We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 365: Husband

"Second Brother, I've come to see you. I made some new dishes. Come and taste them quickly..."

Qin Siyao called out with delight from the rear garden of Second Prince Qin Jingyuan's mansion.

"Greetings to the Frost Prince, greetings to Princess."

Seeing the Frost Prince and his wife arrive, Second Prince's consort Ji Yue swiftly set aside her flower-trimming shears and hurried over to welcome them.

"Greetings, Sister-in-law." Xiao Mo offered a respectful bow.

"Sister-in-law, please don't call me Princess anymore. You and my brother will wed next year. Just call me Siyao, Sister-in-law." Qin Siyao grasped Ji Yue's pale wrist affectionately.

Though Qin Siyao had encountered this princess of Jin Kingdom only once before, she and Ji Yue clicked instantly and took a strong liking to her.

"Alright, Sister Siyao." Ji Yue's eyes formed smiling crescents, accepting without hesitation.

"By the way, Sister-in-law, where's my brother? Where did he go?" Qin Siyao inquired with curiosity.

"Husband went out on some business, but he ought to return shortly. If Siyao isn't rushed, please enjoy some tea first." Ji Yue replied.

"Of course we're not in a hurry. We'll wait for Second Brother to come back." Qin Siyao placed the gifts down.

"Then Frost Prince, Siyao, please sit."

Ji Yue ushered the pair to seats, then set up the stove herself, ignited the fire, and brewed tea.

Observing Ji Yue's graceful motions, Xiao Mo had to admit she lived up to her status as Jin Kingdom's Eldest Princess.

Each step in her tea preparation was a delight to behold, radiating perfect poise and elegance.

Qin Siyao conversed with Ji Yue on Qin Kingdom traditions and tales from Second Prince's childhood.

Ji Yue paid close attention, nodding occasionally and replying warmly.

At captivating moments, Ji Yue would lightly cover her mouth in laughter, inquiring, "And then what?"

Xiao Mo sipped tea quietly by himself, not interrupting the ladies. Yet he noticed this Jin Kingdom princess showed no real reluctance toward the arranged marriage.

After all, Jin Kingdom rivaled Qin Kingdom in power as a mighty realm.

And as the Eldest Princess, she must have been cherished deeply.

Xiao Mo had assumed this political union would spark some resistance in her, but the Eldest Princess appeared fully embracing of it, eagerly seeking details about her intended. Her gaze held genuine warmth.

Putting aside everything else, if she wasn't feigning, then Second Prince had found an excellent partner.

After the time it takes one incense stick to burn, footsteps echoed from beyond the garden. Second Prince Qin Jingyuan entered, holding a jar of wine.

Spotting his sister and her husband, Qin Jingyuan paused briefly and swiftly dissipated the booze scent around him.

"Second Brother, where did you go? Why do you smell so strongly of alcohol?"

Noting her brother's intoxicated state, Qin Siyao wrinkled her forehead.

"Hahaha, where else? I joined a poetry gathering. Their enthusiasm was hard to decline, so I drank extra." Qin Jingyuan chuckled, "Siyao, what brings you all here?"

"With New Year nearing, I brought Northern Frontier New Year treats. Plus, dishes I cooked myself. Hurry and try them."

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke those final words.

"Alright, I'll give them a try."

Qin Jingyuan agreed, settling onto the stone bench.

By now, Ji Yue had fetched a fresh outer robe from indoors, assisted Qin Jingyuan in swapping out his liquor-soaked cloak, and presented the sobering tea she'd readied earlier.

"Husband, drink this tea to soothe your stomach..." Ji Yue said deferentially.

Qin Jingyuan eyed Ji Yue, took the sobering tea with a grin, "Thanks for the effort, Wife."

Xiao Mo observed their interactions closely. Though polite and courteous, something felt slightly off to him.

Furthermore, with the Jin Kingdom princess so prepared, including pre-made sobering tea, it suggested Second Prince had been frequenting taverns lately.

He recalled Second Prince wasn't particularly fond of drink.

"Second Brother, really, cut back on the alcohol. I've never seen you this way before." Qin Siyao grumbled.

"Okay, okay, I'll watch it next time for sure." Qin Jingyuan nodded hastily, then shifted topics, "Now, let Second Brother sample your cooking progress."

"Then try it fast." Thrilled that Second Brother praised her skills, Qin Siyao eagerly unpacked the food box and handed over chopsticks.

Gazing at Qin Siyao's minced meat eggplant and braised pig trotters, Xiao Mo shivered inwardly, old traumas resurfacing, but Qin Jingyuan dove in fearlessly, savoring multiple bites thoughtfully.

"Mm, Siyao's cooking has advanced. Still, for the minced meat eggplant, reduce the meat slightly. Less oil too, to let the eggplant's flavor shine.

This braised trotter's overly sweet. Cut the sugar, add some fine salt instead."

Second Prince offered his critique.

"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm." Qin Siyao noted it all eagerly, "Got it, Second Brother. I'll refine it tomorrow and bring it back."

"Excellent." Qin Jingyuan smiled and nodded.

Witnessing Second Prince's calm demeanor, Xiao Mo was momentarily dazed, pondering if Siyao's dishes had truly reached palatable heights lately.

"Oh? Wife, recall those Azure Glass Carp sent a few days back? Servants stocked them in our lotus pond. I heard Siyao's been busy at Frost Prince's Manor. Wife, show Siyao the fish. If she fancies any, net a few."

Qin Jingyuan instructed his betrothed.

"Yes, Husband." Ji Yue curtsied politely.

"Let's go, let's go. Thanks, Sister-in-law, for showing me." Qin Siyao exclaimed joyfully.

"It's nothing." Ji Yue smiled, shaking her head, "Siyao, follow this way."

Soon, Qin Siyao and Ji Yue departed the garden, leaving Xiao Mo alone with Second Prince.

Xiao Mo eyed the table's dishes, tempted for a nibble to test them, but a White Cold Bird perched nearby pecked at eggplant—then keeled over, legs twitching.

Xiao Mo banished the urge instantly, his admiration for Second Prince deepening.

Evidently, Second Prince had developed tolerance to Siyao's cuisine...

"Here, Brother-in-law, the ladies are off playing. Us men can share tea."

Qin Jingyuan grinned, filling Xiao Mo's cup with premium tea.

Xiao Mo nodded, accepting it, "Second Brother and Sister-in-law seem quite harmonious."

"It's fine." Qin Jingyuan smiled, "Our union stems purely from the marriage pact. How can it match you and Siyao's deep bond and childhood familiarity?"

"Arranged marriages can sometimes unite soulmates." Xiao Mo stated calmly, "I'm certain Second Brother and Eldest Princess will blend like harmonious strings."

"Hahaha." Qin Jingyuan roared with laughter, "I'll take Brother-in-law's blessings."

"By the way." Qin Jingyuan questioned Xiao Mo, "Word is Brother-in-law has gathered his own followers?"

"I recruited a few and took on some guest elders. It's just passable."

"Splendid." Qin Jingyuan sipped tea, "I know your rise to this point wasn't simple, Brother-in-law. And it's only the start. Qin Kingdom's future rests on you."

"Second Brother overpraises. First Brother and you are both prodigies. Having you two is Qin Kingdom's blessing."

"Qin Kingdom's blessing? Hahaha..." Qin Jingyuan bellowed laughter, dropping the subject, instead tilting his head to scan the wintry sky.

Seeing Qin Jingyuan's eyes mix loneliness and intricacy, Xiao Mo stayed silent.

The court had nearly settled on First Prince as heir. His Majesty shared this leaning, even picking a domain for Qin Jingyuan.

Likely post-wedding, Qin Jingyuan would soon depart the capital, and his former allies had mostly defected to First Prince.

Qin Kingdom's succession was all but sealed.

"Enough of that." Qin Jingyuan set his cup aside, "I hear Brother-in-law's spear arts are peerless, and you study under that legendary senior. We haven't crossed weapons yet. Care to spar?"

"Gladly. I won't hold back." Xiao Mo consented.

"No need for formality among kin? Come on!"

Qin Jingyuan snapped a branch from a tree, lobbed a wooden staff to Xiao Mo.

They wielded branches as blades, sticks as lances, clashing fiercely in the garden.

After two incense sticks' time, Qin Siyao and Ji Yue reentered, spotting Xiao Mo sparring with Second Brother.

"Enough, enough, quit it. New Year's almost here. What if injury strikes?"

Qin Siyao rushed forward, yanking Xiao Mo and Second Brother apart.

"Since Siyao insists, we'll stop here today." Qin Jingyuan discarded his branch, "As expected of the famed Frost Prince. Brother-in-law's spear mastery is godly."

"Second Brother flatters. Your swordplay enlightened me greatly." Xiao Mo fist-saluted.

"Come now, without your restraint, I'd have fallen in twenty moves."

Qin Jingyuan dismissed it, eyeing the five Azure Glass Fish in his sister's bowl, grinning.

"Only six total in the pond, and you claimed five?"

"Didn't I leave one for Second Brother? Without Sister-in-law's grace, I'd have taken them all." Qin Siyao pouted.

"Oh yeah, little sister spotted many treasures in Second Brother's garden. Like that Thousand Mountain Treasure Jade, Moon Radiance Flower, Pure Heart Snow Cicada—I want them. Servants will fetch them to Frost Prince's Manor soon. Thanks in advance, Second Brother."

Qin Siyao clasped hands, bowing gracefully.

"You little rascal..." Qin Jingyuan chuckled, pointing at her, "Not even wed yet, and raiding my home? Fine. No need for your people—I'll send servants with them to Frost Prince's Manor."

"Hehehe, then I'll gladly take them." Qin Siyao's eyes crinkled happily, "Second Brother, Sister-in-law, Xiao Mo and I won't linger."

"Off you go." Qin Jingyuan wryly smiled, "Stay longer, and you'll cart off my bed too."

"I'll escort you." Ji Yue offered smilingly.

"No need, Sister-in-law. Stay with Second Brother. We're family—no formalities." Qin Siyao linked arms with Xiao Mo.

"Quite right. No send-off needed, Sister-in-law. Siyao and I bid farewell."

"Safe travels."

Exchanging goodbyes, Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao exited the garden.

Once Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao vanished from view,

Second Prince's former smile faded to neutrality, joy gone.

Noting her husband's icy detachment, Ji Yue stood obediently aside, a trace of trepidation in her face, yet she approached gently, "Husband, it's chilly. Let's head indoors."

"No need for your worry."

Qin Jingyuan shrugged off Ji Yue's delicate hand, snatched the discarded wine jar, gulped deeply, and strode alone to his chamber, slamming the door shut.

Beyond Second Prince's mansion, Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao skipped the carriage, sending servants ahead with the Azure Glass Fish. The couple wandered the streets leisurely toward Frost Prince's Manor.

Xiao Mo regarded Qin Siyao's beaming face and grinned, "What has you so elated?"

"Nothing special, just that Sister-in-law and I chat so well."

Qin Siyao shook her head.

"She shared tons about Jin Kingdom. She excels in arts, music, and more. Plus, I sense she truly cares for Second Brother.

Xiao Mo, honestly, I doubted this match initially. Not over our delayed wedding, but forcing them felt wrong.

Now I've changed my mind.

Sister-in-law's wonderful, and Second Brother seems fond of her too.

See, pre-marriage, they already use husband-wife terms."

"It seems ideal..." Xiao Mo replied, though recalling Second Prince's look at the Eldest Princess, unease lingered.

As Xiao Mo mulled, Qin Siyao peeked at him.

She looked away, her thoughts drifting to her pondside talk with Sister-in-law—

"Siyao, why do you and Frost Prince still use names?"

Ji Yue had wondered curiously by the lotus pond.

Per Qin customs, engaged pairs could adopt spousal address pre-wedding.

"I... don't wish to either..."

Qin Siyao skipped a pebble into the pond, grumbling.

"Childhood habit with that dense Xiao Mo. He hasn't noticed. Too shy to mention it..."

"Mm... I have a trick. Want to know?" Ji Yue pondered, then smiled.

"What trick?" Qin Siyao's eyes lit up.

"Like so..." Ji Yue whispered into Qin Siyao's ear.

Qin Siyao listened, face flushing pink, eyes sparkling brighter.

"Siyao... Siyao... Siyao."

"Huh? What?" Qin Siyao snapped back.

"Still wondering?" Xiao Mo tapped her brow, "You zoned out. What's up?"

"I... I'm okay..." Qin Siyao fumbled to hide it.

"Market's ahead. Want anything?" Xiao Mo asked.

"Nah..." Qin Siyao shook her head, "Let's stroll back slowly."

"Sure."

Xiao Mo sensed she was scheming something anew.

"Xiao Mo..." Qin Siyao fidgeted with her sleeves, "Shall we play a game?"

"What game?"

"I call your name, you answer."

"That's a game?"

"Never mind details. Just play..." Qin Siyao tugged his arm.

"Alright." Xiao Mo sighed indulgently, "Let's do it."

"Xiao Mo..." Qin Siyao cooed softly.

"Mm." Xiao Mo answered.

"Xiao Mo."

"Mm."

Qin Siyao repeated his name endlessly, Xiao Mo replying each time.

On and on it went.

"Xiao Mo."

"Mm."

At last, Qin Siyao pursed her lips, lifted her pretty chin, and murmured shyly, "Hus... Husband..."

Xiao Mo froze, as the girl beside him bowed her head, cheeks crimson like spilling dye.

Xiao Mo beamed tenderly, replying, "Mm, Wife..."