My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 72

72

Wen Renyi waved his hand in front of Gu Qingci’s eyes, snapping the dazed Gu Qingci back to reality.

“You must stay strong. Keep cooperating with the treatment and taking your medicine—it will slow the poison’s damage to your body. The current treatment plan and prescription were developed by our entire family and are effective. As for the antidote, I refuse to believe that our whole family’s combined efforts won’t be enough to create one for you.” Wen Renyi said, looking at Gu Qingci.

“I won’t lose heart anymore. What’s this compared to everything else? I trust your family. But I was thinking—are there other directions we could explore? Since it’s a bl00d-borne poison, could we try bl00d replacement therapy? That is, replacing the poisoned bl00d in my body with healthy, normal bl00d?” Gu Qingci paused before speaking.

“…There’s such a method?” Wen Renyi was astonished.

“This method requires a lot of research. You could assign a team to study it. First, we’d need to determine bl00d types—transfusions can only be done with matching bl00d types. Human bl00d is categorized into… Then there’s the equipment for transfusion, which must be thoroughly sterilized, soaked in alcohol… Also, if we had a centrifuge, we could separate whole bl00d into plasma and serum…”

Gu Qingci shared what she remembered from some popular science documentaries she had watched in her past life.

She felt as though she had accidentally elevated the medical standards of this era by a whole level.

“What is alcohol? What kind of wine?” Wen Renyi asked after jotting everything down.

“It’s a highly purified liquor extracted through distillation. Distillation is…” Gu Qingci explained.

Wen Renyi asked Gu Qingci a few more questions to clarify, his expression shifting from shock to solemnity. It took him a while to process everything before he left, his mind brimming with new knowledge.

Though Gu Qingci made it sound simple, she wasn’t a medical professional. There was still much for the Wen family to research in detail.

After Wen Renyi left, Gu Qingci stayed in the study, writing and sketching for a while, waiting for Ruan Zhi to return.

In the meantime, Ye Muran came to see Gu Qingci, who taught her some more small tidbits of knowledge.

The child’s large, dark eyes sparkled as she listened with utmost seriousness.

Teaching such a student was particularly effortless—she understood everything after just one explanation and could even extrapolate and think independently.

And she wasn’t even four years old yet!

In the afternoon, Ruan Zhi returned very late, so Gu Qingci remained in the study without going out or eating, waiting for her.

“Ah Ci, the maid said you didn’t eat. Why haven’t you had your meal?” Ruan Zhi asked as soon as she returned, seeing Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci looked at Ruan Zhi. Her expression showed obvious fatigue, with faint dark circles under her eyes.

Ruan Zhi was always composed, her appearance lush yet coolly elegant, but now she seemed shrouded in a layer of gray haze.

These were the marks of her carrying everything alone.

Ruan Zhi had never openly confessed anything to Gu Qingci—she had always been a woman of action.

Gu Qingci walked up to Ruan Zhi, wrapped her arms around her, and rested her head on Ruan Zhi’s shoulder.

Aside from her fragrant scent, there was also the smell of medicine and the dust from outside.

“What’s wrong?” Ruan Zhi sensed Gu Qingci’s mood and gently patted her back.

“Sister, today I managed to get some information out of Wen Renyi. The antidote is very difficult to prepare. If it can’t be made, my body will remain very weak, and I’ll need to keep taking medicine to counteract the poison.” Gu Qingci said directly.

“Ah Ci, that won’t happen. It will definitely be prepared.” Ruan Zhi said, suddenly flustered.

Gu Qingci released Ruan Zhi, cupped her face, and kissed her forehead.

“Sister, it really doesn’t matter. Truthfully, I’ve always been lazy—I just want to eat, drink, and have fun. I never wanted to get involved in court affairs. At first, I took the military exams just to reduce some taxes. Then I wanted you to have the freedom to dress as you pleased. After that, I wanted you to be honored with a title so you’d be respected and wouldn’t have to bow to others… I never wanted to become a high-ranking official or achieve fame and fortune. None of those things compare to you. I just want to be with you. So what if the antidote can’t be made? It’s not like I’ll die. Once we’ve dealt with the Third Prince’s faction, we can use the poison as an excuse to resign from any positions of real power and just keep an idle noble title. You can run whatever business you like, and we’ll still live in luxury. That way, we’ll have even more time to spend together. Wouldn’t that be better?”

Gu Qingci looked at Ruan Zhi and spoke earnestly.

As Ruan Zhi listened to Gu Qingci’s words, she knew full well that Gu Qingci enjoyed leisure and disliked complicated social engagements.

But Gu Qingci also loved sports, horseback riding, and archery—that much was true.

“Becoming as delicate as omega, even afraid to gallop on horseback, unable to run, lift heavy objects, let alone draw a bow and shoot arrows or wield a broadsword. That would be too cruel for you.” Ruan Zhi said with a bitter expression.

“Everything requires trade-offs. I see it very clearly. I’m so weak, so my sister will take extra care of me, spend more time with me, and indulge me in everything. I’m happy every day. But seeing you so burdened and under so much pressure, I can’t be happy either. I want to tell you—it’s okay. You don’t have to hide things from me and bear them alone. I’m not that fragile. No matter what it is, you can tell me, and we’ll share the burden together. As for this matter, take it easy. It’s really no big deal.” Gu Qingci said.

Ruan Zhi sensed the emotions conveyed by Gu Qingci and understood her meaning.

It was a wonderful feeling.

The weight in her heart over these days seemed to have found a stronger support.

What had been heavy and hard to let go of now felt lighter under Gu Qingci’s words.

Ruan Zhi didn’t relax her desire for Gu Qingci to recover—on the contrary, it made her want to restore her even sooner.

She couldn’t bear to see such a bright and radiant person constrained.

“Alright, I understand.” Ruan Zhi said softly, offering a faint smile.

Gu Qingci watched the dimple appear on Ruan Zhi’s face and grinned in response, leaning in to kiss her cheek.

The mere hint of a smile on Ruan Zhi’s face was like color blooming on a canvas, dazzlingly beautiful.

My wife is truly the most stunning in the world!

“…Aren’t you hungry if you haven’t eaten? You should eat on time. After the meal, you need to take your medicine. Don’t try to slack off or avoid it because it’s bitter.”

Ruan Zhi, unsettled by Gu Qingci’s infatuated gaze, pinched her cheek.

“I wanted to wait for you to come back and eat together. Otherwise, the meal wouldn’t taste as good.” Gu Qingci said in a coquettish tone, grabbing Ruan Zhi’s hand and leaning in to kiss her lips.

Clang. Something fell to the ground. Gu Qingci turned her head and saw a pair of pitch-black eyes staring at them.

“Uh…” Gu Qingci quickly let go of Ruan Zhi.

“I almost forgot, this little one is here. She was writing with me in the study this afternoon, very seriously.” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi.

“Did she come by herself? Who brought her here? Doesn’t she need to eat?”

“Maybe someone is watching in secret, but I haven’t seen anyone. Where did Ye Youli go today? She didn’t come to pick her up either.”

“Today, I heard the Emperor is ill, so several princes and princesses went to the palace to attend to him.”

“Let’s see if she’s willing to eat with us.”

After exchanging a few words, Gu Qingci walked up to Ye Muran.

“Is your tummy hungry? Let’s go eat together. You’ll have more energy after eating.” Gu Qingci said to Ye Muran, gesturing as she spoke.

Ye Muran slid down from the chair and nodded.

Ruan Zhi was slightly surprised—she hadn’t expected Ye Muran to agree to eat with them.

“Good, then let’s go eat together. This beautiful, heavenly fairy-like lady is my wife. If you recognize me as your teacher, then she is your teacher’s wife. You should like her just as much as you like me. Treat her the same way you treat me. Okay?” Gu Qingci confirmed, pointing at Ruan Zhi as she introduced her to Ye Muran.

Ye Muran’s round eyes stared at Ruan Zhi. It was unclear whether she understood, but in response to Gu Qingci’s question, her little head nodded.

“Good girl. Let’s go eat together!” Gu Qingci smiled, patted Ye Muran’s head, and took her hand to walk with Ruan Zhi to the dining hall for dinner.

During her recovery, Gu Qingci’s meals had been very light. Aside from the medicinal tonic soup, which wasn’t suitable for children, everything else was fine for Ye Muran to eat.

Gu Qingci had spent several days with Ye Muran and had grown somewhat familiar with her.

At dinner, she took care of Ye Muran.

Ye Muran was quite independent and could eat by herself. Gu Qingci asked her what dishes she wanted and served them for her.

Watching from the side, Ruan Zhi was momentarily dazed by the gentle tone and patient attitude Gu Qingci used with Ye Muran. It almost felt like they were a family with a child.

If they had a child, would it be like this?

Gu Qingci would surely be a wonderful mother.

After a brief reverie, Ruan Zhi snapped back to reality.

Why was she thinking about children?

Pregnancy and childbirth could only happen after a permanent mark.

In her future plans, she had Gu Qingci, but not yet the matter of children.

In the next few years, the first priorities were dealing with the Third Prince and Xu Dace.

After that, rebel armies would rise, plagues would spread, natural disasters would strike…

It would be a very turbulent time.

Chaos was approaching, and whether it was pregnancy and childbirth or raising a young infant afterward, none of it would be easy.

Ruan Zhi quickly stopped her thoughts.

Gu Qingci’s appetite had diminished; she didn’t eat much before feeling full and instead focused on serving dishes to Ye Muran.

Once the child had eaten her fill, the three of them rinsed their mouths, washed their hands, and wiped them clean.

After finishing, Ye Muran was still there, so Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi took her to the study together.

By the time Ye Muran began yawning, Ye Youli still hadn’t returned.

Gu Qingci had no choice but to join Ruan Zhi in helping the child wash up and get ready for bed.

Both of them were handling such a young child for the first time, so they were extra cautious.

Fortunately, Ye Muran could wash herself and change her clothes on her own.

The hidden guard who had been following Ye Muran handed her change of clothes to Gu Qingci.

Ye Muran disliked strangers getting too close, so even the hidden guard could only watch from a distance.

After some effort, they finally got the little one, who couldn’t express herself and was as soft as a dumpling, into bed.

But Ye Muran still didn’t sleep, instead staring wide-eyed at Gu Qingci.

“Do you want a bedtime story?” Gu Qingci asked.

Ye Muran nodded.

So Gu Qingci crouched beside her and began telling a fairy tale, choosing “The Ugly Duckling” at random.

As Gu Qingci narrated the story, she acted it out with vivid expressions.

Ye Muran’s eyes widened slightly as she listened.

The story told by Gu Qingci was unlike anything heard before—it sounded incredibly interesting, and the delivery was unprecedentedly rich and engaging.

After finishing the story, Ye Muran closed her eyes contentedly and fell asleep.

Gu Qingci stepped outside and let out a long sigh.

Taking care of a child was quite exhausting.

Ruan Zhi had listened to Gu Qingci’s bedtime story from start to finish.

She knew Gu Qingci had a childlike side, but even when telling a children’s story, she was so delightfully entertaining.

No wonder the child adored her.

Who wouldn’t like someone like that?

Ruan Zhi’s hand was grasped, and she was pulled into their room.

The adult who had just been telling stories to a child now became a coquettish, sugar-seeking child in front of Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi fed the candy to Gu Qingci.

The candy, kneaded and reshaped at will, was bullied into disarray…

Ruan Zhi was once again pushed to the edge of a cliff, on the verge of losing control.

The vast unknown ahead—was it a dark, bottomless abyss, or a mysterious wonderland blooming with flowers?

She didn’t know.

But if it was Gu Qingci taking her there, she was willing to go.

Even if it was a bottomless abyss.

However…

Gu Qingci’s body was weak, her strength fading.

She only brought Ruan Zhi to the edge of the cliff before stopping.

Breathing unevenly in discomfort.

Still unable to withstand such emotional turbulence.

Ruan Zhi quickly stopped her, gently patting Gu Qingci’s back to soothe her emotions.

Gu Qingci nestled in Ruan Zhi’s arms, feeling somewhat disillusioned with life.

Her internal injuries were mostly healed, and the external wounds had long since scabbed over.

Could it be that if the poison wasn’t neutralized, even that would be impossible?

If that were the case, she would have to take back the words she said to Ruan Zhi today—ugh!

In her mind, Gu Qingci’s inner persona body-slammed the Third Prince countless times.

Still not vented, she hugged Ruan Zhi tightly, burying her face in her chest, and only then did she feel slightly better.

The next day, Ye Youli hurried back right after the morning court session.

Seeing Ye Muran eating breakfast with Gu Qingci and the others, dressed neatly and looking lovely, she was surprised by how close Ye Muran had become to them, but at the same time, she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank you both for taking care of Aran.” Ye Youli said to Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi.

“No need for thanks. She’s been very well-behaved. How is His Majesty?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Yesterday, Father was so furious he fainted, but he’s doing a little better now. I had someone submit a memorial detailing all of Lao San’s misdeeds. He embezzled silver from the Ministry of Revenue, previously disguised himself as a bandit to rob people, and was also reported for plotting to harm merchants to seize their wealth, forcibly taking commoners’ daughters, and other crimes—a long list. When Father investigated and summoned him, he had no choice but to confess in the face of the evidence. But as for where all the extorted wealth went, he didn’t dare tell the truth, only saying he had spent it. Without any ledgers and with him stubbornly refusing to admit the truth, Father had him beaten with rods, stripped of his princely title, and placed under house arrest.”

Ye Youli briefly summarized the situation for the two.

Behind the scenes, Ye Youli had done a lot of investigative work to achieve this outcome.

“Just the fact that the third prince is under house arrest while Xu Dace is still around means he could be reinstated at any moment. His Majesty has summoned Xu Dace back. We’ll see what happens next. There’s another matter—the poison you were given has been spread by the third prince’s people, and His Majesty now knows about it. Previously, I didn’t let the imperial physicians specify the details, only saying the poison was difficult to neutralize and would take time. If the poison can’t be cured, the position of Left Guard Commander might not be secure.” Ye Youli said.

Emperor Changping was rigorously investigating the assassination attempt on Gu Qingci. If Gu Qingci were rendered useless, unable to return to the battlefield, and if losing her meant sacrificing a capable military leader, Ye Youli feared the emperor might hesitate.

Even if it was confirmed that Xu Dace was behind it, given the situation at the border, the emperor might at most issue a warning or a minor punishment—nothing severe enough to deal a real blow.

As for the private army, collusion with the Turks, and the intent to rebel—it would depend on how Xu Dace demonstrated his loyalty.

“Don’t worry about the position of Left Guard Commander. Even if it’s lost, it’s not a big deal. No matter what, this is still good news. After all your efforts these past few days, it hasn’t been in vain! It’s worth celebrating!” Gu Qingci said with a relaxed expression.

Ruan Zhi glanced at Gu Qingci, who always managed to see the optimistic side of things.

“Yes. ARan has been very well-behaved here. Your Highness should go freshen up and rest.” Ruan Zhi said, noting the exhaustion on Ye Youli’s face—she had likely been up all night.

Ye Youli nodded and walked over to Ye Muran.

“I’m sorry about yesterday. I’ll definitely tell you a story tonight.” Ye Youli said.

Ye Muran stretched out a chubby little hand, and Ye Youli opened her palm.

“Teacher told you? And you want Teacher to keep telling you stories in the future?” Ye Youli confirmed, tracing the words in her palm.

Ye Muran nodded.

“…” Ye Youli glanced at Gu Qingci, unsure whether to feel pleased or displeased.

It seemed Ye Muran had grown closer to Gu Qingci than to her!

Ye Youli left, somewhat melancholy, to wash up, eat, and rest.

Ye Muran stayed with Gu Qingci.

With the third prince’s faction in court now largely crippled, most of Gu Qingci’s anger had dissipated, and her mood improved significantly.

In the following days, Ye Muran added a nightly activity of having Gu Qingci tell stories, while during the day, she continued to learn from Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci made some adjustments to the already completed weapons and had the craftsmen under Ruan Zhi’s supervision further refine and optimize them.

When Gu Qingci’s one-month leave period ended, she resumed her official duties.

First, she had to attend the court session to express her gratitude to the emperor and report her situation to Emperor Changping.

Chihuo was in the same condition as Gu Qingci, so naturally, she couldn’t bear to ride it. She took a carriage to the palace gates, and Emperor Changping, showing consideration for her, granted her a palanquin to ride within the palace—a privilege usually reserved for elderly or meritorious ministers.

Though her current physical condition didn’t render her completely immobile, since this convenience was offered, she saw no reason to decline. Such an arrangement further emphasized her apparent frailty.

Carried into the court hall by the palanquin, she attracted sidelong glances from the assembled officials.

Emperor Changping, having just recovered from a serious illness, looked even more haggard than before. When he saw Gu Qingci’s similarly sickly pallor, he sighed deeply.

It was hard enough to find a loyal and capable minister wholly devoted to the court, only for her to be ruined like this.

The position of Left Commander had been conferred not long ago—it couldn’t be revoked so soon. Yet if it wasn’t revoked, the flood of memorials criticizing her would not cease.

“Your Majesty, this subject has a matter to present. Gu Qingci’s appointment as Left Commander fails to command respect. For the safety of Yanjing, I implore Your Majesty to reconsider.”

As soon as the court session began, an infamously outspoken censor, unafraid of death, stepped forward to challenge Gu Qingci’s position, urging Emperor Changping to revoke her title as Left Commander.

Since the news spread that Gu Qingci had been poisoned by the Hu people with an incurable toxin, she had been widely regarded as useless. Many lamented her fate, while those with conflicting interests saw it as a boon.

Seizing on the point that her physical weakness made her unfit to command, they pressed for her replacement.

Hearing the censor’s words, Emperor Changping grew angry.

“Your Majesty, this humble subject originally intended to serve the court and Your Majesty with all my heart. Who could have foreseen such misfortune? Thanks to Your Majesty’s grace in dispatching imperial physicians to treat me, my health is gradually recovering. Since some have reservations about my appointment as Left Commander, I do not wish to place Your Majesty in a difficult position.”

Gu Qingci said:

“Therefore, Your Majesty, your humble servant is willing to do everything to prove that Your Majesty’s choice was correct! To silence all those who question Your Majesty’s commands!” Emperor Changping was about to say something to console Gu Qingci when she spoke again.

Gu Qingci was not there to resign. She needed to prove herself and solidify her position.

Only by establishing an important place in Emperor Changping’s heart, rather than being seen as a useless person, could she ensure her safety. Otherwise, if Xu Dace received only a light punishment, what would stop him from trying to kill her again later?

“Oh? How does Minister Gu plan to prove it?” Emperor Changping paused and asked.

“Your Majesty, this servant can lead a hundred soldiers from the Feilong Army to conduct a mock battle against the thousand Imperial Guards led by the Right Commander. If I lose, I will resign. If I win, it will serve as proof. I wonder what everyone thinks?”

After speaking, Gu Qingci looked at the assembled court officials.

Emperor Changping was stunned.

He had tasked Gu Qingci with training the Feilong Army to be capable of fighting one against ten, but the soldiers of the Feilong Army were not meticulously selected. Many were nobles who didn’t belong to other factions or were idle. Could they really achieve one against ten in such a short time?

“Minister Gu, are you certain?” Emperor Changping asked.

“This servant is certain! The competition will take place ten days from now. The focus will be on archery, with soft cloth wrapped around the arrowheads and colored dye. A hit will mean elimination.” Gu Qingci stated, also explaining the rules.

Emperor Changping saw no issue with this, and neither did the others, so it was settled.

In their eyes, Gu Qingci was being overly confident and would surely lose.

Gu Qingci paid no attention to these people. After the court session, she took a carriage straight to the Forbidden Garden.