My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 65

65

Gu Qingci spent three days and two nights on her journey from departure to return.

If it hadn’t been for chasing the escaped leader and ensuring the safe delivery of the birthday gifts, Gu Qingci could have returned a day earlier.

She had slept little, exerted herself greatly, and had been tense the entire time. It wasn’t until she embraced Ruan Zhi that her body finally registered exhaustion and her wounds began to ache.

Ruan Zhi’s pheromones were like the most soothing medicine, gently softening and easing the fatigue and pain.

The bitterness of longing was slowly washed away, diminished, and transformed into the sweetness of reunion.

Ruan Zhi was kissed fervently by Gu Qingci, hearing a sound like a whimper escape from Gu Qingci’s throat.

She could sense Gu Qingci’s emotions—joyful, exuberant, yet also so overwhelming that it bordered on tears of happiness.

That emotion was like a tidal wave, intense and powerful, sweeping over Ruan Zhi and pulling her under.

Held in Gu Qingci’s arms, touching her, breathing in her pheromones, the listlessness and apathy that had plagued Ruan Zhi these past few days seemed to vanish.

Her heart settled into place.

And it made Ruan Zhi realize once again:

The person before her had already affected her so deeply.

After a while, the sound of Gu Qingci’s stomach growling broke the spell of their reunion.

“How long has it been since you ate?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“To make it back before dark, we didn’t rest at noon—just ate dry rations, not even any meat…” Gu Qingci pressed a hand to her stomach, her lips downturned in a pitiful pout.

In truth, it had been her suggestion—why rest? No need!

With so many valuable goods in tow, moving slowly would mean they couldn’t reach Yanjing City before nightfall, and they’d have to find another place to stay, increasing the risk.

Better to hurry and deliver the goods to Yanjing City as quickly as possible. No more delays.

Because Gu Qingci’s earlier actions had earned her the respect of the group, everyone agreed with her reasoning.

So everyone mustered their strength and, as expected, arrived at Yanjing City before nightfall.

The reasons they gave seemed plausible, but in truth, they all just wanted to return early to see Ruan Zhi.

Now, holding his sweet and soft wife, Gu Qingci felt that no matter how hard they had pushed to get back, it was all worth it.

Ruan Zhi looked at Gu Qingci and gently touched her face, noticing she had lost weight.

Life on the road was never easy, especially when traveling with a bandit-suppression team.

“Wait a moment, I’ll have the maid prepare a meal for you.” Ruan Zhi said to Gu Qingci before stepping out to ask the maid to arrange food.

When she returned, Ruan Zhi brought a plate of delicate pastries and a pot of tea.

“Have some to tide you over first.” Ruan Zhi said to Gu Qingci.

Naturally, Gu Qingci didn’t hesitate. She sat down and began eating the pastries with tea.

“Weren’t you supposed to be gone for several days? Why did you return so soon? Did something else happen?” Ruan Zhi asked once Gu Qingci had eaten a few bites to ease her hunger.

Just getting to the bandits’ location should have taken a full day’s journey, let alone dealing with such a notoriously stubborn group.

“That gang of bandits has already been wiped out, and we’ve brought back the loot. Pretty fast, right?” Gu Qingci said after swallowing a bite of pastry.

“So quickly?” Ruan Zhi was astonished.

“Yep. When there’s a faster method, of course, we’d use it.” Gu Qingci replied, briefly explaining the process to Ruan Zhi.

Gu Qingci spoke lightly, but Ruan Zhi could tell from her appearance that it definitely hadn’t been easy.

When she left, she was a pristine and noble alpha , immaculate from head to toe. But when she returned, she was covered in dust, her clothes and hair dirtied with who-knows-what.

When she had hugged Ruan Zhi earlier, Ruan Zhi had caught the scent of earth and sweat.

The clothes she was wearing were the same ones she had left in—had she not bathed for days?

Once she was out, she stopped caring about her appearance, huh? And here Ruan Zhi had prepared so many changes of clothes for her.

She didn’t know how Gu Qingci could stand it, nor how she could let herself get so close to Ruan Zhi in such a state.

And yet, Ruan Zhi didn’t find it the least bit unpleasant.

She could even reach out to touch her, to comfort her.

“Why were you in such a hurry?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“His Majesty said that if I returned early, he would reward me handsomely. Of course I had to hurry.” Gu Qingci replied.

Hearing this, Ruan Zhi recalled Gu Qingci’s remark about Emperor Changping being the “big boss.”

Little money-grubber. That was just like her.

“What’s important is that I missed you. I missed you the moment I left. I just wanted to finish everything as quickly as possible and come home!” Just as Ruan Zhi had drawn her conclusion, Gu Qingci added.

After eating a few bites of pastry to ease her hunger a little, she reached out and pulled Ruan Zhi into her arms again, nuzzling and sniffing at the crook of her neck.

“Madam, I missed you so much. Did you miss me?” Gu Qingci whispered in Ruan Zhi’s ear, her voice soft.

It sounded almost bewitching.

Ruan Zhi’s heartbeat quickened slightly, her blush spreading from the tips of her ears down to her neck.

Had she missed her?

From time to time, she would think of her. When idle, her figure would drift through her mind, speaking…

Does this count?

“You haven’t bathed in days. Go wash up. By the time you’re done, the meal should be ready.” Ruan Zhi said to Gu Qingci, gently patting her head.

Only then did Gu Qingci realize how filthy she was.

“Madam, I’ve dirtied your clothes too.” Gu Qingci said reluctantly, releasing Ruan Zhi with a hint of regret.

“It’s fine. Go wash up first—you’ll feel better afterward.” Ruan Zhi replied.

“But I don’t want to be apart from you… How about we bathe together? Your clothes are already dirty anyway.” Gu Qingci suggested, looking at Ruan Zhi with hopeful eyes.

Hearing this, Ruan Zhi recalled the situation on the day Gu Qingci had left.

It was truly too embarrassing.

“How could we bathe together? Just go. I’ll check on the food.” Ruan Zhi said sternly.

Gu Qingci had only made the suggestion, knowing Ruan Zhi was still reserved in many ways and not yet comfortable with such intimacy. Seeing her refusal, she didn’t push further, though her lips puckered into a pout that could practically hang an oil bottle.

“Then will you stay with me while I bathe? I want to talk to you, to see you.” Gu Qingci compromised.

Ruan Zhi agreed to this request.

The maids prepared hot water, and Ruan Zhi fetched fresh clothes for Gu Qingci.

Without avoiding Ruan Zhi, Gu Qingci stripped bare and stepped into the tub.

Ruan Zhi had helped bathe Gu Qingci when her hand was fractured.

Back then, Ruan Zhi could still be considered quite “innocent.”

Seeing Gu Qingci without clothes didn’t stir much emotion in her heart.

But now, it felt a little different.

Her gaze fixed on the area below the neck.

She remembered how it felt when Gu Qingci had asked her to kiss her.

She recalled the sensation of Gu Qingci’s firm, muscular skin pressing against her own, the warmth of her touch.

She thought of the delicate, small mounds pressing against her corresponding spots, that subtle sensation…

“Madam, do you know how many treasures Jinling Prefecture sent? Just the gold, silver, and jewels alone—” Gu Qingci chattered from the bathtub while washing, talking to Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi’s expression remained calm, but her hands under her sleeves clenched slightly.

Don’t be so absurd…

Gu Qingci was bathing, so she couldn’t get close to Ruan Zhi. Instead, she eagerly shared stories from her journey, full of things to say.

Once Gu Qingci submerged herself in the water, covering most of her body, Ruan Zhi calmed down a little and quietly listened to her talk.

Mentioning Jinling Prefecture reminded Ruan Zhi of certain things.

Jinling Prefecture was a prosperous region. During the reign of Emperor Changping’s father, it was granted to the emperor’s younger brother, allowing him to live as a peaceful and wealthy prince.

The place had a strong commercial atmosphere.

With many merchants came many bandits.

In her past life, at this time, Ruan Zhi was still confined in the Gu household, cut off from news.

She didn’t know how this matter had been handled back then.

But now, with Gu Qingci here, the outcome was naturally the best possible.

Gu Qingci talked while washing up and soon finished.

When she stepped out of the bathtub, Ruan Zhi averted her eyes and walked out.

Gu Qingci quickly changed her clothes and walked out while drying her hair.

The food was ready. Gu Qingci sat at the table and began eating. Watching her, Ruan Zhi found her own appetite improving a little and ate some as well.

After Gu Qingci finished eating and the table was cleared, she wanted to cling to Ruan Zhi again.

“Wait for me to wash up and change clothes.” Ruan Zhi said, preventing Gu Qingci from getting closer, and pointed to the clothes she had dirtied earlier.

“Then hurry, madam.” Gu Qingci said eagerly.

“…” Ruan Zhi glanced at Gu Qingci and turned to go to the washroom.

Gu Qingci lay on the soft bedding, breathing in Ruan Zhi’s scent, and stretched out her limbs.

So comfortable. It would be perfect if she could hold her wife now.

Gu Qingci sighed inwardly.

Perhaps because she was too tired, Gu Qingci had only meant to close her eyes for a moment, but she ended up falling asleep.

Ruan Zhi was still feeling a little nervous in the washroom.

What if Gu Qingci wanted to be intimate with her like that day?

Ruan Zhi hesitated, feeling embarrassed.

After wrestling with it for a while, she came to a conclusion: the person who had rushed back day and night was truly pitiable. If she clung to her and acted coquettishly, asking for it, then…

Ruan Zhi was still tangled up in her thoughts, but when she returned to the room, she saw that Gu Qingci was already asleep.

Sleeping so soundly.

Exhausted.

Ruan Zhi walked to Gu Qingci’s side and tucked her in, then stared blankly at Gu Qingci’s sleeping face.

Before, she only knew Gu Qingci was good-looking.

But now, from a different angle, she seemed even more beautiful.

Her delicate brows and eyes, her lovely nose and lips…

Ruan Zhi lay down beside Gu Qingci and moved a little closer to her. As if sensing it in her sleep, Gu Qingci reached out and pulled Ruan Zhi into her arms.

Held firmly in her embrace, Ruan Zhi didn’t move. She lowered her head and inhaled Gu Qingci’s scent—no trace of those unpleasant odors, just fresh, sweet, and faintly cool.

Imitating Gu Qingci, Ruan Zhi buried her face in the crook of her neck.

Following the rhythm of Gu Qingci’s breathing, Ruan Zhi soon fell asleep as well.

The next morning, Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi woke up around the same time.

Gu Qingci had slept soundly all night, though it was a pity she had been too focused on sleeping and hadn’t taken the chance to get closer to Ruan Zhi.

In the morning, Gu Qingci wanted to interact with Ruan Zhi a little more, but it was already getting late.

When they had arrived the previous day, they had only delivered the goods to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the captured bandits had been locked up in prison.

By the time the palace gates closed, they hadn’t had the chance to meet with Emperor Changping.

Now that they had merits to be rewarded, they couldn’t afford to be late.

“Madam, I’m off to work now. Wait for me to come back.” Gu Qingci said clingily before leaving.

Ruan Zhi pressed a hand to Gu Qingci’s cheek, urging her to go quickly.

Gu Qingci stole another kiss from Ruanzi before reluctantly leaving.

Gu Qingci had just stepped out of the inner courtyard where Ruan Zhi resided when she spotted a slender, graceful woman dancing in the garden.

There was no music, yet one could sense the rhythm in her movements—fluid and harmonious.

However, the timing was off. The sky wasn’t fully lit yet, and the woman was dressed in white, giving off an eerie, almost ghostly vibe that startled Gu Qingci.

“Ah… Master! This humble servant greets the Master. I did not know the Master had returned—how unforgivable of me.” the woman said, feigning surprise as Gu Qingci passed by.

“…” Gu Qingci was speechless. Could she be any more obvious?

“Go back and rest. Why are you up so early? Tell the others to wait for me—I’ll check on your progress when I return. I’m leaving now.” Gu Qingci said.

“Yes, yes! Thank you, Master! Take care, Master!” the woman replied reluctantly.

“…” Gu Qingci hurried away.

The past few days had been so hectic that she’d forgotten to ask Ruan Zhi about the progress of the dance troupe. These women couldn’t just stay in their manor indefinitely.

Gu Qingci quickened her pace and headed to the stables.

Today, she couldn’t bear to ride Chihuo again—he had been the most exhausted these past few days.

She patted him affectionately, greeted him, and added some fresh fodder before taking a carriage to the palace gates.

As a guard, Gu Qingci wasn’t technically required to attend court. Some guards were assigned to inspect the officials’ attire and conduct “security checks” before they entered.

When she arrived, she waited to be assigned patrol duties, but a young eunuch approached her instead.

“His Majesty has requested General Gu to attend court today. After all, General Gu is still a Commandant.” the eunuch said with a smile.

Gu Qingci handed the eunuch a few pieces of silver and followed him to the Xuanzheng Hall, where the court officials gathered.

The Xuanzheng Hall was vast, filled with solemn-faced ministers standing in attendance.

Following the eunuch’s directions, Gu Qingci took her place and waited quietly.

Thanks to the retrieval of the birthday tribute—a great victory that had bolstered Emperor Changping’s prestige—the emperor appeared in high spirits during the court session, his complexion noticeably brighter.

After discussing some matters that Gu Qingci was not interested in during the morning court session, it was finally time for Gu Qingci and his colleagues’ affairs.

“On this occasion, Chu Shao and Gu Qingci have rendered outstanding service. In less than three days, they eradicated the bandit threat, captured several Hu spies, and recovered the stolen birthday gifts…” Emperor Changping recounted their “achievements.”

Chu Shao had previously worried that Gu Qingci would follow behind him and claim credit for his accomplishments.

Now, Chu Shao felt as though he had taken credit for Gu Qingci’s achievements.

“Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. The primary contributor to this bandit suppression campaign is General Gu Qingci…” Chu Shao hurriedly reported after hearing Emperor Changping’s commendation.

In fact, the memorial had already detailed this, but Emperor Changping likely had not yet read it.

Chu Shao briefly summarized the events.

Among the officials standing below, the Third Prince in the front row was so shocked his eyes nearly popped out of his head.

He had thought Chu Shao was so formidable, but it turned out it was all because of Gu Qingci!

After hearing Chu Shao’s account, Emperor Changping gained a deeper understanding of Gu Qingci’s martial prowess and military talent.

“We had previously stated that if the bandit threat could be swiftly eradicated, substantial rewards would be granted. The position of Left Commander of the Imperial Guards is currently vacant and shall be bestowed upon Gu Qingci. Additionally, he shall be granted a hundred hectares of fertile land, gold, silver, silks, and other treasures…” Emperor Changping declared.

Listening to the emperor’s rewards, Gu Qingci found them almost too numerous to count—this time, the rewards were truly generous!

Emperor Changping was indeed a benevolent employer.

The surrounding ministers, however, paid little attention to the material rewards, focusing instead on the news that the position of Left Commander of the Imperial Guards would be given to Gu Qingci. Instantly, an uproar erupted.

Particularly the Third Prince, whose face darkened to the shade of a pot.

Who would have thought that sending Gu Qingci out to suppress bandits, intending to kill her in the process, would instead result in her gaining merit and being promoted so quickly to a position of real authority!

The position of Left Commander of the Imperial Guards had been vacant, and many had long been vying for it.

Who knew it would end up in Gu Qingci’s hands!

“Your Majesty, the Imperial Guards are responsible for the safety of the palace and the capital. How can such a role be entrusted to someone not even of age?” a censor reported.

“Your Majesty, this subject has something to say.” Gu Qingci quickly spoke up.

Emperor Changping, somewhat annoyed by the censor, waved his hand upon hearing Gu Qingci’s voice.

“Gu Qingci, what do you wish to say?” Emperor Changping asked.

“Your Majesty, this subject does not seek rewards, nor the position of Left Commander. May I exchange it for a different reward?” Gu Qingci said.

Upon hearing this, those already displeased with Gu Qingci’s appointment as Left Commander of the Imperial Guards grew even more indignant.

What kind of person is this? How dare they bargain over His Majesty’s rewards?

Who spoiled you like this?

“What would you like in exchange?” Emperor Changping asked amiably.

The crowd was stunned.

“This subject wishes to exchange it for an honorary title for my lawful wife. I beg Your Majesty to grant this.” Gu Qingci declared loudly, bowing once more to Emperor Changping.

The crowd was even more dumbfounded by Gu Qingci’s words.

What kind of move was this?

Forget the wealth and fertile lands.

The position of Left Commander alone was worth more than a thousand pieces of gold.

And this person actually turned it down just to request an honorary title for his wife?!

Is he out of his mind?

Does he even know what he’s saying?

“Are you certain?” Emperor Changping asked, equally surprised.

“Absolutely certain!” Gu Qingci nodded firmly, looking nervously at Emperor Changping.

“Very well. Later, I will send someone to your residence to deliver the edict.” Emperor Changping said with a smile, granting Gu Qingci’s request.

Gu Qingci expressed his gratitude.

He couldn’t wait to share this news with Ruan Zhi.

He hadn’t mentioned it to her earlier, mainly because he feared Emperor Changping might not agree.

Unexpectedly, the emperor turned out to be quite agreeable and actually consented.

Gu Qingci endured the wait until the morning court session ended, then went to the deputy commander of the guards to inquire. The deputy commander hadn’t scheduled Gu Qingci for duty that day, allowing him to leave the palace like the other officials.

After bidding farewell to the deputy commander, Gu Qingci exited the palace gates.