We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 356: Gazing at You Until the End of Time

Once the army was settled, Xiao Shi led the generals into the palace to claim their rewards.

Xiao Shi had ascended to the peak position any subject could hold, leaving no further honors for him. Still, the Qin Kingdom's ruler chose to grant him multiple honorary titles. Fiefdoms and gold were, without doubt, essential additions.

The other generals, already marquises, earned rewards matching their battlefield feats—whether expanded lands, gold riches, or elevated noble titles.

For the surrendered general Xiahou Nan, who had "forsaken darkness for light" and "returned from his errant ways," his key role in storming the Zhei Kingdom's capital meant his merits outweighed past faults. Thus, he became the Wave-Subduing General and gained a spot in the Qin Kingdom's court.

The Qin Kingdom's ruler inquired if Xiahou Nan preferred court service or guarding a frontier.

Xiahou Nan voiced his desire to serve as Xiao Mo's deputy general.

All ministers in the hall froze at these words, turning their gazes to Xiao Mo.

The Qin Kingdom's ruler eyed Xiao Mo briefly before approving without hesitation.

Li Jing, ever at Xiao Mo's side, finally claimed marquis status in this campaign against Zhei, granted two provinces from Zhei's territory.

Though these provinces weren't the richest, Li Jing had achieved a lifelong dream.

When informed of his marquis enfeoffment, Xiao Mo witnessed for the first time this composed middle-aged general overcome with emotion, eyes brimming with tears.

This revealed that despite Li Jing's outward indifference to ranks, they burned deeply in his soul, bordering on obsession.

Zhao Guang too was made a marquis, awarded one province from Zhei based on his exploits.

Beyond that, every general under Xiao Mo's banner received honors fitting their contributions.

Xiao Mo, the paramount hero of Zhei's downfall, kept his "Frost Prince" title but gained six core provinces, including Zhei's capital!

The forts and vital passes around Xiao Mo's domain were handed to his trusted followers.

These warriors had braved death alongside Xiao Mo recently, their loyalty unbreakable.

In truth, upon hearing of his vast fief, Xiao Mo's mind raced with suspicions, sensing a test from the Qin Kingdom's ruler.

Returning there would arm him to declare independence as king.

Hence, Xiao Mo refused repeatedly, yet the Qin Kingdom's ruler pressed the grant upon him.

Ultimately, Xiao Mo relented. Reflecting further, it seemed logical.

After the Northern Frontier forces seized Zhei, court whispers likely feared the Northern Pacification Prince's rebellion, but the ruler silenced them.

And Xiao Shi proved worthy, marching back to the capital and yielding command. Yet the ruler restored it to him.

Xiao Mo knew his father and the emperor shared a boyhood bond, close enough to share a bed.

He pondered if such intimacy fueled their mutual trust.

Moreover, placement in the Iron Tiger Army, exceptional Frost Prince title, thrust into Northern Frontier to conquer cities, even quiet blessing for his favored daughter's company.

In this Warring States era of "repaying grace with enmity," the Qin ruler's favors to him were extraordinary. Rebelling would brand him a universal traitor, shattering his name.

The ruler likely felt secure in lavishing rewards, aiming to forge a true ally.

With rewards distributed, court adjourned and officials scattered. But Xiao Mo was summoned to the imperial study by the Qin Kingdom's ruler.

"Subject Xiao Mo pays respects to Your Majesty."

Entering the imperial study, Xiao Mo bowed deeply in respect.

"Ha ha ha," spotting Xiao Mo, the Qin Kingdom's ruler rushed over, lifted him up, and laughed heartily, "This time, Frost Prince alone held Yanmen Pass, crushed Great Pillar of State Du Beiwang, took Xiahou Nan's surrender, and razed Zhei's capital. These feats have rocked the realm. I'm overjoyed!"

"All thanks to Your Majesty's favor. Without you, this subject would be a mere foot soldier," Xiao Mo replied modestly.

"You clever youth, always saying the right words," the Qin Kingdom's ruler clapped Xiao Mo's shoulder. "The court honors are your due, but I favor you and will grant one extra wish. Name it!"

"This subject has one request and seeks Your Majesty's approval," Xiao Mo stated directly this time.

"Oh?" Noting no refusal, the Qin Kingdom's ruler perked up. "Speak."

"This subject requests..."

Two quarters later, Xiao Mo bowed farewell and left the imperial study.

Exiting the palace, Xiao Mo planned to visit his mother first. But glancing at the item in his grasp, he knew he couldn't go back solo this time.

He climbed into a carriage bound for Princess Manor.

At Princess Manor, maids moved to herald him, but Xiao Mo dismissed them with a wave.

After learning the princess's location, he strode directly to the rear garden.

"First like this..."

"Then like this..."

"Then this way..."

"That's not right? Why is it different?"

Reaching the courtyard entrance, Xiao Mo caught the maiden's bell-like voice.

Huasheng, tending flowers, lifted her gaze to the archway.

Xiao Mo offered a gentle smile in salute.

Huasheng nodded back, feigned ignorance, and resumed her watering.

Xiao Mo masked his presence and slipped inside silently. The focused girl remained unaware of his nearness.

"What are you doing?"

At her side, Xiao Mo asked.

"Ah!"

Qin Siyao jumped in fright, snapping her head up. Seeing the man, her scared eyes lit with delight. "Xiao Mo, you, why are you here? Aren't you still getting rewards?"

"It wrapped up ages ago," Xiao Mo eyed the item in her hands, grinning. "What's that?"

"Nothing..." She swiftly tucked the shoes behind her.

"Her Highness the Princess is crafting shoes for Young Master Xiao," Huasheng chimed in, hand over mouth in amusement.

"Shoes?" Xiao Mo paused. "I wouldn't have guessed."

"Xiao Mo!" Qin Siyao's face bloomed crimson; she spun away, lips pursed in a mutter, "I'm not speaking to you anymore."

"Truly done talking?" Xiao Mo teased, admiring her pink-gowned figure.

"Not talking, absolutely not!" Qin Siyao snorted.

"Then guess what this is?" Xiao Mo dangled the scroll before her eyes.

"Hmph, just an imperial edict?" She turned aside. "As a child, I doodled turtles on Father Emperor's decrees."

"Fine then," Xiao Mo retreated two steps, unrolling the scroll. "Third Princess Qin Siyao, receive the edict."

"Eh?"

Qin Siyao blinked in shock.

"Third Princess Qin Siyao, receive the edict," Xiao Mo repeated smilingly.

"You..."

She whirled back, pouting prettily at him, yet knelt gracefully with hands clasped.

"Daughter Qin Siyao receives the edict..."

"I have heard that when heaven and earth take their places, yin and yang unite. Among human bonds, marriage holds supreme weight. The Third Princess Qin Siyao embodies gentle poise, virtuous restraint, an orchid's pure heart. Raised in palace splendor, she radiates ethereal grace and jade beauty, outshining the world's elegance. With flawless virtue and looks, her noble air has long captivated me.”

“Frost Prince Xiao Mo stands as mountains-and-rivers pillar, state's iron bastion. His spear glory rends the skies. He's broadened frontiers in northern wastes time and again, loyal heart searing the sun, power quaking all quarters. Truly the realm's foundation, my right hand. Hearing these two are heaven-paired lovers, earth-bound mates, I hereby unite Third Princess Qin Siyao and Frost Prince Xiao Mo in matrimony."

Edict recited, Xiao Mo gazed softly at the maiden.

"Third Princess Qin Siyao, do you accept?"

Qin Siyao stood transfixed by his words, lost in daze for ages, tears welling in her bright eyes.

As though fearing it was all a dream.

"Her Highness, accept the edict," Huasheng urged gently at her side.

Moments later, she stirred, cheeks flushing like spring peach.

"Daughter accepts the edict."

Lifting her fine chin, she stared adoringly at her love, voice soft as melting bone, tears tracing paths down her face, eyes brimming with passion.

"From now on, daughter will cherish husband, bear children, watch over you forever."