I Am the Fated Villain

The Wang Erniu family in Green Mountain Village became the talk of the town as they welcomed a handsome and destitute noble son into their home. The news quickly spread to the surrounding villages, impossible to keep under wraps, and many familiar faces greeted Wang Erniu in the fields, eager to learn more about Gu Changge’s background.

During casual conversations, Wang Erniu, relying on his own assumptions, crafted a tale of Gu Changge being a down-and-out noble son wandering aimlessly. Moved by pity for his apparent misfortune, Wang Erniu took him in temporarily, prompting Gu Changge to work alongside him to repay the kindness.

The villagers were astonished to hear of a nobleman willingly engaging in manual labor. In an era marked by wars and the fall of dynasties, they had encountered refugees, but never one so willingly embracing hard work. Gu Changge’s diligence and seriousness in the fields left them amazed and skeptical, challenging their preconceptions of pampered aristocrats.

Despite the inherent nobility reflected in Gu Changge’s manner and speech, he adapted to the tasks at hand with ease, causing some villagers to question the authenticity of Wang Erniu’s narrative. Wang Erniu himself felt a mix of distress and helplessness, surprised to find that Gu Changge, unlike typical nobles, could endure hardships and seemed to enjoy the experience.

Gu Changge’s assistance endeared him to Wang Erniu, making farm work significantly easier. What started as a compassionate gesture evolved into a genuine affection for the destitute nobleman.

With more than a hundred families in Green Mountain Village, news of Gu Changge’s presence spread to every household. Nearby villagers, curious about the rumors, also visited, with some young girls shyly admiring him from a distance. Despite his downtrodden appearance, Gu Changge’s unmistakable handsome features captivated their attention.

The onlookers felt a twinge of self-consciousness and could only observe Gu Changge secretly from a distance. Gu Changge, on the other hand, had seamlessly adapted to the daily routine, working alongside Wang Erniu from sunrise to sunset. The gentle rhythm of life allowed him to leisurely enjoy the green mountains, face the morning dew, and chase the sunset. Occasionally, he would return by moonlight, receiving shy gestures of admiration from young girls who offered him sweetwater.

Wang Erniu, sometimes envious of the attention Gu Changge received, believed that looks mattered more than gender. Most of the time, however, his wife personally delivered meals to the field. During meals, as Wang Erniu wiped sweat from his forehead, the two exchanged smiles, sharing a silent understanding.

The warm scenes touched and inspired Gu Changge, who had witnessed similar moments before. Gradually, Wang Erniu’s family became more acquainted with him. Wang Xiaoniu referred to him as Uncle Gu, leaving Gu Changge somewhat bemused. Even Wang Erniu’s wife addressed him as Brother Gu, a term easily befitting his disheveled appearance.

Despite his present contentment, Gu Changge sensed a looming realization. He knew he was a transient guest in Wang Erniu’s family, merely resting from his journey. The familiar routine provided a temporary respite, but he remained aware that his time there was limited. Unsure of his destination, Green Mountain Village, with its few hundred households, felt small.

As he contemplated his next steps, Gu Changge acknowledged that this comfortable, natural, and unrestrained life wouldn’t last forever. The past, still obscured from his memory, awaited rediscovery. Yet, for now, the simplicity of daily life in the village seemed oddly acceptable and inviting.

During this period, many villagers became acquainted with Gu Changge, prompting inquiries about his origins and background. Gu Changge, maintaining his air of simplicity, insisted that he was currently a wanderer with no notable background. The villagers, skeptical due to his demeanor, couldn’t fathom his past life but lacked any concrete information to delve deeper.

Gu Changge’s earnestness and diligence while working in the fields with Wang Erniu caught the attention of caring villagers. Young women, in particular, began visiting to offer homemade red bean paste cakes, desserts, hand-woven scarves, and handkerchiefs. Despite the simplicity of their gestures, they blushed and spoke shyly while delivering water, expressing curiosity about Gu Changge’s name and origin. These brief exchanges fueled their imaginations, as Gu Changge’s grandeur, composure, and nobility set him apart from the men in nearby villages.

Encouraged by the soft and subtle advances of some young girls, their parents inquired about Gu Changge’s intentions and expressed interest in betrothing their daughters to him. They even hinted at forgoing the need for bride price, offering to handle all necessary preparations. However, Gu Changge consistently declined such proposals, maintaining his reluctance to entangle himself in romantic commitments.

The attention and admiration Gu Changge received left young men in nearby villages envious. Reflecting on the conventional process of marriage discussions involving matchmakers and silver gifts, they marveled at Gu Changge’s ability to attract so many young women without elaborate preparations. The advantage of being good-looking, coupled with his direct refusals, intensified their envy.

Wang Xiaoniu, despite his youth, expressed his envy, aspiring to be like Uncle Gu when he grew up. His parents chuckled at his innocence but understood the underlying village dynamics. Many villagers approached Wang Erniu and his wife, seeking insights into Gu Changge’s intentions.

In a small village like Green Mountain Village, the appearance of a down-and-out noble son like Gu Changge was indeed a rare occurrence. His good personality, work ethic, and lack of pampered behavior distinguished him from the stereotypical nobles in rumors. The villagers were naturally drawn to him, and some speculated about the possibility of Gu Changge recovering his lost identity in the future.

Not all villagers shared Wang Erniu’s kindness and simplicity. Some harbored suspicions about the true nature of Gu Changge’s exile, speculating on potential ulterior motives behind his stay in the village.

Wang Xiaoniu, feeling forgotten by the old Daoist priest who had given him the jade pendant, couldn’t help but express his concerns. He questioned whether the old Daoist was playing with him or had simply forgotten about him. Wang Erniu reassured him, suggesting that the old Daoist might be delayed or testing Wang Xiaoniu’s sincerity.

As the legend of immortal fate loomed over their discussions, Wang Erniu considered the possibility that sincerity could unlock mysteries and tests. Despite the uncertainties, the villagers continued to navigate the complexities of their small community, influenced by the presence of the enigmatic Gu Changge.

Despite Wang Erniu’s caution against speaking about seeking immortality, he couldn’t help feeling a sense of regret. Imagining the potential admiration and recognition Wang Xiaoniu could receive from the immortals, Wang Erniu wished for his son’s success to proudly share with the surrounding villagers.

The next morning, as the family of three continued their routines, Gu Changge joined Wang Erniu in the fields, and the village basked in the serene morning glow. The absence of modern noise allowed the peaceful scene to unfold, with sunlight filtering through hilltops and treetops.

Meanwhile, Wang Xiaoniu excitedly headed to the private school in the east village, eager to see the beautiful Sister Su once again. In the eyes of all the children in Green Mountain Village, no woman surpassed Sister Su in beauty. Every month, she graced the private school, teaching the children how to read and write.

Even some adults couldn’t resist sneaking a peek at Miss Su outside the academy, captivated by her beauty. The bamboo house where Miss Su usually resided remained undisturbed unless there was a genuine need for her formidable healing abilities.

In the academy, the sound of reading aloud filled the air, resembling the wind rustling through the forest. The children, scrolls in hand, sat obediently and read aloud. A veiled woman in white, revealing only a pair of pupils, walked gracefully with a scroll in one hand and a slight smile on her face. Occasionally, she used the scroll to gently tap the heads of inattentive children.

Tall and slender, the woman in white exuded an otherworldly charm. Her hair was tied back, exposing a fair and slender neck, while a cascade of black hair lent her a cool and dignified air. She resembled an exiled immortal untouched by the world, embodying a serene and ethereal presence.

Miss Su held a special place in the hearts of the villagers of Green Mountain Village, revered as a Living Buddha. She had played a pivotal role in rescuing everyone from a devastating plague that had swept through the surrounding areas. Despite her heroic deeds, her true face remained a mystery, always concealed beneath a bamboo hat or a light veil. The villagers couldn’t help but speculate about the beauty that surely lay hidden beneath the coverings.

As the morning reading session concluded, the woman in white, embodying the serene lifestyle of the mortal world, asked the children to take a break, promising to resume their lessons later. For her, teaching these children brought joy and a sense of purpose. Surrounded by the tranquility of the village, she enjoyed a peaceful existence, far removed from the cultivation world and its complexities.

Yet, amidst the serenity, a tinge of loneliness and sadness occasionally crept in. Nevertheless, this solitude was a conscious choice, a return to simplicity symbolized by the birds’ harmonious songs.

Wang Xiaoniu found himself in a playful exchange with a little girl named Arya, who sought his assistance in convincing Uncle Gu to agree to her sister’s marriage proposal. Wang Xiaoniu, displaying a confident demeanor, assured Arya that he would do his best to persuade Uncle Gu.

Arya, delighted by Wang Xiaoniu’s commitment, shared a mischievous smile with the other children. She playfully described her sister as the renowned “bean curd beauty” of the village, with a line of suitors stretching from one end of the village to the other. Encouraging Uncle Gu to not be oblivious to her sister’s charm, Arya humorously suggested that he quickly agree to the marriage.