My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 83

83

Gu Qingci had been living quite well these past few days.

Thanks to her ability to bend without breaking, as well as her excellent acting skills, emotional control, and voice modulation—

Perfect.

She had completely won over the Turkic Fifth Princess, Ashina Lang.

After sweetly calling her “sister” she achieved freedom—freedom to eat mutton, drink goat’s milk, freedom to ride horses, and freedom to shop.

Her standard of living was even better than it had been in the Great Heng military camp.

In just a few days, she could already feel herself gaining a little weight.

Mainly because she ate a lot and had plenty of exercise.

During the day, she followed Ashina Lang everywhere, searching for materials and buying all sorts of things to conduct experiments.

They were still a bit short of achieving explosive results, but there was already some progress.

Amidst the constant calls of “sister” Ashina Lang didn’t rush the progress and instead actively cooperated with Gu Qingci.

If one ignored the fact that the other party wanted to turn her into a puppet, in a way, Gu Qingci was living her ideal life of clinging to a powerful figure and living leisurely.

Everything else felt pretty good.

Really, pretty good.

When visiting nearby tribal markets to search for materials, Ashina Lang would bring Gu Qingci along to help identify and select items that met her standards.

Today, they came to another market, filled with a rich variety of goods, which made Gu Qingci quite happy.

She could buy some things and, under the guise of making explosives for them, create tools for self-protection.

“Sister, buy this for me, okay?” Gu Qingci pointed out some items she wanted and asked Ashina Lang to purchase them.

“Take whatever you like.” Ashina Lang was very generous, waving her hand to let Gu Qingci go and buy.

“Thank you, sister!” Gu Qingci said with a smile, her eyes curved, and she went to pick out the items.

Before she could even reach out, she suddenly felt something was off.

It was a sense of danger.

The feeling of being watched.

As Gu Qingci picked up a product, she discreetly glanced around.

She hadn’t paid attention earlier, but now, the sight startled her.

She saw a pair of familiar eyes.

Once again, the person’s face was painted unrecognizably, looking dirty and dressed in Turkic clothing.

But Gu Qingci still recognized her.

It was Ruan Zhi!

Gu Qingci gasped, shook her head violently, and rubbed her eyes before looking again.

Not only did she see Ruan Zhi, but she also spotted Xia Lingyan.

Xia Lingyan, being an Alpha , hadn’t disguised her appearance much, just roughened up her look a bit.

Gu Qingci’s heart pounded like thunder.

Why was Ruan Zhi here?!

It was so dangerous.

What was she doing here?!

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it anymore?” Ashina Lang asked when she noticed Gu Qingci hesitating, walking over and placing a hand on her head.

Upon closer inspection, Ashina Lang had a thin chain tied around her wrist, the other end fastened to Gu Qingci’s.

Her freedom was still restricted.

“No, I just don’t know which one to choose.” Gu Qingci said, suppressing her shock and confusion.

“Then buy them all.” Ashina Lang declared grandly.

“Thank you so much… sister.” Gu Qingci said, her voice trailing off at the end.

She suddenly realized something—she had called someone else “sister” in front of Ruan Zhi!

She was being so intimate with another woman, and Ruan Zhi had seen it!

Help!

No wonder her danger sense had suddenly kicked in earlier.

Ruan Zhi’s eyes were fixed on her—could she be thinking of killing her by now?

At this point, there wasn’t even a way to explain herself.

Gu Qingci’s mind was a tangled mess.

To make matters worse, at that very moment, Ashina Lang, noticing how Gu Qingci’s voice had softened at the end, as if she were shy, raised her hand with interest and lifted Gu Qingci’s chin.

“How will you thank your sister?” Ashina Lang asked.

Gu Qingci’s mind was flooded with frantic internal screams.

Help, help, helppp…

“We’ll talk about it when we get back. For now, I won’t stand on ceremony for these.” Gu Qingci barely managed to steady her voice.

“You people of Daheng are still too easily shy. Fine, I won’t tease you anymore. Let’s take you as you are—we’ll talk later.” Ashina Lang said with a laugh.

Gu Qingci’s emotions were in complete turmoil.

How was she supposed to explain this to Ruan Zhi?!

Since neither of them could reveal themselves, Gu Qingci had no choice but to endure it for now and pick out the items she wanted.

When she reached the stall where Ruan Zhi was, Gu Qingci looked at her, her lips slightly downturned, her eyes full of unspoken words.

Ruan Zhi lowered her gaze, avoiding eye contact, and introduced the items in Turkic, her tone seemingly calm.

Gu Qingci randomly selected something from Ruan Zhi’s stall and quickly left.

At Ruan Zhi’s stall, earlier it had been Ruan Zhi who couldn’t help stepping forward, only to be pulled back by Xia Lingyan. Now, it was Xia Lingyan who was being tightly held back by Ruan Zhi and pushed behind her.

Xia Lingyan was so furious she could hardly contain herself, itching to rush forward and give Gu Qingci a beating.

Ruan Zhi had risked her life to come for Gu Qingci, only to find Gu Qingci here, happily acknowledging someone as her sister, living who knows how carefree a life.

She had probably already defected and betrayed her country, hadn’t she?!

After Gu Qingci and Ashinalang’s group left, Ruan Zhi and Xia Lingyan also departed and returned to their yurt.

“We’re leaving immediately!” Xia Lingyan said to Ruan Zhi as soon as they entered the yurt, her emotions even more turbulent than Ruan Zhi’s.

“Why leave? Control your emotions!” Ruan Zhi’s voice was tense, her gaze reproachful as she looked at Xia Lingyan.

Xia Lingyan froze.

“If we don’t leave, what’s the point of staying here? She knows how to protect herself and will do anything to survive. Why should we keep risking ourselves?” Xia Lingyan gritted her teeth.

“Since we’re already here, I must see her face to face. Go and find out how we can get into the Turkic military camp—whether it’s through bribes or some other means.” Ruan Zhi said sternly, staring at Xia Lingyan.

Xia Lingyan wanted to say something, but under Ruan Zhi’s gaze, the words stuck in her throat.

Gu Qingci had acted like that, yet Ruan Zhi still seemed unwilling to give up, still believing in her.

Still wanting to meet her!

“If you won’t go and ask, I’ll do it myself.” Ruan Zhi said, seeing Xia Lingyan hesitate.

“Don’t you go. I’ll ask around. Fine, we’ll see her once, and then we leave immediately!” Xia Lingyan relented.

After Xia Lingyan left, Ruan Zhi sat on the rug, her body trembling slightly.

Gu Qingci wasn’t injured, wasn’t suffering—in fact, she looked radiant, as if she were doing very well.

This was far better than Ruan Zhi had expected.

But the way she interacted with that Turkic woman stirred a towering rage in Ruan Zhi’s heart.

Yes, rage.

In her subconscious, she wanted to believe that Gu Qingci was “compromising for the greater good” but Gu Qingci’s demeanor seemed entirely voluntary.

Rationally, if Gu Qingci could save her life by calling someone “sister” sweet-talking a little, or even through physical contact, Ruan Zhi was willing to let Gu Qingci sacrifice her dignity for survival.

But emotionally, she couldn’t help but care intensely.

This matter had to be resolved as soon as possible.

Ruan Zhi struggled to recall everything she knew about the Turks from her past life and forced herself to eat a little to maintain her strength.

Before long, Xia Lingyan returned.

In terms of capability, Xia Lingyan was quite competent—otherwise, Ruan Zhi wouldn’t have signed a five-year contract with her back then.

“I found out that the team delivering food supplies to the military camp can enter daily. There are also laborers hired from outside tribes to help with cleaning and chores. The food delivery team is slightly more presentable. I found the person in charge, bribed them with silver, and they agreed to take two people in to ‘see the sights.’ We’ll leave at dawn tomorrow.”

Xia Lingyan reported to Ruan Zhi.

“Good, thank you.” Ruan Zhi said.

Xia Lingyan hesitated, as if wanting to say more.

“Don’t mention anything else. Regarding *her* affairs, I hope you don’t reveal even a single word. Even if we reach the military camp, don’t show any signs of recognition.” Ruan Zhi said, giving Xia Lingyan a deep look.

“…Understood.” Xia Lingyan replied.

Ruan Zhi nodded and dismissed Xia Lingyan to attend to her own tasks.

Ruan Zhi needed to prepare some things.

Among the goods previously smuggled in were materials for making gunpowder. She needed to portion and pack them carefully, just in case.

Meanwhile, Gu Qingci, who had left with Ashina Lang for the Turkic military camp, was still uneasy.

She was afraid Ruan Zhi would misunderstand, afraid Ruan Zhi would be heartbroken.

On the way, she thought about it—if Ruan Zhi was here, it was almost certainly for her.

As a result, she dealt her a direct blow.

She needed to find a way to contact Ruan Zhi and explain things to her.

If she left here on foot instead of riding a horse to avoid alerting others, the round trip would take too long and she could easily be discovered. Moreover, she didn’t even know exactly where Ruan Zhi was staying.

Alternatively, she could prepare a note and try to visit that tribe again. If she saw Ruan Zhi, she could pass the note to her.

Today, she had made no preparations at all and was completely unprepared.

Afraid that Ruan Zhi might be discovered, she didn’t dare show any emotion.

The next time they met, she absolutely had to explain everything clearly.

During the day, Gu Qingci continued to demonstrate to Ashina Lang one of the many ways to fail at making explosives.

Without Ruan Zhi by her side, Gu Qingci acted more convincingly, feeling slightly more at ease.

Ashina Lang was very close to Gu Qingci during the day but did not stay with her at night.

Because Gu Qingci carried the pheromones of an alpha.

Between two alphas, there was a natural repulsion.

Releasing pheromones, setting aside appearances, they weren’t actually attracted to each other.

That’s why Ashina Lang had mentioned removing the scent glands in the future.

At night, Gu Qingci returned to her own yurt and used charcoal she had picked up to write on a piece of cloth torn from her undergarments.

She planned to find a way to pass it to Ruan Zhi the next day.

After staying up all night, Gu Qingci woke up in the morning, washed up, and waited for someone to bring breakfast.

Ashina Lang usually woke up quite late.

Gu Qingci ate first.

Sitting cross-legged on the rug, her posture casual and relaxed, her mind preoccupied with thoughts, someone entered the yurt.

Gu Qingci didn’t pay much attention until a familiar hand placed food on the small table in front of her.

Gu Qingci gasped and looked up, meeting a pair of familiar eyes.

There was still another person in the yurt, so Gu Qingci remained still for the moment.

“Why is there no lamb leg today? Do you want me to report to the Fifth Princess so she can whip you? Go get me a lamb leg now!” Gu Qingci deliberately kicked the other person.

The man looked terrified and quickly backed out of the tent to fetch the lamb leg for Gu Qingci.

Once he was out of the tent, Gu Qingci grabbed Ruan Zhi’s wrist.

Ruan Zhi struggled slightly but was pulled into Gu Qingci’s embrace.

“Sis…” Gu Qingci started to speak but was silenced by Ruan Zhi covering her mouth.

“I brought saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal, all of the highest quality. They’re divided into three bags according to the ratio you mentioned. Take them.”

Ruan Zhi whispered, handing Gu Qingci the heavy items hidden under her skirt.

Gu Qingci clutched the items Ruan Zhi had given her, her throat tightening with emotion.

Ruan Zhi had seen that situation and still hadn’t doubted her—instead, she had come to deliver these things.

She really could have cried!

“Don’t call me ‘sister’ for now. We’ll settle this when we get back.” Just as Gu Qingci was about to tear up, her cheek was pinched. Ruan Zhi’s gaze was stern and cold as she looked at her.

Gu Qingci shivered involuntarily.

It was like a primal intimidation.

Her survival instincts kicked in instantly.

Ruan Zhi believed her, but she was still very upset.

The privilege of calling her “sister” had been revoked.

Damn it!

“I’m sorry… I’ll accept any punishment you give me.” Gu Qingci said, her attitude repentant and obedient.

“Your face has even gained weight. Eating lamb every day—you’ve been living quite well. That Princess Ashinalang treats you very nicely.” Ruan Zhi couldn’t help but say jealously.

“Wuwuwu… Sister—ahem—Madam, she said she’d dig out my glands later and force me to take obedience drugs. It’s terrifying. I didn’t want this either. Madam, I’m so pitiful…” Gu Qingci pouted.

“…” Ruan Zhi knew Gu Qingci had been forced into this, but she hadn’t expected the woman to be so cruel.

“Let’s end things here as soon as possible.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Mm.” Gu Qingci nodded, leaned closer to Ruan Zhi, and tightened her arms around her.

“I missed you so much.” Gu Qingci whispered, her voice brimming with emotion.

“This isn’t the time for such words.” Ruan Zhi felt her glands stirring restlessly again and covered Gu Qingci’s mouth.

“Listen to me. I remember the eldest prince of the Turks—originally the crown prince—was captured because of the second prince’s schemes. But there are still many among the Turks who support the eldest prince. For example, the fourth prince is only pretending to submit. See how you can use this information.” Ruan Zhi quickly murmured to Gu Qingci.

Hearing this, Gu Qingci’s eyes brightened slightly.

This news was crucial—it could stir up internal conflict among them.

“Madam, once you leave, hurry back. Don’t linger. I’ll protect myself. As you can see, I’m still useful for now—they won’t harm me.” Gu Qingci said, holding Ruan Zhi close and inhaling deeply before whispering.

“I know.” Ruan Zhi replied.

A hug like this was already a luxury; every second felt precious.

Voices and footsteps sounded outside. Just as the felt tent’s flap was about to be lifted, Gu Qingci immediately released Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi quickly stepped back, standing meekly to the side with her head bowed.

Gu Qingci continued eating as if nothing had happened, while the two men who had left earlier returned.

Ruan Zhi had paid to replace someone else to get in. Once outside, she immediately found Xia Lingyan, who had come with her, and left with the group delivering supplies.

Not long after the group departed, Ruan Zhi heard the neighing of a horse—a sound that felt strangely familiar. Following the noise, she spotted none other than Chihuo.

Chihuo had no saddle or bridle, looking utterly untamed.

The horse seemed to recognize Ruan Zhi, but with too many strangers around, it remained cautious.

Chi Huo knew that strangers would capture it and beat it, so it didn’t dare to get too close for now.

Keeping its distance, Chi Huo simply followed the group of people from afar.

When Ruan Zhi saw Chi Huo, her heart stirred.

Gu Qingci—this person, really.

Even her horse had followed her all the way to the Turks.

It wasn’t until Ruan Zhi entered the tribe and separated from the others that Chi Huo finally dared to approach her.

Ruan Zhi specially found some carrots to feed it.

“Don’t go looking for her just yet. The place she’s in isn’t easy to enter. If you go in, you might get caught.” Ruan Zhi said to Chi Huo, unsure if it could understand.

After eating a few carrots, Chi Huo ran off.

Over the next few days, it returned once daily for carrots, disappearing to who-knows-where the rest of the time.

Xia Lingyan asked Ruan Zhi if she wanted to leave.

But until she was certain Gu Qingci could escape safely, Ruan Zhi had no intention of going anywhere.

Unable to persuade her, Xia Lingyan had no choice but to stay as well.

Gu Qingci had told Ruan Zhi to trust her, but Ruan Zhi remained uneasy.

On the fourth night of their stay in the tribe, Ruan Zhi heard a series of violent tremors, the ground shaking beneath her.

Startled, she sat up from her sleeping mat, listening intently to the direction of the noise.

Boom! Boom! Boom!—several more explosions followed.

Ruan Zhi’s heart pounded wildly, her entire body tensing with anxiety.

That sound—it was the noise of explosions.

Gu Qingci had made her move!