Chapter 2 - The Cannon Fodder Little Fulang [Quick Transmigration]

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

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At dusk, Father Wu returned home.

 

Stepping through the courtyard gate, a familiar smile appeared on his face, though it quickly faded.

 

Usually, when he came home, Bai ger would greet him with a sweet smile and a cheerful "Father~" Just hearing that voice would instantly melt away the fatigue of his day.

 

But today, he neither heard Bai ger's cheerful greeting nor saw any sign of him.

 

Feeling something amiss, Father Wu looked over at the middle-aged fulang hanging clothes in the courtyard. "Where is Bai ger? I don't see him anywhere."

 

"Bai ger wasn't feeling well; he's resting inside." The middle-aged fulang sighed.

 

"What?" Father Wu's face filled with worry. "Did you call the doctor?"

 

"Yes, Doctor Li came by and said it was just an emotional shock. Bai ger has already had his medicine and is resting now."

 

"I'll go check on him."

 

Father Wu hurried into the room.

 

Sure enough, he found Bai ger lying on the bed. Concern etched across his face, he approached, relieved to see that Wu Bai's complexion was rosy and normal. He gently touched Wu Bai's forehead and, finding no fever, finally relaxed.

 

Seeing his child resting peacefully, he chose not to disturb him further and quietly left the room.

 

By now, the middle-aged fulang, Wu fulang, had finished hanging the clothes. He glanced at Father Wu and casually asked, "How did it go today?"

 

As the village head, Father Wu couldn't help but sigh and shake his head. "I managed to settle it, but the Li family and Wang family can't go more than three days without squabbling over some trifling matter. Every time, they drag me over to mediate. They never seem to tire of it, but I'm already worn out. Who knows when they'll finally stop?"

 

Hearing this, Wu fulang could only shake his head as well. It was normal for village families to have minor squabbles, but no one else made such a spectacle as those two.

 

At first, the villagers found it entertaining, but over time, everyone grew tired of the two families' constant quarreling.

 

Despite never having a valid reason, they would still drag Village Head Wu over to mediate. If not for his role as village head, he would rather ignore them entirely.

 

Wu fulang couldn't help rolling his eyes.

 

Setting the washbasin aside, he went back inside and poured Village Head Wu a cup of tea.

 

"Sigh…"

 

Village Head Wu took a sip, his parched throat instantly soothed. He had spent ages mediating the families' bickering, his voice nearly giving out before they finally stopped.

 

Rubbing his throat, he resolved that next time the two families started another quarrel, he would wait until they'd tired themselves out before saying a word.

 

Handing the cup back to Wu fulang, he moved away from that irritating topic. "I heard Dong fulang came by this afternoon?"

 

Wu fulang nodded. "He's looking to arrange a marriage for his son."

 

"Looking to marry off Dong Heng?" Village Head Wu stroked his beard with a smile. "That boy has turned out well, passing the county-level examination so young to become a xiucai*. He'd be a good match for our Bai ger."

 

[T/N: In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the term Xiucai (literally "elegant talent" or "proficient talent") specifically referred to students who had passed the entrance exams for local academies (such as the county or provincial schools) after studying the Four Books and Five Classics. To become a Xiucai, one had to pass the Tongzi exams, or the child exams (童子试), regardless of their age.]

 

"Dong Heng certainly has both talent and looks," Wu Fu Lang agreed, though he then hesitated. "But with just his widowed ger mother and a few acres of poor land, our Bai ger might face hardship marrying into that family."

 

Wu fulang was deeply protective of Bai ger, who had been the apple of his eye since birth. The thought of him suffering was unbearable.

 

"Yes, their means are rather limited," Village Head Wu nodded, sharing his concerns. He too was protective of Bai ger, unwilling to see him endure any hardship.

 

Their Bai ger had been a beautiful child from a young age, growing more graceful each year, with bright eyes and delicate features that charmed everyone.

 

A few years ago, many families had come with proposals, hoping to arrange a match. But he had turned them all away.

 

It was unthinkable—at just thirteen, how could he bear to send Bai ger away so soon?

 

But now, Bai ger was getting older. Despite his reluctance, Village Head Wu knew he had to consider Bai ger's future.

 

After much thought, Dong Heng seemed the most suitable match within the nearby villages.

 

Though the Dong family was financially modest, they could send Bai ger off with a generous dowry, so he wouldn't want for anything.

 

Additionally, since the Dong family was in the same village, they'd be able to support Bai ger more easily, with little worry about him facing mistreatment from his in-laws.

 

And if the Dong family dared to bully Bai ger, Village Head Wu's two sons would waste no time rushing over to stand up for him.

 

Village Head Wu shared his thoughts with Wu fulang, who, after a moment of reflection, nodded in agreement.

 

"When you put it that way, the Dong family is indeed a good choice. And if Dong Heng works hard enough, Bai ger could lead a comfortable life with him."

 

"Exactly," Village Head Wu agreed.

 

"I'll send word to the Dong family tomorrow, so they can start preparing for the proposal," Wu fulang said.

 

"No need to rush. Our Bai ger is such a gem; we shouldn't make it too easy for them to secure his hand. Let them come by a few more times to show their sincerity," Village Head Wu mused.

 

"That makes sense."

 

Just then, someone stepped out of the kitchen—it was Du Yun, the fulang of the Wu family's eldest son, who had earlier gone to fetch Doctor Li.

 

"Father, Mother, dinner is ready," Du Yun announced to them.

 

Wu fulang nodded, "Alright, we'll be there shortly."

 

Du Yun then headed around to the back of the house, calling out to the two Wu brothers working in the field.

 

The brothers responded and went to wash up.

 

Wu fulang stepped into the kitchen to help his two sons-in-law set the table.

 

With nothing left for him to do, Village Head Wu returned to Wu Bai's room, hoping to see if he had woken.

 

Inside, Wu Bai was indeed awake.

 

The reason he'd collapsed with that blinding headache was due to the sudden flood of memories that overwhelmed him, as though his mind would burst. But now he'd already sorted them out.

 

Through these memories, he understood that he hadn't reincarnated but rather taken over the body of a young ger who shared his name.

 

This Wu Bai was a ger from the village head's family in Xingfeng Village, Qinghuai County, Lizhou Prefecture, within the Great Jing Dynasty.

 

In his previous life, the original soul of this body had met a tragic end due to an unfaithful lover, and his family had been dragged down with him, suffering a similarly terrible fate. His spirit had been consumed by overwhelming resentment.

 

In a twist of fate, he encountered the master of the mysterious space Wu Bai had been in before, who promised to avenge him, but in return, he had to put his life in Wu Bai's hands.

 

He considered it a small price to pay in exchange for finally achieving his long-awaited vengeance. He'd agreed without hesitation.

 

He'd made one more request: that Wu Bai protect his family.

 

Though Wu Bai wasn't sure why he'd been chosen to fulfill this vengeance, now that he was here, occupying this body, he knew he'd see the young ger's wish through.

 

Lying in bed, Wu Bai breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the marriage arrangement with that heartless man was still in its early stages; he still had time to stop it.

 

Whether for the original soul's sake or his own, he had no desire to marry that man.

 

It was at this moment that Village Head Wu came in. Seeing Wu Bai open his eyes, he immediately broke into a warm smile, stepping forward with concern, "Bai ger, you're awake! How are you feeling? Are you still uncomfortable?"

 

Wu Bai turned his head to witness the genuine care in Village Head Wu's eyes, and his heart warmed.

 

He pushed himself up and replied, "Father, I'm alright now. I feel much better."

 

"That's wonderful, just wonderful." Village Head Wu's face brightened. "Dinner's ready—are you hungry?"

 

"A little," Wu Bai admitted, patting his stomach, as he prepared to get out of bed.

 

Village Head Wu quickly stopped him. "You're still recovering; no need to move. I'll bring your meal here."

 

Without waiting for Wu Bai's response, he bustled off.

 

Wu Bai gave a helpless smile and put on his shoes.

 

Barely had he taken a couple of steps when Village Head Wu returned with the food, followed by the rest of the Wu family.

 

Seeing Wu Bai up and walking, Village Head Wu quickly set the dishes on a small table and sternly said, "You shouldn't be moving around so soon. Get back into bed."

 

Wu Bai shook his head with a smile, "Father, I'm really fine." To prove it, he spun in a circle, showing he was in good health.

 

Seeing this, Village Head Wu relaxed a little.

 

He'd always had a soft spot for this little ger, and he couldn't bear to scold him for long. He soon broke into a broad smile again. "Alright then. Since I already brought you your meal, go ahead and eat here in the room!"

 

"Thank you, Father," Wu Bai said with a grateful smile.

 

Seeing that Wu Bai was fine, the rest of the family finally relaxed, though they fussed over him a bit more before heading back to the kitchen for dinner.

 

Hearing their warm words of concern, Wu Bai's heart filled with gratitude.

 

He'd had a blissful marriage in his previous life, yet before that, he'd never felt this kind of affection from his family.

 

Being surrounded by the care of the Wu family dissolved much of the unease he'd felt upon arriving in this unfamiliar world.

 

After dinner, the Wu family gathered around Wu Bai once more, gently inquiring about the cause of his fainting.

 

"Bai ger, Doctor Li said your fainting was due to agitation, that you'd been deeply troubled. Tell me, what upset you?" Wu fulang asked, his brows furrowed with worry.

 

Village Head Wu's eyes flashed with anger as he joined in, "Yes, tell us! Who dared to upset you? I'll tear them apart!" He even rolled up his sleeves, looking every bit like he was ready for a fight.

 

Hearing this, Wu Bai's eyes sparkled with an idea.

 

He took a moment to summon his emotions, letting his eyes fill with unshed tears and adopting a pitiful expression. "Father, Mother, do you not want me anymore?"

 

"What?" Village Head Wu and Wu fulang exchanged stunned looks.

 

"Why would you think that, Bai ger?" They looked at him, utterly bewildered.

 

Hearing Wu Bai's words pained them both. They'd always doted on him and would give him anything if they could; it hurt to think he'd misunderstood them. Seeing his aggrieved little face, however, they softened, choosing to ask gently instead.

 

As soon as they asked, Wu Bai continued, "Then why do you want to marry me off?"

 

At this, the family members couldn't help but chuckle to themselves. How delicate the heart of a ger was, to jump to such conclusions over a matter like this.

 

Wu fulang laughed, gently tapping Wu Bai on the nose. "We're not casting you away. Gers do marry when they come of age, after all. Besides, nothing's set yet; you've got plenty of time before marrying!"

 

"Hmph, but I heard the Dong family came to propose, and Mother, you seemed so pleased with Dong Heng. I wouldn't be surprised if I was sent off to the Dong family tomorrow," Wu Bai replied, his voice tinged with mock indignation.

 

"Oh, you! Getting married isn't so simple! Many things have to be prepared well in advance," Wu fulang chuckled.

 

"So, you still intend to marry me to the Dong family?" Wu Bai frowned, pressing further.

 

Wu fulang noticed his frown and, assuming he was worried about the Dong family's poverty, quickly added, "Dong Heng isn't bad at all. He's already passed the county-level examinations at such a young age; he has a bright future ahead."

 

"But I don't want to marry yet. I don't want to leave Father, Mother, my brothers, or my brothers-in-law," Wu Bai said, noticing that Wu fulang seemed genuinely impressed by Dong Heng. He threw himself into Wu fulang's arms, feigning reluctance.

 

His family burst into laughter at his antics.

 

Undeterred, Wu Bai gazed at Village Head Wu and Wu fulang with pleading eyes. "Father, Mother, I really don't want to get married yet! I want to stay here and take care of you both!"

 

Seeing him acting so endearingly, Village Head Wu and Wu fulang gave in at once. "Alright, alright, no marriage," they assured him.

 

Their Bai ger was only fifteen—another couple of years at home wouldn't hurt.

 

"You're the best, Father, Mother!" Wu Bai said, snuggling closer into Wu fulang's embrace.

 

Wu fulang patted his head with a fond smile.

 

"My dear Bai ger, always so filial. I'll let the Dong family know our answer tomorrow."

 

Hearing this promise, Wu Bai's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

 

The family stayed with Wu Bai a while longer, comforting him before finally leaving his room.

 

Outside, Wu fulang muttered, "It's strange. Bai ger was never one to be so timid. It's just a proposal; nothing is set in stone. How could it scare him into fainting?"

 

The others found it odd as well but didn't dwell on it.

 

Only Wu Kang'an, the second son, seemed to react, his expression subtly shifting upon hearing those words.

 

The next day, Wu fulang wasted no time, going directly to the Dong family to decline the proposal.

 

The Dong family's fulang bid him farewell with a forced smile, then turned to his son, Dong Heng, with a puzzled expression. "Wu fulang seemed pleased with you yesterday. Why would he reject the proposal today?"

 

Dong Heng was equally perplexed.

 

He was classmates with Wu Kang'an, the Wu's second son, and had even probed him about his family's opinion. Wu Kang'an had implied they thought highly of him, even offering to pass his love letters to Bai ger—he seemed to support their marriage.

 

So why the sudden change?

 

Could the Wu family be trying to play hard-to-get?

 

Mother and son pondered the question for a long while without a clear answer.

 

Finally, Dong Heng grabbed a book, heading out to find Wu Kang'an.

 

Coincidentally, Wu Kang'an had questions of his own to ask him, and the two of them met along the village path.

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