We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 355: Since No Woman in the World is More Beautiful Than Me, Xiao Mo Can Only Choose Me~
Previously on We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?...
"What would you two say if this prince declared himself emperor?"
Xiao Shi gazed upon his two sons and posed the question.
Upon hearing their father utter such words, Xiao Mo and Xiao Yichuan's hearts shook violently. They couldn't resist glancing at each other.
They even questioned if they had misheard and failed to respond right away.
"Father, this son feels it's not appropriate," Xiao Yichuan stepped up first to voice his opinion.
"Xiao Mo, what's your view?" Xiao Shi's eyebrows knitted together, showing clear dissatisfaction. He overlooked his eldest son and turned to Xiao Mo instead.
"This son concurs with Eldest Brother. I too think this is inappropriate," Xiao Mo advanced, cupped his fists, and bowed deeply. "I implore Father to think it over again."
"Oh? Then explain why it's not feasible." Xiao Shi let out a cold snort and pressed Xiao Mo.
"In reply to Father," Xiao Mo straightened up and met Xiao Shi's gaze squarely, articulating each word deliberately.
"Firstly, from our generation with Eldest Brother, the Xiao family has served loyally for five generations. We aided the previous emperor in founding the Qin Kingdom, expanded its lands alongside him, and then defended the Northern Frontier for centuries. What justification exists for betrayal? Should we turn traitor, the direct and collateral branches of Xiao Manor in the capital would face total annihilation. What would our ancestors think?"
"Secondly, His Majesty rules wisely at present. Under his reign, the Qin Kingdom savors peace across its borders, the populace thrives happily, and the people adore him deeply. Rebelling now would plunge the kingdom into massive turmoil. Then, commoners would flee their homes, selling wives and daughters in desperation. How would the masses regard this?"
"Thirdly, this war against Zhei Kingdom didn't just rely on Northern Frontier troops; His Majesty sent elite forces from other units to bolster us. Supplies like grain, pills, horses, and more flowed endlessly. The whole nation rallied its power. Even when Chu Kingdom breached the pact and invaded our borders, His Majesty never commanded the Northern Frontier to retreat. With such generous support for the frontier, how would the soldiers there see a rebellion?"
"Fourthly, though Qin Kingdom has swallowed Zhei Kingdom to secure the north, threats from Qi, Chu, Yan, Jin, and Zhao persist. The mighty Qi Kingdom watches us hungrily. Fresh from war, Qin needs recovery. Internal strife now would invite scorn from those five powers and stir ambitions among lesser states nearby—what views would they hold?"
Having laid out his points, Xiao Mo bowed once more. "This son earnestly pleads with Father to reconsider!"
Xiao Yichuan also cupped his fists and bowed low, declaring gravely, "Yichuan is just a rough fighter, less scholarly than Third Brother and not as silver-tongued. Yet my sentiments match Third Brother's exactly! I beg Father to rethink this!"
Xiao Shi's eyes narrowed as he observed his sons. Silence enveloped the grand hall completely.
"Ha ha ha ha..."
Moments later, Xiao Shi's laughter echoed through the hall.
Xiao Mo and Xiao Yichuan lifted their heads toward their father. They watched him let out a heavy breath.
"Excellent." Xiao Shi nodded approvingly. "Your way of thinking fills this father with pride."
"Father, what's going on here?" Xiao Yichuan inquired.
"In this monumental victory, our Northern Frontier forces crushed Zhei Kingdom—a monumental feat. Beyond claiming their lands and erasing northern threats, some generals in the ranks have urged this prince openly or covertly to claim the throne, seeking glory as founding pillars. These are shrewd, reliable commanders in battle, yet vast temptations clouded their judgment. This father has punished them based on their misdeeds."
"But they could be handled. Had you two shared that mindset, what choice would this father have? You are the ones this father cherishes most, destined to bear Xiao Manor's burdens ahead. If even you leaned that way, Xiao Manor—and Qin's people—would face dire peril. Thankfully, you've eased this father's worries."
Xiao Shi descended the steps, approached the brothers, and clapped their shoulders firmly.
"Today and always, remember: until unification succeeds, until the sovereign turns cruel and loses heaven's mandate, until our Xiao Manor endures true oppression—never entertain disloyalty! Otherwise, Qin fractures, millions of soldiers' sacrifices and our millennium legacy crumble instantly! Understood?"
"Yes!" Xiao Mo and Xiao Yichuan chorused. "This son will etch it in his heart!"
"Mm." Xiao Shi nodded contentedly. "Good, now retire. In four days, we march back triumphant."
"Yes."
The pair bowed again and departed the hall.
Once alone, Xiao Shi stood in the vast hall.
He turned, fixing his eyes on the lofty throne.
"Heh, this seat—from antiquity onward—has slain countless souls."
Xiao Shi seized his long spear and lashed it forth.
"Boom!"
A thunderous crash resounded in the hall.
The man pivoted and marched out.
The spear embedded deeply in the wall.
Moonlight bathed the wrecked golden dragon throne, its fragments shining brilliantly.
Four days passed, and Xiao Shi returned triumphant to court, bearing Zhei Kingdom's imperial seal.
On the homeward march, Xiao Mo sensed quicker paces all around, the troops' mood far lighter than before.
Xiao Shi left military command fully in Xiao Mo's grasp, retaining all forces gained in conquests.
En route, Xiao Shi personally reviewed Xiao Mo's troops.
Though Northern Frontier veterans all trained under Xiao Shi, he noted that under Xiao Mo's lead, they exuded fiercer aura and prouder stance.
Zhei's surrendered troops showed Xiao Mo profound reverence too.
Back at the Northern Frontier, Xiao Shi issued rewards within his power, then departed with reinforcing Qin troops and a token five hundred Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, leaving the main army behind for the capital.
Those five hundred elite riders came from Xiao Mo's veiled cavalry unit.
Months on, beyond Qin's capital, the ruler himself emerged to greet Xiao Shi.
The sovereign ushered Xiao Shi into the dragon carriage for warm discussion.
Suddenly intrigued, the ruler ordered Xiao Mo and the five hundred Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry to lead the parade, faces shrouded in asura masks.
No general objected.
For slaying Zhei, Xiao Mo deserved top honors.
Xiao Mo had no choice but to comply, spearheading the formation.
City dwellers, spotting Xiao Mo and the cavalry, roared his name fervently.
Halfway, the ruler commanded Xiao Mo's group to unmask.
Xiao Mo inwardly rolled his eyes, seeing His Majesty mirrored his own brother's whims.
"All troops, unmask."
Xiao Mo commanded, and masks dropped across the ranks.
Instantly, women's cheers swelled louder; some swooned in rapture.
Meanwhile, in Princess Manor's courtyard, a confined woman stitched shoes.
Outside clamor drew her gaze beyond the yard.
Huasheng, nearby, peered toward Vermillion Bird Boulevard with a grin. "Post-Zhei triumph, Young Master Xiao's fame spans beyond Qin. This maid hears women abroad yearn for his sight too. So beloved by ladies—doesn't it trouble Her Highness?"
"In Sister Huasheng's eyes, among world's women, does any surpass my beauty?" Qin Siyao queried Huasheng.
Huasheng paused briefly, then shook her head truthfully. "None do."
"That settles it."
Qin Siyao's eyes formed joyful moons.
"With no beauty exceeding mine, Xiao Mo has no choice but me~"