My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 89

89

Gu Qingci arrived at Wu City on Chi Huo after six days of travel.

Once Chi Huo had fully recovered, it had been resting and recuperating without any chance to run freely, leaving it extremely restless. On the road to Wu City, it finally had the opportunity to let loose.

If Gu Qingci hadn’t controlled its speed, they could have arrived even sooner.

Before leaving, Ruan Zhi had repeatedly reminded Gu Qingci to take her medicine on time.

Naturally, Gu Qingci didn’t forget.

By the time she reached Wu City, her body had recovered about 60-70%.

When she arrived at the city gates, they swung open, and numerous soldiers came out to welcome her.

The cheers were deafening.

To them, Gu Qingci was a hero.

Ruan Zhi had already sent letters detailing Gu Qingci’s actions in Turkic. Moreover, General Cao Bang’ang spared no effort in bolstering her prestige within the army.

The contrast between now and when Gu Qingci first arrived in Wu City was stark.

Gu Qingci felt a warm familiarity as she looked at the crowd and was ushered into the general’s residence, where she met General Cao Bang’ang.

The old general stood at the entrance to welcome her.

After exchanging greetings, Gu Qingci supported the elderly general as they entered.

“After the autumn harvest, the weather has grown colder. The Turkic are seizing this opportunity to plunder food for the winter. Battles have been frequent lately.” Cao Bang’ang briefed Gu Qingci on the current situation.

“Don’t the Turks have internal strife? What about the conflict between the eldest and second princes?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Naturally, they are like fire and water. It’s said they’ve fought several battles. However, the Turkic Khan ordered that whoever seizes the most provisions would be named crown prince. For now, they’ve temporarily set aside their previous conflicts. The eldest prince and the fourth prince are on one side, while the third prince is another faction. As for the second prince, since his tendons were severed, he’s been automatically excluded. But he’s become Ashina Lang’s strategist, and this faction is also extremely troublesome.”

Cao Bang’ang explained.

Currently, there were still many battles raging on the frontier.

After discussing for a while, Cao Bang’ang handed over military authority to Gu Qingci.

“Grand General, what are you doing?” Gu Qingci was startled.

“I’m old, and I must accept that. The recent battles were all fought according to the strategies you left behind, and so far, we haven’t suffered a single defeat. For Daheng to have a rising star like you is a great fortune. I’ve already submitted a memorial to His Majesty, resigning from my position as Grand General. I’ll stay at the frontier for another month before returning.” Cao Bang’ang said with a smile.

“…” Gu Qingci couldn’t smile back.

She had hoped that once the battles lessened or the chaos subsided, she could take leave to return home and visit Ruan Zhi.

But now, Cao Bang’ang was retiring before her, planning to return and live out his days in peace, free from all responsibilities.

Gu Qingci wanted to refuse, but seeing how emaciated and weak Cao Bang’ang was, his voice barely audible at times, she knew his vitality had been severely drained during his time with the Turks. It was truly time for him to retire and recuperate.

Reluctantly, Gu Qingci accepted.

Cao Bang’ang would remain in Wu City for another month to ensure the frontier soldiers had no objections to Gu Qingci and that she could smoothly assume command.

After finalizing matters with Cao Bang’ang, Gu Qingci returned to her own courtyard, with Wen Renyi following her.

The moment Wen Renyi saw Gu Qingci, he began winking and grinning at her. Even with her thick skin, Gu Qingci felt her face grow warm.

“Well, well, General Gu, here I was worrying myself sick over you, and you—drowning in tender romance! How did you manage to have a romantic encounter even among the Turks? What happened?” As soon as they entered Gu Qingci’s courtyard, Wen Renyi began questioning her.

“Don’t let your imagination run wild. It was my wife who came to the Turks to rescue me. Don’t speak of such things in the military camp.” Gu Qingci quickly cut him off, her expression turning serious.

“Your wife is truly remarkable!” Wen Renyi exclaimed in surprise.

“Of course my wife is remarkable. Enough about that—where’s Cao Hang?” Gu Qingci asked.

“Don’t even mention it. He’s been poisoned, with something similar to what you had before. He refused to return to Yanjing, so I had no choice but to write home. Later, two of my uncles will come to the northern frontier to perform a bl00d exchange and detoxify him.” Wen Renyi shook his head, his expression darkening.

“I was just about to tell you something. No need for the bl00d exchange anymore—I’ve found the antidote. I brought back two jars of it. You can analyze it later.” Hearing Wen Renyi say this, Gu Qingci recalled the medicinal wine she had brought back from the Turks, which was precisely what she intended to give to Wen Renyi and the others for research.

They needed to figure out which herb had produced the curative effect.

Wen Renyi was overjoyed at Gu Qingci’s words and immediately asked her to bring it out. The two of them then went together to find Cao Hang.

Cao Hang, still poisoned and weakened from his injuries, was lying in his room, consumed by frustration. The arrival of Gu Qingci and Wen Renyi brought him hope.

The medicinal wine’s ability to counteract the poison was similarly confirmed in Cao Hang’s case.

His gratitude toward Gu Qingci deepened even further.

Gu Qingci knew that Cao Hang was destined to become the Great Heng Dynasty’s highest-ranking military official in the original storyline a few years later, and she held high expectations for him.

She hoped he could soon take independent command of the border army so that she could finally return home and rest.

While Cao Hang recuperated and Cao Bangang shirked his responsibilities, Gu Qingci had no choice but to take matters into her own hands.

After her arrival, Gu Qingci made some adjustments to the strategy against the Turks.

She spread word into Turkic territory that they could exchange horses, cattle, sheep, medicinal herbs, and other goods for grain in Great Heng—laying the groundwork for Ruan Zhi’s future official trading posts while simultaneously undermining Turkic unity. Not everyone preferred to plunder through warfare, after all.

At the same time, Gu Qingci led troops in direct confrontations with Turkic cavalry, disguising themselves as grain-transporting merchant caravans to lure the enemy into open battles.

She also sent men disguised as Turkic soldiers to raid other Turkic forces that had seized grain, inciting internal strife and sabotaging the Turkic Khan’s plans.

Having spent time among the Turks, Gu Qingci was familiar with their troops—their attire, their disguises, which factions to impersonate, and where to raid rival groups.

Regarding the border army’s lack of its own food supply, relying entirely on the court for provisions, Gu Qingci devised several countermeasures.

One of them was the garrison farming system.

During peacetime, border troops could cultivate land to achieve self-sufficiency, eliminating their passive dependence on grain shipments.

With autumn planting season underway, they could reclaim land near Wu City for farming.

Gu Qingci submitted a memorial to the court, and soon after, soldiers who were not engaged in battle began clearing land for cultivation.

Eager to swiftly conclude the war with the barbarians, Gu Qingci stayed exceptionally busy, with little time to spare.

Yet every few days, she would carve out moments to write letters to Ruan Zhi, entrusting them to merchant caravans returning from Wu City to Yanjing to deliver to her.

Ruan Zhi took over twenty days to reach Yanjing City.

After arranging the goods, Ruan Zhi returned home and reunited with her parents, younger brother, and others whom she hadn’t seen for several days.

They were unaware that Ruan Zhi had traveled to both Great Chu and the Turks this time.

They simply missed her dearly after not seeing her for so long.

Ruan Zhi’s mother, Qin Ruofang, noticed that Ruan Zhi looked unwell and wanted to call a physician to examine her.

“A poor appetite is also an illness. Your health is important.” Qin Ruofang urged Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi was indeed feeling unwell, so she agreed and sent someone to fetch a physician.

However, Ruan Zhi had no time to rest upon her return. Before she could see the physician, Ye Youli arrived first.

Ye Youli entered discreetly through the side gate of the general’s residence.

She brought along a little soft bundle—Ye Muran.

After many days apart, Ye Muran still remembered Ruan Zhi.

Upon seeing Ruan Zhi, the child bowed properly, then approached and took Ruan Zhi’s hand, writing in her palm to ask about Gu Qingci.

“Teacher Gu will return a little later.” Ruan Zhi said, patting the child’s head.

Ye Muran’s large, dark eyes, like grapes, dimmed slightly with disappointment.

“I told you before—now do you believe me? Teacher Gu is a general and must go to war.” Ye Youli said helplessly.

“Other generals can frighten children to tears, but Gu Qingci is quite popular with them. I’m truly sorry to disturb you—you’ve only just returned, and here I am bothering you.” Ye Youli added, turning to Ruan Zhi. She also noticed that Ruan Zhi looked unwell.

After all, the bodies of omega women are delicate. Such a long journey would be taxing even for an ordinary person, let alone Ruan Zhi, who had traveled from Daheng to Great Chu and then to the northern frontier and the Turks before returning.

“It’s no trouble. ACi often thinks of ARan. While in Great Chu, she bought some interesting toys—a small chest full of them. You can take them back with you later.” Ruan Zhi said, smiling at Ye Muran.

The child’s eyes were pure and clear, their cheeks plump and soft.

It was just a pity—this child was clever, but they didn’t know how to smile or speak.

In the past, apart from Ye Youli, she paid attention to no one else, but she treated Gu Qingci quite exceptionally.

Gu Qingci also thought of her and developed feelings for her.

After teaching Ruan Zhi many things on the ship, she also asked Ruan Zhi to check on Ye Muran’s progress upon returning and to tutor her, taking over the teaching of the subsequent material in Gu Qingci’s stead.

When it came to children, Gu Qingci was very patient and had a childlike heart.

Seeing how Gu Qingci treated Ye Muran, Ruan Zhi could imagine how she would treat their own children in the future.

“That’s truly appreciated. ARan, shouldn’t you thank your teacher and her wife?” Ye Youli said with a smile, looking at Ye Muran.

Ye Muran understood and bowed to Ruan Zhi to express her thanks, appearing polite and well-behaved.

Ruan Zhi had the maids bring over the chest containing the toys they bought for Ye Muran and served her some pastries.

While Ye Muran’s attention was focused on the toys, Ye Youli and Ruan Zhi exchanged updates on their respective situations.

Ruan Zhi told Ye Youli about their experiences in the Turkic regions and the Chu State.

Ye Youli shared news about the court of the Daheng Dynasty, exchanging information with each other.

“The spies who collaborated with the enemy and were sent back earlier have all been interrogated, and the evidence points to Xu Dace. Additionally, the grain supplies that Xu Dace colluded with the Sima family to hide have been found and will be gradually sent to the northern border.”

“Those related to the Sima family have been imprisoned, with the family head and the responsible individuals executed publicly, and their properties confiscated.”

“Xu Dace has been convicted of collaborating with the enemy and imprisoned. In consideration of his past contributions, only Xu Dace was executed, while the rest of the Xu family was enslaved. The third prince has been placed under house arrest, and his mother, Consort Xu, has been confined to the cold palace…”

After hearing these updates from Ye Youli, Ruan Zhi breathed a sigh of relief. Their previous efforts had not been in vain.

They had finally removed a thorn from their side, eliminating a powerful enemy.

At the same time, they had preemptively thwarted Xu Dace’s future rebellion, nipping it in the bud.

“There’s something I need to warn you about. General Cao Bang’ang submitted a memorial resigning from his position as Grand General, and His Majesty approved it. Cao Bang’ang recommended Gu Qingci to take over as Grand General. However, her experience is still relatively shallow, and she hasn’t been a military officer for long. Although she has repeatedly achieved great merits, there are still many voices of opposition. Moreover, there’s another point: you are now a royal merchant, which is different from before, and you also hold the position of provisions officer. If Gu Qingci becomes Grand General and you continue as provisions officer, the two of you, as a married couple, would become a concern even for His Majesty. There is no precedent in Daheng for two such important positions to be held by members of the same family.”

Ye Youli added another piece of news for Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi paused.

Previously, she had applied for the position of provisions officer out of concern that Gu Qingci might lack supplies at the border.

She hadn’t considered these implications.

Moreover, no one could have imagined that Gu Qingci would rise through the ranks so quickly.

Even in Cao Bang’ang’s mind, she had become the undisputed choice for Great General.

But standing at such heights also made Gu Qingci the target of everyone’s arrows.

Ye Youli’s words made sense—if Gu Qingci were to become the Great General, Ruan Zhi could not afford to be too prominent, especially in matters of money and provisions.

If the two of them combined their influence, they could overturn the entire Daheng Dynasty.

Although Ruan Zhi still intended to serve as a provisions officer—

It would give her the opportunity to go to the frontier and ensure Gu Qingci’s logistical support.

Moreover, she wanted to establish official stores in border cities, opening trade routes between Daheng and the Turks.

But if doing so would invite suspicion, then sacrifices would have to be made.

Which was more important: the military authority of the Great General, or her role as provisions officer and the empire’s foremost royal merchant?

Ruan Zhi only had to think for a moment before she could almost hear Gu Qingci’s answer:

“Of course, Sister being the royal merchant is more important!”

Ruan Zhi couldn’t help but laugh and shake her head.

“You can still laugh at a time like this?” Ye Youli said.

“Tomorrow, I will see His Majesty and hear what he has to say.” Ruan Zhi replied solemnly.

The matter depended on Emperor Changping’s stance.

“Father’s health has been poor lately, and he’s grown increasingly suspicious. When you see him tomorrow, no matter what he thinks, you must state your position first. Gu Qingci has risen too quickly—she doesn’t have to become Great General right away; there’s no need to rush. As for you, though you’ve only served as provisions officer once, you performed exceptionally well, saving the northwestern border army. Everyone recognizes this achievement. Discuss this with her in a letter and make sure you’re both in agreement.” Ye Youli advised, hoping Ruan Zhi could retain her position as provisions officer. Controlling finances and provisions was crucial—no matter who became Great General, they would have to rely on her.

Ruan Zhi acknowledged Ye Youli’s words and promised to think carefully. Just as she was about to say more, a maid announced that the physician had arrived.

“You don’t look well. Don’t mind us—go see the physician first. ARan and I will leave soon.” Ye Youli said.

Ruan Zhi bowed slightly to Ye Youli, put on a veil, and stepped out.

Qin Ruofang arrived with the physician. She had always been deeply concerned about her daughter’s health.

The physician took Ruan Zhi’s pulse, and after a long moment, his eyes crinkled into a joyful smile.

“Congratulations, Madam! This is the pulse of pregnancy.” the physician said cheerfully.

Diagnosing someone with a joyful pulse (a term for pregnancy in traditional Chinese medicine) is a good thing—there’s bound to be celebratory money to be had. The physician was the first to rejoice.

“Are you certain?” While Ruan Zhi was still in a daze, Qin Ruofang was the first to ask.

“This old man has practiced medicine for many years. There’s no mistake in diagnosing such a pulse.” the physician immediately replied.

“This is truly the blessing of the Bodhisattva!” Qin Ruofang clasped her hands together in prayer.

“Is her health alright? What kind of regimen does she need? We’ll trouble the physician to prescribe a remedy.” Qin Ruofang asked excitedly after her initial outburst.

“The lady’s constitution is somewhat weak. I’ll prescribe a remedy. Additionally, the first three months of pregnancy are unstable—there may be some discomfort. She should rest quietly and nourish herself with fortifying soups and foods to build up her health…”

The physician prescribed a tonic for Ruan Zhi, listed some precautions, and offered a few more words of congratulations.

Qin Ruofang gave the physician celebratory money and arranged for the housekeeper to distribute similar rewards to the people at the general’s residence.

Ruan Zhi rested a hand on her abdomen, her expression dazed.

No wonder she hadn’t been feeling well these past few days, and her monthly courses hadn’t come.

This unexpected arrival left her stunned.

Ruan Zhi could be certain that this child was conceived during those ten-odd days of entanglement on the ship.

At the time, she hadn’t given it much thought.

But now, to think that it was…

This had never been part of Ruan Zhi’s plans.

Xu Dace had been executed, and the internal strife in Daheng should have been avoided.

But other events would still unfold.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want a child with Gu Qingci—it was just too sudden, completely unplanned.

“Ah-Zhi, this is a joyous matter. Why are you standing there in a daze? I’ve already instructed the kitchen to prepare fortifying soup. Whether you have an appetite or not, you must drink some. You’re no longer just one person now.” Qin Ruofang said delightedly, unaware of Ruan Zhi’s thoughts.

“I know.” Ruan Zhi nodded at Qin Ruofang, her emotions still in turmoil.

Unplanned, this was no happy accident for Ruan Zhi.

But now that it was here, she had never once considered rejecting it.

Knowing that a child—hers and Gu Qingci’s—was growing inside her gave her a peculiar feeling, as if she and Gu Qingci were now bound together in this world by yet another layer of connection.

This little one was her and Gu Qingci’s treasure.

Ruan Zhi remembered that Ye Youli was still in the inner chamber. After Qin Ruofang left, she returned there.

“You’re pregnant?” Ye Youli heard some rumors from outside and asked in surprise when Ruan Zhi came in.

“Yes.” Ruan Zhi nodded.

“You…” Ye Youli was momentarily speechless after confirming.

Given everything Ruan Zhi had done for Gu Qingci, Ye Youli was already certain that Ruan Zhi had developed “love brain.” Yet, absurdly, these outrageous actions had also brought Ruan Zhi success.

After risking so much and enduring such a long journey, just as her position as the provisions officer became indisputable, the arrival of a child seemed to erase it all in an instant.

“Your Highness asked me to make a stance, didn’t you? Now that I’m pregnant, I will resign as a provisions officer. I only hope the next provisions officer won’t repeat the mistakes of the last one.” Ruan Zhi said.

Ruan Zhi thought for a moment.

Perhaps the timing of this child wasn’t entirely bad.

Emperor Changping was wary of them. If forced to choose between the two, Gu Qingci would undoubtedly pick Ruan Zhi.

Now, with the little one’s arrival, Ruan Zhi had plenty of valid reasons to step aside—her pregnancy brought many inconveniences, and this justification was more than sufficient.

By resigning as provisions officer, she could pave the way for Gu Qingci’s rise.

If Gu Qingci could become a general and hold military power, no matter what uncertainties the future held, with Gu Qingci’s strength and the army’s support, any challenge could be overcome.

Gu Qingci had the capability to become a great general.

As for herself, even without the provisions officer position, she could still continue her business.

She just needed to cultivate some covert influence.

If she could groom a provisions officer loyal to her, that would suffice.

Unaware of Ruan Zhi’s thoughts, Ye Youli sighed softly, unsure of what to say.

She felt a deep sense of regret.

“Rest well and take care of your health. Don’t overexert yourself, ensure proper nutrition, and keep your mood balanced. That little one is very fragile. Ah Ran still hasn’t learned to speak… Never mind, I won’t dwell on it. Later, I’ll send the imperial physician to check on you again. I won’t disturb you further. If anything comes up, you can send someone to find me.” Ye Youli finally said.

What was done was done. Words wouldn’t change anything.

The priority now was to focus on her health.

Ruan Zhi thanked Ye Youli.

When Ye Muran learned they were leaving, she seemed reluctant to go, standing before Ruan Zhi with wide, earnest eyes.

“I’ll be home these next few days. If you’d like to visit, you’re welcome to. Teacher Gu also entrusted me with some assignments for you, asking me to tutor you.” Ruan Zhi said with a smile.

Ye Muran’s eyes widened slightly, and she nodded at Ruan Zhi.

“Alright, I’ll visit again in a few days. You rest well.” Ye Youli said.

After Ye Youli left, Ruan Zhi was pulled by Qin Ruofang to drink nourishing soup.

Qin Ruofang fussed over her, and even Ruan Jinyu hurried over. The entire family was overjoyed by the arrival of the little life.

Ruan Zhi’s heart eased.

Silently, she reassured the little one in her womb—though unplanned, it was still longed for and loved.

I don’t know if it’s just psychological, but Ruan Zhi felt her appetite had improved a bit.

The next day, Ruan Zhi entered the palace for an audience with the emperor and resigned from her position as the provisions officer.

Emperor Changping had been curious to see what choice Ruan Zhi would make. Hearing that she had resigned, he actually felt somewhat guilty.

In addition to repaying the silver Ruan Zhi had advanced, he also rewarded her with more silver, fertile farmland, and promoted her honorary title from Third Rank Lady to Second Rank.

Learning that Ruan Zhi was pregnant, he further bestowed many small trinkets and precious medicinal ingredients for nourishing the body and calming the fetus—items typically reserved for imperial concubines. He also ordered the imperial physicians to regularly visit the General’s residence to check on Ruan Zhi’s health and ensure her well-being.

Ruan Zhi expressed her gratitude and returned home to rest during her pregnancy.

Since she was already pregnant, Ruan Zhi resolved to raise this child well.

After returning, she wrote a letter and sent someone to deliver it to Gu Qingci.

The first few months required quiet rest.

The earlier plan to go to Wucheng to open an official store had to be temporarily shelved.

However, this didn’t mean she was giving up—she was merely looking for the right person to handle it.

Ruan Zhi wanted to cultivate her own influence. She revisited several families she had collaborated well with in her past life, continued training those she intended to nurture, and accelerated the pace of practical implementation.

Naturally, overt business ventures still needed to proceed, albeit more discreetly.

In the capital, no new storefronts were openly expanded.

Ruan Maolin took on a significant portion of the shop-related responsibilities.

For any matters, the shopkeepers would come to the General’s residence to discuss.

Ye Youli knew Ruan Zhi now had more free time, and since Ye Muran loved visiting the General’s residence, she would bring the child over every few days.

When Ruan Zhi looked at the little soft bundle that was Ye Muran, her mindset shifted somewhat.

It was as if she were seeing her own unborn daughter, and she felt a growing affection.

Children’s perception is very sharp.

They had already been very affectionate toward Ruan Zhi before, and after spending a few more days together, they grew even closer.

The pregnancy was still in its early stages, and the little one’s presence wasn’t very strong.

Apart from some initial loss of appetite, Ruan Zhi hadn’t experienced any discomfort—no morning sickness, no abdominal pain, or other issues.

The little one was very quiet, well-behaved.

The royal physician who came regularly to check Ruan Zhi’s pulse would update her on the situation.

Meanwhile, her gradually swelling belly continued to emphasize the little one’s presence.

Everything was going well—except for the fact that she missed Gu Qingci terribly.

So very much.

In the depths of winter, a heavy snow fell, the flakes drifting down like goose feathers.

When Ruan Zhi woke up in the morning and had just finished washing up, she heard hurried footsteps, as if someone was rushing into the courtyard.

Peering through the window, she saw a tall woman draped in wind and snow running toward her through the blizzard.

The figure reached the courtyard gate but then paused, frantically brushing the snow off herself. Only after removing her outer robe and hat, ensuring no snow remained on her clothes—just soft fabric—did she step inside.

It was Gu Qingci—she had returned!

Ruan Zhi, who usually kept her emotions tightly controlled, felt them surge uncontrollably.

Afraid that her body was too cold, Gu Qingci didn’t dare enter the room directly. Instead, she stood by the brazier outside, warming herself until her body was no longer chilled before going to Ruan Zhi.

But before the heat of the charcoal could fully warm her, Ruan Zhi emerged from the inner chamber and embraced Gu Qingci tightly.

The maidservants tactfully withdrew, leaving the two of them alone in their embrace.

Little Gu fought to expand Little Ruan’s business opportunities, while Little Ruan was willing to compromise for Little Gu—it was mutual.

Even if it wasn’t expected, the little one still came, wuwuwu~