My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 9

09

“I do have one request. Here, take this thing you dropped yesterday.” Ruan Zhi signaled Lian Rui, who handed a small embroidered pouch to Gu Qingci.

Gu Qingci froze at the sight of the pouch, beads of sweat forming on her nose.

She remembered—this was the pouch stewardess Zhang had given her yesterday.

“Stewardess Zhang gave this to me. I accepted it to avoid raising suspicion but forgot about it afterward.” Gu Qingci hurriedly explained.

“I don’t care about the circumstances. For one year, you are not to take a concubine. After that, it will be up to me. Are you willing to sign an agreement as proof? If you refrain from taking a concubine within the year, I will grant you an estate and a hundred acres of fertile land. But if you dally with anyone else, you’ll still receive the deed—only you’ll also have to sign divorce papers and let me go.” Ruan Zhi’s gaze was steady as she spoke.

Blaming it all on stewardess Zhang—who couldn’t testify now—was convenient.

Ruan Zhi had no interest in verifying the truth.

At most, she would be gone in half a year.

By then, Gu Qingci would no longer be her concern.

Whether Gu Qingci took concubines in the future, whether she passed the imperial exams—none of it mattered.

But for now, while Ruan Zhi still needed her temporary mark, she refused to tolerate the scent of anyone else on her.

“Of course I’ll sign! Having you alone is more than enough—why would I ever take a concubine? Don’t worry, I swear I won’t!” Gu Qingci’s eyes widened in astonishment.

This was too good to be true!

Ruan Zhi had an official match, and Gu Qingci had no intention of staying married to her forever.

But just as only the boss could fire an employee, an employee wouldn’t dare show disloyalty—especially when there were raises and bonuses to consider, even after divorce.

Now, just by signing this agreement, she’d get an estate and land?

Rich older sister was too generous!

The agreement was already prepared. After fetching an ink pad, Gu Qingci pressed her thumbprint onto the document without hesitation.

Ruan Zhi was momentarily taken aback by her eagerness.

This was another test of Gu Qingci’s bottom line.

Though the agreement held no legal weight, scholars valued their reputations—keeping one’s word was paramount.

If Gu Qingci broke her promise, this document could be made public, ruining her reputation and, more crucially, her career prospects.

Rules were meant to be broken.

Ruan Zhi still doubted Gu Qingci’s character.

But she had estates and land to spare. This agreement gave her some control and leverage.

If Gu Qingci violated the terms, it would only work in Ruan Zhi’s favor.

For now, the two were like merchants in a temporary partnership.

“I’ll have someone return the pouch.” Ruan Zhi said after tucking away the agreement.

“Please do. I don’t want it.” Gu Qingci replied, her expression one of distaste.

“Lian Rui, fix your lord’s hair.” Ruan Zhi averted her gaze and called Lian Rui over to style Gu Qingci’s hair.

The attire of an alpha was typically simple.

Her hair was tied up in a topknot, secured with an exquisite gold-and-jade hairpin.

Compared to yesterday’s looser style, this one revealed her full features, making her look even more striking—with a scholarly air.

“Madam, I don’t want to wear gold pins. If we go out like this, the contrast between us will be too stark. I’d rather match you.” Gu Qingci studied her reflection in the bronze mirror before turning to Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi wore wooden pins—how could she flaunt gold ones?

Besides, if this thing fell off, the loss would be devastating. It was too expensive!

It was made of gold!

“…” Ruan Zhi gave her a long look before waving Lian Rui away.

“Switch to something simpler—the wooden hairpin in the box.” she instructed.

Lian Rui paused before replacing the gold pin with a wooden one, similar to Ruan Zhi’s.

Gu Qingci felt much more at ease now.

Once dressed, the two went to breakfast.

The meal was as lavish as before, and Gu Qingci ate with gusto.

Ruan Zhi had a small appetite, but with someone eating so heartily beside her, she unconsciously took a few extra bites.

Nanny Qin, who had been watching Ruan Zhi closely, hid a smile. Good, this is how it should be.

After Ruan Zhi finished, Gu Qingci devoured the remaining dishes like a whirlwind.

Breakfast over, Ruan Zhi had more tasks to assign and summoned several people.

Gu Qingci stood by and observed.

Many servants had been dismissed the day before, and those remaining—aside from Dongxue—were still detained pending investigation.

The household was in chaos.

While Gu Qingci was at the magistrate’s office yesterday, Ruan Zhi had already begun reorganizing. Today, she finalized the arrangements.

Responsibilities were reassigned to ensure procurement, supplies, and waste disposal ran smoothly.

Xue Sanniang was also taken care of, assigned to Dongxue and a maidservant.

Since Gu Qingci had mentioned summer clothes yesterday, Ruan Zhi arranged for fabrics to be purchased and seamstresses hired—no detail overlooked.

Gu Qingci listened for a while, finding it all rather complicated.

No wonder leaders are a rare breed.

Good thing I’m not one anymore.

After delegating tasks, Ruan Zhi left Nanny Qin in charge and took Gu Qingci out.

The two arrived at the outer courtyard, where a hired carriage awaited.

The Gu family had once owned carriages, but they’d long been pawned. Now, they had to rent.

If Ruan Zhi went out alone, she wouldn’t be allowed a carriage—but with Gu Qingci accompanying her, it was permitted.

Ruan Zhi’s maid boarded first, laying out soft cushions before stepping aside for her lady and Gu Qingci.

The carriage was cramped. With two inside, their robes brushed against each other.

Gu Qingci could even smell Ruan Zhi’s scent—bitter at first, then sweet on the tongue.

She swallowed.

I want tea.

Gu Qingci shook her head, dispelling the thought.

As the carriage reached the gate, shouts erupted outside. Gu Qingci lifted the curtain to look.

“Your family’s stewardess Zhang took people away yesterday, saying she’d come for the money today. How can you deny it now? This is the mighty Jian’an Marquis’s household—are you really going to renege on your debts?” a maid argued at the gate.

“Whoever bought your maidservants, go collect from them! This contract clearly names Xue Linhuan—not a member of the Gu family. The Gus won’t be bullied. Keep causing trouble, and we’ll take this to the magistrate!” The guard—a burly man who had come with Nanny Qin yesterday—spoke firmly, his imposing frame driving the woman back. Flustered, she clutched the contract, at a loss for words.

The carriage passed through the gate. Feeling Ruan Zhi’s gaze, Gu Qingci lowered the curtain.

“Nothing to do with me. It was all stewardess Zhang’s doing.” Gu Qingci said.

Ruan Zhi glanced at her but said nothing, sitting as still as a painting.

Gu Qingci pouted.

If there were internet here, I’d post: “How to earn my boss’s trust for a promotion and raise?”

The carriage’s suspension was poor, jostling them, yet Ruan Zhi remained poised.

Gu Qingci had meant to look aggrieved, hoping to convey her feelings, but soon her expression turned admiring.

Beautiful people are mesmerizing even when idle.

Without modern foundations, concealers, or powders, Ruan Zhi’s skin was flawless, white as jade. A faint blush on her cheeks added vitality, enhancing her beauty.

Gu Qingci’s infatuation was cut short by Ruan Zhi’s sharp glance, instantly killing any budding romantic notions.

Wuwuwu, so fierce!

Clearing her throat, Gu Qingci lifted the curtain to peer outside.

Last time, on the way to the magistrate’s office, she hadn’t looked around carefully. Now, she could leisurely enjoy the view.

The Gu family had once lived in the capital but, as their fortunes declined, relocated to this small county.

Leaving the alley, the streets bustled with shops and pedestrians.

Most wore plain clothing, looking far from wealthy.

But then again, merchants like Ruan Zhi’s family were also restricted to plain attire.

The Ruan residence was in another corner of the county, not far—about half an hour’s journey.

The Ruan family’s gate was smaller than the Gu’s, with plain red-lacquered doors devoid of carvings—strikingly modest.

Merchants faced building restrictions too, barred from grand displays of wealth.

Arriving, Gu Qingci hopped down first. Before Lian Rui could assist Ruan Zhi, she placed a footstool and held the curtain open, offering her hand.

Ruan Zhi took it and stepped down.

Lian Rui knocked.

A servant opened the door, exclaiming in delight at the sight of Ruan Zhi—”My lord, Madam, the eldest miss is back!”—before spotting Gu Qingci and recoiling. “Greetings to the Marquis of Jian’an and the Marquise!”

The last time the original host had visited was during the marriage negotiations, when she’d swaggered about, showing little respect even to Ruan Zhi’s parents—let alone the servants.

They were all wary of her.

“Are Father and Mother home?” Ruan Zhi asked, stepping inside as the servant hurried to guide them.

“Yes. The lord and madam have missed you dearly.” he said.

Gu Qingci followed, supporting Ruan Zhi as if she were a personal maid, worried her leg still pained her.

Ruan Zhi didn’t pull away.

Past the second gate, it was like entering another world—a refined landscape garden, larger than Xiuyi Garden.

The artificial pond at its center could accommodate boats, now covered in lotus leaves, a breathtaking sight.

The pavilions and waterside terraces surpassed even the scenic spots Gu Qingci had visited in her past life.

The inside truly lives up to its reputation.

As they crossed a small bridge, a middle-aged beauty emerged from a side room, surrounded by servants.

Ruan Zhi’s eyes flickered with emotion.

This was her birth mother, Qin Ruofang.

“Ah Zhi, is that Ah Zhi?” Qin Ruofang, supported by her maids, descended the steps, her face alight with joy—until she saw Gu Qingci, and her expression darkened.

Since her marriage, Ruan Zhi hadn’t returned home.

Despite living so close, her parents hadn’t been allowed to visit.

Hearing the servant’s shout earlier, Qin Ruofang had rushed out in excitement, forgetting to change.

Merchants couldn’t wear luxurious clothing outside, but at home, it didn’t matter—unless seen.

And now, not only had she been seen, but by her daughter’s rule-obsessed, merchant-disdaining wife.

Qin Ruofang trembled, fearing for Ruan Zhi’s sake.

“Greetings to my honored mother-in-law!” Before Qin Ruofang could retreat, Gu Qingci stepped forward and bowed deeply.

Qin Ruofang froze.

She’d met Gu Qingci a handful of times—each time, the woman had been haughty. Never like this.

Qin Ruofang looked to Ruan Zhi, who took her hand.

“Mother, I’m home.” Ruan Zhi said.

“Home… yes, you’re home. Come inside, sit and talk.” Qin Ruofang was emotional, eager to speak with her daughter.

They entered the main hall.

Gu Qingci took the seat beside Ruan Zhi without prompting.

Suppressing her confusion, Qin Ruofang ordered tea and snacks.

Soon, a tall man entered, leading a child of about ten—Ruan Zhi’s father and younger brother.

“Elder Sister!” The boy, Ruan Jinyu, tried to run to Ruan Zhi but was held back by their father, Ruan Maolin.

“Marquis of Jian’an, Marquise!” Ruan Maolin bowed, pulling his son into a salute.

Gu Qingci couldn’t accept this. She stood quickly, supporting her father-in-law.

The original host’s rank hadn’t been high, but her airs had been enormous.

“Father-in-law, there’s no need for such courtesy. We’re family—I’m the junior here. I should be bowing to you.” Her smile was sweet.

Even the worldly Ruan Maolin was stunned.

If not for her identical face, he’d have thought his daughter had a new wife.

He glanced at Qin Ruofang, seeking answers, but found only equal bewilderment.