My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 57

57

Gu Qingci was momentarily stunned upon hearing the news. After confirming it several times and making sure it was indeed her name, she hurriedly rushed into the carriage to tell Ruan Zhi.

Outside, the commotion was grand and ongoing, with the announcement continuing as if the news was being proclaimed throughout the entire city.

“Madam, did you hear that? I’m the top martial arts scholar, a first-class imperial bodyguard!” Gu Qingci burst into the carriage like a gust of wind and exclaimed to Ruan Zhi.

If Ruan Zhi hadn’t been inside the carriage, she would have picked her up and spun her around again.

“I heard.” Ruan Zhi replied, her voice slightly tight.

Top scholar!

Even though Ruan Zhi knew Gu Qingci was exceptional, she hadn’t dared to imagine this outcome.

Rankings like these sometimes took many factors into account, even the balance of power within the court.

Moreover, she was directly granted the official position of first-class imperial bodyguard!

This was unprecedented.

Even in Ruan Zhi’s memory, no top martial arts scholar had ever received such treatment or level of importance.

In the past, it had only been a third-class imperial bodyguard.

“Madam, do you know what rank a first-class imperial bodyguard holds? Can I change your household registration status now?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Third-rank military official.” Ruan Zhi said, looking at Gu Qingci, her voice trembling slightly.

This person—the moment she was appointed, her first concern was this!

A first-class imperial bodyguard was a solid third-rank military official!

Though it didn’t come with actual authority—primarily serving as a guard by the emperor’s side—the status was prestigious.

Generally speaking, first-class imperial bodyguards not only had to possess exceptional martial prowess but also had to meet certain identity requirements—either being relatives of the imperial family or descendants of meritorious officials. Their loyalty to the royal family had to be absolute.

If a first-class imperial bodyguard were to transfer positions, even at the same rank, they would typically hold pivotal roles with significant power and influence.

One of the reasons why scions of noble families hadn’t been particularly interested in the martial arts examinations in the past was that they could directly inherit the title of imperial bodyguard through familial connections, using it as a stepping stone for advancement in officialdom.

Gu Qingci’s first official appointment was now a highly coveted starting point, even for the most distinguished imperial relatives and noble descendants.

Just yesterday, Ruan Zhi had been worried about how Gu Qingci might be fought over if her ranking turned out too high. Now…

This was far better than she had ever imagined.

Ruan Zhi felt a mix of joy and sorrow.

“Madam, then let’s go today. If only my father-in-law, mother-in-law, and Jinyu were here, we could help them transfer their household registrations too.” Gu Qingci said excitedly, her thoughts unclouded by complexities.

She hadn’t considered much else.

Her goal in achieving a high rank and securing an official post directly was to facilitate Ruan Zhi’s household registration transfer. Now, at last, it had been accomplished.

Just as Ruan Zhi was about to speak, a voice came from outside the carriage—it was Wen Renyi, who was familiar with them and recognized their carriage.

Gu Qingci said a word to Ruan Zhi and ducked out.

“Scholar Gu, congratulations!” Wen Renyi exclaimed cheerfully upon seeing Gu Qingci.

Beside her, Cao Hang was also visibly excited.

He had placed second, an outcome he had never dared to imagine before. He even suspected that his accurate foot-archery during the palace exam might have impressed Emperor Changping, earning him the second-place rank.

He owed it to Gu Qingci’s influence.

Otherwise, based on his previous results, maintaining a position within the top ten would have been commendable enough.

“Top Scholar Gu, we must enter the palace to receive the imperial decree and express our gratitude.” Cao Hang said, clapping Gu Qingci on the shoulder.

“Ah, right. Let me inform my wife first.” Gu Qingci replied hastily, climbing back into the carriage to speak with Ruan Zhi.

Unfamiliar with these procedures—as were Wen Renyi and Cao Hang, given this was the first military examination—Gu Qingci felt a bit out of her depth.

“Go ahead. There’s no need to rush. I’ll head to the shop first and leave a carriage for you. Also, take these—use them as needed.” Ruan Zhi said, handing Gu Qingci several small pouches and a larger one filled with loose silver.

Having achieved the top scholar rank today, the congratulatory money they had prepared earlier seemed insufficient.

Gu Qingci tucked the items into her sleeve, leaned in, cupped Ruan Zhi’s face, and planted a firm kiss on her lips.

“Wait for me to return.” Gu Qingci said with a grin to the dazed Ruan Zhi before ducking out of the carriage again.

Wen Renyi had placed in the second tier and thus wasn’t qualified to enter the palace to give thanks. However, Cao Hang, as the second-place finisher, was appointed as a second-rank imperial guard and was to accompany Gu Qingci into the palace.

After bidding farewell to Wen Renyi, Gu Qingci and Cao Hang arrived at the palace gate, where the attending eunuch courteously congratulated them. Prepared with celebratory money, Gu Qingci also distributed her share.

The eunuch in charge was accustomed to such matters and accepted the gifts smoothly.

Apart from these three military examinees, there were also three civil examinees.

Among the civil examinees, the third-place scholar was Qin Xuanming.

Gu Qingci hadn’t expected him to achieve such a rank, but it had nothing to do with her. She only stayed with the two military examinees.

Once everyone had gathered, they followed the eunuch in charge into the palace to thank the emperor for the honors.

They had to perform the kowtow ceremony.

Gu Qingci grumbled inwardly but obediently followed the standard protocol to pay respects.

Early in the morning, Emperor Changping was not in high spirits. After the eunuch announced the rankings and appointments once more, and everyone expressed their gratitude, he simply waved his hand to dismiss them.

Gu Qingci noticed that the civil examination’s top scholar was appointed as a Hanlin Academy Compiler, only a sixth-rank position.

Meanwhile, the military examination’s top scholar was given a third-rank position.

Wasn’t it said that the military exam was less prestigious than the civil exam?

Gu Qingci was puzzled, but this wasn’t the time to seek answers. After thanking the emperor, she left the palace with the others.

In addition to announcing the rankings and official positions, they were also awarded an imperial edict, along with gifts of gold, silver, cloth, official robes, and for the military examinees, battle attire, armor, and the like.

Several young eunuchs accompanied them to deliver the items out of the palace.

Gu Qingci found her family’s carriage and took everyone home.

Special eunuchs were assigned to deliver the gifts, escorting them all the way to Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi’s home. After they arrived, Gu Qingci tipped them with celebratory money, and only then did they leave.

“Congratulations, lord!” After seeing off the eunuchs who had delivered the gifts, Gu Qingci returned to find Min Yuan’er coming forward to offer her congratulations, her face flushed with admiration as she looked at Gu Qingci.

“Thank you. Take this to buy some sweets.” Gu Qingci said, handing Min Yuan’er a few pieces of broken silver.

“…My lord, I didn’t ask for silver. I’m just happy for you. Also, this—I went to the temple specially to pray for a protective talisman for you. It’s for you, obtained according to the temple’s rituals, and it’s been blessed. It really works!”

Min Yuan’er spoke somewhat nervously as she pulled out a yellow triangular talisman and handed it to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci knew that Min Yuan’er had been carrying guilt over her past injuries, and seeing her sincerity, she didn’t refuse.

“Thank you. The silver is just for good luck—everyone gets some. Take it.” Gu Qingci smiled and gave the silver to Min Yuan’er.

“Thank you, My lord!” Min Yuan’er replied softly.

Gu Qingci acknowledged her and couldn’t spare more time to chat.

She instructed the maids at home to organize the gifts while she hurried off to find Ruan Zhi.

Today, she was going to the government office in the capital to update her identity token and change Ruan Zhi’s household registration.

Ruan Zhi was at the shop.

The preparations made earlier had already been put into motion. The backup plans for the second and third top scholars were no longer needed—everything was now centered on the top scholar.

Because the results had been announced, and the golden honor roll was posted and would remain displayed for three days, the news that Gu Qingci was the top scholar in the military examinations spread like wildfire.

By the time Gu Qingci arrived at the teahouse, the entrance was packed to the brim.

Everyone was scrambling to buy the “Top Scholar Tea.” the CP tea gift sets, and various other top scholar-themed tea drinks. The line kept growing longer.

Previously, she had thought Ruan Zhi had prepared too much, but now it seemed it still wasn’t enough.

Gu Qingci entered through the backyard and found Ruan Zhi.

“Madam, don’t work so hard today. Let’s go change your household registration first!” Gu Qingci said, pulling Ruan Zhi along.

As for the merchant-class status, Ruan Zhi had long grown accustomed to it.

She didn’t see merchant status as a disgrace.

Ruan Zhi could achieve the status and respect she desired by becoming a royal merchant and entering the Imperial Household Department.

But seeing the anticipation in Gu Qingci’s eyes, she still nodded in agreement.

Gu Qingci hugged Ruan Zhi and took a deep breath.

“Once your status is changed, I’ll buy you lots of beautiful clothes and jewelry! Whatever you like, we’ll buy it. I’ll pay!” Gu Qingci said.

“…Alright.” Ruan Zhi replied.

Gu Qingci took Ruan Zhi’s hand and helped her into the carriage, and the two headed to the government office.

With the official position and status already confirmed by imperial decree, Gu Qingci’s identity token was quickly updated.

As for Ruan Zhi’s merchant status, their marriage certificate served as proof, and as an official, Gu Qingci could change her wife’s household registration.

Watching as the “merchant” status on Ruan Zhi’s identity token was changed to “scholar-official” matching Gu Qingci’s, a weight was finally lifted from Gu Qingci’s heart.

That cousin of Ruan Zhi’s, and all the others, would never dare to look down on Ruan Zhi again.

After Ruan Zhi was freed, she could finally dress as she pleased!

Once they left the government office, Gu Qingci took Ruan Zhi to a famous tailor shop in Yanjing City. They bought two ready-made outfits first, then selected fabrics to have several more tailored.

At the gold and silver jewelry store, they also picked out two complete sets of hair ornaments.

In no time, several hundred taels of silver were spent.

Gu Qingci was delighted to spend the money.

They shopped during the day, and in the afternoon, they checked on the shops.

Everything was going smoothly.

Ruan Zhi’s mood wasn’t exactly bad, but if she had to say she was happy, she felt a bit unsettled.

It was as if…

She was holding a rare treasure, one that radiated dazzling brilliance for all to see.

Countless unseen eyes were fixed on her hands, eager to snatch it away.

And her—did she have the ability to protect the treasure in her hands?

Even if her merchant status had changed to that of a scholar, she was still just an ordinary person.

With only the limited assets and power she currently possessed, would it be enough?

A sense of urgency grew in Ruan Zhi.

That night, Gu Qingci coaxed Ruan Zhi in a soft voice to change into her new clothes and helped pin the new hair ornaments into her bun.

The usually simply dressed Ruan Zhi, who had always been like a cold and ethereal fairy, now adorned with color, exuded a stunning nobility that could no longer be contained.

The clothes and accessories accentuated her temperament, making her even more striking.

Gu Qingci gazed at Ruan Zhi with infatuation in her eyes.

Her wife was too beautiful.

Such beauty was lethal.

Her wife should dress up beautifully like this every day, looking absolutely gorgeous!

“Madam, you are so beautiful! The most beautiful in all the world!” Gu Qingci lavished praise without restraint.

Ruan Zhi felt somewhat embarrassed by Gu Qingci’s infatuation, yet inexplicably pleased.

No matter the external circumstances, as long as Gu Qingci remained utterly devoted to her, she would find a way to protect her.

Just as she would protect her parents and younger brother.

Gu Qingci helped Ruan Zhi put on each piece of jewelry one by one, then removed them again. While putting things away, Ruan Zhi noticed the amulet lying to the side.

“This was given by Yuan’er. She specially prayed for it at the temple. She’s still frightened by what happened last time, so I couldn’t very well refuse it.” Gu Qingci picked up the amulet and explained to Ruan Zhi.

“…” Ruan Zhi was momentarily stunned.

“Couldn’t very well refuse”—even Gu Qingci had moments when she couldn’t say no to someone.

She too had her preferences.

An alpha could have multiple wives and concubines; the higher their status, the more lenient the laws were in this regard.

There were distinctions between principal wives and noble concubines.

The emperor had an empress, as well as imperial concubines and the like.

In the past, whether it was Lian Rong, Xue Linhuan, or even those like Guo Renshu, Gu Qingci had no fondness for them, offering no gentle words and firmly rejecting them.

But someone like Min Yuan’er—

Even Ruan Zhi found her pure, innocent, and endearing.

Gu Qingci’s attitude toward her was also notably more affectionate than toward others.

This should be the type Gu Qingci likes.

Moreover, Gu Qingci also enjoys courtesans and dancers—those with striking beauty who are skilled in singing, dancing, and playing music.

The half-year agreement she made with Gu Qingci about not taking concubines had long since expired.

Even if she could find a way to resist the nobles’ advances and prevent them from coveting her, what if Gu Qingci herself was interested?

Continue to restrain her?

Could she restrain her heart?

Ruan Zhi’s mood sank again.

Unaware of Ruan Zhi’s concerns, Gu Qingci had already fallen into a blissful sleep by the time Ruan Zhi returned from washing up.

Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci and thought of all her worries from the day. A bitter smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

Should she go see Ye Youli and ask her to pour a bucket of cold water on her, to snap her out of this?

When had she become so indecisive and insecure?

If Gu Qingci truly met someone she liked and intended to marry again, why should she cling so stubbornly?

They could just talk it out.

People always have to make choices.

Ruan Zhi’s rationality and composure had always kept her from being overly emotional.

Yet now, despite her seemingly calm analysis, her mood remained somber.

Lying beside Gu Qingci, Ruan Zhi didn’t know how much time passed before she finally fell asleep.

The next day, Gu Qingci was to attend a palace banquet—the Qionglin Feast, specially prepared for the newly minted jinshi who had passed the imperial examinations.

In the morning, after dressing and freshening up, Gu Qingci leaned over to kiss Ruan Zhi.

She noticed Ruan Zhi was still asleep, her brows slightly furrowed, as if troubled.

Gu Qingci gently pressed her fingertip between Ruan Zhi’s brows, trying to smooth them out.

“Madam, I’m going to the palace for the banquet today and will return late. Don’t overthink things—get some proper rest.” Gu Qingci whispered, assuming Ruan Zhi was still asleep, preoccupied with calculations for the shops and official business.

Ruan Zhi remained silent, eyes closed. Gu Qingci kissed her forehead lightly before leaving.

The palace banquet invited many people, including the newly selected scholars of the year, as well as some high-ranking officials and nobles.

It was presided over by the emperor.

After some ceremonial procedures, the formal seating began.

Each person had a small table, and a variety of sumptuous dishes were continuously served.

Emperor Changping called the top scholars from the civil and military examinations to come forward and say a few words of encouragement.

When it came to Gu Qingci, the tone changed.

“That day, you mentioned you had practiced other things. What else do you have?” Emperor Changping seemed in a rather good mood when he saw Gu Qingci, asking in a relaxed tone.

“…” Gu Qingci was speechless. Seeing that the big boss was quite interested, she performed a jar-balancing act for him.

Emperor Changping had the eunuchs bring out a jar from the palace for Gu Qingci to play with.

The civil scholars and the assembled high-ranking officials who hadn’t seen it before were treated to a spectacle.

If they had known that such a skill could lead to promotion, they would have practiced it through scorching summers and freezing winters, even if it meant spitting bl00d!

Gu Qingci felt that Emperor Changping had a peculiar fondness for watching acrobatics.

The purpose of making her a first-class imperial guard was so that she could occasionally perform for him.

Fortunately, she had thick skin. If her juggling could make the big boss happy, she didn’t care what others thought of her.

After Gu Qingci finished her “performance” others volunteered to recite flattering poems, showcase sword dances, or play the zither. Once the scholars’ performances concluded, the court musicians took the stage to play music, while several dancers performed in the center.

Initially feeling a bit bored, Gu Qingci perked up when the dancers appeared.

The standard of the palace was naturally on a different level from what she had seen outside.

The dancing girls were extremely graceful, light on their feet, and supple as if boneless, exuding an unparalleled sense of beauty.

Gu Qingci was so engrossed that she forgot to eat.

They were simply too beautiful.

From the upper seats, Ye Youli glanced over, snorted lightly, and slowly sipped her wine.

The Third Prince’s expression remained sour, unable to feign happiness.

The Crown Prince, however, wore a smile and glanced at Gu Qingci, seemingly pleased.

After the Qionglin Banquet ended, Gu Qingci left the palace with the others. However, she had just returned home and changed clothes when Shimu hurriedly came looking for her.

“My lord, His Highness the Crown Prince has sent two dancers and two musicians. They’ve already arrived.” Shimo reported to Gu Qingci.