We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 358: Jin Kingdom Will Certainly Not Disappoint the Second Prince

The day following Xiao Mo's triumphant return to court, the reward edicts were all formally proclaimed.

The most astonishing among them turned out to be the marriage decree from the Qin Kingdom's sovereign.

Once the imperial decree announcing the union of Xiao Mo and Third Princess Qin Siyao circulated across the capital, men and women alike let out cries of sorrow.

Truthfully, the men handled it somewhat better.

They understood that the Princess, hailed as the fairest beauty across nations and the king's cherished daughter, was never destined for them. She was bound to wed some high official eventually.

With her marrying the Frost Prince now, it kept the blessings within their own lands instead of letting them spill to outsiders. Yet numerous women, particularly those noble young misses, had genuinely thought they stood a chance with the Frost Prince.

And even if marriage to the Frost Prince eluded them, as long as he remained unwed, wouldn't he belong to all in some way?

Since the Frost Prince was everyone's in that sense, didn't that leave room for hope?

But shockingly, the Frost Prince was set to wed the Princess.

This crushed many women's hearts, leaving them despondent and tear-streaked.

Even after the marriage news of Xiao Mo broke, countless courtesans halted their services, their spirits shattered. Still, the majority agreed that the Frost Prince and the Princess formed a perfect pair of hero and beauty, an ideal match that thrilled everyone.

Following the betrothal announcement, no wedding date was fixed yet.

This made perfect sense.

Weddings in Qin Kingdom demanded utmost care, especially royal ones.

Thus, an auspicious date had to be chosen based on the couple's birth charts, heavenly signs, and the realm's fortunes. Yet with parental consent, matchmaker's words, mutual affection, and the decree broadcast far and wide, their bond was sealed irrevocably.

Thanks to the conquest of Zhei Kingdom and the royal wedding buzz, a celebratory mood swept from the capital throughout Qin Kingdom.

Comrades from the Northern Frontier forces, still lingering in the city, came one after another to offer congratulations to Xiao Mo.

Three days later.

Qin and Chu Kingdoms clashed ceaselessly at the frontier. Though Qin held the upper hand, Chu clung on stubbornly like stubborn plaster.

Hence, the Qin sovereign decided to dispatch troops to rip away that nuisance, avoiding any souring of his spirits.

He consulted Xiao Mo, who suggested Xiahou Nan for the task.

The king approved without hesitation, and Xiahou Nan took the command.

A month on, Xiahou Nan's forces linked up with Eldest Prince Qin Jingsu.

They crushed the Chu troops decisively, then both returned victorious to court.

Though the Eldest Prince's engagements weren't as grueling as the Northern Frontier's, he had staunchly guarded the border this time, halting Chu's advances and securing victories. This boosted his standing immensely.

By contrast, the Second Prince's reputation seemed rather lackluster.

At that moment, courtiers and commoners alike believed His Majesty ought to name Eldest Prince Qin Jingsu as crown prince.

Even the sovereign shared this view, assigning the prince key duties on purpose.

Qin Jingsu stayed remarkably poised, showing no elation from the favor, steadier than ever.

Once he had a breather, he visited Xiao Mo's home first to toast the union of Xiao Mo and his sister.

Qin Jingsu gifted Xiao Mo rare treasures, while subtly trying to enlist him. Xiao Mo courteously refused, steadfastly steering clear of succession intrigues.

Half a month more flew by, and the betrothal date was locked: the seventh day of the seventh lunar month next year, a propitious occasion for Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao's grand wedding.

With ample time ahead, Li Jing and his group headed back to their territories to defend them, planning to return for the feast next year.

Meanwhile, Xiao Manor's eldest son, Xiao Yichuan, prepared to head to Tao Mountain Sect. Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao escorted him beyond the city gates.

"These days, the nations are keeping peace. Third Brother, just focus on wedding prep. Border skirmishes are trivial; General Xiahou can handle them capably. His Majesty won't burden a groom-to-be like you," Xiao Yichuan advised Xiao Mo.

"Mm, got it," Xiao Mo nodded, gazing at Xiao Yichuan. "Eldest Brother, how has First Mother been lately? Is she doing well?"

Back in the capital, Xiao Mo hadn't visited First Mother yet.

Chiefly because, though he hadn't slain her second son, he had taken him captive. Facing her felt awkward.

"Alas," Xiao Yichuan sighed. "Mother grieved deeply over Yishe's affair. But Third Brother, don't worry—Mother holds no grudge. She even told me to relay her thanks for capturing Yishe and returning him to camp, sparing him worse errors that could tarnish the Xiao name."

Xiao Mo bowed his head silently at these words.

In truth, Xiao Mo bore no ill will toward his first mother.

She never schemed against his own mother, always adhering to manor customs.

Especially with the Northern Pacification Prince absent year-round, she managed all household matters.

For a woman, that was no small feat.

"Enough, Third Brother and sister-in-law, halt here. No further escort needed."

Outside the city, Xiao Yichuan turned, bowing to Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao.

"Father heads to the Northern Frontier tomorrow to purge lingering Zhei holdouts. Please oversee Xiao Manor affairs, Third Brother."

"Of course," Xiao Mo replied.

"Truth be told, Eldest Brother's a bit self-serving," Xiao Yichuan grinned. "Mother wanted me back at camp, but I yearn for a free life. I dread inheriting the Northern Pacification Prince title. Luckily, with Third Brother carrying on, Father won't foist it on me."

Xiao Yichuan clapped Xiao Mo's shoulder. "Eldest Brother's off. Call if you need aid—I'll rush to help!"

"If Eldest Brother requires cultivation aid, message me anytime. Younger Brother will assist without fail," Xiao Mo said to his recently met eldest brother, feeling genuine reluctance.

"Ha ha ha, excellent! Farewell! Can't wait for your wedding wine," Xiao Yichuan boomed with laughter.

"Respectfully sending off Eldest Brother!" Xiao Mo bowed.

"Respectfully sending off Eldest Young Master," Qin Siyao curtsied.

"Still 'Eldest Young Master'?" Xiao Yichuan chuckled. "Sister-in-law, call me Eldest Brother now."

Qin Siyao glanced shyly at Xiao Mo nearby.

Xiao Mo smiled, "Yes, change it."

Qin Siyao pinched Xiao Mo's waist bashfully.

"Then sister-in-law respectfully sends off Eldest Brother..." Qin Siyao curtsied gracefully.

"No more seeing off!"

Xiao Yichuan nodded, soaring into the horizon.

Meanwhile, in the Second Prince's mansion, that prior scholar sat once more with the second prince.

"Has the Second Prince decided?" The scholar sipped tea. "The eldest prince's fame grows. If you delay, this one can't linger. I'll depart the capital soon."

In the study, Qin Jingyuan gripped his cup, silent for ages.

The scholar waited patiently for Qin Jingyuan's response.

Finally, Qin Jingyuan met the scholar's gaze. "I accept your terms!"

At the second prince's resolve, the scholar's lips upturned. He rose and bowed. "Rest easy, Second Prince. Jin Kingdom won't let you down."

After one incense stick's time, the scholar exited the study.

Qin Jingyuan stared at the teacup, wordless for a stretch.

Unseen, over a month slipped away.

New Year loomed near.

As Qin's palace bustled preparing for the Frost Prince and Third Princess's wedding next year, Jin Kingdom's diplomats arrived on a mission.

Xiao Mo and others found Jin's embassy puzzling.

Though Qin and Jin weren't foes, nor close allies.

With neither overpowering the other, they'd kept polite facades—yet Jin now sent envoys unprompted.

"What brings Jin Kingdom's envoys to our Qin?" At the welcome feast, the Qin sovereign hosted them personally.

"Answering Qin King," the Jin envoy advanced, bowed, and declared, "Our sovereign dispatched us to seek a joyous alliance from Your Majesty."

"Joyous matter?" The Qin sovereign sipped wine. "Speak."

"Our king has heard of your Second Prince Qin Jingyuan's brilliance: versed in letters and arms, prudent and poised, strikingly handsome. As neighboring realms, we ought to aid one another. Our Jin's eldest princess, with her pure heart and elegant grace, is of marrying age. Our king proposes a marriage to unite Qin and Jin. Your thoughts, Majesty?"

The Jin envoy's words hung; all eyes turned to him.

"..."

The Qin King eyed the envoy, silent at length.

Five days hence, Qin and Jin proclaimed jointly: Second Prince Qin Jingyuan would wed Jin's Eldest Princess Ji Yue in next year's ninth month, forging ties between realms.

Per Qin customs, among kin, elders wed first if dates neared.

Thus, Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao's ceremony delayed, requiring a fresh auspicious day.

Qin Siyao fumed at her postponed wedding.

Though aware of the Qin-Jin alliance's weight—and that protests would brand her childish—she remained vexed.

These days, she often visited the palace, prattling to her father and sulking mildly.

The sovereign, feeling he owed her, said little, merely dodging her visits.

Conversely, Xiao Mo sensed oddity in the affair.

Qin had swallowed Zhei, Jin Zhongshan; both digested gains, so alliance suited—yet something felt off.

Especially with the eldest prince poised for heirship, this sudden Qin-Jin match seemed too pat, overly rushed.

He sensed a storm brewing.