My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 58

58

Gu Qingci was dumbfounded upon hearing the news that the Crown Prince had sent dancers and musicians.

This Crown Prince, usually so quiet, really knew how to stir things up!

Ruan Zhi had said she didn’t like keeping dancers and musicians around—if she were to do so, it would only be after they were divorced.

Gu Qingci hurriedly rushed out with Shimu and spotted four tall, graceful women standing in the main hall near the inner gate, all dressed in vibrant attire. Two of them held musical instruments—one a pipa, the other a guzheng.

Each of them was exceptionally beautiful, with the two dancers having a hint of Hu ancestry, giving them a mixed-race appearance that could rival any modern-day girl group formed through voting competitions.

“Greetings, Lord Gu!” Their voices rang out in unison, melodious and pleasing to the ear.

The synchronized movement left Gu Qingci momentarily stunned.

Just one look and it was clear they were excellent dancers, and their voices suggested they’d sing beautifully too!

“Paying respects to Lord Gu. This humble one is Eunuch Sun, serving by His Highness the Crown Prince’s side. His Highness, mindful of Lord Gu’s hard work, specially ordered this servant to deliver these ladies to entertain and ease Lord Gu’s burdens.” said a eunuch, bowing with a smile.

“…” Gu Qingci’s gaze shifted from the women to the eunuch, feeling awkward.

As lovely as they were, still…

“Eunuch Sun, this… I truly don’t deserve such a gift. Could you please take them back?” Gu Qingci clenched her teeth and bowed in return.

“Lord Gu, these are gifts bestowed by His Highness the Crown Prince. Once given, they belong to you, and you are fully deserving of them. Here are their deeds of sale—they’re all newcomers trained by the imperial music academy and have never served anyone before. Lord Gu, this servant is merely following orders. My duty is only to deliver, not to take them back. Please accept them without hesitation.” Eunuch Sun replied, handing over a stack of contracts while giving Gu Qingci a meaningful look.

Just as Gu Qingci was about to say more, the four women suddenly knelt in unison. One of them, holding the pipa, covered her face with her sleeve and began to sob.

“The four of us sisters have been given to Lord Gu by His Highness the Crown Prince. We wish to serve by your side, alive as your people, dead as your ghosts. If Lord Gu dislikes us, and we are sent back, we will have no place to belong. We beg for your mercy, Lord Gu!”

The woman’s voice was mournful, her words filled with sorrow and despair.

As soon as she finished speaking, the other three women followed her lead, kowtowing and prostrating themselves on the ground, refusing to rise.

“Lord Gu, this is His Highness the Crown Prince’s heartfelt gesture. Do not disappoint him. This humble servant shall take his leave now.” Eunuch Sun smiled at Gu Qingci, cupped his hands in salute, and turned to leave.

Gu Qingci hurried after him, still trying to persuade him, but as a mere functionary, Eunuch Sun was resolute in carrying out his orders and remained unmoved.

Gu Qingci was at her wit’s end.

To refuse further would mean offending the Crown Prince.

Her original intention was to remain neutral, unaffiliated with any faction—how had things come to this?!

Returning to the main hall, the women were still kneeling on the ground, their eyes filled with hope as they gazed at Gu Qingci.

“Lord Gu, the four of us sisters only know how to dance and play music. We have no other means to survive. If you refuse us, we will be sent back to the entertainment bureau, where we will have to trade our looks for survival, living a life worse than death. We beg you to take us in. We will serve you well, Lord Gu.”

The woman holding the pipa kowtowed again as she spoke to Gu Qingci.

The newly appointed martial arts champion, peerless in both talent and appearance—they considered themselves fortunate to have been chosen and sent here. Their words now were sincere.

If they could stay and be favored by Gu Qingci, their fates would change forever.

But if they were sent back, their futures would be uncertain, and they might never again encounter such luck.

Seeing these beautiful women weeping pitifully and pleading with her like this, Gu Qingci felt helpless.

“…You may rise and take a seat first. I will return shortly.” Gu Qingci sighed.

She had long dreamed of keeping dancers and musicians, but now that they were here, the situation was too thorny to handle.

Gu Qingci did not make any arrangements for them, merely letting them sit in the hall.

She went out to discuss the matter with Ruan Zhi.

Meanwhile, Ruan Zhi had sent a message to Ye Youli, arranging a meeting. Ye Youli had left the banquet early and was now in a teahouse private room, speaking with Ruan Zhi.

“In official circles, one must avoid revealing personal preferences. Preferences become weaknesses, levers others can use to manipulate you. Your dear one, however, did just that on the very first day—staring dumbstruck at the dancers, utterly engrossed. Tsk tsk, who wouldn’t seize such an opportunity? Especially the Crown Prince.”

After finishing the serious discussion, Ye Youli spoke leisurely, her gaze drifting casually toward Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi’s complexion wasn’t good. She already knew that the Crown Prince had sent dancers and musicians to the residence—more than one.

This was just the first salvo.

In the future, there would undoubtedly be many more “attacks” and “temptations” of various kinds.

“Being so fond of beauty and having others cater to that preference, it won’t be long before they are won over. When Alpha is good to you, that goodness is genuine, but their lust is equally genuine.” Ye Youli added, hitting the key point.

Ruan Zhi thought of how Gu Qingci had wanted to dress her up, apply rouge, adorn her in beautiful clothes, and deck her out in gold and silver jewelry—the infatuated look in their eyes as they gazed at her.

What if she had been born plain, even ugly?

Ye Youli certainly knew how to pour cold water on her hopes.

Her natural disdain and utter lack of faith in Alpha were unshakable.

In contrast, despite experiencing the events of her past life, Ruan Zhi still found her heart disturbed by Gu Qingci’s casual actions, sinking into such a painful state.

“Your Highness, let’s set this aside for now. There’s another matter I wanted to ask you about. Why is the military examination being given such importance by the court this time? The top graduate is even being awarded a third-rank military position.”

Ruan Zhi didn’t want to continue the previous topic and instead turned to ask Ye Youli.

“It’s His Majesty’s intention. General Cao has sent battle reports, but the specifics haven’t been disclosed to us. I suspect there may be impending war on the frontier again, and they need capable military officers. The higher the position, the greater the responsibility.” Ye Youli said.

“…” Ruan Zhi was startled.

In her past life, there had been no such shift, nor had war broken out so quickly on the frontier.

“Who knows? They might be sent to the front lines one day, leaving behind a house full of concubines for you. And yet, you still care for them.” Ye Youli remarked, noting the change in Ruan Zhi’s expression and letting out a light scoff.

“Thank you for informing me, Your Highness.” A pang struck Ruan Zhi’s heart, but she still thanked Ye Youli.

Ruan Zhi wanted to ask Ye Youli a few more questions when the door was knocked.

“Madam, it’s me. I have something to discuss with you.” It was Gu Qingci’s voice.

Ye Youli waved Ruan Zhi off.

Ruan Zhi bowed to Ye Youli and left the private room.

Outside, she saw Gu Qingci, their forehead beaded with sweat, looking somewhat anxious.

Without saying much, Ruan Zhi led them to another private room.

“What is the matter, My lord?” Ruan Zhi sat down and asked Gu Qingci calmly, wanting to hear how they would explain.

“Madam, it’s like this…” Gu Qingci told Ruan Zhi about the new additions to the household.

“Madam, I remember what I promised you. But now… it’s truly impossible to refuse. Besides, those people are also pitiable. Madam, what do you think…?” Gu Qingci looked at Ruan Zhi, trying to negotiate.

Ruan Zhi felt a chill in her heart.

Gu Qingci’s meaning was clear—unable to decline, she would accept, but only if Ruan Zhi agreed.

Moreover, she had even developed a sense of pity for those women.

Why did a perfectly good person have to share the same flaws as other Alphas?

“If it cannot be refused, then keep them. There’s no need to ask for my opinion.” Ruan Zhi said indifferently, not wanting to engage further with Gu Qingci.

“Madam, are you angry?” Gu Qingci sensed Ruan Zhi’s unusual demeanor and reached out to touch her, but Ruan Zhi avoided her hand.

“Not at all. I just want to remind you, my lord, that more people will send gifts in the future. If you feel compelled to accept them all, how many will the household have to support? I will not pay for these expenses.” Ruan Zhi’s tone grew even colder.

If this was how it would be, then they might as well settle the accounts clearly.

Though Gu Qingci was good, sharing her with others was something Ruan Zhi refused to do.

The “Top Scholar’s Tea” and “Top Scholars Wife Tea” were selling well now, so it wasn’t the right time for them to part ways.

But neither would she grow close to her again.

The thought of Gu Qingci being intimate with others stirred a surge of dark anger in Ruan Zhi.

“Of course, I wouldn’t make you pay for this. I’ve been thinking—our household doesn’t support idle hands. What if we opened a performance troupe? They could rehearse programs and perform in a dedicated venue, charging admission. On ordinary days, if restaurants or teahouses needed entertainment, they could hire them for performances. The condition would be that they sell their art, not their bodies. We’d ensure their safety, have them sign contracts with us, and share the earnings with them as commission.” Gu Qingci quickly explained her idea to Ruan Zhi.

It was modeled after practices from Gu Qingci’s original world.

They would act as a talent agency, training these women to perform and earn money.

Ruan Zhi, who had been preparing to negotiate further with Gu Qingci, paused as she listened to her proposal, momentarily stunned.

This was a completely unexpected approach.

What kind of thought process could lead to such an idea?

Upon receiving charming dancers and musicians, shouldn’t the usual response be to hide them away in a golden cage?

Putting them on display to earn money—what kind of logic was that?

“Madam, what do you think? If more people send gifts in the future, since we’ve already accepted His Highness the Crown Prince’s, we might as well accept others too. We’ll send them all to our own performance troupe instead of keeping them in the residence. Once they see this arrangement, they’ll stop sending more.” Gu Qingci said, waiting for Ruan Zhi’s response.

“You don’t want them as your concubines, hidden away in the inner courtyard to perform only for you? Your share of the earnings would be enough to support them.” Ruan Zhi said slowly.

“Madam, how could I take them as concubines?! I never even thought of it!” Gu Qingci was taken aback.

“Never thought of it? Then why does my lord enjoy watching dances and listening to music so much, even wanting to keep dancers and musicians? What’s that about?” Ruan Zhi asked.

Looking at Gu Qingci’s expression, she truly couldn’t fathom her thoughts.

“I—I do love watching dances and listening to music, but it’s purely a hobby. I never intended to take concubines. The two have nothing to do with each other! I swear!” Gu Qingci hurriedly explained.

“…” Ruan Zhi frowned at Gu Qingci.

She didn’t understand.

Because she had never experienced anything like it herself.

“Madam, here are the contracts of those people. I’ll hand them all over to you.” Remembering the contracts given by that Eunuch Sun earlier, Gu Qingci took them out and gave them to Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi was stunned when she received the contracts.

Handing the contracts to her meant entrusting her with control over those women.

Gu Qingci had always been different from others.

This time, was she still unlike anyone else?

“What do you mean by a ‘pure hobby’? How is it different from being infatuated with beauty?” Ruan Zhi suppressed her impatience and tried to continue questioning Gu Qingci, hoping to understand her reasoning.

Seeing the confusion on Ruan Zhi’s face, Gu Qingci sat down beside her.

“Madam, in the world I come from, people who are good at singing and dancing are called idols, and everyone loves to watch them… There are even specialized competitions where…” Gu Qingci began telling Ruan Zhi about some things from her original world.

Ruan Zhi listened, utterly astonished.

What kind of world was that?

So many people simply liked and admired dancers and musicians without ulterior motives?

Though Gu Qingci explained it this way, Ruan Zhi, not having experienced it firsthand, still found it somewhat hard to grasp.

However, Ruan Zhi understood Gu Qingci’s point. All this talk was just to prove to her that she had no romantic interest in those women.

Liking to watch dances was purely about enjoying the performance, and liking to listen to music was purely about appreciating the melodies.

Could it really be that simple?

The unsettled emotions from earlier still hadn’t dissipated.

Because even if Gu Qingci’s fascination with watching dancers was purely innocent, Ruan Zhi still felt displeased.

The thought of Gu Qingci staring entranced at other women—how could she possibly be happy about that?

“Madam, can we start our own dance and music troupe?” Gu Qingci finished speaking and looked at Ruan Zhi expectantly.

“Okay.” Ruan Zhi paused for a moment but finally nodded.

Since Gu Qingci wanted to arrange this, it wasn’t impossible to do.

“Great! Madam, you’re the best!” Gu Qingci was overjoyed and reached out to hug Ruan Zhi.

Seeing Gu Qingci so happy, Ruan Zhi sighed inwardly.

This time, Ruan Zhi didn’t avoid Gu Qingci’s closeness and let herself be embraced.

Gu Qingci nuzzled against Ruan Zhi, recalling her cold expression earlier and the previous mention of only being able to keep dancers after a divorce. She realized Ruan Zhi had always thought she wanted to take a concubine.

“Madam, I’ve said it before—I will never take a concubine, nor will I ever like anyone else. Having you alone is more than enough for me. You are the best, unmatched by anyone. Madam, you have to believe me.” Gu Qingci whispered in Ruan Zhi’s ear, hoping to reassure her.

The warmth of Gu Qingci’s breath against her ear sent a flush from the tip to the shell of Ruan Zhi’s ear, turning it completely red.

Why was this person so skilled at sweet-talking?

How could she be so easily swayed? Her heart betrayed her again, beating faster, her face burning hot.

Gu Qingci always knew how to stir her emotions effortlessly.

Just moments ago, she had already begun planning the division of assets in case of a divorce.

Gu Qingci continued to hold Ruan Zhi close, kissing along her cheeks and neck.

Ruan Zhi trembled slightly and pressed a hand against Gu Qingci.

“I still have some matters to discuss with Her Highness.” Ruan Zhi said to Gu Qingci.

Reluctantly, Gu Qingci let go, and Ruan Zhi went to Ye Youli’s private room.

“You want me to send two dancers as well? Do you think there aren’t enough people in your household already?” Ye Youli was astonished upon hearing Ruan Zhi’s request.

“We’ve already accepted the ones from the Crown Prince. I’ll return the silver later. If Your Highness sends more, it could help balance things out. We still wish to remain neutral and avoid getting entangled in conflicts. His Majesty will surely take notice.” Ruan Zhi explained. Gu Qingci had implied the same—a few more wouldn’t hurt.

“…You’ve truly lost your mind. Fine, have it your way.” Ye Youli said.

“I recall a dancer named Gongsun Jiuniang. If Your Highness could find her, that would be even better.” Ruan Zhi added.

“…I’ll see if I can get her for you.” Ye Youli replied.

Watching Ruan Zhi, she seemed every bit the magnanimous and virtuous wife, which was rather absurd.

But let’s see how Gu Qingci would handle so many beauties.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Ruan Zhi said gratefully.

When she left Ye Youli’s room and returned to Gu Qingci, she found her puffing out her cheeks, looking as if she was sulking.

“Madam, why has Ye Youli come again? Couldn’t she have sent someone if she had something to say?” Gu Qingci said unhappily, not bothering to hide her jealousy.

“…I invited her here to discuss some matters.” Ruan Zhi replied.

“My lord, being appointed as a First-Class Imperial Guard this time is not as simple as it seems. You must be cautious.” Ruan Zhi said, sharing some of the information Ye Youli had told her.

After hearing Ruan Zhi’s words, Gu Qingci became alert.

She had no desire to go to the front lines and fight.

Now, she had been given a powerless royal bodyguard position—rotating shifts, high salary, high status—a perfect opportunity to relax.

It was all because she had performed too well before.

She would have to see if she could avoid it later.

That afternoon, Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi returned home. Gu Qingci left the matter of the several women to Ruan Zhi, letting her handle their arrangements.

The women, who had originally harbored some secret hopes, never expected Gu Qingci to hand them over entirely to Ruan Zhi.

The dance and music troupe had not yet been established, so it was difficult to assign the women roles for now. They could only stay temporarily.

The next day, their residence was flooded with visitors.

Emperor Changping had given Gu Qingci five days off before she had to start her new position.

During these five days, those eager to befriend her nearly broke down the door.

There were also matchmakers sent by officials—some proposing to arrange a marriage with a noble family’s daughter as a concubine, others suggesting a daughter from a prestigious family as an equal wife.

There were even those, like the Crown Prince, who gifted Gu Qingci with dancers and the like.

Only then did Gu Qingci realize that during the Qionglin Banquet, her overly absorbed appreciation of the dances had led many to peg her as “lustful.”

Help.

Gu Qingci begged Ruan Zhi to hurry up and establish the dance and music troupe.

By the third day, Ruan Zhi had business to attend to outside the city, so Gu Qingci packed her bags and went with her to the outskirts of the capital.

She also wanted to try out Chi Huo, fitting it with a saddle and taking it for a ride.

They could go to the estate in the suburbs, let the horse run freely, enjoy a few quiet days of vacation, avoid all the noise and commotion, and spend quality time together to nurture their relationship.

Though the two had remained close these past few days, Gu Qingci couldn’t shake the feeling that Ruan Zhi was somewhat uneasy.

But with one busy managing business and the other occupied with social engagements, they hadn’t had time for a proper conversation.