My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 56

56

In the morning, Ruan Zhi had business to attend to, and Gu Qingci followed along.

With just one day left before the results were announced, Gu Qingci hadn’t accepted any invitations to gatherings.

She didn’t want to be apart from Ruan Zhi even more.

Once inside the carriage, she could lean against Ruan Zhi, snuggle and hug her, coaxing out some sweet moments. If she was lucky, she might even steal a kiss.

Blissful.

Ruan Zhi had no way to handle the clingy, coquettish Gu Qingci. As long as she didn’t go too far or let outsiders see, she indulged her.

Ruan Zhi’s first order of business was to visit the official shop in Yanjing.

Arriving at the official shop, Ruan Zhi and Gu Qingci stepped out of the carriage. As soon as they reached the entrance, they were greeted by an attendant.

“Manager Su is already waiting inside for Madam Gu.” the young eunuch said respectfully.

Ruan Zhi grew even more curious about the official shop’s attitude. She and Gu Qingci went upstairs and met the eunuch in charge.

“Gu… top candidate, Madam Gu, what a rare honor! Please, have a seat.” the eunuch manager said, surprised to see Gu Qingci as well. He stepped forward, cupping his hands in greeting with a polite tone.

Ruan Zhi was even more astonished.

In the past, this manager, who usually looked down on everyone and acted aloof, was now so enthusiastic and courteous?!

“Madam Gu, the reason I asked you to come today is to discuss the matter of the shimmering silk. Our chief eunuch specifically instructed that it must be settled today.” the manager said once they were seated.

“Thank you, Manager Su. Is it to be finalized as we previously discussed?” Ruan Zhi asked, observing the manager’s expression.

The official shop was sourcing goods from her.

Naturally, she would offer them a slight discount, but if the price was too far below cost, this business deal would result in a loss.

If the first product was suppressed like this, future products wouldn’t be profitable either.

That wouldn’t be a sound way to do business.

“This time, our order is large, and the highest quality is to be supplied to the masters in the palace. The slightly lower-grade ones can only be sold in the official shop. Given that, the lowest grade will be eighty taels of silver per bolt, with each higher grade increasing by twenty taels. What does Madam Gu think?” the manager said with a smile.

“…” Ruan Zhi was momentarily stunned and quickly did the math in her head.

A buyout was expected—after all, the shimmering silk was unique, expensive, and likely only marketable in Yanjing.

But the price surprised her; it was even higher than what she had initially proposed.

Ruan Zhi asked a few more questions to confirm that this price wasn’t hiding any additional conditions.

Suppressing her astonishment, she discussed the details with the manager.

Gu Qingci watched quietly from the side.

During negotiations, Ruan Zhi spoke clearly and confidently, neither submissive nor overbearing, handling the discussion with perfect composure. The veil of her hat didn’t sway in the slightest—it wasn’t hard to imagine how stern and cool her expression must have been beneath it.

At this moment, Ruan Zhi carried an air of sharp authority, her presence commanding and formidable.

Gu Qingci’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

My wife is so impressive!

After settling the terms with the government-operated store, the agreement was drawn up, stamped by the eunuch representing the store, and then by Ruan Zhi, finalizing the deal.

Once Ruan Zhi and Gu Qingci left and got into the carriage, Ruan Zhi turned to Gu Qingci.

“What happened during the palace examination yesterday?” Ruan Zhi asked.

If she hadn’t done anything, then it must have been Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci had mentioned it briefly the day before, but their kiss had interrupted the conversation.

“Nothing much, just a normal exam… The arrows we used for archery had blunt tips, and… the Emperor called me over to ask a few questions. I don’t think I said anything wrong. Later, I performed a cup-balancing act and demonstrated some martial arts for him. He laughed really happily and said he’d reward me. But the reward hasn’t arrived yet. I wonder when it’ll come.” Gu Qingci said, already thinking longingly about the reward Emperor Changping had promised.

“…” Ruan Zhi listened to Gu Qingci’s casual retelling, feeling as though she were in a dream.

Not only had Gu Qingci met Emperor Changping, but she had also performed acrobatics for him!

You really had the audacity to put on a show for him!

No wonder the eunuch’s attitude had changed so drastically.

They were always acutely sensitive to Emperor Changping’s preferences.

Gu Qingci must have left a very favorable impression on him yesterday.

Between the flashy satin she wore that day and the fact that she had caught the Emperor’s attention, it was no surprise these people’s attitudes had shifted.

“How do you have so much nerve?!” Ruan Zhi couldn’t help but pinch Gu Qingci’s soft cheek.

“He’s our ultimate boss, of course I had to make him happy.” Gu Qingci replied with a grin. Seeing Ruan Zhi in a good mood, she leaned in, wrapped her arms around Ruan Zhi’s waist, and kissed her on the cheek.

Ruan Zhi released Gu Qingci’s cheek and looked at her leaning in, narrowing her eyes.

Well, well, the Emperor is the boss, huh? Bold words.

Ruan Zhi recalled the past when Gu Qingci had said that she was her boss, that she only needed a boss and not a wife.

She had also been her boss before—was that why Gu Qingci had tried to please her?

“Don’t breathe a word of this to anyone else—it’s highly disrespectful.” Ruan Zhi wanted to say more but ultimately pinched Gu Qingci’s cheek again, issuing a warning first.

“Madam, I’m not stupid, of course I know. I only tell you.” Gu Qingci said.

“…” Ruan Zhi fell silent. Hmm, not stupid indeed.

Once the matter of the official store was settled, there were still many loose ends to tie up to ensure a steady supply. Ruan Zhi went to the embroidery workshop to check on things and confirmed that the first batch of shimmering satin would be delivered on time, with subsequent shipments able to keep up.

After dealing with the shimmering satin, Ruan Zhi went to the teahouse to check on the preparations.

“The Top Scholars Tea and Top Scholars Wife Tea have been packaged. So far, we’ve prepared 400 sets, priced at six taels of silver per large set and six qian of silver per small set. The packaging is like this—please inspect it, Madam.”

“We’ve prepared 300 bamboo cups with the words Top Scholar pasted on the outside. Tomorrow’s menu will include Top Scholar’s Black Tea, Top Scholar’s Flower Tea, Top Scholar’s Milk Tea… We’ve also prepared Second-place Scholarl and Third-place Scholar series, with 100 sets each for now. The outer labels can be replaced at any time…”

The manager reported to Ruan Zhi.

The results of the imperial examination would be announced the next day. Since Gu Qingci had mentioned it, Ruan Zhi had arranged for everything to be prepared before the announcement.

Ruan Zhi had a feeling Gu Qingci’s ranking wouldn’t be low—she was likely to place in the top three.

“Prepare another 100 sets of each. Tomorrow, hire someone with a loud voice to announce them, and also…” Ruan Zhi made a few more arrangements.

Gu Qingci watched as dozens of people bustled about in the teahouse’s backyard, never expecting that her casual remark would spark such a large-scale operation.

“Isn’t this a bit too much preparation? What if they don’t sell? What if I’m not in the top three?” Gu Qingci tugged at Ruan Zhi’s sleeve after she finished giving instructions.

“It’s just the cost of changing a piece of paper. No need to worry.” said Ruan Zhi.

Simply because Emperor Changping summoned Gu Qingci for an audience, and given such special treatment, the outcome shouldn’t be too bad.

Gu Qingci was still a bit anxious. There were only three top-ranked scholars in the first tier, and these three would be directly appointed to official positions.

The ranking depended entirely on Emperor Changping’s preference.

She hoped the acrobatics performance wasn’t in vain.

After finishing up at the teahouse, Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi headed out to visit the next shop.

The neighing of horses sounded as a carriage drawn by three horses passed through the street, causing pedestrians to scatter.

Gu Qingci shielded Ruan Zhi behind her and looked in the direction of the carriage.

Though she didn’t recognize the carriage’s specifications or which family it belonged to, she spotted a fierce-looking man standing guard beside it.

The man was roughly two meters tall, his stature towering over the crowd.

When his gaze met Gu Qingci’s, a flash of malice flickered in his eyes.

Gu Qingci frowned.

She guessed the man’s identity.

With such a build and such hostility toward her, he was likely the Third Prince’s personal guard, Dou Qiang.

He had nearly killed them back then, yet now he acted as if nothing had happened.

And he still dared to be so arrogant.

Growing increasingly irritated, Gu Qingci was just pondering how to undermine the Third Prince when she spotted another familiar face.

The carriage of Changning County Princess stopped in front of the shop next to the teahouse.

At the moment, the county princess was in a foul mood.

Her father had been endlessly praising Gu Qingci at home, and now, the moment she stepped out, she ran into Gu Qingci again.

Changning County Princess glared at Gu Qingci, snapping her whip between both hands as if preparing to strike.

Not wanting to provoke a conflict, Gu Qingci tried to quickly lead Ruan Zhi to their carriage, but Changning County Princess strode toward them.

As she approached, the surrounding crowd shrank back in fear, leaving a wide, empty space around them.

“Gu Qingci, what happened the other day was merely because my father didn’t recognize you.” Changning County Princess said haughtily, then turned her gaze to Ruan Zhi.

“You, the daughter of a merchant, why haven’t you bowed to me, your county princess?” Changning County Princess pointed her whip at Ruan Zhi.

“County Princess Changning, don’t go too far.” Gu Qingci said angrily.

“I have met the County Lady of Changning.” Ruan Zhi tugged at Gu Qingci and performed a standard courtesan’s bow to the County Lady of Changning, lowering her head and bending her knees, the gesture flawless.

“Hmph!” The County Lady of Changning’s mood improved slightly.

Ruan Zhi was adaptable—bowing was nothing to her. But Gu Qingci, however, felt furious.

The County Lady of Changning was deliberately humiliating Ruan Zhi.

Gu Qingci’s face flushed with anger, but she quickly suppressed it. She stepped forward, approaching the County Lady of Changning with a smile.

“My Lady, even if I were unmarried, I wouldn’t dare wed you. I’ve heard the Third Prince wishes to marry you, but he said the County Lady of Changning isn’t fit to be his concubine—at best, a foot-washing maid. Ah, how could the Third Prince say such things? Though the County Lady is fierce, she still holds the status of a noble.” Gu Qingci said softly with a grin, though even she didn’t believe her own words—she just wanted to spite the County Lady.

The County Lady of Changning’s expression twisted in fury upon hearing this. With a crack, she lashed her whip against the doorframe.

“How dare he! How dare he!” the County Lady shrieked in rage.

Gu Qingci had anticipated this and didn’t flinch, merely feigning regret. She gripped Ruan Zhi’s wrist protectively and pulled her toward their carriage.

Once the two were inside, they noticed the County Lady didn’t pursue them. Instead, after venting her anger, she boarded her own carriage.

Her carriage sped off—chasing after the Third Prince’s earlier procession.

“…” Gu Qingci was speechless. Did that woman actually believe what she’d said?

“Madam, shall we follow?” Gu Qingci asked Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi nodded at Gu Qingci.

She was still processing what she’d just heard.

The County Lady of Changning’s father, General Zhennan, actually intended for Gu Qingci to marry the County Lady!

General Zhennan admired martial prowess, and with Gu Qingci’s exceptional skills, who wouldn’t favor her?

However, Gu Qingci had clearly refused.

The County Lady of Changning also admired warriors, but given her past grievances with Gu Qingci, she seemed displeased.

Gu Qingci clearly disliked the County Lady as well.

No wonder that day, Gu Qingci had rushed back in such a hurry, insisting on spreading the word about her marital status.

Though the County Lady of Changning was domineering, her status was undeniably lofty.

In the Daheng Dynasty, below the rank of Grand General among military officers were the four Garrison Generals, with the Garrison General of the South being one of them.

The family of the Garrison General of the South now only had the County Mistress of Changning left as their sole heir.

In terms of marriage prospects, the County Mistress of Changning was, in some ways, even more sought after than the imperial princesses.

Could it be that Gu Qingci didn’t know this?

Ruan Zhi lowered her eyes in thought for a moment when suddenly, the noise of a commotion erupted outside.

Gu Qingci, who had been leaning against the carriage window to look outside, turned back with a strange smile and tugged at Ruan Zhi’s sleeve.

“Madam, she actually believed what I just said. What kind of reckless woman is this? She tried to strike the Third Prince in the middle of the street, but Dou Qiang blocked it and took a few lashes from her whip instead. At least it helps us vent some anger for now.” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi.

Last time, the County Mistress of Changning had inexplicably stormed into their place, causing a scene and even provoking Chihuo. Gu Qingci had thought she was targeting her because she was aligned with the Third Prince.

Now, it seemed that wasn’t the case.

Back then, the County Mistress of Changning had also been manipulated.

This woman had a fiery temper and a one-track mind.

Truly, there was no one else like her.

Outside, chaos was unfolding, so Gu Qingci instructed the coachman to turn the carriage around and take a different route.

“If they find out you were the one who stirred things up like that, you’ll have angered both sides. The County Mistress of Changning isn’t scheming—what you see is what you get. It’s best not to provoke her if possible.” Ruan Zhi said to Gu Qingci.

“Madam, it’s fine. The Third Prince already tried to kill us last time—this is just one more reason added to the pile.” Gu Qingci replied.

She spoke lightly because what was done was done. Who could have guessed the County Mistress of Changning would actually believe such a thing?

Perhaps there was already some conflict between them, or maybe the Third Prince truly had intentions of marrying the County Mistress of Changning.

For now, none of that concerned them.

Gu Qingci spent the day busy with Ruan Zhi and didn’t return until dusk.

That night, she clung to Ruan Zhi, indulging in some intimacy before finally falling asleep.

Ruan Zhi, however, lay awake for a while.

The results would be announced tomorrow. Ruan Zhi hoped Gu Qingci would take first place, but she also feared it.

If she did, how many people would try to snatch her away?

Would simply proclaiming that she already had a wife be enough to deter those with ulterior motives?

If people were to find out that Gu Qingci’s lawful wife was merely an ordinary merchant, they might become even more eager.

Perhaps Gu Qingci wouldn’t like it, or perhaps she might take a liking to someone else.

Or worse—someone might resort to underhanded tactics.

Lost in thought, Ruan Zhi leaned closer to Gu Qingci and gently kissed her forehead.

The next morning, when Gu Qingci awoke, Ruan Zhi was already up as well.

“Madam, why are you up so early? Why not sleep a little longer?” Gu Qingci asked, pulling Ruan Zhi into an embrace.

“No need. I want to see the results early so I can arrange matters for the shop.” Ruan Zhi replied.

She had barely slept all night.

Being able to go with Ruan Zhi to check the results and share the moment with her right away naturally delighted Gu Qingci.

The two freshened up, ate a light breakfast, and set off.

The street outside the palace gate, where the golden rankings would be posted, was already packed with people.

Gu Qingci had Ruan Zhi stay in the carriage while she went ahead to look.

Just as Gu Qingci stepped down from the carriage and before she could even reach the crowd, she heard the loud proclamation of names.

“First-rank Martial Scholar of the 20th year of Changping’s reign—Gu Qingci of Minshan County, granted the title of Advanced Scholar, First-Class Imperial Guard!”

The voice was booming, and as soon as it finished, dozens of Imperial Guards echoed the announcement in unison, repeating it three times, drowning out all other noise on the street.

Ahhh—