more. The matter of divorce won’t be mentioned for now.” Ruan Zhi said.

Hearing this, Gu Qingci’s heavy heart over the past few days finally lightened. She was even happier than when she learned she had topped the provincial exam!

Seeing Gu Qingci’s eyes curve into crescents, her earlier gloom completely gone, Ruan Zhi’s lips curled slightly as well.

“Yesterday, I received an invitation from the Prince of You, inviting you to a cuju match in the coming days.” Ruan Zhi said, handing the invitation to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci glanced at it and no longer wanted to go.

Before, she had hoped Ye Youli would notice her, giving them a chance to meet and talk—perhaps even helping Ruan Zhi and Ye Youli get closer.

But now that Ruan Zhi had no feelings for Ye Youli, she’d be a fool to play matchmaker.

Even if they were the female lead and second lead in the original plot, since Ruan Zhi had no memories of a relationship with Ye Youli, as long as they didn’t meet or interact, no feelings would develop.

Ruan Zhi would remain her wife.

She might not want to be love-struck, but why reject a sweet, soft wife who was already hers?

Gu Qingci’s eyes darted as she schemed.

“Madam, I don’t want to go to the cuju match.” Gu Qingci said, placing the invitation on the table.

“…Why not? The Prince of You invited you. Do you still have reservations?” Ruan Zhi looked at her.

Ruan Zhi had wanted to discuss matters with Ye Youli. If Gu Qingci didn’t go, things would become more complicated.

“No, it’s not that. Madam, let me tell you—the Prince of You isn’t a good person.” Gu Qingci said, leaning closer.

“How so?” Ruan Zhi raised an eyebrow.

Now that she knew Ruan Zhi and Ye Youli had no connection, her courage had grown.

Daring to comment on whether Ye Youli was good or not.

Watching Gu Qingci’s darting eyes, it was clear her mind was working overtime.

“Yesterday, she sent Yue Yuming to persuade me to divorce you and marry Yue Yuming’s younger sister, Yue Ruotang, as a way to recruit me. What kind of person recruits others like that?” Gu Qingci said.

Since Ruan Zhi had no “private feelings” for Ye Youli, that Ye Youli must have taken a liking to Ruan Zhi—who wouldn’t be drawn to someone so capable and beautiful?

By introducing another woman, she was trying to lure Gu Qingci into divorcing Ruan Zhi so she could snatch her away. Such sinister intentions!

She had to expose Ye Youli.

Ruan Zhi was momentarily stunned by Gu Qingci’s words.

It wasn’t enough to judge Ye Youli’s character, but she was surprised at how highly Ye Youli thought of Gu Qingci—enough to have Yue Yuming offer her younger sister.

Even if Gu Qingci were a metropolitan, Yue Ruotang wasn’t someone she could marry just because she wanted to.

“So, did you agree or refuse?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“Of course I refused! Who could compare to you?” Gu Qingci said earnestly.

Ruan Zhi studied Gu Qingci’s resolute expression, her clear black eyes unwavering.

She must have refused.

“Yue Ruotang’s character and beauty have been praised by even His Majesty. Won’t you regret it?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“Madam! I’m not that kind of person. I’d never be fickle! Madam, you’ve wronged me once too.” Gu Qingci said, pouting with grievance.

“…” Ruan Zhi was speechless.

Who was the one who said they’d keep singers and dancers after divorcing?!

“My apologies for misunderstanding the lord.” Ruan Zhi said, averting her eyes.

“It’s fine, Madam. From now on, we must trust each other.” Gu Qingci said with a smile.

“Setting aside the Prince of You’s character, the lord has just passed the provincial exam. The Prince of You rules Youzhou. It would be improper to decline her invitation. I also have matters to discuss with her—I’d like to curry favor…” Ruan Zhi explained her plan to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci listened and understood.

Their tea business was thriving, but expansion brought complications.

Their status was still too low. Even the younger brother of the Third Prince’s concubine could make things difficult for them.

“We can’t monopolize it, so compromises must be made. We can relinquish part of the lower-end market. The methods of stir-frying and steaming tea leaves will be our gifts to the Prince of You. This will resolve our current predicament and put her in our debt.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead. I’ll go to the cuju match.” Gu Qingci agreed.

The greater good came first. Her petty concerns would have to wait.

She had already told Ruan Zhi about Ye Youli’s attempt to make her divorce and remarry. Surely Ruan Zhi’s impression of Ye Youli had worsened.

Besides, cuju was mostly played by alpha, their scents permeating the air—hardly suitable for Ruan Zhi.

She could relay the message herself, sparing Ruan Zhi from interacting with Ye Youli.

With their plan settled, Ruan Zhi had servants prepare cuju attire, a water flask, sweat towels, and other necessities for Gu Qingci before they set off by carriage.

Ruan Zhi alighted at the teahouse, while Gu Qingci and Shimo continued to the Prince of You’s residence.

Upon arrival, the steward of the Prince of You’s household received Gu Qingci and led her to the changing room near the cuju field.

“Please follow me to the cuju field first, Scholar Gu. The Prince of You will join shortly.” the steward said.

After changing, Gu Qingci followed the steward to the field.

Many had already gathered—one team comprised the Prince of You’s personal cuju players, while the other consisted of her invited guests.

Gu Qingci spotted familiar faces, including several who had passed the military provincial exam—among them, Wen Renyi.

Wen Renyi greeted her.

“Have you made up with your wife?” Wen Renyi asked quietly.

“My wife and I have always been on good terms.” Gu Qingci said.

Wen Renyi scoffed but didn’t press further.

“Scholar Gu, were you invited by the Prince of You?” Wen Renyi asked.

“Yes, you too?” Gu Qingci replied.

“Yes. If I’m not mistaken, all the invited guests are those the Prince of You favors. Remember what I said—assess the situation carefully.” Wen Renyi said.

“I will.” Gu Qingci nodded.

Whatever the situation, if Ye Youli tried to recruit her, she wouldn’t agree.

Neutrality was best.

They exchanged a few more whispers before parting ways as the crowd grew.

After greeting others, Ye Youli soon arrived.

She had also changed into sporty attire, looking even more dashing.

The guests bowed to her.

Gu Qingci followed half-heartedly.

“No need for formalities. As you know, I enjoy cuju. Today is for fun—let’s set aside status. Yuming will lead your team, while I’ll join the cuju team for a friendly match.” Ye Youli said with a smile.

To Gu Qingci, Ye Youli’s amiable smile now seemed full of ulterior motives.

After warming up, the match began.

Gu Qingci had heard of Ye Youli’s love for cuju. During her days with Wen Renyi, she had played several matches and was fairly experienced.

The amateur team lacked coordination against the professionals.

Though not overly passionate about cuju, Gu Qingci quickly got into the game, working up a sweat and feeling the adrenaline.

Ye Youli had said status didn’t matter, but the cuju team kept passing to her.

Gu Qingci didn’t hold back, intercepting the ball from her several times.

Ye Youli soon substituted out, retreating to the stands as if unwell.

Gu Qingci noted this mentally—another detail to share with Ruan Zhi.

From the stands, Ye Youli frowned in Gu Qingci’s direction, displeased.

After the match, as everyone rested, Gu Qingci remembered Ruan Zhi’s request and approached Yue Yuming.

“I’d like a private word with the Prince of You. Is that possible?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Of course, follow me.” Yue Yuming led her to Ye Youli.

Ye Youli was in the cuju field’s resting area.

After Yue Yuming announced their purpose, Ye Youli glanced at Gu Qingci behind him.

Still in her sporty attire, hair tied high, her tall, slender frame was even more striking.

Her forehead and cheeks were damp with sweat, a sweet-and-sour fruity scent emanating from her.

“Your Highness, it’s regarding tea-making methods. My wife and I are willing to share these techniques so all our people can produce tea. It would be an honor if you could facilitate this.” Gu Qingci said carefully.

“…” Ye Youli didn’t respond, her brow furrowing as she covered her nose with her sleeve.

“Have your wife discuss this with me. I’m unwell today and have been a poor host.” Ye Youli said, signaling Yue Yuming to escort her out.

“Scholar Gu, let’s go. There’s still the second half.” Yue Yuming said, leading Gu Qingci away.

Gu Qingci didn’t understand why Ye Youli was suddenly unwell, refusing to talk to her and insisting on speaking with Ruan Zhi!

She just wanted to steal her wife!

Distracted, Gu Qingci played poorly in the second half. She couldn’t wait to return and tattle to Ruan Zhi.

“Scholar Gu, the Prince of You plans to form a special cuju team of noble families’ descendants and scholars like yourself. Would you be interested? You seemed to enjoy yourself today.” Yue Yuming asked after the match.

“Sorry, but I’m not interested. I need to prepare for next spring’s metropolitan exam.” Gu Qingci declined without hesitation.

“The team won’t take much time. It’s also a chance to network. His Highness can recommend you to the capital’s Imperial Military Academy, which would benefit you greatly. The capital isn’t like Youzhou—it’s full of nobility. With the Prince of You’s support, your career would flourish.” Yue Yuming pressed, surprised by her refusal.

“Sorry, but I’m truly not interested.” Gu Qingci repeated.

“…” Yue Yuming was speechless. Seeing Gu Qingci’s stubbornness, she dropped the matter.

Recruitment had failed.

After changing, Gu Qingci left with Wen Renyi. Ye Youli was nowhere to be seen, with Yue Yuming hosting the guests.

Gu Qingci didn’t mind and headed straight to the teahouse where Ruan Zhi was.

Upon arrival, she asked the manager about Ruan Zhi’s room.

“The madam is speaking with a distinguished guest in a private room. No disturbances allowed. Please wait upstairs, My lord.” the manager said.

“Which guest?” Gu Qingci asked.

“The Prince of You.” the manager replied.

“…” Gu Qingci’s expression darkened.

She had come to steal her wife!