I Am the Fated Villain

Chapter 1631. Following his script, Chu Gucheng’s ruthless decision-making

The events that transpired at the Champion Marquis’ residence last night shocked the entire Xian Chu Haotu Imperial Capital.

Almost by morning, many of the imperial guards and generals had arrived at the Champion Marquis’ residence to investigate the incident.

The Champion Marquis’ residence was in mourning, draped in white cloth, with the Marquis’ children also displaying sorrow and anger on their faces.

Such a significant event naturally stirred feelings of intense anger and fear in everyone.

How bold must that thief have been to dare commit murder on the day of the ruler Chu Gucheng’s birthday banquet?

Many ministers felt a deep sense of panic and fear, everyone was on edge, suspecting that it might have been an attack from a hostile force of Xian Chu Haotu’s enemies, intending to create chaos while the Champion Marquis was away on the front lines.

Of course, some also wondered if the culprit might have been one of the guests, as Xian Chu Haotu was filled with all sorts of factions, with people from various sects attending, making it inevitable that some would have ulterior motives or hidden ambitions.

Thus, Chu Gucheng quickly dispatched personnel to investigate the whereabouts and activities of the guests last night.

The entire Imperial Capital was sealed off tightly, and magnificent, dazzling formations rose from the city walls like a glowing shield, emitting the most brilliant light.

Ancient runes intertwined in layers, seemingly containing boundless power that sent a shiver down one’s spine.

At that moment, deep within the capital, in a hall.

Chu Gucheng’s face was ashen, his fists clenched tightly under his robes, and his whole body trembled, barely able to suppress his fury.

Before him, Chu Wushang, pale and despondent, knelt on the ground with his head bowed, looking as though he had lost his soul, utterly defeated.

“You… you ungrateful son, are you trying to kill me with this?”

Chu Gucheng spoke, almost grinding his teeth as he said it.

At that moment, he wished he could slap him directly, but after all, this was his own flesh and blood. Over the years, he had placed so much hope in him—how could he bring himself to do it?

“Father, kill me then. I am sorry. I have failed you, and I have let down all your hopes. I have utterly disappointed you.”

Chu Wushang, still kneeling on the ground, spoke in a low, murmuring tone.

His face showed no signs of emotion, his eyes vacant, as though he were a walking corpse. Behind Chu Gucheng, the figure of the Law Saint appeared.

Looking at the current state of Chu Wushang, the Law Saint’s expression also displayed some sorrow and helplessness.

Chu Wushang was after all Chu Gucheng’s firstborn son, the one he had the most hope for.

The Law Saint had also watched Chu Wushang grow up and saw him almost as his own grandson.

Even the name “Chu Wushang” had been personally chosen by him. But now, seeing Chu Wushang in this lifeless state, as though he had lost his soul, and the wild, inconceivable things he did after the birthday banquet last night, it deeply pained the Law Saint.

“Alas…”

The Law Saint sighed, unsure of what to say at that moment.

What Chu Wushang did at the Champion Marquis’ residence last night could not possibly remain concealed. This was because he did not make any deliberate effort to erase his tracks. Anyone who put in the slightest effort could easily follow the clues and trace them back to Chu Wushang.

Once this matter was exposed, the consequences were unimaginable.

Not only would Chu Wushang himself face severe repercussions, but even the entire royal family of Xian Chu Haotu would suffer from the unforeseeable fallout.

In front of all the distinguished guests, his reputation would be completely ruined.

What would it mean if it were to spread that the crown prince of Xian Chu Haotu, while the Champion Marquis was away leading his troops to fight the enemy at the front, secretly sneaked into the Marquis’ residence at night and assaulted his wife?

If word got out, the entire Xian Chu Haotu would become a laughingstock to all the factions and sects of the realm.

Thus, after deducing the truth behind last night’s events, the Law Saint immediately stepped in to cover for Chu Wushang.

For the time being, it should be impossible for anyone to uncover the truth. Originally, the Law Saint had planned to inform Chu Gucheng about this matter this morning. However, to his surprise, Chu Wushang had already come forward on his own, openly admitting to his actions from last night, and requested that Chu Gucheng grant him death to calm the public’s wrath.

This scene deeply pained the Law Saint even further.

All this time, Chu Wushang had always seemed to be mature, composed, and someone capable of taking on great responsibilities.

How could he possibly have done such a thing?

The Law Saint could only speculate that perhaps Chu Wushang had been overcome with rage at the time, which led him to act recklessly without considering the consequences.

But so many years had passed, and who would have thought that Chu Wushang’s obsession would still be so deep, almost as if it had become a demonic thought in his heart?

“How am I supposed to deal with this, after you’ve done such a thing…?”

Seeing Chu Wushang in this state, Chu Gucheng’s heart was naturally filled with immense sorrow.

But the deed had already been done. Could he truly harden his heart and kill his own son over a mere Champion Marquis’ wife? Could he make this matter public?

Moreover, no matter how he handled it, this would inevitably have a huge impact on the reputation of Xian Chu Haotu.

Thinking of all this, Chu Gucheng sighed deeply, closed his eyes, and turned his back on Chu Wushang. His hand under the large imperial robe clenched tightly, his fingers turning white from the force.

At that moment, a voice suddenly came from outside the hall.

“Your Majesty, Old Fu requests an audience.”

Chu Gucheng didn’t know why Old Fu would come to see him at this time, but still allowed him to enter.

“Your Majesty, this old servant is so sorry for you, and for the First Prince. Last night, I should not have said those things to the First Prince…”

Before Old Fu even appeared, they could already hear the choked and sorrowful tone of his voice.

Chu Gucheng turned around and looked back.

Old Fu, with his face full of wrinkles, staggered in, tears streaming down his old face, filled with regret and self-blame.

At first, Chu Gucheng was puzzled about why Old Fu would say such things. But soon, as Old Fu explained that after seeing the First Prince, Chu Wushang, leave the birthday banquet last night, looking emotionally downcast and melancholic, he had worriedly followed him, Chu Gucheng’s expression finally changed.

He had already guessed what had happened next.

“So, you told Wushang about that matter from the past?”

Chu Gucheng took a deep breath, looking coldly at Old Fu. Because of his negligence, his youngest son, Chu Xiao, had died.

Now, because of Old Fu’s words, his eldest son, Chu Wushang, had made such a reckless and foolish decision.

“Your Majesty, this old servant is truly sorry to you, and to the First Prince. I shouldn’t have said those things to the First Prince last night…”

Old Fu wept bitterly, kneeling on the ground, repeatedly banging his head in apology.

“I only realized this morning after hearing about the incident at the Champion Marquis’ residence, and I began to suspect it might be related to the First Prince.”

He continued to explain the events of the previous night with deep regret and remorse.

After hearing that Chu Wushang had still been obsessed with the past matters between Qing Lan and Champion Marquis Chu Heng, harboring grudges against both Chu Gucheng and the Champion Marquis, Old Fu could no longer bear it and told Chu Wushang the truth about that year.

Qing Lan had married Champion Marquis Chu Heng not because Chu Gucheng had interfered, but because she had actively sought out Chu Gucheng and requested him to arrange their marriage.

Chu Gucheng had never intentionally tried to tear apart Qing Lan and the First Prince; he had not informed Chu Wushang of the truth because he did not want him to resent the Champion Marquis and Qing Lan. He had intended to cultivate Chu Heng as Chu Wushang’s right-hand man in the future.

Old Fu hadn’t wanted Chu Wushang to harbor resentment toward Chu Gucheng, nor did he want him to keep holding onto the obsession. But he hadn’t foreseen such an unpredictable outcome.

After hearing all this, Chu Gucheng’s face remained expressionless, but he couldn’t help but let out a sigh.

Indeed, Old Fu’s initial intention had been correct.

“Father, none of this is Old Fu’s fault. Everything was done by me. I am willing to bear the consequences. What Old Fu said was only for my sake, so please do not blame him.”

Chu Wushang had been kneeling with his head lowered, his eyes hollow and his expression despondent, as though he no longer cared about his own life or death.

But upon hearing Old Fu’s words, he couldn’t help but lift his head and speak up in his defense.

At that moment, his mind was still in a haze, and he couldn’t fully comprehend what had happened.

Was it all just a dream last night? Or had he truly lost control of himself?

No matter what, the deed had already been done. Regret and remorse were of no use now.

Indeed, he had been too impulsive last night. His actions had not only shamed Xian Chu Haotu, but also implicated the well-intentioned Old Fu.

Chu Wushang still couldn’t understand why he had gone so mad last night. At that moment, he had even been unable to control his thoughts, as if a demon within him had been whispering, urging him on.

It felt as if years of accumulated pain, disappointment, and anger had all exploded at once. Especially when he confronted Qing Lan, asking her why she had actively sought out his father, Chu Gucheng, to request a marriage between her and Chu Heng.

Her answer was unexpectedly calm and indifferent. She had already fallen in love with Chu Heng at that time, wanting to be with him and stay together for life, and that was all. When she was younger, she did indeed like Chu Wushang, but later, she found herself developing feelings for Chu Heng as well.

For both of them, who had been quite outstanding at the time, she found it hard to choose, and had even considered only accepting one of them. But she truly couldn’t do it. She couldn’t bring herself to reject either of their affections and advances.

During the years when Chu Wushang had disappeared from the Imperial Capital, her relationship with Chu Heng had grown better and better. Moreover, Chu Heng had become increasingly remarkable, eventually becoming the renowned Champion Marquis of Xian Chu Haotu.

“For all these years, I actually knew I owed you an apology. But you kept avoiding me, never wanting to meet me, so how could I say those words to you? Tonight, you’re the one who came to find me, and I’m actually quite happy. That way, I can finally tell you what I should’ve said back then. I truly am sorry. I was immature back then and didn’t directly reject you, which caused you so much pain later on.”

“But at that time, I really couldn’t let go of your feelings for me. I just didn’t want to hurt anyone. What was wrong with that? Yet, for all these years, you refused to meet me, treating me like a stranger, resenting me, and unwilling to face me…”

Qing Lan’s face looked sorrowful, her tone tinged with a hint of resentment.

As she spoke those words, she sighed deeply, as if a heavy burden that had been pressing on her heart for years had finally been lifted.

Chu Wushang, however, stared at her blankly, then suddenly burst into cold laughter.

So, this was how it was.

What she had cared about wasn’t the past infidelity, but that he shouldn’t have blamed her.

She had done nothing wrong. The mistake was his, not hers…

Was this the truth he had wanted?

“If it were to happen again, my choice would still be the same as last night. I don’t know how I was so blind back then to fall for someone like her… a woman like that.”

Chu Wushang mumbled to himself, and a trace of hostility suddenly appeared in his previously vacant eyes.

The scene from last night stirred the most unbearable string in his heart once more. All these years, he had resented Chu Gucheng for separating him and Qing Lan, for forcing them apart.

That was why he had been too ashamed to meet Qing Lan, believing it was his weakness, that he couldn’t defy his father and protect her.

But after learning everything from last night, he realized how foolish he had been, like a puppet being played with in someone’s palm.

“Sigh…”

“Old Fu, you should get up. This is not your fault.”

Looking at the elderly man who had served him for so many years, kneeling on the ground and repeatedly banging his head, his forehead already broken, blood staining the floor, Chu Gucheng’s heart ached.

Chu Gucheng’s heart softened a bit. Although Chu Xiao had died because of Old Fu’s failure to protect him, Old Fu had indeed done many things for him over the years.

When Chu Gucheng was younger, it was thanks to Old Fu’s care that he wasn’t bullied to death by members of his own clan.

“Your Majesty, this old servant is so sorry to the First Prince. It was my manipulation that caused him to make such a mistake. Last night’s incident—I’m willing to bear all the consequences for it. I’m old now, no longer useful. But the First Prince is still young, with a bright future ahead. He shouldn’t be tainted by such a small matter. As for my reputation, it’s already ruined; what does one more scandal matter?”

Old Fu remained kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down his face, his voice choked with sorrow.

Upon hearing this, both Chu Gucheng and the Law Saint were deeply moved.

“Old Fu, this is my doing. Whatever consequences there are, I should bear them. Why should you take the blame?” Chu Wushang hurriedly spoke, trying to help Old Fu up.

He was incredibly moved but also filled with guilt and regret.

“First Prince, it’s this old servant who is sorry for you…” Old Fu wept uncontrollably.

“Enough of this. It’s just Qing Lan. If her death can help my son get rid of his inner demons and regain his resolve, then it will have been worth it.”

“My master has already acted and erased all traces of last night’s events. Even if a Great Luo Golden Immortal were to come, they would never find any clues.”

“Don’t worry, Wushang. It’s just a woman. How could I allow her to become your stain?”

Seeing this scene, Chu Gucheng had already made up his mind. With a wave of his hand, he coldly said,

“All these years, you have never disappointed me. I would never punish you for this matter. Besides, Qing Lan’s death was of her own making.

Everything was predestined, and this is just the consequences of catching up with her. As for Champion Marquis Chu Heng, I have my own way to deal with him. Right now, Xian Chu Haotu is surrounded by enemies from all sides.

If I blame this on an external enemy or guest, does he really think he can investigate and uncover the truth?”

“Father…”

Chu Wushang looked at the cold, ruthless Chu Gucheng before him, and while feeling deeply touched, he couldn’t help but feel a strange coldness and distance between them.

“Chu Heng obtained a pair of Yin-Yang Twin Jade earlier. He had Ling Yezi craft them into a pair of mandarin duck pendants. He must have left one with Qing Lan. The two pendants have a mutual connection, and with the other pendant, he might be able to uncover something.”

Chu Gucheng frowned, as if realizing something.

Currently, Champion Marquis Chu Heng was still fighting enemies at the border. He couldn’t let him uncover the truth.

Since Chu Heng couldn’t personally return to investigate, he would certainly send his trusted subordinates with the other pendant to gather information.

“We cannot let Chu Heng’s subordinates return to the Imperial Capital. We must intercept them outside…”

Chu Gucheng’s face darkened, his expression hardened with ruthless determination. Although Chu Heng had earned his trust, at this moment, he had no choice but to put him in a difficult position.

…

The events that unfolded last night in Xian Chu Haotu caused a stir, and those at the Imperial Palace were naturally questioned as well.

However, this kind of matter, even if questioned, would not yield much information.

The Heart-Searching Stone of Xian Chu Haotu was not powerful enough to detect the spiritual fluctuations of beings in the Dao realm, so it couldn’t determine the truth or falsehood of anyone’s words.

By morning, many ministers and guests, along with their families or disciples, had gone to the Champion Marquis’ residence to pay their respects and offer condolences.

Meanwhile, Gu Changge was still leisurely enjoying tea and admiring the bamboo in the courtyard, fully at ease. In front of him, an ancient book surrounded by chaotic energy hovered, with the flow of Dao laws running through it in a hazy, mysterious manner.

Waves of black smoke emanated from it, transforming into a faint, slender figure in the void, which was the spiritual entity sealed within the Book of Scavenging.

On the other side, a formless mass of black mist morphed into the shrunk figure of Old Fu, who was respectfully reporting the situation.

“Master, everything has developed just as you predicted. Last night’s events went without incident. Chu Gucheng has secretly dispatched his dark guards to intercept Champion Marquis Chu Heng’s trusted subordinates outside the Imperial Capital, preventing them from returning safely.”

“Furthermore, Chu Gucheng is pretending to be enraged and has sent many guards to search and investigate various places in the Imperial Capital…”