We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 376: In This Imperial Family

Once Second Prince Qin Jingyuan flung open the border gates, the million-strong army of Jin Kingdom swiftly captured multiple cities.

Not a single general put up resistance along the march.

Qin Jingyuan had already purged every general showing the faintest sign of defiance, confining them under house arrest.

In fewer than thirty days, Jin Kingdom's forces reached the provincial capital of Lu Province.

Qin Jingyuan escorted his wife outside the city gates to receive the Jin Kingdom army.

"Jin Kingdom's Yan Liuyun greets Prince Jing."

Yan Liuyun, the commanding general of Jin Kingdom, dismounted his horse and saluted Qin Jingyuan, though his tone and bearing clearly revealed his scorn and disdain toward the prince.

Qin Jingyuan behaved as though utterly oblivious, bowing back to Yan Liuyun. "I have long heard of Marquis Hu's great name. Seeing you today, the general truly has extraordinary bearing. Jin Kingdom's army, just observing it, is truly awe-inspiring."

"Prince Jing flatters me. This journey into Qin Kingdom still requires much reliance on Prince Jing."

His gaze toward Ji Yue held layers of complication, yet she pretended not to notice, merely keeping her head bowed while standing by her husband's side.

Though Qin Jingyuan caught Yan Liuyun's look, he continued feigning complete ignorance.

"Marquis Hu, please enter. I've already arranged a feast with servants to honor your arrival!" Qin Jingyuan moved aside, gesturing for the other to proceed into the city.

"Then I'll impose on Your Highness."

Yan Liuyun uttered "impose" without a shred of courtesy, striding directly into the city.

The million troops of Jin Kingdom, save for a handful of senior officers, set up camp beyond the city walls.

The residents of Lu Province's capital watched Qin Jingyuan usher in Jin Kingdom's generals, their eyes filled with contempt, though none voiced a word.

A few fiery young men itching to hurl eggs at Qin Jingyuan and his companions were firmly restrained by their fathers, stopping any reckless moves.

"Prince Jing doesn't seem too favored by the people."

Yan Liuyun smiled at Qin Jingyuan, his lips curling in evident mockery and derision.

Qin Jingyuan simply chuckled, "They're mere lowly folk. Why should this prince concern himself? After I storm the capital and claim the throne, won't they all have to bow their heads in silence?"

"Hehehehe..." Yan Liuyun let out a few laughs, "Your Highness speaks wisely."

"Marquis Hu, this way." Qin Jingyuan extended a welcoming gesture, leading Yan Liuyun and the generals onward.

Soon enough, the group reached Prince Jing's manor.

Qin Jingyuan laid out lavish dishes from land and sea, with servants tending diligently to the Jin Kingdom generals. Courtyard dancers swirled gracefully, accompanied by ceaseless strains of string and wind instruments.

On top of that, he ordered his tens of thousands of soldiers in the city to supply wine and meat to the camped army outside, along with bountiful gifts!

Following several rounds of toasts, Qin Jingyuan and the Jin Kingdom generals shared a facade of perfect camaraderie.

About an hour passed, signaling the banquet's close.

Qin Jingyuan urged Yan Liuyun and the generals to lodge at Prince Jing's manor.

"With Your Highness extending such hospitality, refusing now would slight Your Highness. We gratefully accept."

Yan Liuyun and his men offered only token refusal before consenting.

"Excellent, excellent." Qin Jingyuan appeared thoroughly intoxicated, "Marquis Hu and everyone, feel free to relax. This prince can't handle his drink and must retire."

"This consort will withdraw first to assist my husband to his chambers." Ji Yue beside him curtsied, then helped her husband toward the inner courtyard.

"Your Highness, rest well. Princess, rest well."

Yan Liuyun gave a casual fist salute in parting.

As the pair receded into the distance, Yan Liuyun's eyes lingered on Ji Yue.

Only when Ji Yue was out of sight did Yan Liuyun resume his seat.

Yan Liuyun lifted his wine cup and drained it in one gulp.

Ji Yue guided her husband back to their quarters, tenderly placing him on the bed before removing his shoes and tucking him under covers.

She fetched a basin of water herself in the courtyard and softly cleaned her husband's face.

Having cared for her husband, Ji Yue carried the basin from the room to pour it out. But as she turned to reenter, Yan Liuyun appeared in the courtyard.

"This is Prince Jing's private courtyard. Entering without His Highness's consent—what crime do you think that merits?!" Ji Yue's brow furrowed in sharp reprimand.

"Pardon this subject, Princess." Yan Liuyun saluted with clasped fists, then erected a barrier spell to block sound and spiritual sense, "Yet this subject's longing for the Princess overwhelmed me, leading to this impropriety!"

"Get out!" Ji Yue commanded icily.

"Princess..."

Yan Liuyun's face twisted with intricate emotions.

"Now Jin Kingdom has invaded Qin Kingdom, joining forces with Chu Kingdom and Yan Kingdom to crush Qin. United, these three powers overwhelm Qin utterly. Even if Qin Jingyuan seizes the throne in the end, what then?

Does he truly believe mounting the seat this way lets him dominate all?

Forget the rest—just the Northern Pacification Prince and Frost Prince Xiao Mo will strike back at the capital.

Chaos will engulf Qin Kingdom then.

To survive, Qin Jingyuan must cling to Jin Kingdom, Yan Kingdom, and Chu Kingdom.

At that juncture, our three realms carve up Qin!

What becomes of this Qin Jingyuan?

And with your exalted status as Princess, why bind yourself to him?

Should the Princess agree, this subject would stay forever at your side."

"Outrageous!" Ji Yue snapped in fury, "Do you grasp your own words?! Aren't you fearful I'll relay every bit to my husband?"

"Not in the least." Yan Liuyun shook his head, "Regardless, the Princess remains Jin Kingdom's Eldest Princess, the apple of His Majesty's eye. How could you betray kin and sire by revealing this?

"Furthermore!" Yan Liuyun advanced a pace, "The sun and moon bear witness to this subject's devotion to the Princess!"

With those words, Yan Liuyun extended his hand toward Ji Yue, but she retreated firmly, eyes blazing coldly. "Hear this final warning! Depart! Do you fancy that this princess holds no sway with Father Emperor, ripe for your bullying?!"

"This subject dares not!" Yan Liuyun dropped to one knee, "I merely wish the Princess to recognize this subject's unwavering heart, unchanged from start to finish."

"I've repeated it countless times: I've never held affection for you. And come what may, I won't allow harm to befall my husband. My title as Eldest Princess still commands respect!"

Ji Yue spun away.

"Go now. I'll act as if you never appeared, as if I heard nothing. But dare approach again, and I reveal all to my husband."

At Ji Yue's declaration, Yan Liuyun hesitated to respond.

In the end, he merely heaved a deep sigh, "If it must be so, this subject withdraws for now. Yet my heart stays ever with the Princess, awaiting your change of heart."

Yan Liuyun offered a profound bow before departing.

Once Yan Liuyun vanished, Ji Yue collapsed to the ground, drained of all vigor.

Her thoughts scattered into emptiness, lost in turmoil.

After what seemed an eternity, Ji Yue rose and returned to the chamber.

Ji Yue perched on the bed's edge, gazing at her sleeping husband, her eyes flickering uncertainly.

She extended a hand, caressing his cheek softly. Tears welled and trickled down her face. "Husband... this consort fails as a daughter and betrays as a wife... what path remains...

Why must this consort and husband... suffer the imperial house's curse..."