My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 43

43

“Uncle, Aunt, I heard that Sister Ah Zhi has returned. Since I happened to be visiting my parents, I came to see her. Oh my, Scholar Gu is here too! Our Ruan family must have had our ancestral graves smoking with good fortune to have a daughter married to the Martial Arts Star.” The woman lightly touched the golden hairpin in her bun, her lips curved in a smile as she greeted everyone. Her tone grew noticeably warmer when she saw Gu Qingci.

“This is your eldest uncle’s daughter, Ruan Wen. She married Zheng Hanlin from Guide Prefecture.” Qin Ruofang introduced to Gu Qingci.

Although Zheng had already retired from office, addressing him by his former official title was a gesture of respect, making it sound more dignified.

Gu Qingci found the woman somewhat affected and artificial.

Though she called Ruan Zhi “sister” her appearance seemed much older than Ruan Zhi’s.

The golden hairpin she wore didn’t suit her and looked out of place, as if she couldn’t carry it off.

Since Qin Ruofang didn’t seem particularly pleased to mention her, Gu Qingci saw no reason to be overly warm toward her either.

“Greetings, Madam Hanlin. Most of the credit for my success as the top candidate belongs to my wife. Without her support, I could never have achieved such results. It is my great fortune to have married her.” Gu Qingci said with a slight bow.

She didn’t care for the woman’s tone.

“Scholar Gu, you certainly know how to speak sweetly. You dote on your wife just like our Zheng Hanlin does.” Ruan Wen replied, her expression flickering with surprise before she laughed again.

“Sister Ah Zhi, it’s been so long since we last saw each other. I’ve missed you dearly. Knowing you were coming, I specially brought some gifts. The gold and silver jewelry at Jin Yu Fang has new designs now—apparently, they’re the latest styles from Yanjing, very exquisite. Earlier, Zheng Hanlin had several sets of hair ornaments custom-made for me, far more than I could ever wear. I brought some especially for you. Hmm? Sister, why are you dressed so plainly? Your hairpin is wooden, and the fabric of your clothes is…”

Ruan Wen trailed off, as if suddenly remembering something, and covered her mouth.

“Look at my memory! Earlier this year, I gave birth to a precious son, and Zheng Hanlin changed my household registration for me. I forgot that Sister is still registered as a merchant. Scholar Gu’s future is boundless. If Sister can bear a son or daughter, changing your registration should happen very soon.”

Ruan Wen continued speaking.

Ruan Zhi listened without much emotional fluctuation.

Ruan Wen’s husband, Zheng Hanlin, was already in his fifties or sixties, his hair completely white. To marry him, Ruan Wen’s family had spent nearly half their fortune, hoping it might bring some change to their fate.

As for the custom-made jewelry Ruan Wen mentioned, Zheng Hanlin had no money for such things—it was all paid for with Ruan Wen’s dowry.

The child she gave birth to was sickly and died not long after, leaving Ruan Wen neglected and depressed.

In truth, she was a pitiable figure.

But pitiable people often have their own flaws.

She didn’t harbor any truly malicious intentions—she just couldn’t help comparing herself to Ruan Zhi.

Back then, being able to marry Zheng Hanlin as his second wife, regardless of how much money it cost, had been a point of pride for her. She had been unbearably smug about it.

Today, it seemed she had come intending to build a good relationship, but she couldn’t resist showing off.

She even had the nerve to compare Zheng Hanlin to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci’s looks alone outshone him in every way.

But some people might care more about status and rank. As for age and appearance—well, only they knew what they truly thought.

Ruan Zhi remained indifferent, but Gu Qingci was simmering with anger.

This was blatant boasting mixed with mockery.

Originally, Gu Qingci had thought Ruan Zhi looked beautiful no matter what she wore, and she had grown accustomed to it.

But after hearing Ruan Wen’s words, she realized something.

Without a change in household registration, Ruan Zhi’s status remained that of a merchant—low in social standing.

Not only was she looked down upon, but she also lacked the freedom to dress as she pleased.

Ruan Zhi had prepared so many expensive satins and brocades for Gu Qingci, yet she herself wore plain cotton, simple and unadorned.

Ruan Zhi would look stunning dressed in bright and glamorous attire, adorned with gold jewelry.

What a pity—she still couldn’t change Ruan Zhi’s household registration status.

“Ah, if she can’t bear children, then we’ll have to wait. If she doesn’t make it into the top tier of the imperial examination, the only way to secure an official post is to go to the frontier. Only with an official position can she change the household registration of her principal wife. Who knows how long that will take? Sister, you’ve been married for several months now—any movement in your belly? Any good news?” Before Gu Qingci could even respond, Ruan Wen continued chattering away.

“These things depend on fate. I’m not forcing it. My alpha isn’t even twenty yet—we have plenty of time ahead of us. What’s the rush? Why do you have time to visit today, sister? How is Imperial Scholar Zheng’s health lately? Doesn’t he need you by his side to attend to him?” Ruan Zhi had no intention of bickering with Ruan Wen over this, but since she kept pressing, she had no choice but to retaliate with a pointed remark to shut her up.

Ruan Zhi’s words rendered Ruan Wen momentarily speechless, her face flushing with embarrassment and irritation.

Imperial Scholar Zheng’s status was something she could boast about, but his age and health were sore points for her.

“He’s been much better lately. Having a son has lifted his spirits, so naturally, his health has improved. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Are you planning to go to Yanjing next year? Imperial Scholar Zheng has some old acquaintances there. If needed, I can have him write letters of introduction so you’ll have connections when you arrive in Yanjing.” Ruan Wen changed the subject.

The only reason she could return to her maiden home was thanks to Gu Qingci placing first in the provincial examination.

Imperial Scholar Zheng had urged her to come back and strengthen ties with the family.

If Gu Qingci were merely a scholar, he wouldn’t have bothered.

“That won’t be necessary. The civil and military examinations are different. There’s no need to trouble Imperial Scholar Zheng. I’ve already sent people to Yanjing to look at shops and residences. If we go after the new year, we’ll have people there to receive us.”

“Very well. Your business has been thriving lately. With money, things are easier to handle.” Ruan Wen’s tone carried a hint of sourness.

The Ruan family had partnered with official merchants to open teahouses in Minshan County and Guide Prefecture, which were doing exceptionally well. The Jucheng Merchant Association they established was also under Ruan Maolin’s leadership.

Having married Imperial Scholar Zheng, Ruan Wen viewed commerce as beneath her, and as a result, her own business had declined.

But then she remembered that Ruan Zhi was still registered as a merchant, and her spirits lifted again.

“The spring examination isn’t far off. Provincial Graduate Gu should prepare well. I’ve heard that for this year’s metropolitan examination, His Majesty has specially approved some young generals with military merits to participate, and there are also spots for descendants of military households. Those men have seen bl00d—they’re fierce. If there’s a martial competition, you must be careful.”

Ruan Wen offered this well-intentioned reminder.

The upcoming exams would only get harder. Securing an official post, especially in the military stream, was more challenging than in the civil service.

Ruan Zhi said they had plenty of time—let’s see how many years she’d have to wait.

Even without Ruan Wen’s warning, Gu Qingci was well aware of this.

Her time spent with Wen Renyi hadn’t been for nothing.

The difficulty of the metropolitan and palace examinations increased exponentially.

Beyond the usual heightened challenges in archery, mounted combat, and strength tests, the military examination also included martial arts competitions and simulated troop command exercises.

The literary portion featured even more demanding policy essays, as well as war scenario simulations, testing knowledge of terrain, border garrisons, enemy nation demographics, and military deployments.

In short, the exam evolved from testing mere brute strength to evaluating the ability to lead troops in battle.

The only thing Gu Qingci felt truly confident about was archery. If it came down to pure combat, she had some assurance, but for the unfamiliar aspects—she had no clue.

So, regarding next year’s spring metropolitan examination, Gu Qingci wasn’t very confident in herself.

“There’s no need for the Imperial Scholar’s wife to worry. I will prepare diligently and strive to earn an official rank soon so I can change my wife’s household registration.” Gu Qingci said stiffly.

For Ruan Zhi’s sake—so she wouldn’t be looked down upon and could dress as she pleased—she had to push herself.

Before, she had always assumed Ruan Zhi would cross paths with Ye Youli, and Ye Youli would be the one to change Ruan Zhi’s registration.

That it had nothing to do with her.

Back when she had just passed the county-level exam, she hadn’t even wanted to strive further.

Now, she was already a provincial graduate, far exceeding her initial expectations.

But at this moment, Gu Qingci wanted to rely on her own efforts to change Ruan Zhi’s registration.

And her younger brother-in-law Ruan Jinyu’s as well.

After all, Ruan Zhi was her wife now, not Ye Youli’s!

What would it mean for Ye Youli to help?

Not only did she want to pass the imperial examination, but she also wanted to rank in the top tier, which would grant her an official position immediately.

Those who placed in the second or third tier would still have to study at the Imperial Military Academy for three years before possibly receiving an appointment.

Otherwise, they’d have to request assignment to the frontier, where official posts were granted—but that would mean risking their lives.

Gu Qingci’s life ambitions weren’t that lofty.

She just wanted to live as comfortably and happily as possible.

If she pushed herself a little harder, after next year’s metropolitan and palace examinations, if she performed well, she could be granted some minor official position—and then she could finally relax for good.

“Then I’ll wish Provincial Graduate Gu success in advance.” Ruan Wen said with a smile.

Ruan Zhi glanced at Gu Qingci, surprised to see her so serious for once.

After a few more polite exchanges, Ruan Wen excused herself to return home and tend to her child, so she didn’t stay much longer.

Once Ruan Wen was finally gone, Qin Ruofang sighed.

“A Ci, don’t feel pressured. That child Ah Wen just talks too much. You’re still so young and already a military provincial graduate—that’s already very impressive.” Qin Ruofang said to Gu Qingci.

Qin Ruofang had once hoped for Gu Qingci to strive for more, but now she was a little worried.

What if Gu Qingci became too ambitious?

What if she grew tired of Ruan Zhi?

Even if her household registration were changed, some facts couldn’t be altered.

All the Ruan family could offer Gu Qingci was money.

They couldn’t provide political connections or career support.

“I understand what you mean, Mother-in-law. No matter what, I’ll still do my best.” Gu Qingci said.

She looked full of determination.

After chatting for a while, Ruan Zhi wanted to speak privately with her mother, so Ruan Jinyu and Gu Qingci went to the backyard horse field to play, accompanied by Ruan Maolin.

“Ah Zhi, should we call a physician to check on you? It’s been several months since your wedding night. Don’t spend all your time thinking about business—money can never be fully earned. Having a child is the real priority.” Qin Ruofang said to Ruan Zhi once Gu Qingci left.

Earlier, Ruan Wen had also reminded her of something: Ruan Zhi still hadn’t gotten pregnant after all this time.

“Mother, I’m perfectly healthy, and we’re doing fine. Why are you acting like Ah Wen now?” Ruan Zhi replied helplessly.

How could the two of them possibly have a child? It was only a temporary mark.

In this lifetime, Ruan Zhi had never even considered the idea of having a child. She didn’t want to be permanently marked, branded with an indelible imprint that would affect her both physically and mentally. Moreover, the state of the world in the coming years wasn’t suitable for raising a child.

“I’m just worried about you. Now that A Ci is a provincial scholar, things are different from before. Everything may seem fine now, but you can’t just focus on the present. Having a child to rely on will ensure long-term stability.” Qin Ruofang insisted.

Ruan Zhi fell silent for a moment before soothing her mother with a few words, trying to dissuade her from dwelling on the matter.

Later, Ruan Maolin arrived, and Ruan Zhi discussed business matters with him.

The Ruan family’s business and Ruan Zhi’s own ventures were separate. Ruan Zhi had Ruan Maolin open teahouses in Minshan County and Guide Prefecture, so she didn’t establish her own there. The accounts between the two businesses were kept very clear.

However, Ruan Maolin knew his side benefited from Ruan Zhi and Gu Qingci’s influence, so earlier, while in the backyard, he had gifted Gu Qingci an estate near the capital, Yanjing.

Ruan Zhi wanted Min Guiyi to train the Ruan family’s guards and merchant convoy escorts as well, so she discussed rotation schedules and timing arrangements with Ruan Maolin.

After dining at the Ruan residence, Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi returned home.

Gu Qingci decided to focus entirely on exam preparation and declined all social engagements. The next day, she began attending the military academy.

The military academy had classes for both Tongsheng (aspiring scholars) and Juren (provincial scholars), with different curricula. At the Juren level, there were very few students—just one class, with around ten people, including recent exam passers and those from previous years who hadn’t yet advanced.

Many people disliked the limited teaching resources in small counties. Some went to Guide Prefecture, while those with means even attended the Imperial Academy’s military school in Yanjing. Those preparing for long-term exams, with sufficient assets, moved their entire families to where they studied.

Gu Qingci, previously in Youzhou City, had never planned for this, so she was now completely in the dark. As a result, her dozen or so classmates and instructor Sun Pengdun were quite surprised to see her.

How could a Jieyuan (top provincial scholar) still come to study at a county-level military academy? The teaching resources here couldn’t keep up. Instructor Sun Pengdun wasn’t even a match for Gu Qingci—how could he teach her?

On the first day of class, Gu Qingci spent half the day self-studying before going to consult Sun Pengdun.

“Your mounted and foot archery skills are already beyond what anyone here can teach. For martial arts combat, you’ll need some practical experience. You could try joining the daily training sessions at the garrison—sparring with more people will build your experience. The troop command and tactical drills are only tested during the palace examination. If you’re confident, you could also discuss with General Zhao to arrange some training.”

“As for the written exam, the most experienced and skilled person here is the old General Song Qianji. If you can get him to teach you, it’ll be twice as effective with half the effort.”

Sun Pengdun gave Gu Qingci an idea.

The locations of the garrison and Song Qianji’s residence were both far from the courtyard.

Gu Qingci hesitated.

She didn’t want to be too far away from Ruan Zhi.

But practicing alone was no longer enough.

That day, when Gu Qingci returned home, she seemed a bit downcast.

When Ruan Zhi came back and saw Gu Qingci looking unhappy, she went over to ask what was wrong.

“I don’t want to be too far away.” Gu Qingci said after explaining a few of her study and training plans.

“Are you really this determined to prepare for the exam? It’s normal for people to take the exam several times without passing. You can take it easier—it’s fine if you pass next time.” Ruan Zhi said.

Ruan Zhi had thought Gu Qingci was just talking, but she hadn’t expected her to act so quickly.

“If working hard means passing in one attempt, I don’t want to take it a second time. Whether I like it or not, I still have to go.” Gu Qingci said.

Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci’s expression and remembered what she had once said.

She didn’t like working hard; she wanted to be a carefree slacker.

It must be hard for her to push herself like this now.

“Then give it a try. If it gets too exhausting, just come back. At your age, passing the provincial exam would make you the only one in Minshan County to do so.” Ruan Zhi told Gu Qingci.

Ruan Zhi wasn’t too concerned about changing household registrations or clothing restrictions. Her main goal was to change Ruan Jinyu’s registration so he could attend the academy and take the imperial exams.

This wasn’t something only Gu Qingci could handle.

Once they had enough financial resources, they could negotiate with others—like Ye Youli, for example.

Ruan Zhi didn’t pressure Gu Qingci at all.

But that only made Gu Qingci feel even more pressured.

Wuwuwu, such a kind and generous sister—she mustn’t let others look down on her! She must achieve the freedom to dress as she pleases!

Gu Qingci drew up a training plan for herself.

She divided the month into three parts: one for combat training with the garrison, one for strength training and learning techniques with Min Guiyi, and the last for studying military strategy and war simulations with Song Qianji.

As for the garrison, Ruan Zhi had previously asked Ruan Maolin to donate some supplies, which had fostered goodwill with General Zhao there. Combined with Gu Qingci’s status as a military provincial graduate, and the fact that there were no ongoing battles, it was easy for her to join the training.

As for Song Qianji, the old general valued talent and held this provincial graduate from Guide Prefecture in high regard. When Gu Qingci came to seek guidance, he agreed without any conditions and even let her stay.

Although Gu Qingci hadn’t attended a higher-level military academy, these “teachers” were all excellent in their own right.

During the month, she could only return to the Gu residence and be with Ruan Zhi when she went to Min Guiyi’s place. The rest of the time, she was away and couldn’t come back.

The weather grew colder, and the training became increasingly grueling.

But Gu Qingci persevered.

The hardship was only temporary. If she studied and trained hard, passed the imperial exam, and became an official who could change Ruan Zhi’s household registration, it would all be worth it.

On Ruan Zhi’s side, aside from business matters, she was also overseeing the research of white sugar, the formulation of milk tea, and the production of fine salt. Whenever Gu Qingci returned, she would taste-test the flavors.

Even when Gu Qingci went to the military camp or to Song Qianji’s place, Ruan Zhi would send someone to deliver food to ensure Gu Qingci’s nutrition was adequate.

After several months of such training, Gu Qingci had grown taller again.

When she first arrived, Gu Qingci wasn’t as tall as Ruan Zhi, but now she was slightly taller than her.

Her figure was slender and upright, striking even without looking at her face.

Ruan Zhi felt that every time Gu Qingci returned, she seemed to have changed—sometimes taller, sometimes even more… adorable, more attractive.

During the coldest days, Gu Qingci’s hands developed chilblains.

Ruan Zhi found a medicinal recipe and brewed a chilblain ointment for her to apply.

Gu Qingci said she was working so hard to become an official so she could change Ruan Zhi’s household registration.

Ruan Zhi always found this somewhat surreal.

Who wouldn’t want to achieve fame and success in their career after earning scholarly honors?

Who would become an official just to change their wife’s household registration?

Ruan Zhi’s calmness kept these thoughts suppressed.

She simply continued to take care of Gu Qingci’s daily needs as usual, fulfilling her duties as a wife.

By the end of the year, Gu Qingci finally paused her training and returned to the Gu household to celebrate the New Year with Ruan Zhi.

After the New Year, on the tenth day of the first lunar month, Ruan Zhi had people pack their belongings, and together with Gu Qingci, they set off for the capital, Yanjing, accompanied by the Ruan family’s merchant convoy.

The weather was still very cold, and they had to wear thick clothing, with hand warmers and hot water constantly replenished.

They traveled during the day and stayed at inns at night, not rushing the journey.

When they reached Youzhou City, it was still early, but they stopped to rest at an inn.

Ruan Zhi went out to check on the shops and review the accounts.

Gu Qingci, meanwhile, went to find Wen Renyi.

Wen Renyi had been studying at the martial arts school in Youzhou City during this time.

After meeting, Wen Renyi packed her things and prepared to leave with Gu Qingci.

The next day, the convoy regrouped and set off again.

Gu Qingci didn’t involve herself in managing the group, so she didn’t notice if people came or went.

For the first few days, Gu Qingci often went horseback riding with Wen Renyi.

After growing bored of that, she slept in the carriage.

She didn’t notice any changes in Ruan Zhi.

It wasn’t until one day when Ruan Zhi returned to the carriage with a different scent on her that Gu Qingci began to sense something was off.

This scent was the same as the one she had noticed after Ruan Zhi met with Ye Youli last time.

Two or three times a day, Lian Rui would come to call Ruan Zhi, who would then leave the carriage and go to another one, claiming she was going to review accounts. She would stay out for a while, only returning when the group stopped to rest, each time carrying that unfamiliar scent.

This made Gu Qingci suspect one possibility.

Ye Youli had secretly joined their convoy!

How sneaky of Ye Youli!

She was hiding in their convoy, secretly meeting with Ruan Zhi—just how deep was her love?

How infuriating!

Before this, Gu Qingci had been lazy and carefree, relying entirely on Ruan Zhi, and hadn’t noticed any of this.

Now, paying closer attention, she realized there were indeed some unfamiliar faces in the group during her horseback rides—especially the driver of the carriage Ruan Zhi frequently visited, who was clearly a trained fighter and someone Gu Qingci had never seen before.

Gu Qingci held back until nightfall.

The convoy found an inn to stay at.

Gu Qingci saw a tall woman stepping down from one of the carriages, her face obscured by a wide hat.

That height, that leisurely gait—who else could it be but Ye Youli?

Her clothes appeared plain, but the fabric was clearly of the finest quality.

Gu Qingci was certain it was Ye Youli.

Wearing a hat to pretend to be an omega—how shameless.

Ruan Zhi had Madam Zhao arrange accommodations for the rest of the group while she herself went to the room assigned to Ye Youli and stayed there for a while.

Even the bedding in Ye Youli’s room was provided by Ruan Zhi.

The pastries and snacks were all given to Ye Youli first.

Gu Qingci returned to the room she shared with Ruan Zhi, her cheeks puffed up in anger.

She waited for a long time before Ruan Zhi finally came back.

The weather outside was freezing. Whenever Ruan Zhi went out, she would carry a hand warmer, but this time, it was nowhere to be seen when she entered.

“Madam, what were you doing? Why are you back so late?” Gu Qingci asked, her tone tinged with resentment.

“I had some matters to attend to.” Ruan Zhi replied, removing her fur cloak and setting it aside. As she moved to warm her hands by the stove, Gu Qingci reached out and clasped them between her own palms.

“Madam, where’s your hand warmer?” Gu Qingci asked, feeling the icy chill of Ruan Zhi’s hands.

“I must have lost it somewhere.” Ruan Zhi said, frowning slightly as she looked at Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci’s hands were warm, and Ruan Zhi’s fingers, nestled between them, began to thaw comfortably.

Yet she couldn’t shake a sense of unease.

“What’s wrong with you?” Ruan Zhi asked, noticing the look in Gu Qingci’s eyes—it carried the same unfamiliar intensity as when she had actively marked her last time.

After that marking, perhaps due to the overwhelming amount of pheromones, Ruan Zhi had gone several months without an estrus cycle.

That last experience had left her with a lingering apprehension, and she hoped the next one would be delayed as long as possible.

Gu Qingci had been busy training every day, and there had been no signs of restlessness.

Could it be that it was happening now?