My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 82

82

Gu Qingci still maintained consciousness, but her eyes appeared unfocused, looking dazed.

This method of interrogation under hypnosis was something Gu Qingci had never experienced before. However, relying on her limited exposure from TV shows and mustering all her acting skills, she pretended to be hypnotized.

“What other traps does the Great Heng army have in store for the Turks?”

“Where are the trap formations that can impale horses not set up?”

“Were the recent strategies from Great Heng all your ideas?”

“What is that explosive thing you used?”

“Can you make it?”

“How do you make it?”

Gu Qingci answered some of the questions half-truthfully.

To avoid being seen as too important and drawing suspicion, Gu Qingci claimed she had a think tank, and most of the strategies came from them.

The “explosives” were also suggested by one of the members.

Seeing their keen interest in the “explosives” Gu Qingci secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as they had a demand, she had nothing to fear.

Regarding how to make them, Gu Qingci spoke vaguely, emphasizing that she had to personally gather and mix the materials, with a high chance of failure for those without experience.

If they wanted the “explosives” she could use this to temporarily ensure her survival.

After some serious questioning, the only woman among them, the Fifth Princess of the Turks, began asking Gu Qingci questions, pinching her chin with her fingers.

“What do you like the most?”

“I like pretty sisters the most!”

“Oh? Then do you like marking pretty sisters?”

“I do!”

“Like!”

“How many have you marked?”

“None… wuwu, my wife won’t let me.”

“Tsk tsk, poor little thing, still afraid of the main wife. Once we reach the Turks, you can do whatever you want.”

The fifth princess of the Turks chatted with Gu Qingci, growing increasingly interested in her.

The last one, Cao Bang’ang, who was captured, was a tough nut to crack—his mouth couldn’t be pried open, and the witch doctor’s life-threatening methods had little effect on him.

This one, however, was different—soft, tender skin, a delicate and docile demeanor, and a bit of a lustful streak.

After saying a few words, Gu Qingci pretended to be in extreme pain, collapsing to the ground and feigning unconsciousness.

“She’s been married for a while now, right? Has she really never marked a omega?” the fifth princess asked the witch doctor.

“Seems like a virgin.” the witch doctor replied.

“That makes it even more interesting.” the fifth princess said with a laugh.

“Ah Lang, stop filling your head with nothing but bedchamber matters all day. I don’t care what you do, but wait until she’s produced the explosives!” the second prince of the Turks scolded the fifth princess.

“I know what’s important. Can you leave the task of getting her to make the explosives to me? She said she likes pretty older sisters—she even called me ‘sister’ earlier.” the fifth princess said with a grin.

“Fine. Let’s end it here for today. Starting tomorrow, Ah Lang, you’ll follow her. You have ten days to get her to produce the explosives.” the second prince said after a pause.

The fifth princess immediately agreed, looking very pleased.

Gu Qingci was dragged away by the guards. When there was no sound around her and everything was pitch black, she opened her eyes.

She felt somewhat relieved that the Turks hadn’t stripped her naked, disabled her, or changed her clothes.

The clothes she wore were made of soft fabric, making it obvious whether she was hiding weapons or not. The medicine given by Renyi was concealed in her inner garments—unless they undressed her, it wouldn’t be found.

So far, the situation seemed better than she had anticipated.

It appeared she had been taken to the main force of the Turkic tribe, given the presence of so many members of the Turkic royalty.

The second prince seemed quite composed.

The newly risen brave and resourceful general of the Turks, Ashina Lie, was none other than the second prince she had just encountered.

The fifth princess, Ashina Lang, was Ashina Lie’s younger sister, while the fourth prince, Ashina Feng, shared the same father but a different mother, belonging to the same faction as them.

Previously, the Turkic tribes relied solely on brute force, and when they ran out of food, they would come to Daheng to plunder.

As Analai was their backbone, it was likely that many of the recent changes in Daheng were due to his influence.

He sent people to infiltrate Daheng, embedding agents in military camps and bandit dens, using benefits as bait to turn some Daheng people to his side.

This included exploiting internal power struggles within Daheng, establishing a chain of interests with Xu Dace.

Gu Qingci suspected that Analai had promised Xu Dace certain conditions, such as helping the Third Prince seize the throne or something similar.

She wondered what internal conflicts the Turkic tribes might have that could be exploited.

If “explosives” were truly developed, wouldn’t everyone want to seize them for themselves?

Gu Qingci pondered this, considering how to buy time and how to stall for now…

Before long, her eyelids grew heavy, and she fell asleep.

The next morning, Gu Qingci woke up to see Ashinalang.

To be honest, she was indeed the striking, handsome type.

Pleasant enough to look at—someone who could have made a living off her looks in another era.

But the thought that this person wanted to carve out her glands and force her to take some obedience-inducing drug sent chills down her spine.

Now, under someone else’s roof, she had to bow her head. Gu Qingci put on a slightly infatuated expression when looking at Ashinalang, and her speech took on a somewhat affected tone.

Ashinalang seemed to enjoy this, first taking Gu Qingci out to play for a couple of days before bringing up the matter of making explosives and asking for her help.

Gu Qingci agreed, beginning to gather materials while adding some useless, hard-to-find ingredients to buy time.

Several more days passed like this.

Back in the military camp at Wucheng, in the stables, Chi huo grew restless and broke free from the rope tying him to the post.

Before leaving, Gu Qingci had looked at Chi Huo and told him to wait obediently for her return.

But days had passed, and she still hadn’t come back.

Chi Huo became somewhat irritable.

The words of the groom couldn’t calm Chi Huo down.

After breaking free from the reins, Chi Huo bolted out of the stable.

By the time Wen Renyi found out, Chi Huo had already run off without a trace.

“…How am I supposed to explain this to General Gu?!” Wen Renyi sighed, rubbing her forehead as she looked at the empty stable. Before leaving, Gu Qingci had specifically reminded her to keep a close eye on Chi Huo, making sure someone prepared carrots for it and regularly checked its health.

Yet, within just a few days, the horse had run away.

Wen Renyi quickly arranged for people to search the surrounding area.

Perhaps Chi Huo would return when it got hungry.

These past few days had been busy for Wen Renyi.

Cao Bang’ang had returned in poor condition, and Wen Renyi had taken on the role of half a military medic.

At first, Cao Bang’ang was still resentful, believing that Gu Qingci shouldn’t have gone to exchange for him.

It wasn’t until Cao Heng and the others explained Gu Qingci’s plan that Cao Bang’ang began cooperating with the treatment, and his condition improved slightly.

Just as Wen Renyi was fretting over the matter of Chi Huo, a subordinate suddenly rushed in to deliver a message.

“What did you say? Madam Gu is here!” Wen Renyi asked again, unsure if she had heard correctly.

The soldier led Wen Renyi to meet Ruan Zhi, who had just arrived, confirming the news.

Wen Renyi’s heart was in turmoil.

“Where is your General Gu? Why isn’t she here?” Ruan Zhi greeted Wen Renyi and then asked.

“General Gu… went out on patrol. Didn’t Madam Zhilan return to Yanjing? Why have you come back? Did something happen?” Wen Renyi hesitated for a moment before replying.

Gu Qingci had warned Wen Renyi not to let Ruan Zhi know she had gone to the Turkic military camp, to avoid worrying her.

“It’s like this—I wanted to ask General Wen Ren to examine me.” Ruan Zhi said. Since Gu Qingci was known to go on patrols, she didn’t press further and instead asked Wen Renyi to diagnose her.

Wen Renyi took Ruan Zhi to the general’s residence and examined her.

“Madam, there are no other issues with your health. The current symptoms in your glands, I suspect, are due to insufficient marking. You and General Gu still haven’t consummated your marriage, have you? During your estrus cycle, relying only on temporary markings will gradually lose its effect. A permanent mark may be necessary to truly alleviate the symptoms.” Wen Renyi explained, not mincing words on this matter.

Hearing Wen Renyi say this, Ruan Zhi fell silent for a moment.

Although she and Gu Qingci were already intimately close, the final step of a permanent mark was still missing.

In the past, she had been very resistant to the idea of being permanently marked.

Many real-life examples and anecdotes all pointed to one fact: after a permanent mark, an omega would develop a stronger dependence on and sense of subordination to the alpha.

They might even be controlled by the alpha.

However, based on her understanding of Gu Qingci, even if Gu Qingci knew she had the ability to control her, she probably wouldn’t, right?

When it came to the permanent mark, Ruan Zhi no longer felt the same subconscious aversion as before.

Her first thought now wasn’t about the mark itself but rather the regret that Gu Qingci wasn’t here today.

“When did General Gu leave? When will she return?” Ruan Zhi asked Wen Renyi.

Wen Renyi’s expression shifted slightly when he was asked.

Why did it have to be at a time like this?

Gu Qingci wasn’t in the military camp, and the only temporary relief method was something only Gu Qingci could provide.

That meant Ruan Zhi wouldn’t be leaving for now.

And sooner or later, the truth would come out.

The key was that Gu Qingci’s precious wife would have to endure the discomfort of her glands until Gu Qingci returned.

“…Madam, don’t worry. General Gu will be back soon…” Wen Renyi tried to buy some time.

“General Wen Ren, did my lord not go on patrol? Where did she actually go?” Ruan Zhi sensed something amiss in Wen Renyi’s demeanor and frowned as she pressed further.

“…She really did go on patrol. She needed to verify that the cheval de frise were in their designated positions, to…” Wen Renyi hurriedly defended, but under Ruan Zhi’s piercing gaze that seemed to see right through him, he began to stammer.

“General Wen Ren, you are my lord’s good friend. I want to hear the truth.” Ruan Zhi said sternly, a sense of foreboding creeping over her.

“If you won’t tell me, I have ways to find out. There are my merchant offices in Wu City.” Seeing Wen Renyi hesitate, Ruan Zhi stood up and declared.

“Wait. Ah, Madam Zhilan, it’s not that I don’t want to tell you, but General Gu specifically instructed me not to say anything. Even the letters sent to the court haven’t mentioned it yet…” Wen Renyi quickly explained.

Gu Qingci replaced Cao Bang’ang and went to the Turks. This news was no secret in Wu City. If Ruan Zhi wanted to find out, she would soon know.

Rather than letting Ruan Zhi go out and inquire, worrying blindly, it was better to tell her the truth and reassure her a little.

“Tell me.” Ruan Zhi said, looking at Wen Renyi.

“It’s like this…” Wen Renyi explained the matter in full.

Ruan Zhi’s expression turned grave.

At this point, the discomfort in her glands was trivial.

Gu Qingci had gone to the Turks as a hostage!

The Turks were known for their brutality—how could anyone sent there fare well?

Would she be subjected to torture or even…

Ruan Zhi grew anxious.

If she had returned directly to Yanjing, who knew how long it would have taken for her to learn this news?

“Madam Zhilan, don’t worry. General Gu has a plan in mind, and you know her capabilities. We are also actively preparing for a decisive battle with the Turks. We will definitely rescue General Gu.” Wen Renyi reassured Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi paced back and forth, barely registering Wen Renyi’s words.

Sitting here and waiting passively for news of Gu Qingci—she couldn’t do it.

“I see. Thank you for telling me. I won’t disturb you further; I’ll return to the merchant group now.” Ruan Zhi said to Wen Renyi.

“…Madam Zhilan, take care of yourself. As for the gland issue, I’ll keep thinking of solutions. These next few days, rest more and try not to overthink.” Wen Renyi said to Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi gave Wen Renyi a slight bow but said nothing more, quickly leaving with her attendants.

If she were to go to the Turkic tribes in a private capacity, Ruan Zhi had some means.

The Jucheng Trading House didn’t just transport goods from other places to sell in Wu City—it also conducted trade with the Turks.

However, with both sides at war and hostile toward each other, trade was difficult.

Merchants had their own special trade routes.

Horse traders, fur traders, grain and sundry goods merchants—there were plenty of traders who traveled between the Turks and Daheng for huge profits.

Ruan Zhi’s Jucheng Trading House also handled some of this business.

“You mustn’t forget, you’re an omega. How can you go? It’s too dangerous! Do you even care about your life?!”

Xia Lingyan was firmly opposed when she learned that Ruan Zhi planned to follow the merchant caravan to the Turkic territories.

“Is the caravan yours or mine?” Ruan Zhi didn’t give Xia Lingyan the right to object.

Xia Lingyan was left speechless.

She never expected Ruan Zhi to care about Gu Qingci to this extent.

Going to Chu was risky enough, but at least the atmosphere there was relatively peaceful.

Now, she was heading to the Turkic lands!

It was like a rabbit entering a pack of wolves.

If discovered, she’d be torn to pieces.

Once Ruan Zhi made a decision, no one could stop her.

Ruan Zhi thought for a moment and had people prepare some supplies.

Gu Qingci had once told her the formula for gunpowder. Since she was going to rescue someone, she had to bring some materials for preparation.

Gu Qingci certainly wouldn’t have taken any there.

As for crossbows and the like, she equipped those as well.

She also packed daily necessities and fabrics as cover.

Once the goods were ready, Ruan Zhi had someone “disguise” her.

Darkening her skin and adding scars to her face, she dressed as an unremarkable-looking servant boy.

Ruan Zhi was tall for an omega, without many obvious omega traits.

She didn’t stand out much.

Still, Xia Lingyan thought Ruan Zhi had gone mad.

“Is it worth it? Risking your life like this.” Xia Lingyan asked as she looked at Ruan Zhi, now fully prepared.

“How could it not be worth it?” Ruan Zhi countered.

Xia Lingyan fell silent.

She had been to the Turkic territories a few times herself.

This time, since Ruan Zhi was going, she thought it over, packed her things, and followed along.

Once the caravan crossed into Turkic borders, everyone changed into Turkic clothing.

The path taken was quite remote, detouring around and enduring several days of exposure to the elements before finally arriving at the Turkic tribe’s settlement.

Ruan Zhi had already been feeling unwell, and these days of hardship left her looking utterly drained, her eyes even seeming unfocused.

In the Turkic tribe, they had established business partners. After making contact, Xia Lingyan had Ruan Zhi rest in a yurt first while she went out to gather information.

Inside the yurt, Ruan Zhi forced herself to eat a little and rest for a while, managing to regain some energy.

“I’ve inquired—the Turkic army is also stationed nearby, and ordinary people can’t enter. However, these past few days, people have been coming to the vicinity to purchase goods. It’s said to be the Turkic Fifth Princess leading a group to buy things like sulfur, realgar, honey, and such. We happen to have some of those in our cargo.” Xia Lingyan reported upon returning with the news.

Ruan Zhi paused upon hearing this, sensing it might be related to Gu Qingci.

“Today should be market day—have they come yet? Let’s spread the word that we have honey.” Ruan Zhi said to Xia Lingyan.

“They haven’t come today. Whether they’ll show up is unpredictable; it depends on luck. You should rest first, I’ll keep watch outside.” Xia Lingyan replied.

Ruan Zhi shook her head. She wanted to see for herself, to determine if this was related to Gu Qingci and whether she could gather any information about her. If necessary, she might even have to venture into the Turkic military camp.

Ruan Zhi followed the merchant group out, assisting in the marketplace.

As for the Turkic language, Ruan Zhi had learned some in her past life.

Right now, her greatest worry was that the Turkic people might be mistreating Gu Qingci or subjecting her to more poison.

She had some understanding of Turkic shamans and their medicine.

Just as Ruan Zhi was cautiously probing for information, the neighing of horses and the shouts of people rose in unison.

A cavalry unit approached from the distance.

Upon reaching the tribe, the riders dismounted.

Ruan Zhi’s nerves were stretched taut as she watched them draw closer.

Her eyes immediately landed on a person whose hands were bound, hair disheveled, clothes torn to shreds, and skin exposed, covered in wounds.

With a sharp crack, the whip landed on the man’s body, making him convulse in pain.

“Move faster, you disgusting Daheng scum!” the Turkic man who had struck him snarled viciously.

Ruan Zhi felt her heart clench, her rationality teetering on the edge. She took a step forward, only to be grabbed by Xia Lingyan.

Her body tensed, breath coming in short, ragged gasps.

This was the worst possible outcome they had feared.

Just as Xia Lingyan was about to say something to soothe her, a familiar voice rang out.

“Sister Lang, this is so pretty, I love it! Will you buy it for me?”

The voice was soft and sweet, the kind that might belong to a pampered young lady.

How could Ruan Zhi ever mistake that voice, etched so deeply into her bones?

Her head turned stiffly toward the source of the sound, and her expression shifted.

A tall woman stood there, her smile bright and innocent as she chatted with another woman.

The smiling woman wore a headscarf reserved only for Turkic nobility, dressed in exquisite, luxurious robes, her complexion rosy and full of vitality.

Wasn’t this Gu Qingci?!

Ruan Zhi: Here I was thinking you were suffering, but instead, you’re living in luxury. Heh. ~~