My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 74

74

Ruan Zhi didn’t understand medicine, and as per Gu Qingci’s request, Wen Renyi and the others hadn’t explained the dangers of this procedure to her.

But from Gu Qingci’s expression, Ruan Zhi sensed an unusual seriousness and somberness.

Holding Gu Qingci in her arms, Ruan Zhi knew it was futile, but she didn’t know what else to do.

Her arms trembled slightly, and her cheeks felt cold.

The person in her arms had already occupied an irreplaceable place in her life. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if she were no longer there.

A sense of panic rose in her heart, just like during the thunderstorm last time.

“Sister, kiss me.” Gu Qingci pleaded.

In truth, Gu Qingci was also feeling panicked.

The effects of the poison had left her constitution weak.

She needed to take medicine daily and undergo regular acupuncture to stabilize the toxicity, but she could still feel her body growing weaker by the day.

Even being intimate with Ruan Zhi required Ruan Zhi’s assistance—how utterly embarrassing.

She had hesitated for so long because she was afraid of the potential risks.

After all, even in her original world, where medicine was highly advanced, unexpected complications could still arise. And here, where medical practices were just beginning, many aspects fell short of the necessary standards, making it even more prone to mishaps.

But now, she was heading to the battlefield.

There wouldn’t be ideal conditions for recuperation. If her body weakened further, even a minor illness or injury could prove fatal, leaving her with no ability to resist.

She had no choice but to take the risk.

In this unfamiliar world, Ruan Zhi was her reason and motivation to keep living—she couldn’t bear the thought of dying.

But what if something went wrong?

Ruan Zhi cupped Gu Qingci’s face and kissed her, pulling her out of her gloomy thoughts.

This kiss carried Ruan Zhi’s emotions, urgent and forceful.

As if trying to use it to hold the other person back, fiercely savoring each other’s presence.

Gu Qingci gradually sensed some changes in her body.

After the poison was diluted, her bl00d circulated through her body again and again, carrying the diluted toxins with it.

Her strength was slowly returning.

The intensity of her kiss with Ruan Zhi also grew, shifting from Ruan Zhi leaning over her to her flipping Ruan Zhi beneath her.

But before long, Gu Qingci’s body temperature began to rise.

The abnormally scorching heat of her skin startled Ruan Zhi awake.

“You’re feverish—we need to call Physician Ren in to check!” Ruan Zhi pressed a hand to Gu Qingci’s forehead in alarm.

Gu Qingci’s throat felt parched.

She wanted to say something but couldn’t find the words.

A fever was not a good sign.

Before, when there had been no immediate reactions, they had endured the agonizing wait, hearts suspended in uncertainty. Now that a reaction had finally appeared, Gu Qingci’s mood sank.

A fever caused by bacterial infection was still unavoidable.

The rising temperature left Gu Qingci’s consciousness hazy, as if something were pulling her toward an unknown edge.

Once dragged over, she feared the consequences would be…

The elder of the Ren family personally came to diagnose Gu Qingci, immediately feeding her fever-reducing and anti-inflammatory pills while performing acupuncture and drawing a small amount of bl00d.

The pills were the Ren family’s special medicine, but their effects on Gu Qingci were not immediate.

“Monitor her temperature. If she can endure this and the fever breaks, she’ll be out of danger.” the elder told Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi’s lips trembled, but in the end, she didn’t ask—what if the fever didn’t break? What then?

Ruan Zhi used a towel to physically cool Gu Qingci down, but Gu Qingci’s fever still hadn’t subsided. At one point, she became delirious and began babbling incoherently.

“Dad, Mom, I miss you…”

“Sister, I feel so awful, I can’t take it anymore…”

“I’ll go find Dad and Mom, Sister, you…”

Her voice, choked with sobs, twisted Ruan Zhi’s heart into knots.

“Gu Qingci, snap out of it!” Ruan Zhi grabbed Gu Qingci’s shoulders, her eyes reddening as she spoke fiercely. Then, leaning down, she kissed Gu Qingci hard, biting her lip.

The pain finally brought a flicker of clarity to Gu Qingci’s dazed eyes.

Her face was flushed with fever, and she reached out to grasp Ruan Zhi’s hand, clinging to her like a lifeline.

“Sister, are you crying? Is it because of me?”

“…You can’t leave me!”

“Sister, if I were gone… would you miss me?”

“I would.”

“What if I died—”

“You won’t!”

“Sister, when I get better, can we bathe together every day?”

“Yes.”

“Sister, I want to try every single thing in that art-of-love manual with you, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Sister, I… I want to be close to you right now…”

“…Alright.”

At this point, Ruan Zhi would agree to anything Gu Qingci asked.

Even if it meant doing something so shameless in someone else’s medical clinic, Ruan Zhi didn’t refuse.

After locking the door, Ruan Zhi returned and helped Gu Qingci and herself out of their clothes.

Though still feverish, Gu Qingci had regained some strength, and when she held Ruan Zhi, her embrace was firmer than usual.

The scent of plum and mint wine intertwined with the fragrance of tea.

The aroma of the wine was stronger, more aggressive, enveloping the mellow, soft tea fragrance.

From top to bottom, from bottom to top.

As if tomorrow were the end of the world, and today were the last day of life.

Once again, she stepped into that mysterious wonderland.

She went with Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci, who had been burning with a high fever, broke into a sweat at that moment, drenched as if pulled from water.

The two clung to each other like fish emerging from the water.

Gu Qingci felt the force dragging her dissipate.

It was Ruan Zhi who pulled her back from that grip.

Just past the hour of the ox, Wen Renyi dozed off and bumped his head against the corner of the table, jolting awake to see Ruan Zhi.

“Could you have someone prepare some hot water? And food.” Ruan Zhi said, her face veiled, though the faint redness at the corners of her eyes was visible—a mesmerizing, intoxicating allure.

“Of course. How is General Gu?” Wen Renyi snapped out of his daze, quickly averting his gaze and instructing someone to arrange it.

“She’s a little better now. The fever has broken.” Ruan Zhi replied.

“That’s wonderful. With her constitution, I knew she could pull through.” Wen Renyi sighed in relief.

“Thank you.” Ruan Zhi gave him a slight bow.

Hot water was brought in, along with food.

Ruan Zhi helped Gu Qingci wash up in the room and changed her clothes.

After the fever subsided, Gu Qingci regained some clarity.

But as if recovering from a serious illness, she was exhausted from the ordeal and ravenously hungry.

After eating a little, Gu Qingci lifted her eyes to Ruan Zhi and nuzzled against her.

Though her energy still didn’t match Ruan Zhi’s, she had at least tasted a hint of sweetness.

More delicious than ever.

Due to physical exhaustion, it still fell a bit short.

She hadn’t had enough cuddle time yet.

However, they were about to part soon.

Gu Qingci felt miserable inside.

If only she could bring Ruan Zhi along.

“This trip won’t be like the last one. I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I’ll return as soon as possible. Sister, stay in Yanjing City with your parents, and try not to leave the city. If anything comes up, send someone else to handle it. Don’t overwork yourself…”

As Gu Qingci spoke, she grew somewhat rambling.

Unlike Gu Qingci, who wore her emotions on her sleeve, Ruan Zhi was also reluctant to part, though she kept it inside.

Before the two could savor their time together a little longer, Wen Renyi brought her family’s elder to examine Gu Qingci’s pulse.

The old man had been roused in the middle of the night, his hair still slightly disheveled.

After taking Gu Qingci’s pulse again, the elder performed another round of acupuncture.

“The fever has subsided, and her body is adjusting—it’s improving, which is a good sign. From now on, administer acupuncture like this once a day. Additionally, take this medicinal pill daily—it has the effect of strengthening the foundation and reinforcing vitality. There’s still some residual poison, deeply entrenched in the organs. It’s stubborn and will require an antidote to fully eliminate.” the elder first explained to Wen Renyi.

Gu Qingci was heading to the border, and the elder couldn’t possibly accompany her. Fortunately, Wen Renyi would be going along.

“Great-grandfather, this bottle only has twenty pills—it’s not enough. Please give us some more.” Wen Renyi pleaded after hearing the elder’s instructions.

“It’s not about being stingy. These pills are difficult to prepare, and our stock is already limited.” the elder replied.

“For these pills, I’m willing to pay double the price for more. As for the herbs needed to prepare them in the future, I’ll find a way to procure whatever is necessary.” Ruan Zhi said, bowing to the elder.

Seeing Wen Renyi’s reaction, it was clear the pills were effective.

Gu Qingci’s poisoning had weakened her foundation, so she needed proper nourishment.

When it came to Gu Qingci’s health, Ruan Zhi spared no expense.

“Fine, I’ll give you one more bottle. Once we prepare more, I’ll have someone deliver them.” the elder relented, handing over another bottle.

“The preparation of the antidote still has some issues. A Yi, I’ll give you the current prescription. Once you reach the borderlands, pay attention to whether there are any other herbs growing around the origins of the poison’s components. We might have missed some.”

The old man added after a pause.

Wen Ren Yi took the prescription and escorted the old man out.

After all the commotion, it was already the hour of Yin (3-5 a.m.), and the time for Gu Qingci to depart was approaching.

Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi embraced for a while.

“Sister, I forgot earlier—could you give me one of your undergarments as a keepsake?” Gu Qingci whispered in Ruan Zhi’s ear.

Ruan Zhi froze, her face flushing crimson.

Last time, she at least tried to be discreet, but this time she outright asked for it.

“Sister, I’m afraid I’ll miss you so much I won’t be able to bear it. We haven’t even parted yet, and I’m already feeling miserable.” Gu Qingci’s lips downturned, her mood sinking.

“…” Ruan Zhi reached out and gently stroked Gu Qingci’s head.

Being intimate in someone else’s clinic was already absurd enough.

One more outrageous act wouldn’t make much difference now.

Ruan Zhi untied the strings of her undergarment, slipped it off, and handed it to Gu Qingci, her fingertips tinged with embarrassment.

Gu Qingci got what she wanted and carefully stored it away.

“Sister, do you want one of mine? I’ll give it to you.” Gu Qingci offered.

“No need. Keep your clothes on and stay still. It’s almost time to leave. We should prepare the things you need to take.” Ruan Zhi hurriedly stopped her.

Since Ruan Zhi refused, Gu Qingci didn’t insist.

It was a little perverse, but after impulsively taking it last time, she genuinely felt it helped.

When they left for the medical hall, they had already instructed the servants at home to prepare the necessary items.

Now that Gu Qingci seemed slightly better and had obtained the medicine prepared by the Wenren family, they boarded the carriage together to return and see what else needed to be brought.

Ruan Zhi stuffed a stack of silver notes into Gu Qingci’s hands and packed plenty of clothes and food, filling an entire carriage.

“If you need anything, send someone to the Jucheng Trading Company in Wucheng to relay the message. Whether it’s sending letters or items, all can be arranged. The person in charge there is Xia Lingyan—whatever you say, she will follow your instructions.” Ruan Zhi reminded Gu Qingci.

The border regions had some unique products, and since Ruan Zhi wanted to venture into the horse trade, the merchant association had set up an office and shops in Wucheng, a border town. Xia Lingyan had been sent there by Ruan Zhi to manage affairs.

Gu Qingci acknowledged Ruan Zhi’s words, finding that she had thoughtfully considered every detail.

Before long, Gu Qingci heard a series of neighing—it was unmistakably Chihuo’s. The horse seemed to sense Gu Qingci’s return, as if calling out to her.

This brought up a question: should Chihuo be taken to the border?

Like Gu Qingci, Chihuo had been poisoned.

However, due to its larger size and the fact that the few cuts it suffered had introduced less toxin than Gu Qingci’s wounds, it was in slightly better shape than her.

It was now comparable to an ordinary horse, albeit a somewhat weaker one—nowhere near its former speed.

“Let’s take Chihuo along. It originally came from that region. Besides, as the old master mentioned earlier, if we can find more herbs for research in the borderlands, we might be able to formulate an antidote. If the antidote is successfully made, we can administer it to Chihuo as soon as possible.” Gu Qingci mused, ultimately deciding to bring Chihuo.

Leaving it behind would only lead to trouble—even weakened, the horse was prone to tantrums.

Bringing Chihuo meant bringing a groom as well, so further arrangements were made.

Gu Qingci mentally reviewed the events mentioned in the plot, considering the people and situations that might pose a threat to Ruan Zhi.

After some thought, Gu Qingci concluded that the greatest threats were Xu Dace and the over a thousand Tiger Guard warriors he had brought back.

The Tiger Guard soldiers were simply too formidable.

This thousand men are estimated to be more combat-effective than ten thousand Imperial Guards.

Gu Qingci was just thinking about how to handle these people when Ye Youli arrived.

She had actually brought Ye Muran with her.

“She overheard yesterday and wanted to see you.” Ye Youli said helplessly, releasing the little one from her arms.

These past few days, because Gu Qingci had to train in the Forbidden Park, the time she spent teaching Ye Muran had been reduced to once every few days.

Seeing the child’s dark, round eyes fixed intently on her, Gu Qingci felt her heart soften.

People are emotional creatures.

Even a child who seemed lost in their own world could slowly develop feelings for the outside world.

“Good child, I’ll assign you some homework—make sure you do it. Also, keep practicing archery. When I’m gone, can you protect your teacher’s wife for me?” Gu Qingci patted the child’s head.

Ye Muran nodded at Gu Qingci.

After settling things with Ye Muran, Ye Youli turned to serious matters.

“Your foundation is still too shallow. When you get to the border, there will inevitably be people who won’t submit to you. I have a strategist named Ouyang Si, skilled in military tactics and formations—take him with you. Additionally, there are a few trustworthy people on the border. You can consult them if anything comes up.” Ye Youli said, listing a few names for Gu Qingci.

Hearing the names, Gu Qingci was surprised.

Ouyang Si was one of Ye Youli’s core advisors—she hadn’t expected her to hand him over.

“Thank you. As for the Tiger Warriors, I’d like to take them with me.” Gu Qingci said solemnly.

“…Keeping the Tiger Warriors by your side is a huge risk. A dozen of them already caused you so much trouble, let alone a thousand. Besides, we still don’t know who among them is innocent and who has ulterior motives.” Ye Youli frowned.

“Leaving them in Yanjing City poses an even greater risk. Do they only obey Xu Dace’s orders? If we report to His Majesty, could he command them directly?” Gu Qingci asked.

Ye Youli paused, looking at Gu Qingci.

“Under the pretext of clearing Xu Dace’s name and allowing them to atone through meritorious service, it should be possible. How would they dare disobey a direct order from the Emperor?” Ye Youli said.

“Then take them with you. If there are indeed any spies, all the better—it’s the perfect opportunity to turn their schemes against them.” Gu Qingci said.

Having settled the matter with Ye Youli, Ye Youli took Ye Muran and left, hurrying to the palace to report to Emperor Changping and request that the Tiger Guard also be sent to the border.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingci held Ruan Zhi in her arms until the last possible moment before departure.

“Sister, I’ll miss you. You must remember to miss me too.” Gu Qingci said to Ruan Zhi.

With those words, she released her and walked away.

She looked back twice before finally disappearing around the corner.

Ruan Zhi stood frozen in place, her soul seemingly drained from her body.

It was a familiar feeling.

Ruan Zhi already knew.

This was Gu Qingci’s way of expressing her longing for her.

She hadn’t expected it to come so soon.

A wave of sorrow rose in her heart, and she nearly chased after her.

After a while, Ruan Zhi’s mother, Qin Ruofang, arrived, snapping her out of her daze.

“It’s been so long since we last saw each other, and today we couldn’t even meet properly. Were the injuries from before healed? I heard she was poisoned—was the antidote administered? How could they send her off to the battlefield now? This official position isn’t an easy one to hold.” Qin Ruofang sighed.

The prestige was undeniable.

But the responsibilities were immense.

Ruan Zhi paused, then quickly regained her composure, leading Qin Ruofang back inside.

Meanwhile, at the general’s residence of Xu Dace.

“His Majesty has allocated 50,000 troops from the garrison to Gu Qingci. Additionally, the Emperor ordered the Tiger Guard to accompany her. He said it was an opportunity for the general to prove his innocence through meritorious service. The Tiger Guard dared not defy the imperial decree and had no choice but to follow her back to the border. That Gu Qingci doesn’t even know her own limits—how dare she set her sights on the Tiger Guard? She’s practically begging for death.”

One person beside Xu Dace said,

“His Majesty would rather send a poisoned, useless brat than let me return to the battlefield. I’d like to see what this kid, not even twenty, is capable of. When the Turkic cavalry reaches the gates of Yanjing City, let’s see what His Majesty will do then.”

Xu Dace’s face was grim.

He had already shown enough humility by offering a mea culpa with the symbolic act of carrying brambles.

With the border wars intensifying and the urgent need for a commanding general, Xu Dace had assumed Emperor Changping would request his return—even replacing Cao Bang’ang’s position.

Who would have thought…

The current situation left Xu Dace somewhat surprised, but he wasn’t anxious.

The 200,000-strong army at the border was a tangled web of complex factions.

Add to that the Tiger Guard.

How could Gu Qingci possibly win this war?

The slightest misstep in any single link would lead to total defeat.

“Who’s the quartermaster this time?” Xu Dace suddenly thought of something and asked the person beside him.

“The quartermaster has always been from the Sima family. This time is no exception.” the man replied.

Hearing this, Xu Dace’s lips curled into a meaningful smile.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingci had already set out with the troops.

Quite a few people accompanied Gu Qingci to the border.

Aside from the officers, there were also the Feilong Army, the Tiger Guard, an additional 50,000 soldiers from nearby garrisons, and the supply convoy.

The supply convoy was prepared for the over twenty days it would take to reach the northern border, plus an additional half-month’s worth of provisions after arrival.

The rations and fodder for the border troops were still being prepared and would set out a bit later.

The rush had been too urgent, and the demand for supplies was enormous, requiring more time to gather.

As long as they were delivered before the current provisions ran out, there would be no delay.

Gu Qingci’s health had improved slightly, but she was still exhausted from a sleepless night, recovering, and had no intention of putting on a brave front. She traveled by carriage.

This carriage was a specially designed crossbow chariot, with a row of loaded crossbows and five pre-strung hand crossbows mounted on one side of the wall—looking quite secure.

Outside, the soldiers marched with the fierce bearing of wolves and tigers, their imposing presence undeniable. Inside the carriage, their commander-in-chief, their general, had reddened eyes, gazing longingly back toward Yanjing City.

Damn it.

She missed her wife!

The carriage rocked and swayed, making Gu Qingci drowsy. Lying in the middle, she closed her eyes, trying to sleep, but thoughts of Ruan Zhi kept her awake.

She pulled out her secret weapon from the pouch at her chest, soothing some of the longing.

How to devise tactics, how to rescue Cao Bang’ang, how to repel the Turkic army, how to capture the traitor colluding with the enemy—her mind was swamped with matters. Gu Qingci couldn’t dwell on them now. She’d sleep for a while first and meet Ruan Zhi in her dreams.