Chosen One, how did I end up as the villain?

Following the updates has never been so enjoyable.

next day

Safe journey

At noon, the blood-red sun was overhead.

Qin Huaiyu and his group finally arrived at their destination.

芒砀山

For some unknown reason, this place is shrouded in clouds and mist, with dense forests and lush trees. From a distance, it appears as a misty, hazy realm, indistinct and unclear.

Even under the blazing sun, the fog remained thick and difficult to dispel; occasionally, a startled cry could be heard, but no birds or beasts could be seen.

"This mountain is strange; is it perpetually shrouded in darkness?"

Qin Huaiyu was very curious. If the view from the outside was affected in such a place, one could only imagine what it was like inside.

Shiming Village is located there. How do the people there live?

"Shouldn't it?"

Yun Suyan asked in confusion:

"I passed by this mountain a few years ago, and what I saw was beautiful scenery with lush greenery and clear water. Although the trees were dense, there was no thick fog obscuring the view. How is that?"

Chu Yanxi nodded. "That's right, I've been here before. Why has it changed like this?"

She was puzzled, then glanced around and said:

"There's a village ahead. My father told us that people from the county government will be there to meet us, so we can get more details about the situation."

Qin Huaiyu looked in the direction and sure enough, there was a small village not far away, nestled at the foot of the mountain, with quite a few fields.

"Let's go take a look."

After saying this, the three of them rode off on their horses.

The journey, which was not far to begin with, became even shorter as the distance decreased.

Qin Huaiyu then saw a number of people lingering at the village entrance.

They were dressed in black uniforms with white lettering, and each had a long knife at their waist.

The leader was a middle-aged man dressed in a blue brocade robe and a round-topped hat, resembling a clerk.

At such close range, the leader also saw them and quickly ordered his guards to line up on both sides.

Before the three could get close, the group quickly bowed and greeted them.

"Pu Liugang, the clerk of Tianyuan County, along with his guards, respectfully welcomes the Chief Constable."

Chief Constable?

Is there no princess? Didn't Chu Langtian tell his daughter to come?

I have a feeling I've been tricked. Could this Shiming Village be a trap he deliberately set?

Qin Huaiyu felt something was wrong the more he thought about it, but now that they were already there, it was too late to say anything.

He stopped his horse, dismounted, and looked at the clerk, saying:

"Get up. There's no need for such formalities when we're out in public."

Upon hearing this, everyone hurriedly accepted the gifts. The clerk, with his mustache twitching and small eyes narrowed, forced a smile and jogged forward.

"Sir, you must be tired from your journey. Please come into the village. We have prepared some food to welcome you and help you wash away the dust of your journey."

As he spoke, he waved to the constables behind him.

The constables were quick-witted and immediately stepped forward to lead the horses away.

Those who knew this might recognize him as a government official, but others might mistake him for a doorman.

Qin Huaiyu scoffed, but since it was lunchtime anyway, he didn't refuse.

"Then I'll trouble you to lead the way, sir."

"You're too kind, sir."

The advisor bowed again and immediately stepped forward to lead the way.

He glanced back as he walked, occasionally looking at Chu Yanxi and Yun Suyan.

Such a beautiful girl, with a graceful figure and a face like a fairy. How could such a stunning beauty come here?

"Sir, what about these two young ladies?" he asked, turning to point at the two women.

That mustache is really sleazy. His eyes are practically slits, yet he's still looking around. Doesn't he fear going blind?

How could Qin Huaiyu not have noticed the other party's subtle actions?

But since both sides still needed to cooperate and there was no concrete action taken, he didn't want to cause trouble, so he said:

"The county government sent her to assist in the case, and she and I are also good friends."

As he spoke, he didn't forget to ask:

"What, does the advisor perhaps need further verification?"

"No, no, you're joking, sir."

Pu Liu quickly smiled apologetically and said:

"I was only asking because it was my duty, and I hope you won't mind."

"It's alright, we're all working for the prefecture."

Qin Huaiyu understood the principle of giving a sweet treat after a beating.

As they were talking, the three of them were led to a small farmhouse courtyard.

The house has a mud-brick wall, a house made of palm wood, a roof covered with dry thatch, and three reed huts.

With the backdrop of misty forests, it has quite a unique charm.

Qin Huaiyu thought of the literati and scholars who built thatched huts, leaned against the mountains to enjoy the scenery, and lived a life of poetic and picturesque beauty.

Unfortunately, he was not that kind of person; he only knew how to appreciate, but not how to understand.

"My lord, please enter the hall."

Pu Liugang bowed deeply in invitation, his attitude extremely humble.

Seeing this, Qin Huaiyu led the two women up the steps and into the hall.

The room was empty, with little furnishing. In the center was an old-fashioned square table, its four corners worn and the wood grain cracked, clearly indicating that it had been used for quite some time.

However, the dishes on the table presented a stark contrast.

Braised pork belly, delicate stir-fries, steaming fish, chicken soup...

There was even a pot of fine wine.

Qin Huaiyu shook his head. They really are well-prepared. Am I some kind of amazing person?

This meal is probably worth more than the entire courtyard itself. It's not that it's extravagant, but it's somewhat jarring in this setting.

The people in this village have probably never eaten such dishes in their entire lives.

And the taxes they pay are precisely what's in front of them.

Is it taken from the people and used for the benefit of officials?

How ironic!

The two women standing nearby also frowned slightly; such behavior was truly despicable.

"My lord, this place is simple, and we can only offer some plain food and wine. We hope you will not find it offensive," the clerk said.

What a simple meal!

Qin Huaiyu's expression was somewhat unpleasant as he said:

"Your advice is well-intentioned, but do you think it's appropriate to use the people's money to cultivate your own connections?"