My Wife Is The Female Lead In A Scum Alpha Novel - Chapter 91

91

The heavy snow continued to fall, and by the time Gu Qingci arrived at the general’s residence, she was once again covered in snow.

After removing her court robes in the outer room and washing her hands and face, a maid brought her hot milk to warm herself.

“What is Madam doing?” Gu Qingci took the milk but didn’t drink it immediately, glancing around and not seeing Ruan Zhi.

The inner chamber was quiet.

“Madam is in the study and specifically instructed this servant to prepare this for the master.” the maid replied.

Gu Qingci downed the milk in one go, threw on a cloak, and strode toward the study.

At the study door, she heard Ruan Zhi’s gentle voice teaching someone arithmetic.

The study was warmed by an underfloor heating system, and the snow on the roof had already melted.

As Gu Qingci entered the study, both the older and younger figures looked up at her.

Their eyes curved with similar joy.

In that instant, Gu Qingci seemed to glimpse a scene from many years in the future—Ruan Zhi teaching their daughter.

A strange yet wonderful feeling.

Gu Qingci strode forward and wrapped her arms around both of them in an embrace.

He kissed Ruan Zhi’s forehead, then kissed Ye Muran’s forehead.

Ye Muran widened her eyes and stared at Gu Qingci.

“Don’t act like this in front of ARan. Have you finished everything for today?” Ruan Zhi said somewhat shyly, patting Gu Qingci.

“His Majesty gave me a break. I don’t have to worry about hosting Ashina Lang. I’ll just attend the banquet in a few days when the agreement is signed.” Gu Qingci said with a smile, releasing both of them.

“That’s good. Rest well at home these next few days.” Ruan Zhi replied.

Ye Muran took a few steps back after being released and bowed to Gu Qingci—a formal and proper gesture, appearing extremely well-mannered and obedient.

“ARan, no need for formalities. How’s your learning with your teacher’s wife going? Have you finished today’s lessons?” Gu Qingci asked, looking at Ye Muran.

“There are still exercises left to do.” Ye Muran wrote on paper to answer Gu Qingci.

“Then don’t do them today. Take a break, just like me.” Gu Qingci said with a laugh.

Though she quite liked the little one, she wanted to be intimate with Ruan Zhi even more.

That was definitely not something for young eyes.

“Come another day, and I’ll teach you then, alright?” Gu Qingci said to Ye Muran.

Ye Muran nodded.

“Will the Prince of You come to pick her up, or someone else?” Gu Qingci turned to ask Ruan Zhi.

“Every time, it’s scheduled in advance, and His Highness comes in person to pick her up. You’re a bit early. Since there’s no more studying, you can play with her for the remaining time.” Ruan Zhi said, somewhat amused. She could tell what Gu Qingci was thinking as soon as she spoke.

Gu Qingci pouted at Ruan Zhi, then turned back to Ye Muran with a smile.

“How’s your archery practice coming along? Let me see if you’ve improved.” Gu Qingci asked.

Gu Qingci played with toy bows and arrows indoors with Ye Muran.

Remembering that she had brought some small toys for Ye Muran from Wucheng, she asked the maid to fetch them and played with Ye Muran for a while.

Ruan Zhi sat to the side, watching the two play, feeling very happy.

Gu Qingci was like warm sunshine—her return brightened and enlivened the entire household.

By lunchtime, they ate together with Ye Muran.

When Ye Muran was about to take a nap, Ye Youli came to pick her up and stayed to chat for a while, discussing court affairs.

While the northern frontier had now stabilized, the power struggles within the court never ceased.

The Crown Prince, seeking to consolidate his position and gain the upper hand in all aspects, continuously seized power.

Emperor Changping, aiming to maintain a balance, promoted the families of other princes and princesses, giving them hope.

Ye Youli, who had long been strategizing and biding her time, was one of them.

“His Majesty’s health has been declining recently. The imperial physicians prescribe only mild, restorative medicines, not daring to use anything too aggressive.”

“The Crown Prince has long sought military authority. After your return these past few days, he will surely approach you.”

Ye Youli casually mentioned a few things.

“Prince You, my allegiance is to His Majesty. Even if it were the Crown Prince, I would not bow to him as a subject before he ascends the throne.” Gu Qingci reaffirmed her stance.

She wanted no part in the power struggles.

In the original plotline, due to Xu Dace’s rebellion, the Crown Prince was unlucky and died in the chaos of war, never inheriting the throne. Ye Youli, who had only sought self-preservation, ended up inadvertently benefiting an unfavored concubine’s son.

Now, the situation had deviated somewhat from the original plot, and the future was uncertain.

No matter what happened, Gu Qingci wanted to emulate Cao Bang’ang—skilled in warfare and useful to the court, so that no matter who held power, she would be valued.

“I understand your position. I just wanted to remind you to consider everything carefully. General Cao Bang’ang built his reputation during His Majesty’s reign—his foundation is solid, and his neutrality is something no one dares to challenge.” Ye Youli said, feeling somewhat disappointed but not pressing further.

“Thank you for the reminder.” Gu Qingci nodded.

Ye Youli did not stay long. After a few more words, she left with Ye Muran.

After everyone had left, Gu Qingci turned around and embraced Ruan Zhi and kissed her.

Although Ruan Zhi appeared calm, the moment Gu Qingci’s lips touched hers, she realized how much she had been longing for it.

Her pregnant body was more sensitive than usual, as if her senses had heightened.

Just one kiss, and Ruan Zhi felt her body go weak.

Gu Qingci, mindful of Ruan Zhi’s condition, restrained herself and kissed her gently, savoring the moment. But just as she was beginning to indulge, a maid outside announced the arrival of Ruan Maolin and Ruan Jinyu.

Gu Qingci paused, nuzzling against Ruan Zhi’s shoulder, reluctant to let go.

Ruan Zhi, slightly breathless, snapped out of her daze and, sensing Gu Qingci’s reluctance, felt equally unwilling to part—and a little amused.

“Shall I tell Father and Mother to come another day?” Ruan Zhi whispered.

“We haven’t paid our respects to your parents since returning. Now that they’re here, how can we neglect them?” Gu Qingci replied. Raising her eyes, she saw the playful glint in Ruan Zhi’s gaze and realized she was being teased. The sight inexplicably made her heart itch.

So mischievous—does she want to be punished?

Is she taking advantage of her pregnancy to act so boldly?!

Gu Qingci lowered her head and lightly nipped Ruan Zhi’s lips before reluctantly releasing her. The two then went out together.

Originally, Qin Ruofang and the others had only planned to stay briefly before leaving, but after everything that had happened—and now with Ruan Zhi pregnant—they decided to remain.

Thanks to Gu Qingci and Ruan Zhi’s influence, Ruan Jinyu was studying at the Imperial College. Feeling it inappropriate to stay at the general’s residence indefinitely, Ruan Maolin purchased a house nearby.

When Gu Qingci was away, Qin Ruofang often kept Ruan Zhi company.

Now, meeting her in-laws again, Gu Qingci bowed respectfully.

Seeing that Gu Qingci’s attitude toward them was no different from their first meeting, Ruan Maolin and Qin Ruofang were deeply moved.

Who would have thought it? The marriage that was initially frowned upon has now become the envy of everyone.

Gu Qingci accompanied Ruan Maolin and Ruan Jinyu in conversation, while Qin Ruofang and Ruan Zhi spoke privately in the inner chamber.

“You’re now in your pregnancy, and your body isn’t as convenient. Shouldn’t you start making preparations? Pick someone obedient, just have them drink contraceptive tea each time. Whatever you do, don’t act recklessly and harm the child.” Qin Ruofang whispered to Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi’s expression stiffened.

Although Ruan Maolin and Qin Ruofang had a good relationship, even so, during Qin Ruofang’s pregnancy, Ruan Maolin still had concubines—there just weren’t any illegitimate children born from it.

Ruan Zhi couldn’t imagine what it would be like to share Gu Qingci with someone else, to let someone else get close.

Just the thought of it was unbearable to her.

Her emotions surged uncontrollably.

“Mother, I have this under control. Please don’t bring it up again.” Ruan Zhi said.

“I know you have your own ideas. I just wanted to remind you both not to be careless and harm the fetus.” Qin Ruofang said.

The imperial physician had also advised that deep marking during pregnancy was inadvisable.

“I understand.” Ruan Zhi replied softly, feeling somewhat unhappy.

Qin Ruofang’s reminder also brought to mind what the imperial physician had said.

Never mind whether Gu Qingci could endure an entire pregnancy—even she herself found it hard to imagine.

Now that Gu Qingci had just returned, merely seeing her and sharing a kiss had already…

The person she had longed for day and night was finally back, yet they couldn’t be too intimate. Wasn’t that even more unbearable?

Ruan Zhi sighed inwardly.

Outside, Ruan Maolin and the others chatted happily with Gu Qingci.

Ruan Jinyu was studying at the highest institution in Daheng and was thoroughly enjoying it every day.

Ruan Maolin, who had taken over Ruan Zhi’s business dealings, was met with even greater respect, his status elevated, which naturally put him in high spirits.

They all dined together in the evening before Ruan Maolin and the others departed.

“Sister, why do you seem unhappy?”

After everyone had left, Gu Qingci wanted to hold Ruan Zhi close, but she noticed her expression was off.

“……” Ruan Zhi looked up at Gu Qingci.

“I’ve arranged for you to stay in the neighboring courtyard today.” Ruan Zhi said softly.

Gu Qingci had just returned, and now they were to live apart. Ruan Zhi didn’t want this either.

But if they didn’t separate, things might spiral out of control.

She could already foresee that she wouldn’t be able to restrain herself.

“Why should we live apart?” Gu Qingci was taken aback.

“Intimacy is forbidden during pregnancy.” Ruan Zhi replied.

“Who said that?” Gu Qingci asked.

“The imperial physician said so. If you… desire it, you’ll have to endure it. You mustn’t seek others, or else…” As Ruan Zhi spoke, she looked at Gu Qingci, her eyes slightly red, carrying a hint of fierce severity. Yet paired with her reddened eyes, she also appeared pitiful and aggrieved.

“Sister, I only want to be close to you. How could I ever seek others? And that so-called imperial physician—he’s wrong. I asked Wen Renyi about it when I returned. She said it’s permissible. After three months, once the pregnancy stabilizes, it’s allowed. She even said that in moderation, it’s beneficial for the baby. Right now, the baby only has your pheromones for nourishment, but it needs mine too. Balancing both will make the baby healthier.”

Gu Qingci explained.

During her time on the frontier, she often missed Ruan Zhi and longed to be close to her.

But considering Ruan Zhi’s pregnancy, she wasn’t sure if it was possible. Fortunately, there was a physician well-versed in this field nearby, so Gu Qingci naturally sought detailed advice.

Wen Renyi had indeed researched this topic.

She had “interviewed” many people and shared her empirical findings.

Gu Qingci never expected that the imperial physicians in the capital would claim intimacy during pregnancy was forbidden.

Wasn’t that just an excuse for men to take concubines or seek other women?

“Really?” Ruan Zhi found it hard to believe.

“Absolutely. In my world, it’s also allowed. Sister, let me ask you this—do you want to be as close as we were on the ship?” Gu Qingci asked, her gaze fixed on Ruan Zhi.

Ruan Zhi’s face grew warm under Gu Qingci’s gaze.

How was she supposed to answer this?

“If sister doesn’t want to, then you can sleep in the neighboring courtyard tonight.” Gu Qingci added, seeing Ruan Zhi hesitate.

“No, don’t…” Ruan Zhi was forced to speak. When she looked up at Gu Qingci again, she saw the amusement in her eyes—clearly, she was just teasing her.

Ruan Zhi reached out and pinched Gu Qingci’s cheek with some force.

“I was wrong. There’s no way we’re sleeping separately. I’m the one clinging to you.” Gu Qingci quickly said.

Only then did Ruan Zhi release her grip.

“If you feel any discomfort in your stomach, just tell me, alright? It won’t hurt the baby.” Gu Qingci murmured, holding Ruan Zhi close.

Just hearing Gu Qingci’s soft words in her ear made Ruan Zhi feel weak.

“Do as I say, okay?” Gu Qingci added, her tone coaxing.

In this regard, Ruan Zhi was unexpectedly innocent—a blank slate.

Ruan Zhi trusted Gu Qingci completely. She looked at her and nodded.

Gu Qingci’s heart raced, torn between a guilty conscience for bullying such a little white rabbit and a thrill of excitement.

Gu Qingci carried Ruan Zhi to the washroom.

The large double bathtub was already filled with hot water, filling the room with steam, as if they were in a misty paradise.

The heated floors in the washroom burned warmly, and with the added heat from the water, the temperature was much higher than outside.

Gu Qingci didn’t let Ruan Zhi lift a finger, bathing her herself.

Ruan Zhi’s weight hadn’t changed much, but once her clothes were removed, Gu Qingci noticed that the soft curves of her body seemed even fuller than before.

Perhaps due to the pregnancy, Ruan Zhi’s body had grown even more pliant.

The usual tea fragrance of her skin now carried a faint hint of milky sweetness.

As she bathed Ruan Zhi, Gu Qingci indulged in a cup of the finest thick milk tea.

By the time they finished and returned to the bedroom, Ruan Zhi’s skin was flushed a delicate pink.

Not wanting to press down on Ruan Zhi, Gu Qingci lay back.

Ruan Zhi obediently followed her lead.

Her body was supported.

Before long, Ruan Zhi’s eyes were glazed with unshed tears, her gaze dazed and unfocused.

Her body melted like water, too weak to hold itself up.

Gu Qingci gathered her into her arms, kissing her tenderly again and again.