My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 59

59

As April arrived, the temperature became pleasant, with birds singing and flowers blooming everywhere.

Once outside Yanjing City, the view suddenly opened up, stretching far and wide with vibrant greens and bright, dazzling flowers.

Since Chi Huo was brought along, no one dared to approach it, leaving Gu Qingci as the only one who could handle it.

Gu Qingci and Chi Huo had been making good progress in their breaking-in process, though they hadn’t yet used a saddle. Thus, for the entire journey, Gu Qingci rode bareback, which tested both her riding skills and balance.

The farther they got from Yanjing City, the more Gu Qingci felt her mood lifting, growing brighter and more carefree.

“Madam, would you like to come out and take a look?” Passing by a field of rapeseed flowers, Gu Qingci turned and called toward the carriage.

“My lord, Madam says she won’t come out.” Min Yuan’er, sitting outside the carriage, relayed Ruan Zhi’s reply.

Ruan Zhi hadn’t been sleeping well these past few days and was suffering from a headache, her brow tense and her temples throbbing. Focusing on other matters helped distract her from the discomfort.

Gu Qingci had invited her out to enjoy the view, but she wasn’t in the mood. Instead, she reviewed the accounts several times with an abacus in hand.

Without a saddle and still not fully tamed, Chi Huo made it difficult for Gu Qingci to approach the carriage, leaving her somewhat regretful.

Such beautiful scenery—it felt a bit meaningless to enjoy it alone.

Ruan Zhi had stayed inside the carriage the entire time, quiet and still, with nothing but an abacus in her hands. Gu Qingci wondered what she was doing and whether she was bored.

Thinking about it now, it seemed Ruan Zhi had no real leisure activities.

Every day was just work.

Once they arrived at the estate in the outskirts, Gu Qingci decided she would definitely take Ruan Zhi out to have some fun.

They had set out in the morning and arrived at the estate by noon.

The estate in the outskirts consisted of a five-courtyard compound, surrounded by numerous smaller buildings, with hundreds of acres of land belonging to the estate.

The estate’s steward had been notified in advance, so as soon as they arrived, he led a group to greet them.

Among them, Gu Qingci spotted some familiar faces.

One of them was Min Guiyi.

He had been in the outskirts these past few days, training some newly recruited guards in martial arts.

Min Guiyi was the first to bow to Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi.

“Yuan’er, go and talk with Master Min.” Gu Qingci said, noticing Min Yuan’er’s happy expression upon seeing Min Guiyi. She let the father and daughter step aside to catch up.

Min Yuan’er thanked Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi before leaving with Min Guiyi to chat.

The others were former soldiers who had been discharged due to injuries—households Gu Qingci had met before.

“Greetings, Scholar Gu! Greetings, Madam Gu!” The retired soldiers who had come to welcome them bowed respectfully.

Gu Qingci had mentioned them to Ruan Zhi earlier, and Ruan Zhi, being a woman of action, had quickly arranged for them to be recruited.

Several workshops have been set up in the manors near the capital.

There are workshops producing bamboo products, including bamboo water containers, bamboo fans, bamboo chairs, etc., as well as those smelting ironware and firing porcelain.

The scale is small, all modest businesses. Among the workers hired, many are the disabled veteran military households mentioned by Gu Qingci. They are assigned tasks within their capabilities, providing them with a means of livelihood. Correspondingly, in the city, teahouses consume bamboo cups, while other products are sold in general stores.

With Ruan Zhi overseeing the arrangements, profitability is maintained, and there’s no problem supporting so many people.

The manor stewards prepared food in advance, and the maids tidied up. Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi went for lunch.

The fresh wild game had a unique flavor.

Gu Qingci ate heartily.

“Madam, let’s go out for a while. I’ll take you horseback riding. We can rest a bit before getting back to work, alright?” After digesting for a while, Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi.

“Several stewards, as well as the newly hired craftsmen and guards, have arrived. It wouldn’t be good to keep them waiting. You go ahead and have fun.” Ruan Zhi replied.

Gu Qingci looked and saw many people waiting outside.

She stayed by Ruan Zhi’s side for a while, but seeing that Ruan Zhi wouldn’t be free anytime soon, she had no choice but to go out first to find Chihuo.

Gu Qingci took the newly forged saddle and tried it on Chihuo, letting the horse adjust to it before beginning training.

She trained until the afternoon. Chihuo was clever, following her rhythm and pace as they practiced walking, trotting, and galloping. The pair coordinated well.

When Gu Qingci returned to the courtyard, Ruan Zhi was still busy.

Since arriving at the manor, Ruan Zhi hadn’t had a moment to rest.

If this were her boss, Gu Qingci would cheer her on, encouraging her to keep working hard.

But this wasn’t just her boss—it was also her wife.

Seeing her work so hard, Gu Qingci couldn’t even enjoy her own leisure time.

“You all go and rest for a while. Madam, I have something to tell you.” Gu Qingci said to the people around them, then looked at Ruan Zhi.

“What is it?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“Let’s talk outside. It’s important.” Gu Qingci said, pulling Ruan Zhi out.

Chihuo was tied up in the outer courtyard and snorted when it saw Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci led Ruan Zhi to Chihuo’s side.

“Good boy, this is also your sister—your real sister, understand? You must listen to her.” Gu Qingci said to Chihuo, guiding Ruan Zhi’s hand to pat the horse’s head.

Sister?

Making a horse call her sister?

And a real one at that?

Ruan Zhi found Gu Qingci’s words absurd, but before she could withdraw her hand, her palm was pressed firmly against Chihuo’s large head.

Chihuo, obedient to Gu Qingci’s words, gently nuzzled Ruan Zhi’s hand, memorizing her scent.

“Alright, now it’s time to trouble you—take us out for a spin.” Seeing Chihuo accept Ruan Zhi, Gu Qingci spoke while gripping Ruan Zhi’s slender waist with both hands, lifting her up onto the horse’s back.

“…” Suddenly raised high, Ruan Zhi was startled. With no support on the horse’s back, she panicked slightly. Just then, Gu Qingci stepped onto the stirrup and mounted the horse, embracing Ruan Zhi from behind.

“We’ve been busy all day—let’s go out and take a look together.” Gu Qingci said from behind Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi had never ridden a horse before.

Sitting atop a horse for the first time, she couldn’t help but feel uneasy, especially since she was sharing the ride with Gu Qingci in broad daylight, where others might see them.

“Don’t fool around. Let me down—doesn’t your arm hurt from exerting force?” Ruan Zhi protested.

Gu Qingci sensed Ruan Zhi’s tense body and rested her chin on Ruan Zhi’s shoulder, nuzzling lightly against her neck.

Seeing Ruan Zhi like this was rare, and Gu Qingci found it utterly endearing.

“It’s fine. Relax, don’t be nervous. I’m going to get Chihuo moving now.” Gu Qingci said, holding the reins with one hand and securing Ruan Zhi’s waist with the other. With a slight squeeze of her legs, Chihuo understood the desired pace and gracefully stepped over the threshold, trotting out of the courtyard.

Once outside, Chihuo picked up speed, and the wind rushed against their faces, lifting Ruan Zhi’s veil.

“There’s no one out here in the wild—you don’t need to wear this…” Gu Qingci reached from behind and removed the veil.

The unobstructed wind now blew directly against Ruan Zhi’s face, causing her to turn slightly—just enough to meet Gu Qingci’s gaze.

Her dark eyes sparkled with playful delight.

As Ruan Zhi turned, Gu Qingci pressed a kiss to her fair, soft cheek.

Ruan Zhi frowned.

Since when had this person become so bold?

It was all because she had indulged her too much.

“Don’t do that.” Ruan Zhi said, her expression stern and cool, her tone carrying a hint of reprimand—though the tips of her ears were red.

“Madam, this is a time to relax. Don’t overthink it. I’m taking you for a ride. Look around—isn’t the scenery beautiful? Endless fields of wheat, stretches of rapeseed flowers, and so many lovely little birds…” Gu Qingci murmured, urging Chihuo to go faster with a subtle shift of her legs.

Ruan Zhi felt as though Gu Qingci’s voice held a bewitching quality.

She turned her face into the wind.

As the speed increased and her body swayed slightly with the horse’s gait, the firm hand around her waist provided steady support, and her initial unease on horseback gradually melted away.

The scenery entered her eyes, washing away the turmoil in her heart and mind.

The tension between her brows seemed to loosen.

Gu Qingci could clearly sense that Ruan Zhi was no longer strained; she had relaxed, her expression softening as well.

Gu Qingci quietly let out a sigh of relief.

This was much better.

Otherwise, her sweet and soft wife had seemed shrouded in gloom, exuding a sullen aura.

Though Ruan Zhi was a formidable figure, the constraints of this era and her identity as a huang’e still bound her in certain ways, despite how much she had already broken through.

Gu Qingci hoped that Ruan Zhi could share in the joy of appreciating interesting things with her, finding delight in life’s little pleasures.

First, she wanted her to experience the thrill of horseback riding and take in the surrounding scenery.

Chihuo, excited by the run, picked up speed.

Gu Qingci felt it was fine and didn’t rein him in.

But before long, she noticed something gently brushing against her arm—soft, warm, and slightly springy, with a lingering warmth.

Gu Qingci lowered her gaze and understood.

Her eyes widened slightly, her face flushing visibly as her mind grew feverish.

For a moment, she couldn’t look away.

Damn it.

The clever president’s softness…

It really did bounce like a little rabbit, leaping and straining outward.

“Slow down.” Ruan Zhi chided softly.

Gu Qingci hurriedly pulled Chihuo back to a gentler pace.

“Madam—” Gu Qingci had just begun to speak when Ruan Zhi, who had turned to reprimand her, froze for a split second before quickly pulling out a handkerchief and pressing it to Gu Qingci’s face.

“……” Gu Qingci was mortified. She could feel it—her nose was bleeding.

Social suicide.

Had she lost her mind?

How could she embarrass herself like this?

Overwhelmed with shame, her face burned hot.

The bl00d wouldn’t stop.

“How could this happen? Could it be from the mutton we ate the other day—too much heat rising? Let’s go back quickly and have a physician take a look.” Ruan Zhi said with concern.

“……” Gu Qingci was stunned, realizing that Ruan Zhi had no idea.

Previously, she thought kissing was just biting—how would she know about such indecent things?

Now, Ruan Zhi turned around, looking at Gu Qingci with concern, her body exuding a rich, intoxicating fragrance. The part of her that had been pressed against Gu Qingci’s arm was still rising and falling slightly.

Whimper… The rich older sister has the face of a domineering CEO, looking like she knows everything and is capable of anything, yet she’s so innocent…

Gu Qingci’s mind raced, feeling herself grow even more flustered.

“I—I’m fine…” Gu Qingci said, pressing a handkerchief to her nose with one hand and the horse with the other, then swung herself down from the saddle.

If this continued, she might really pass out from bl00d loss.

Once Gu Qingci moved away, Ruan Zhi grew a bit nervous sitting on the horse alone.

“Chihuo, don’t move now. Madam, just hold the reins. I’ll stop the bleeding first.” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi, grabbing the water pouch hanging on the horse’s side. She followed an old remedy, tilting her head back and pouring water over her forehead to cool down and stop the nosebleed.

It was just a shame—Ruan Zhi’s pristine white handkerchief was already stained.

By the time Gu Qingci had cleaned up, Ruan Zhi had grown somewhat accustomed to sitting on the horse.

Chihuo was very intelligent and gentle with Ruan Zhi.

“Are you feeling unwell?” Ruan Zhi asked Gu Qingci.

“It’s nothing, I’m fine, really. When I was little, I used to get nosebleeds in the summer too—it’s not an illness, no need to see a doctor. I’m completely fine now. Madam, would you like to learn how to ride? I’ll lead Chihuo and walk you for a bit.” Gu Qingci said, forcing a “relaxed” smile, not getting back on the horse.

Ruan Zhi had felt a spark of excitement earlier while riding with Gu Qingci.

“Then let’s head back.” Ruan Zhi said.

Gu Qingci nodded, leading Chihuo back toward the estate.

On the way back, Gu Qingci grew quieter.

With Ruan Zhi riding alone, Gu Qingci led the horse from below, looking up at her—though the view wasn’t as jolting as before.

The motion was gentler now.

A slight undulation.

Gu Qingci didn’t dare to look anymore.

Once they were out of the rapeseed field and saw people ahead, Ruan Zhi wanted to dismount.

Gu Qingci helped Ruan Zhi down from the horse.

Ruan Zhi put her veil back on, her eyes looking at Gu Qingci with a hint of reproach.

Gu Qingci adjusted her mood and smiled at Ruan Zhi with a trying to please expression.

“Madam, you don’t always have to restrain yourself. Did you enjoy riding? Let’s come out to play these next few days, okay?” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci—what kind of household head would treat their wife like this, telling her not to hold back and to go out more often to have fun?

Only Gu Qingci would.

“There’s still work to do.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Madam, you don’t have to handle everything personally. Let your subordinates take care of things too. Otherwise, as the business grows bigger, you’ll only get more exhausted. What’s the point of expanding the business if that’s the case?” Gu Qingci said.

“…” Ruan Zhi listened. This person certainly knew how to talk.

She wanted to laze around, and now she wanted to drag her into it too?

But for now, there weren’t many trustworthy people around her.

Some matters still required her personal attention.

There were also certain crafts and high-yield crops she remembered from her past life, as well as reliable guards and shopkeepers she had sought out—these things needed her personal verification and couldn’t be delegated to others.

“Madam, do you know how employees are motivated to work hard in my world? I’ve heard it’s through performance evaluations, bonus systems, and profit-sharing for core employees…” Gu Qingci began explaining to Ruan Zhi.

Although Gu Qingci had never worked a job herself, she had spent time with a corporate drone who frequently filled her in on the life of a working-class person.

In the post-apocalyptic world, even the mundane working life of the past seemed like a dream.

Ruan Zhi knew Gu Qingci’s world was special, but she hadn’t expected so many aspects of it to have unique insights.

As they talked, they arrived at the estate. Gu Qingci settled Chihuo Red Fire, the horse’s name and entered the courtyard with Ruan Zhi.

As soon as they stepped inside, they heard faint arguing.

It came from a nearby room with poor soundproofing, and since they were close, the voices carried.

“Father, I don’t like your adopted son. I don’t want to get married. I want to stay by the lord’s side and serve her for the rest of my life.” Min Yuan’er’s stubborn voice rang out.

“Child, how can you think like this? Do you realize what you’re saying?” Min Guiyi’s angry voice followed.

“Father, I know. The lord is wonderful. Even if… even if I have no status, I’m willing to stay by her side and serve her.” Min Yuan’er’s voice was timid, but it carried determination.

These words left Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi momentarily stunned.

Ruan Zhi glanced at Gu Qingci, who quickly waved her hands at Ruan Zhi, signaling that she had done nothing improper.

Naturally, Ruan Zhi knew Gu Qingci had never overstepped any boundaries. However, Gu Qingci had saved Min Yuan’er several times and had indeed treated her differently from others.

Min Yuan’er was not the type to cling to status or harbor improper intentions—her pure and kind nature was something Ruan Zhi could sense.

Her feelings likely held no ulterior motives.

That made the situation all the more delicate.

Beneath her sleeves, Ruan Zhi’s fingers curled slightly.

Faced with such a sincere and devoted girl, how would Gu Qingci respond?

Ruan Zhi remained silent and walked ahead, while Gu Qingci, her forehead damp with sweat, hurried after her.

Before Gu Qingci could speak, the door swung open, and Min Yuan’er rushed out, coming face-to-face with Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi. Instantly, her face flushed crimson.

“My lord, I—” Min Yuan’er stammered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, as if she were on the verge of crying.

“My lord, my lady, Yuan’er is still young and spoke recklessly. It is my fault for not teaching her properly.” Min Guiyi said, realizing they might have overheard.

Though Gu Qingci was admirable, Min Guiyi did not want his daughter to become a concubine.

“Mm. Min Yuan’er, come with me to my and my wife’s main chamber. I have something to say to you.” Gu Qingci exhaled and said. Since they had encountered this today, she did not want to delay addressing it.

Min Guiyi felt a mix of complicated emotions, while Min Yuan’er pressed her lips together and silently followed Gu Qingci, her head bowed.

Ruan Zhi dismissed the servants and went into the inner room. She poured herself a cup of warm water and sipped it slowly, her gaze unfocused.

In the outer chamber, Min Yuan’er entered the room with Gu Qingci and immediately knelt.

“Yuan’er has no presumptuous thoughts. I only wish to remain by my lord’s side.” Min Yuan’er said anxiously.

Originally, Min Yuan’er had always admired and been grateful to Gu Qingci.

But recently, Gu Qingci had taken in many dancers and musicians, treating them with indifference while showing Min Yuan’er more favor than them.

On top of that, Min Guiyi had urged Min Yuan’er to become engaged to his adopted son, which had stirred up such thoughts in her.

Min Guiyi wanted Min Yuan’er to become engaged to his adopted son, but Min Yuan’er had stirred up such thoughts in her mind.

With Gu Qingci as a comparison, no one else could catch her eye.

“Min Yuan’er, I originally thought you were a good girl. I didn’t expect you to have such thoughts.” Gu Qingci said coldly.

Min Yuan’er’s expression froze instantly.

“My wife and I are already married. I will only have one spouse in this lifetime and will never take a concubine. Anyone who tries to come between me and my wife will be utterly detestable to me—I will regard them as an enemy. Whether it’s directed at me or at my wife.” Gu Qingci stated firmly.

If it weren’t for the fact that the other person was Min Yuan’er, Gu Qingci wouldn’t have bothered explaining so much.

Hearing Min Yuan’er’s words, Gu Qingci became acutely aware of the differences in this world.

In this world, it was perfectly natural for a Alpha to take concubines.

Some Omega might even feel that becoming a concubine was no big deal.

She wanted to correct Min Yuan’er’s mindset.

Being a homewrecker was disgraceful.

“But… what about those dancing girls the lord keeps?” Min Yuan’er asked, her eyes already brimming with tears.

She had thought Gu Qingci at least had some fondness for her, never expecting that she would despise her instead.

“Those dancers were taken in out of necessity and will be sent away in a few days with arrangements made for them. But that’s not the issue here. The problem is that you shouldn’t think that way. If two people are to become partners, they must be wholeheartedly devoted to each other—there’s no room for anyone else. If someone is fickle and unfaithful, how could they ever be worthy of trust?”

Gu Qingci’s tone remained stern, making her stance clear to Min Yuan’er.

Min Yuan’er stared wide-eyed at Gu Qingci. She had never imagined Gu Qingci would think like this.

Wholehearted devotion?!

No one had ever told her such a thing before.

Even if her father didn’t want her to become a concubine, he couldn’t guarantee or demand that the person she married in the future would remain devoted and refrain from taking concubines.

“I’ll pretend I never heard what you said today. Go and think it over carefully.” Gu Qingci added.

Min Yuan’er pressed her lips together, holding back her tears as she stood up and left the room.

As soon as Min Yuan’er was gone, Gu Qingci hurried into the inner chamber.