My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 61

61

After returning, there were many miscellaneous matters to handle in the mansion and the shops, keeping Ruan Zhi busy.

Wen Renyi, knowing that Gu Qingci had returned, sent an invitation to meet.

In the afternoon, Gu Qingci gathered with Wen Renyi and the others.

“Instead of staying as a second-rank imperial guard, he’s returning to the northern frontier. He submitted a memorial without discussing it with us, and His Majesty has already approved it. He’s leaving tomorrow.” Wen Renyi said to Gu Qingci, pointing at Cao Hang beside him, his tone clearly displeased.

“I originally came from the northern frontier. Whether I passed the exams or not, I was always going back. Placing as the second-rank martial scholar exceeded my expectations, and I got to meet the two of you—this trip was worth it!” Cao Hang replied with a hearty laugh.

Gu Qingci could sense the boldness and straightforwardness in Cao Hang’s demeanor. Even if he weren’t part of the neutral faction, she would still admire such character.

She hadn’t expected Cao Hang to return to the northern frontier.

“I’ve heard the northern frontier is harsh and bitterly cold. Since you came to take the martial exams and could stay, why go back?” Gu Qingci sighed.

“The capital has plenty of entertainment, but it’s also too restrictive. I prefer the northern frontier. The Hu people often harass the borders—being able to fight real battles on the battlefield is far more satisfying than being here.” Cao Hang said with a smile.

Gu Qingci understood that everyone had their own aspirations.

As for herself, leaving was out of the question. Even if constrained, she would create conditions to lounge and enjoy life. Moreover, with Ruan Zhi by her side, she could never leave.

“Martial scholars who go to the frontier can be directly appointed as officials. Brother Cao, as a second-rank imperial guard and fourth-rank military officer, will be a general when you reach the northern frontier—it’s different from before. Don’t just think about charging into battle; spend more time studying military strategy.” Wen Renyi said.

As soon as military strategy books were mentioned, Cao Hang felt a headache coming on. He waved his hand to stop Wen Renyi from continuing, clinked glasses, and suggested they talk about something else.

“Do you have any plans? Being a palace guard isn’t a long-term solution. There aren’t many vacancies for military officers with real authority in the capital. The frontier is where military officers can achieve merit and build careers. If you go to the frontier, the northern border is the best choice. I’ll be waiting for you there.” Cao Hang said to Gu Qingci.

“Alright. If I do go, I’ll head to the northern border to find you.” Gu Qingci replied. If possible, she’d prefer never to go to the battlefield or kill enemies to achieve merit and glory.

Long live peace.

However, being an imperial guard was essentially a short-lived role, devoid of real power. Most people used it as a stepping stone, serving for a few years before seeking a substantive position.

Gu Qingci remembered what Ruan Zhi had told her.

The court’s newfound emphasis on the military examinations was a sign that they needed warriors to risk their lives.

She had benefited from this trend, taking first place and instantly becoming a third-rank military officer.

But staying as an imperial guard forever was impossible.

What would happen in the future? She could only adapt as circumstances demanded.

This gathering was essentially a farewell for Cao Hang, so they talked longer than usual. By the time Gu Qingci returned, it was already dark.

Ruan Zhi had already bathed and was reading a booklet by candlelight.

In the soft glow, Ruan Zhi’s hair was loosely tied up, with a few strands falling down, accentuating her snow-white skin and gentle, elegant demeanor.

It was the epitome of tranquil days, warm and peaceful companionship.

“You’ve been drinking?” Ruan Zhi glanced up at Gu Qingci, frowning slightly.

“Today was Cao’s farewell, so I drank a bit more. But I took sobering pills. I missed you, so I came to see you first. Wait for me, my wife—I’ll be back after I wash up.” Gu Qingci said. Still in her dirty clothes from outside, reeking of alcohol, she resisted the urge to approach and merely spoke to Ruan Zhi.

Meeting Gu Qingci’s deep, dark eyes, Ruan Zhi felt as if she could sense the thoughts in her heart, and her chest trembled slightly.

Could she really not wait even the short time it would take to wash up? Did she miss her that much?

“Go on.” Ruan Zhi waved her hand.

Gu Qingci smiled at omega and hurried off to take a bath and freshen up.

Over the past few days, Gu Qingci’s restless period should have passed.

Combined with eating more light, non-irritating foods and cutting back on heavy, spicy dishes that cause inflammation, she hadn’t suffered any more nosebleeds.

Still, she felt a bit of a void.

But to avoid embarrassing mid-way incidents when getting close to Ruan Zhi, she was willing to temporarily endure a bland diet for now.

She knew how to prioritize.

When Gu Qingci returned, her hair was still damp. After towel-drying it halfway, she immediately went over and hugged Ruan Zhi.

She set aside the booklet in Ruan Zhi’s hand, lifted her onto her lap, and wrapped her arms around her.

Unconsciously, Gu Qingci’s figure had grown a full size larger than Ruan Zhi’s, enough to envelop her completely.

Gu Qingci nuzzled her head against Ruan Zhi’s shoulder, inhaling her sweet fragrance.

Pure bliss.

“Madam, I have to start my duties tomorrow. I need to be at the palace gates before mao hour (5-7 AM), which means getting up at yin hour (3-5 AM)…” Gu Qingci whined to Ruan Zhi, seeking comfort, her voice soft and pleading.

“Since you have to wake up early, you should go to bed early to avoid being tired.” Ruan Zhi said, patting Gu Qingci’s head.

“Madam, no amount of sleep will help-only kissing you will…” Gu Qingci replied.

“…” Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci, whose expression was utterly pitiful. This was just another excuse to ask for kisses.

But who could resist feeling sorry for her?

With Ruan Zhi’s silent consent, Gu Qingci leaned in and kissed her.

She nipped at her lower lip, then the upper, before her tongue slipped past the seam of her lips.

Even though she had taken an anti-hangover pill, a faint tipsiness lingered, fueling her mischievous thoughts.

The ties of Ruan Zhi’s sleepwear loosened without her noticing.

Not until warm palms met bare skin.

The well-behaved little rabbit-snow-white and soft to the touch.

Soon, her eyes were rubbed red.

Ruan Zhi felt as if she had been forced to the edge of a cliff—controlled, stripped of her autonomy.

This was a situation she was unaccustomed to and feared the most.

“Gu Qingci!” After her lips were finally freed, Ruan Zhi felt Gu Qingci’s head moving downward. She cupped Gu Qingci’s face in her hands and called her name, trying to sound stern, but her voice came out unbearably soft.

Gu Qingci looked up, her eyes even redder than a little rabbit’s.

“Sister, I want to see.” Gu Qingci said, her voice pleading.

That single word—”sister”—left Ruan Zhi feeling bewitched.

Her hands loosened their grip.

The person who claimed she only wanted to look did indeed just look, but the warmth of her breath against delicate skin, her nose nearly brushing against it, made Ruan Zhi feel like prey pinned in place.

So close, as if she might be bitten at any moment.

“We have to wake up early tomorrow.” Ruan Zhi finally couldn’t take it anymore and pushed Gu Qingci away, sitting up straight. Her expression remained composed, cool and detached, but the tips of her ears were burning red.

Gu Qingci, still dazed, pounced on Ruan Zhi again, burying her face against Ruan Zhi’s shoulder as she tried to steady her breathing.

Her mind was filled with what she had just seen.

If not for the careful recuperation over the past few days, she might have embarrassed herself again.

That image—she would never forget it for the rest of her life.

A masterpiece crafted by nature’s divine hands, a painting worthy of the world’s admiration.

The drunken impulse was still tempered by a sliver of rationality; otherwise…

Every day spent in such tender bliss—this was truly how a person should live.

After a long while, Gu Qingci finally released Ruan Zhi.

Though nothing had really happened, they had both broken a sweat, so they freshened up before going to bed.

Being held so intimately by Gu Qingci, Ruan Zhi found her sleep improving as well, drifting off alongside her.

At the hour of Yin—around three in the morning—Gu Qingci rose from bed.

He didn’t disturb Ruan Zhi, only giving her a light kiss before leaving, then carefully stepping out.

The official uniform, boots, hat, waist knife, and identification badge were all issued uniformly by the imperial court.

After washing up, getting dressed, and fixing her hair, there was still half an hour left before 5 a.m. Gu Qingci hastily ate breakfast and hurried to the carriage to head for the palace gates.

First, she reported to the guards’ office, where the deputy chief received her.

Along with Gu Qingci was another martial arts examination top scorer. The deputy chief briefed them on some key points and assigned them their shift schedules and training plans.

Though they had been honored upon passing the exams, once they took up their posts, it was essentially just a security job—albeit one in the imperial palace.

For her initial assignment, Gu Qingci was arranged to first train with other guards, then patrol in teams with more experienced guards. The workload wasn’t too heavy.

They also had to undergo monthly assessments. Those who failed would face salary deductions, and in severe cases, demotions.

Emperor Changping was quite strict with the guards and imperial army responsible for his protection.

Among all the regulations concerning the imperial guards, what Gu Qingci cared about most were the working hours and leave policies.

A day off every ten days was tough to endure. Each day was divided into three shifts: morning, evening, and night.

Currently, Gu Qingci was assigned to the morning shift, which ended around 3 p.m.—quite early.

She and Ruan Zhi were like two working professionals, only able to see each other after their shifts ended.

Thinking about it, being able to reunite at 3 p.m. wasn’t so bad after all.

Previously, in order to prepare for the imperial examination, I sometimes didn’t return home for over ten days.

This job is barely acceptable.

“His Majesty’s birthday is approaching, and it will undoubtedly be very busy then. These next few days, you must familiarize yourself well to avoid making mistakes when the time comes.” the deputy chief of the guards reminded Gu Qingci.

Emperor Changping’s birthday would naturally be celebrated grandly. While others would be drinking and enjoying song and dance, the guards would be the busiest.

Well, what can you do? It’s part of the job, so she accepted it.

Gu Qingci adapted to the circumstances and carried out her daily duties.

The training tasks were light, and for a newcomer like her, the focus was mainly on learning the rules.

The patrol duty lasted only one hour, with a half-hour shift followed by a short break of the time it takes an incense stick to burn, then another half-hour patrol—quite relaxed.

However, midway through, she encountered the Third Prince entering the palace, which was somewhat unpleasant.

Naturally, the Third Prince didn’t look pleased to see Gu Qingci either.

To some extent, they had already crossed the line of civility.

In contrast, the Crown Prince was very polite when he met Gu Qingci, clearly showing some intention to win her over.

Gu Qingci responded courteously and continued with her work.

After leaving the palace, the Third Prince’s expression remained sour.

“Uncle advised me not to clash with her again. But every time I see her, I feel furious!” The Third Prince angrily smashed a few objects.

Because of Gu Qingci, an insignificant ant of a person, he had suffered significant losses.

Now, unable to vent his anger, he felt stifled.

“Your Highness, General Xu’s meaning is that unless you can guarantee silencing her permanently, you shouldn’t act rashly. If you fail, it will give others leverage. Right now, the Crown Prince is actively courting military officials. If Your Highness takes any further action, you might push those people straight into the Crown Prince’s camp.” an advisor explained to the Third Prince.

“How much longer must I wait? Until she grows wings and becomes untouchable?!” The Third Prince said with a venomous expression.

“General Xu must have made arrangements. Since she has become a thorn in our side and can no longer be recruited, General Xu certainly won’t let her last long.” the advisor reassured the Third Prince.

The Third Prince’s face remained dark.

Meanwhile, while Ruan Zhi was at the shop, a servant from home came to inform her that her parents had arrived with Ruan Jinyu.

Overjoyed, Ruan Zhi quickly wrapped up her tasks and hurried back.

After Gu Qingci passed the imperial examination and became a jinshi, Ruan Zhi had sent a letter home.

Guessing they wouldn’t be able to return for a while, Ruan Maolin and the others decided to come to the capital instead.

However, the news of Gu Qingci becoming the top martial scholar hadn’t reached them yet, as Ruan Maolin and his family had already set off for the capital. They were still unaware of Gu Qingci’s achievement.

When Ruan Zhi returned home and spoke with her parents, they asked about Gu Qingci. Ruan Zhi explained that Gu Qingci was on duty at the palace, and only then did her parents learn the news.

“A third-rank capital official! That’s such a high position!” Qin Ruofang couldn’t believe it.

The highest-ranking official they had ever interacted with was probably the seventh-rank magistrate in Minshan County—and even that official had seemed imposing.

A third-rank official—how grand must that be!

“I heard the top civil scholar only gets a sixth-rank position in the Hanlin Academy. A Ci has brought immense honor to our ancestors!” Ruan Maolin was equally astonished.

Originally, they had thought just passing the imperial examination would be cause for celebration, but Gu Qingci had not only topped the martial exams but also secured a position in the palace.

The “shift” Gu Qingci barely managed to attend was, in fact, an enviable post that many coveted.

“Ah Zhi, has your merchant household status been changed?” Ruan Maolin asked after recovering from his surprise.

“It was changed the day the imperial decree was announced.” Ruan Zhi replied, showing them her identity token.

Seeing that Ruan Zhi’s status had been officially altered, Ruan Maolin and Qin Ruofang were even happier than when they heard about Gu Qingci becoming the top scholar.

“This is wonderful! From now on, Ah Zhi, you’re part of the scholar-official class! Earlier, your aunt received the news first, saying Xuanming had passed the exams and claiming our A Ci had failed. She just couldn’t stand to see us do well. Now A Ci is the top scholar—I’d love to see her face when she finds out.” Qin Ruofang said.

Ruan Zhi, seeing her parents happy, didn’t mention the court’s movements to them.

As they were talking, Gu Qingci returned from “work.”

Still dressed in her official uniform, Gu Qingci had planned to change clothes before going to see Ruan Zhi, only to find Ruan Zhi already at home. Excited, she rushed over to see her but noticed Ruan Maolin and the others were there as well.

Gu Qingci greeted the two and bowed as usual.

Clad in her official attire, she looked dignified and imposing, which contrasted sharply with her lively actions.

Ruan Maolin had worried that Gu Qingci, now a high-ranking official, might not behave as she once did. To his surprise, she hadn’t changed at all.

“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, just a few days ago, I was saying how unfortunate it was that you weren’t here. Otherwise, I could have taken you to change your household registration. The government office is still open—how about we go now? That way, Jinyu can start at the academy sooner.” Gu Qingci suggested.

Before Ruan Maolin could bring it up, Gu Qingci took the initiative.

Ruan Jinyu’s eyes widened in excitement.

Ruan Zhi hadn’t expected them to act so quickly, but seeing Gu Qingci’s enthusiasm and Ruan Jinyu’s eagerness, she agreed.

Officials couldn’t change household registrations indefinitely—there were limits. Since Ruan Maolin and his wife still had business to attend to, they weren’t in a hurry to change theirs. Instead, they let Gu Qingci take Ruan Jinyu first.

That same day, when Gu Qingci and Ruan Jinyu returned from the government office, Ruan Jinyu’s identity card had already been updated.

For outsiders, the registration could only be changed to commoner status, but that was enough—it allowed Ruan Jinyu to attend the academy and take imperial examinations.

Qin Ruofang looked at Ruan Jinyu’s identity card, moved to tears.

That evening, everyone dined together.

The whole family was overjoyed.

The next day, when Gu Qingci went to “work” she was in high spirits.

This job was truly worthwhile.

After two days of work, that afternoon, Gu Qingci returned home, changed clothes, greeted her in-laws, and then went to find Ruan Zhi.

Unable to wait for Ruan Zhi to return, she already missed her terribly.

Ruan Zhi was at that tailor shop in the aristocratic district.

When Gu Qingci arrived, Ruan Zhi was attending to a customer.

Gu Qingci didn’t approach immediately, instead waiting in a private room for Ruan Zhi to finish her “work.”

The customers in the aristocratic district were all people of status.

Through the window, Gu Qingci could see Ruan Zhi performing a standard bowing salute to the guest.

Gu Qingci couldn’t help but frown.

She remembered the time they met the County Princess Changning, who had also made Ruan Zhi perform such a salute.

It was a gesture of respect from someone of lower status to someone of higher standing—though not a full kneeling bow, it still involved bending the knees and waist, showing great deference.

“Who is that outside?” Gu Qingci asked one of the shop assistants.

“That’s the wife of the Vice Minister of Rites, a third-rank titled noblewoman. It’s said that His Majesty’s birthday is approaching, and there will be a palace banquet to entertain titled noblewomen. Many are coming now to have fine clothes made. Our tailor shop hasn’t been open long, so for distinguished guests, Madam always attends to them personally.” the assistant explained to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci’s expression froze.

She had only changed Ruan Zhi’s household registration.

Where did this title of noblewoman come from?

Gu Qingci waited a while longer in the private room. After Ruan Zhi saw off the Vice Minister’s wife, a few more people arrived shortly after.

One was a fourth-rank titled noblewoman, and the other was County Princess Changning.

Ruan Zhi had to perform the bowing salute to them as well.

“We heard your shop makes fresh and stylish clothes, so we came specifically to take a look. We’re preparing for the palace banquet—since you’ve never attended one, do you even know the etiquette of palace banquets?” County Princess Changning spoke to Ruan Zhi with a haughty air, deliberately emphasizing the words “palace banquet” with a hint of boastfulness.

As the customer, Ruan Zhi wasn’t annoyed and led them to browse.

But Gu Qingci found it inexplicably infuriating to watch.

If Ruan Zhi were also a titled noblewoman, why would she have to bow to these people and be looked down upon by them?!