My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 7

07

“Kneel.” Ruan Zhi’s voice came again, filled with undeniable authority.

Gu Qingci nearly dropped to her knees on the spot.

Some of the Gu family servants immediately knelt, while others hesitated, their faces full of shock.

“My lord, what is happening?” A middle-aged man stepped forward to ask Gu Qingci. Though his expression remained composed, sweat beaded on his forehead—this was the Gu family steward, the husband of stewardess Zhang.

“When you’re told to kneel, you kneel. From now on, the madam will manage the household. Whatever she says goes.” Gu Qingci cooperated with Ruan Zhi, her voice icy.

The people who had come with Nanny Qin fanned out, blocking the doors and windows. Their imposing figures alone were enough to intimidate.

Steward Zhang took in the scene, his face paling as sweat trickled down his temples. He knelt to the side.

“My lord holds a noble title as the Marquis of Jian’an! How could a merchant’s daughter be allowed to take charge? My lord must not let that woman bewitch you!” Stewardess Zhang protested anxiously. Just moments ago, hadn’t everything been fine? Hadn’t Gu Qingci even promised them extra clothing as a reward? How had it suddenly come to Ruan Zhi taking control, as if they were about to be put on trial?

Gu Qingci’s face flushed slightly. What kind of Marquis of Jian’an was she? Merely the lowest rank of nobility.

“Disrespectful words, defiance of the lord—slap her ten times!” Before Gu Qingci could respond, Ruan Zhi’s voice rang out. Two sturdy maids who had come with Nanny Qin immediately stepped forward, seized stewardess Zhang, and delivered ten sharp slaps to her face.

The maids struck with full force. Stewardess Zhang’s cheeks swelled instantly, bl00d trickling from her nose. Her eyes were wide with disbelief as she collapsed to the ground, trembling.

Steward Zhang watched his wife’s state, his expression darkening.

Gu Qingci suspected Ruan Zhi was retaliating against stewardess Zhang’s loose tongue.

“I said the madam is in charge now. Does anyone else object?” Gu Qingci turned her gaze to the others.

No one dared to speak.

“If my lord entrusts me with managing the household, I must inspect the accounts. Steward Zhang and Stewardess Zhang, hand over the keys so we may retrieve the account books. Until the accounts are verified, no one leaves this room. If discrepancies are found, punishment will be severe. Those who report useful information will be rewarded with one tael of silver upon verification. The rest, if cleared, will receive five hundred coins for their trouble.” Ruan Zhi’s voice came from behind the screen.

Hearing this, many of the kneeling servants relaxed slightly.

“Are you hesitating because you have something to hide? Are those keys yours or mine?” Gu Qingci stepped in front of the steward and snorted coldly.

The steward’s hands trembled. Under Gu Qingci’s stare, he reluctantly produced the keys. Stewardess Zhang, shaking, also handed over the keys to the chests and storerooms under her charge.

Gu Qingci couldn’t read account books, which had previously emboldened the steward and stewardess Zhang.

Now that Gu Qingci had joined forces with Ruan Zhi, the steward grew uneasy.

Ruan Zhi came from a merchant family—she might understand account books. But she was just a woman. Even if she had merchant background, she wouldn’t have been exposed to business dealings. How much could she really know?

The steward lowered his eyes, his gaze flickering as he remained kneeling.

Gu Qingci handed the keys to Nanny Qin, who left with two sturdy maids, leaving two burly men to guard the room.

Gu Qingci oversaw the scene for a while until Nanny Qin returned with a thick stack of account books, which she delivered behind the screen before leaving again.

Once Nanny Qin was gone, Gu Qingci glanced at the servants and then went behind the screen to check on Ruan Zhi.

Behind the screen, Ruan Zhi sat at a desk, reviewing the account books with focused precision.

Dressed and adorned, Ruan Zhi resembled a peony in full bloom—exquisite and breathtakingly beautiful.

Like a painting.

Gu Qingci stared for a few seconds before approaching to see if she could help.

Ruan Zhi arranged small jade rods in rows, her expression serious as she flipped through the account books with startling speed.

Gu Qingci couldn’t find an opening to assist.

The jade rods shifted under Ruan Zhi’s fingers, likely used for calculations.

Gu Qingci had learned this method as a child—it was called “counting rods” and they were notoriously difficult to use.

In her memory, ancient accounting was done with abacuses.

Did Ruan Zhi use these refined counting rods because abacuses hadn’t been invented in this world yet?

Gu Qingci didn’t disturb her.

After some time, Ruan Zhi dipped a brush in ink and wrote out a list.

“The accounts appear correct at first glance, but…” Ruan Zhi looked up at Gu Qingci after finishing her calculations.

The Gu family’s wealth was insignificant to Ruan Zhi.

Her meticulous review was only to solidify the crimes of stewardess Zhang’s family, ensuring they were handed over to the authorities and settling an old grudge.

But after examining several account books, Ruan Zhi realized stewardess Zhang’s family had been even bolder than expected.

Were Gu Qingci and her mother both naive fools who knew nothing about managing a household?

To be swindled so thoroughly by their servants…

“But what?” Gu Qingci pressed.

“First, bind steward Zhang and the kitchen procurement steward. Then I’ll explain.” Ruan Zhi said.

The two burly men outside immediately moved to comply.

“My lord, spare me! This servant has been loyal and never acted against my conscience!” Steward Zhang cried out, but he was quickly restrained and tied up.

“Is that so? Then listen carefully. River-East rice and River-North rice differ by just one character, but the price per stone differs by fifty coins. The Gu family’s masters eat River-North rice daily, while the servants are supposed to receive coarse rice—yet the amounts recorded don’t match the actual distribution. This discrepancy alone amounts to over a hundred coins per month.”

“The accounts list a carved ornament purchased for ten taels of silver, yet it was pawned for only one tael. The difference is at least five taels.”

“The jade Guanyin statue bought for the old madam—white jade from Hetian versus green jade—the price difference…”

Ruan Zhi listed the discrepancies in a calm tone.

Gu Qingci listened in awe. The account books she couldn’t make sense of had been deciphered by Ruan Zhi, who uncovered so many inconsistencies just from the text!

It was a testament to Ruan Zhi’s keen awareness of market prices, her sensitivity to values, and her extraordinary memory.

No wonder she was Gu Qingci’s “boss.”

Steward Zhang and stewardess Zhang’s faces grew increasingly ashen.

“I won’t list every discrepancy. The pawnshop and procurement stores can be investigated for evidence. Don’t worry—I’ll calculate exactly how much was embezzled, down to the last coin. Steward Zhang, would you rather I uncover everything myself, dig up every hidden stash, or will you confess now and spare your sons and grandsons some suffering?” Ruan Zhi asked.

Steward Zhang’s face lost all color.

What had been swallowed was too painful to spit back out.

But now that they’d been caught, escape seemed impossible.

“Ugh—!” Stewardess Zhang, her face swollen and her tongue too stiff to form words, glared at the screen with hatred. While the two men restrained her husband and son, she suddenly lunged forward and rammed into the screen.

Gu Qingci, standing behind the screen with Ruan Zhi, reacted instinctively, throwing herself in front of Ruan Zhi as the screen toppled.

With a loud crash, the screen struck Gu Qingci’s back.

Fortunately, it wasn’t heavy—just painful.

Ruan Zhi felt a warm presence envelop her, accompanied by a sweet-and-sour fruity fragrance. When she looked up, she saw Gu Qingci’s wincing face.

Outside, the sturdy maids and eager servants subdued stewardess Zhang and righted the screen.

Gu Qingci exhaled as the weight lifted.

“Good, it didn’t hit you.” she said, stepping back from Ruan Zhi and helping to steady the screen with the others.

Ruan Zhi watched as Gu Qingci moved away, her back slightly stiff. The corner of Ruan Zhi’s lips twitched imperceptibly before settling back into cool composure.

“It was stewardess Zhang who pushed the screen—she tried to harm the lord!” someone accused.

With stewardess Zhang’s family clearly doomed, the servants no longer feared speaking up.

“Bind her!” Ruan Zhi ordered coldly.

Stewardess Zhang was swiftly tied up with hemp rope.

“You insist on resisting to the end? Fine! Have it your way! Restrain steward Zhang and the rest!” Ruan Zhi commanded.

Stewardess Zhang’s daughter-in-law and grandson were also bound.

The sound of weeping filled the room—calls for “Father” and “Grandfather” stewardess Zhang’s muffled pleas to steward Zhang, who clenched his jaw and refused to acknowledge her.

“Does no one else have anything to say? Then we’ll send them all to the authorities. Whether they’re guilty or not, let the investigation decide!” Ruan Zhi’s voice was sharp.

Even the innocent would suffer under official interrogation.

Her words prompted a flurry of voices.

“Madam, I have something to report. Stewardess Zhang once wore a pair of gold bracelets—they belonged to the old madam. She must have stolen them!”

“Madam, the outer courtyard steward Wang conspired with steward Zhang over drinks long ago!”

One after another, accusations flew, implicating several more people.

Verification would be needed to confirm the truth.

Nanny Qin and two maids searched the servants’ quarters, uncovering gold, silver, jewelry, and banknotes worth over a hundred taels in total.

Gu Qingci hadn’t expected that handing household authority to Ruan Zhi would turn a profit!

A hundred taels was equivalent to over a hundred thousand in modern currency.

“I’ve listed their crimes and the discrepancies in the accounts. Please transcribe this and send it to the magistrate to report them.” Ruan Zhi handed Gu Qingci the written charges.

Gu Qingci took the document. The handwriting was as elegant as its author—neat, small regular script that was pleasing to the eye.

Unfortunately, she couldn’t recognize many of the traditional characters.

“I’m… not very good at writing. What you’ve written is perfect as it is.” Gu Qingci admitted awkwardly.

“…” Ruan Zhi studied her. Gu Qingci was supposed to be a scholar who had studied at academies.

In the past, she would have assumed Gu Qingci was being deliberately difficult—or worse, reluctant to report the matter to avoid public shame.

“Fine. Then press your seal on it. Go to the magistrate and have them send officers to arrest the culprits. The account books only cover the last three years—the embezzled sum exceeds a hundred taels. The rest was likely spent. Let the officials handle the investigation. Any recovered silver can be donated to the magistrate’s office to avoid future trouble.” Ruan Zhi said.

Gu Qingci sighed in relief.

She had learned calligraphy as a child, but only in simplified characters. Writing in traditional script without practice would be disastrous.

“Understood. Thank you for your hard work. I’ll go now!” Gu Qingci stamped the document and took the “indictment” from Ruan Zhi.

Six people had been firmly implicated—a large enough group that escape was a risk. It was safer to let professionals handle the arrests.

One of the three men who had come with Ruan Zhi was assigned to accompany Gu Qingci to the magistrate’s office.

This was Gu Qingci’s first time leaving the Gu residence, and she was curious.

Their home was in a small, somewhat desolate county town. The Gu family lived in a remote area, and the streets were quiet in the afternoon.

They reached the magistrate’s office quickly.

As one of the few in the county with a noble title, Gu Qingci was treated with respect. The magistrate’s lieutenant personally came out to greet her.

Gu Qingci explained the situation and handed over the indictment. The lieutenant immediately dispatched a dozen constables to accompany them back to the Gu residence.

On the way, Gu Qingci felt someone watching her. She turned and saw a tall, broad-shouldered man glaring at her with dark eyes.

Though Ruan Zhi’s gaze could make her tremble, this man’s stare didn’t frighten her—it just puzzled her.

She didn’t want hidden enemies who might strike when she least expected it.

With the constables present, she didn’t ask questions but hurried back to the Gu residence, where the corrupt servants were taken into custody.

As dusk fell, Ruan Zhi returned to her room.

After hours of reviewing account books, her head throbbed, and the bite mark on her gland from yesterday ached dully.

“Ah Zhi, the lord really did bring the constables. They’ve all been taken away. The house is much quieter now.” Nanny Qin said as she approached Ruan Zhi.

“Did you give the constables silver?” Ruan Zhi asked without opening her eyes, rubbing her temples.

“Yes, one tael each for their trouble. Stewardess Zhang’s family won’t fare well in custody, and we’ll hear any updates. The lord has truly changed—thank the heavens.” Nanny Qin said.

“Keep dinner warm for the lord.” Ruan Zhi murmured.

“Of course!” Nanny Qin beamed.

Before, they had lived in fear, constrained at every turn.

Now, with newfound freedom, things were better.

As long as Gu Qingci remained decent, her authority would ensure a brighter future. Nanny Qin felt hopeful.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingci finally saw the constables and the corrupt servants off, exhaling in relief.

The air in the Gu residence even seemed fresher.

No more gossip from the likes of stewardess Zhang—no more hateful words.

The only regret was the silver spent.

Nanny Qin had given each constable a tael as a “tip.”

The wealthy could afford such extravagance.

“My lord, the madam invites you to dine at Xiuyi Garden.” whispered Dongxue, who had also been kneeling earlier, terrified.

Since she was new and Gu Qingci found her acceptable, she’d been released to continue serving.

“Good, I’ll go now.” The mention of food—especially at Ruan Zhi’s place—energized Gu Qingci.

She stretched and strode toward Xiuyi Garden.

Upon arrival, Gu Qingci first went to report to Ruan Zhi.

“Madam, you were incredible today! You’re the best at calculations and the sharpest mind I’ve ever met!” Gu Qingci launched into effusive praise.

Ruan Zhi observed the undisguised admiration in Gu Qingci’s eyes, feeling a complex mix of emotions.

She hadn’t used gentle tactics or prolonged torment. Instead, she’d brought in experienced enforcers to swiftly settle the matter—partly to intimidate Gu Qingci.

Yet instead of being cowed, Gu Qingci seemed genuinely impressed.

“Madam, they’ve all been taken away, and the account books are with the authorities. If we’re short on staff, we can visit the employment agency tomorrow—you can pick whoever you like.” Gu Qingci continued eagerly.

As she stepped closer, Ruan Zhi felt the throbbing in her head ease slightly.

“The silver and jewelry recovered—you may take them.” Ruan Zhi said.

“No need. You keep them to expand the shops or buy more land or storefronts for business.” Gu Qingci waved her hand.

“I thought you despised business.” Ruan Zhi lifted an eyebrow.

“Madam, I love business! The more money, the better. Madam, let me reiterate—I am not that scum. I’m me, a completely new person. Please don’t mistake us for the same.” Gu Qingci said earnestly.

Ruan Zhi gave a faint hum, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Gu Qingci sensed this wasn’t something words alone could prove and didn’t press further.

“Madam, from now on, you’ll manage the household finances—all the money, servants, shops, and land. Just give me a monthly allowance. How much will my allowance be?” Gu Qingci asked seriously.

Ruan Zhi looked up, meeting Gu Qingci’s clear, guileless eyes, and wondered if she’d lost her mind.

This woman kept saying the most unexpected things.

In any household, even if an omega managed the accounts, ultimate authority lay with the alpha.

The alpha could revoke her management rights with a word.

An omega could only receive an allowance decided by her alpha.

Since when did an alpha beg his omega for pocket money?

“Madam, you’re not thinking of withholding my allowance, are you?” Gu Qingci pouted when Ruan Zhi didn’t respond.

She hadn’t yet won her boss’s trust. Ruan Zhi still doubted her capabilities.

“An allowance will be given. Two taels per month. Is that acceptable?” Ruan Zhi said.

“Two taels?” Gu Qingci blinked. That was only two thousand in modern terms—a basic salary at best.

“Too little?” Ruan Zhi asked.

“With room and board included, two taels is enough. But… could it increase based on performance? And maybe profit-sharing from the shops? Not yours—I mean the Gu family shops, the ones I invest in.” Gu Qingci bargained.

“…” Ruan Zhi was speechless. Had she lost her mind? She was agreeing to a servant’s wage.

Ruan Zhi’s personal maids received two taels monthly.

“Fine. If your performance is good, your allowance will increase.” Ruan Zhi humored her.

Gu Qingci’s eyes immediately curved into happy crescents.

“You’ve worked hard today. Go eat.” Ruan Zhi couldn’t bear to look at her and shooed her away.

“Thank you, Madam!” Gu Qingci grinned and bounded off, her high ponytail swinging.

Ruan Zhi massaged her temples.

The food in Xiuyi Garden was prepared by Ruan Zhi’s personal cooks, whose skills rivaled professional chefs.

Dinner had been hastily prepared and wasn’t lavish, but after several meals of barely edible fare, Gu Qingci nearly drooled at the spread.

“My lord, the main dish is three-delicacy soup noodles. This is called ‘Divine Fish’—stewed carp with local chicken, tender and flavorful. This one is—”

A voice droned on beside her, but Gu Qingci was too absorbed in the food to listen.

Each bite was exquisite, nearly making her bite her tongue in delight.

By the end, she was so satisfied she almost ran to Ruan Zhi’s room to shout, “Long live the boss!”

Having the right boss was a blessing.

Nanny Qin noticed Lian Rong, the maid explaining the dishes, frowning and shooed her away.

“My lord, will you be staying the night? Hot water is ready for your bath.” Nanny Qin asked after the meal.

With Gu Qingci’s apparent change for the better, Nanny Qin hoped the two would grow closer.

“Yes. If the madam is willing to have me.” Gu Qingci nodded eagerly, though she wasn’t entirely sure of Ruan Zhi’s stance.

“The madam has agreed.” Nanny Qin smiled.

Gu Qingci grinned. Perfect!

The bed in Mojin Pavilion was painfully hard.

“I’ll go back to get fresh clothes.” Gu Qingci said.

“No need. Everything is prepared here.” Nanny Qin assured her.

Gu Qingci was delighted to skip the hassle.

Nanny Qin handed her the prepared sleepwear and even sent a maid to assist with her bath.

Gu Qingci declined—she preferred bathing alone.

Ruan Zhi’s bathing chamber was larger than Gu Qingci’s old bedroom, featuring two large tubs and a drainage system—luxurious and convenient.

It was like a five-star hotel.

After a blissful bath, Gu Qingci changed into smooth, silky sleepwear and returned to Ruan Zhi’s canopy bed.

“Sleep on the daybed.” Ruan Zhi, still awake, instructed.

“Of course! Madam, you’re too good to me. The clothes are perfect—so comfortable.”Gu Qingci sighed happily.

She hadn’t expected to share Ruan Zhi’s bed anyway. The canopy bed had two sleeping areas—one large, one small. Gu Qingci naturally took the smaller one.

“Madam, how are your knees? Have you applied medicine?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Yes.” Ruan Zhi glanced at her again.

“Good. I’ll dry my hair and sleep.” Gu Qingci toweled her hair and noticed Ruan Zhi watching. She flashed a bright smile.

“…” Ruan Zhi silently closed her eyes.

This woman was definitely a fool.

Accepting a maid’s allowance, sleeping on a maid’s daybed, and still grinning like an idiot.

Gu Qingci finished drying her hair, drowsy and slightly sore from the screen incident. She lay face-down on the daybed and soon fell asleep.

Ruan Zhi turned over and, hearing no movement, opened her eyes to see a peaceful sleeping face turned toward her.

Ruan Zhi frowned. How could this woman sleep so soundly after everything that had happened today?

The faint, sweet scent of Gu Qingci’s pheromones drifted over, easing Ruan Zhi’s headache but also inexplicably drawing her closer.

Tossing restlessly, Ruan Zhi finally got up and took a few steps toward Gu Qingci before retreating.

She left the bed canopy.

“Nanny, do we have any bruise ointment left?” Ruan Zhi asked Nanny Qin outside.

“Yes. I’ll fetch it.” Nanny Qin hurried off and returned with a small ceramic jar.

“Ah Zhi, are you injured?” Nanny Qin asked worriedly.

“No. It’s for the lord.” Ruan Zhi said.

“…” Nanny Qin hesitated.

“Nanny, what is it?” Ruan Zhi pressed.

“Well… while collecting the lord’s dirty clothes, I found this.” Nanny Qin handed Ruan Zhi an exquisitely embroidered pouch.

Ruan Zhi saw the mandarin ducks playing in water, a symbol of marital bliss—stitched on it, alongside a tiny character: Huan.