My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 63

63

When Ruan Zhi was pinned in the carriage by Gu Qingci and kissed, she still didn’t know what was happening.

Gu Qingci had always been impatient in the past, but never as urgent as she was today.

It was as if she was racing against time.

Her lips were kissed fiercely, and her waist was tightly gripped.

In the carriage, Ruan Zhi was nearly kissed to the point of suffocation.

The possessiveness of the alpha made Ruan Zhi’s heart pound wildly.

It was only after a long while that her lips were finally released, their foreheads pressed together, breaths mingling.

Ruan Zhi gasped for air a few times before she could somewhat recover.

“Gu Qingci!” Ruan Zhi said with a hint of shy annoyance, her fingers pinching Gu Qingci’s chin to push her face away slightly. Just as she was about to scold her, she noticed a layer of moisture in Gu Qingci’s eyes, the corners reddened, her lips downturned—looking as if she was about to cry.

“What’s wrong?” Ruan Zhi’s heart clenched. The words of reproach died on her lips, replaced by concern. The fingers that had been pinching Gu Qingci’s chin softened, instead gently stroking her cheek and the corner of her mouth.

“His Majesty ordered me to go suppress bandits and only gave me an hour to prepare. I don’t know how many days this trip will take… I’ll miss you, what should I do?” Gu Qingci said, her tone genuinely sorrowful.

She wasn’t afraid of going to suppress the bandits, but the thought of leaving Ruan Zhi filled her with real reluctance.

Her sweet, soft wife—the closer she got, the more she cherished her. Now, having to leave for so many days, so many days without being able to touch, hold, or even smell her—just thinking about it made her ache.

The news came too suddenly. Ruan Zhi was stunned for a moment, infected by Gu Qingci’s emotions. She reached out, pulled Gu Qingci’s head close, and comforted her while stroking the back of her head.

Gu Qingci nuzzled against Ruan Zhi’s neck.

“Why would they send you? You’re the top martial scholar, but you have no experience in warfare.” Ruan Zhi said with concern.

“General Zhennan is leading the troops. You don’t need to worry about safety. I just… can’t bear to leave you. I really wish I could take you with me…” Gu Qingci muttered gloomily.

Ruan Zhi could feel Gu Qingci’s reluctance to part with her. She hadn’t even left yet, but she was already sinking into the misery of longing.

Ruan Zhi softened her voice to soothe her, which only made Gu Qingci cling to her even more, unwilling to let go.

Soon, they arrived at their residence. Ruan Zhi got out of the carriage and instructed the maids to prepare luggage, fresh clothes, daily necessities, and other essentials for Gu Qingci.

Meanwhile, Ruan Zhi went into the room and fetched a stack of silver notes for Gu Qingci.

“There are interpersonal dynamics in the army too. Be flexible when things happen—use silver where you can instead of brute force. Above all, prioritize your safety. Don’t take reckless risks for the sake of merit. Take Chihuo with you this time. Also, the new bow and arrows and the saber that the craftsmen recently made…” As Ruan Zhi spoke, she kept thinking about what else to prepare for Gu Qingci and what else to remind her of.

Gu Qingci looked at Ruan Zhi, then suddenly picked her up, interrupting her words.

“I’ll be gone for many days. I want…” Gu Qingci whispered, her lips pressing kisses against the scent gland on Ruan Zhi’s neck.

“…” Ruan Zhi wanted to say there was no time—they still had to think about what else to prepare, what else to bring, and they needed to bid farewell to their parents. But Gu Qingci sounded so pitiful, and she was about to be away for so long. It really was heartbreaking.

How could Ruan Zhi refuse her?

Gu Qingci bit down on Ruan Zhi’s scent gland first.

She gave her a lot of pheromones, which would linger in Ruan Zhi’s system for a long time and ensure she wouldn’t go into heat for at least a month or two.

The sweet fragrance carried a stronger hint of minty liquor, making Ruan Zhi feel a little intoxicated.

So much so that it wasn’t until she was being carried, her clothes loosened, and pressed close that she belatedly realized what was happening.

She could feel the warmth and texture of each other’s skin, as well as the frantic pounding of their hearts.

Ruan Zhi grew even more intoxicated.

Gu Qingci’s frequently exercised body was incredibly flexible, with well-defined abs and a toned waistline.

This formed a stark contrast to Ruan Zhi’s softness, which bore no traces of exercise.

The feeling of losing control, the terror of nearing death, surged over her once again.

When a maid outside announced something, Gu Qingci snapped back to awareness.

Sensing Ruan Zhi trembling slightly, she held her tighter, soothing her with gentle kisses.

“Sister, I have to leave now. I’ll miss you. Wait for me to come back.” Gu Qingci whispered in Ruan Zhi’s ear.

Ruan Zhi fixed her gaze on Gu Qingci’s face, wanting to grasp onto something, but her hands lacked strength.

She could only watch as Gu Qingci tucked her under the blankets, straightened her clothes, leaned down to kiss her once more, and then turned to leave.

Ruan Zhi lay still for a moment before feeling her heart clench violently.

Gu Qingci was gone!

It was as if her realization had been delayed by a beat.

Only then did she grasp the gravity of the situation.

Ruan Zhi sat up, wanting to rush out, but her clothes were still in disarray. She hurriedly adjusted them—only to discover her undergarment was missing.

It was nowhere to be found on the bed.

In a daze, Ruan Zhi remembered: just before leaving, Gu Qingci had tucked something into her robe.

“…” A flush spread across Ruan Zhi’s face. Too flustered to dwell on the embarrassment, she quickly found a new one to put on, straightened her clothes, and rushed out.

Outside, Gu Qingci had already packed up and was ready to leave, holding Chihuo’s reins as she bid farewell to Ruan Maolin and Ruan Jinyu.

Dressed in light armor over her red official robe, Gu Qingci stood tall and slender, her delicate features exuding a rare elegance, like gold and jade—a sight seldom seen in this world.

“Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, don’t worry, I’ll take care of myself. I’ll leave my wife in your care.” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Maolin and the others when she sensed someone’s gaze. Turning, she saw Ruan Zhi.

Gu Qingci’s eyes softened, her lips quirking slightly before curling into a faint smile.

“Madam, take care. I’m leaving!” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi, then swung herself onto the horse and turned to look at her once more.

Without another word, she tugged the reins, and alpha trotted forward.

Shimo, who was carrying Gu Qingci’s luggage, hurried to catch up.

Gu Qingci held no real authority and had no personal guards assigned to her. Shimo had always followed her, so Ruan Zhi had him train with Min Guiyi to learn some martial skills, intending to groom him into Gu Qingci’s personal guard in the future.

This time, although Gu Qingci was temporarily appointed as a lieutenant general, she still had no troops under her command. The emperor had merely assigned her a temporary squad of imperial guards to lead.

“An imperial bodyguard and lieutenant general—if she can achieve merit this time, then…” Ruan Maolin mused with a sigh.

“What merit? Just coming back safely would be enough. Poor child, she’s barely settled in, and now she has to go suppress bandits. Those outlaws are hardly easy to deal with!” Qin Ruofang fretted.

Ruan Zhi was still staring in the direction Gu Qingci had left.

This woman, leaving just like that.

Why did she have to leave behind so many emotions for her?

It took a while before Ruan Zhi finally snapped out of her thoughts.

“Ah Zhi, I didn’t notice when I first arrived a few days ago, but I heard there are several dancing girls in your backyard?” Qin Ruofang suddenly remembered something and pulled Ruan Zhi aside to ask.

“They were all gifts from others.” Ruan Zhi replied.

“Ah, young people… if you can advise her, then do so. Don’t let her ruin her health. Those with improper intentions, those bewitching troublemakers—don’t keep them around.” Qin Ruofang was somewhat worried.

Gu Qingci had risen to such a high official position that even if Qin Ruofang disapproved, she wouldn’t dare to outright stop her from taking concubines.

She only hoped Gu Qingci would treat Ruan Zhi as kindly as before. If she did take concubines, she shouldn’t dote on them and neglect her wife.

“…” Ruan Zhi looked at her mother, understanding that she shared the same thoughts she herself once had—assuming Gu Qingci would take those women in.

“Mm, I’ll talk to her.” Ruan Zhi said without further explanation for now.

The dance and music troupe had rented a place and was still renovating it.

Gu Qingci had offered some suggestions, and Ruan Zhi had made adjustments as well.

For now, the dancers and musicians were practicing in the courtyard.

Everything else would wait until Gu Qingci returned.

Gu Qingci, eager to stay close to Ruan Zhi, had lingered for quite some time. By the time she arrived at the city gates, General Zhennan and his party were already there, looking impatient.

This General Zhennan, Chu Shao, was none other than the father of the Changning County Princess.

Originally stationed at the southern border, he had returned to the capital to report on his duties. Since there was no ongoing conflict in the south, he had been back for several days.

Just as he was about to return, this incident occurred. As one of the highest-ranking military officials in the court with experience in leading troops, he was the natural choice.

The robbery of Emperor Changping’s birthday tribute was a humiliation to the court’s dignity, and the emperor was furious. He immediately ordered General Zhennan Chu Shao to handle it.

The newly appointed top martial scholar was also summoned.

This top scholar had been granted a third-rank military position, a meteoric rise that had stirred envy in many.

This assignment was also the result of someone’s recommendation.

Back when Chu Shao had seen Gu Qingci’s name as the top candidate in the provincial exams, and noted her handsome appearance, he had even considered seizing her as a son-in-law for his daughter.

But it turned out she was already married.

And worse, she had openly disdained his daughter.

Chu Shao had grown increasingly displeased with Gu Qingci.

Now, with her appointment as a third-rank military officer—the same rank as his own as General Zhennan—his resentment only deepened.

His third-rank title had been earned through military merit, battle by battle.

What had Gu Qingci done?

With her flashy but impractical skills and delicate, pretty features that made her look more like a courtesan than a soldier, she’d probably faint at the sight of bl00d.

“This is a mission to suppress bandits and wage war, not a leisurely outing. Bringing so much baggage—the army doesn’t cater to pampered young misses.” Chu Shao snorted as he watched Gu Qingci arrive late.

“General Chu, aren’t you bringing a change of clothes? Planning to go eight days without changing or bathing?” Gu Qingci rode her horse over, her tone curious.

“…Enough, let’s get moving!” Chu Shao’s face darkened as he urged his horse forward.

Once the team set out, there would be supply wagons transporting provisions and equipment. Though Gu Qingci wasn’t particularly experienced, she wasn’t entirely clueless either.

She had Shimo place the items on the supply wagon to follow along with the logistics personnel.

The group exited the city gates.

Chu Shao was eyeing Gu Qingci’s horse, Chihuo, with envy, lamenting how such a fine steed was wasted on her, when Gu Qingci rode up beside him.

“General Chu, those bandits are skilled in horseback archery. I suspect they’re Hu people from the northern borders who have drifted here, colluding with local outlaws. If the garrison troops at the outpost fail to contain them and they escape, it’ll be nearly impossible to recapture them, let alone recover the birthday tribute.”

Gu Qingci explained to Chu Shao.

Chu Shao was startled.

He had harbored similar suspicions upon hearing the earlier reports—otherwise, who would dare be so bold as to rob the emperor’s birthday tribute?

He hadn’t expected Gu Qingci to share the same assessment.

“Oh? And what do you plan to do about it?” Chu Shao asked.

“I intend to rush ahead at full speed. Do you know the location, General Chu? Do you have a map?” Gu Qingci replied.

“…What good would you alone be?” Chu Shao was taken aback once more. He had assumed Gu Qingci would hide behind him to claim credit, never expecting her to take the initiative to go ahead!

“I’ll scout the situation first. It’d be a shame if we arrived only to find they’ve already fled.” Gu Qingci said.

“I was just about to lead a vanguard of cavalry ahead. You can come with me.” Chu Shao said after a moment’s consideration.

“Good, let’s hurry then! No time to waste!” Gu Qingci urged.

Chu Shao selected a team of elite soldiers, leaving his deputy to command the main force, and the group set off at a gallop.

Chu Shao had assumed Gu Qingci merely had a good horse and wouldn’t endure the hardships of prolonged riding.

Who would have known that Gu Qingci kept up with them the entire way, not falling behind in the slightest.

If she hadn’t been unfamiliar with the route, she might have gone ahead already.

She must truly want to earn merit and make a name for herself in the Emperor’s eyes.

Young and full of vigor—she’d underestimated her.

At least she has some fighting spirit.

She’s not just tagging along to claim credit from others.

Just as Chu Shao’s impression of Gu Qingci began to shift slightly, Gu Qingci herself was solely focused on arriving as soon as possible.

The sooner they arrived, the sooner they could resolve things, return, and she could hold her dear wife again!

The pain of separation was unbearable for even a moment.

What was originally a journey of over a day was cut to half a day under Gu Qingci’s relentless drive.

“The bandits have fled into the mountains. The terrain there is easy to defend but hard to attack. We can’t get close—arrows start flying the moment we approach, and they never miss. We’ve lost quite a few men. After all this time, we’ve only managed to surround them.” explained a stationed military officer upon their arrival.

“In this situation, we need infantry with shields to lead the charge, and then…” As Chu Shao was speaking, Gu Qingci had already slung a bow and arrows over her shoulder.

“What are you doing?” Chu Shao asked.

“Going to suppress the bandits. Let’s strike while it’s still daylight.” Gu Qingci replied.

“How do you plan to attack? Those men are hiding in watchtowers, not even exposing their bodies when they shoot arrows.” Chu Shao said.

“Aren’t there openings there?” Gu Qingci pointed toward the bandits’ hideout in the watchtowers.

“…Are you sure you can hit that spot?” Chu Shao asked. Skilled in charging into battle formations, he was no expert in archery. At such a long distance, and with such a small opening, he admitted to himself that there was no way he could make the shot.

“Why not give it a try? General Chu, weren’t you planning to send infantry with shields? Hurry up and organize them. When they shoot their arrows, there’ll be someone behind those openings—that’s when I’ll take my shot.” Gu Qingci said.

“…” They’d just arrived and hadn’t even eaten yet, and now they were jumping straight into action?!

Chu Shao didn’t understand why Gu Qingci was so energetic and proactive, but one thing was certain—he was being dragged into it.

Since his own infantry hadn’t arrived yet, Chu Shao first had the stationed general arrange for some troops, wanting to see if Gu Qingci was just boasting.

The infantry advanced with their shields, while Gu Qingci followed behind, taking cover behind the nearest barrier.

Seeing movement below, the watchtower immediately began firing arrows.

Gu Qingci memorized the positions, drew his bow, and shot—one arrow for each opening.

Every archer behind those openings was swiftly eliminated by Gu Qingci’s arrows.

The hail of arrows visibly lessened.

Chu Shao was stunned.

Gu Qingci truly never missed a shot!

Soon, no more arrows came from the watchtower. The infantry with their shields had nearly advanced to the front, but because their numbers were too few and night had fallen, it was no longer suitable to continue. They were called back.

With no more arrows being fired, there were likely no more people behind the openings.

Gu Qingci didn’t waste any more effort.

Right now, his stomach was growling with hunger—it was time to hurry up and eat.

Ruan Zhi was worried that Gu Qingci wouldn’t eat well in the army, so she packed some food like braised beef for her. However, the package was with Shi Mo, who was following the main troops and hadn’t arrived yet.

So Gu Qingci ate with the others.

“General Chu, we can’t waste the night. After everyone rests for a while, we’ll attack again. Here’s my plan…” Gu Qingci said to Chu Shao.

“…” Chu Shao was utterly shocked.

The Emperor gave them eight days, not eight hours!

And even if they didn’t succeed within eight days, it wasn’t a beheading offense!

Was there really a need to push so hard?!

“What does General Chu think?” Gu Qingci asked after finishing her plan.

“Good, excellent. If General Gu can do it, I have no problem!” Chu Shao straightened his expression and replied.

Once they agreed, Gu Qingci returned to the temporary tent to rest, asking Chu Shao to have someone wake her when it was time.

Watching Gu Qingci’s actions, Chu Shao’s opinion of her had already greatly improved.

She was decisive and efficient, without any pretentiousness, and clearly willing to endure hardship.

She didn’t cut corners at all—she was someone who got things done!

A true general’s talent!

The person regarded as a “general’s talent” leaned back in the tent, her expression no longer as stern and sharp as it had been outside. Her eyes were unfocused, and the corners of her mouth drooped into a near-perfect frown.

She missed Ruan Zhi.

So much.

After zoning out for a while, she suddenly remembered something and pulled out a piece of crimson silk fabric from her pocket, holding it in her hand.

The fabric was extremely soft, exquisitely crafted, and the delicate straps faintly revealed that it was the style of a small undergarment.

There was no helping it—her wife wasn’t by her side, but thankfully, she’d had a stroke of inspiration before leaving and brought a memento.

Gazing at the bundle of crimson, the corners of Gu Qingci’s lips gradually curved upward.

Wife is so fragrant.

Wife is truly adorable.

Wife is… so fair and soft.

Gu Qingci was stunned for a long while before putting away the undergarment, tucking it close to her body.

Without removing her clothes, she lay down and slept for a while.

Around three or four in the morning, Gu Qingci woke up, got up, gathered her things, and left.

Eight days?

How could she possibly wait eight days!