Previously on We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?...
Xiao Shi and Xiao Mo visit the Qin Kingdom's ruler. After discussing military affairs and congratulating Xiao Mo on his battlefield successes, the ruler reveals he has only three years left to live due to a past cultivation error. He entrusts Xiao Mo with a significant, unofficial responsibility regarding the future succession of the Qin Kingdom and advises him to reconcile with his father.
After parting ways with the Qin Kingdom’s sovereign, Xiao Mo was on his way out of the palace. However, the attendant who was escorting him presented Xiao Mo with a token.
"Frost Prince, the princess is currently with the Empress in her bedchamber. His Majesty has instructed this servant to convey that the Frost Prince may enter and exit the palace at will, including the inner quarters."
"Understood." Xiao Mo accepted the jade token. Recalling the Qin Kingdom’s ruler’s parting words, he paused for a moment before inquiring, "May I trouble you to lead me to the Empress’s bedchamber?"
"Of course. Please follow me, Frost Prince."
Within the Empress’s bedchamber, Empress Shi lay on her sickbed, her complexion noticeably frail. Qin Siyao was diligently feeding her mother medicinal herbs from a bowl.
Having finished the medicine, Empress Shi gently patted her daughter's hand. "Siyao, you don't need to stay with me today. Xiao Mo has finally returned, and it’s been so long since you last saw him. Go spend some quality time with him."
Qin Siyao calmly shook her head. "It’s quite alright, Mother Empress. There’s no need to hurry. I’ll stay with you first."
"My silly child, you've been attending to me for countless days already. One more day will make no significant difference," Empress Shi said with a gentle smile. "In the future, should I no longer be by your side, and if anything were to arise, confide in Xiao Mo. Your mother can see that young man Xiao Mo truly cherishes you. It’s just that I… I won’t be able to witness the sight of your children…"
"Mother Empress… please don't speak such words. You will definitely recover soon."
Qin Siyao's eyes welled up with glistening tears, on the verge of falling.
Empress Shi tenderly reached out and wiped away the tears from the corners of Qin Siyao's eyes.
"My silly child, why are you weeping? My time was drawing to a close regardless. This is merely a few years sooner than anticipated.
Moreover, Mother is simply going to reunite with your two brothers a bit earlier.
After I depart, you must diligently take care of yourself.
You must remember, you absolutely cannot continue to behave like a mere child.
Mother will be watching over you from the heavens."
"Mother, please cease speaking. You will truly recover." Qin Siyao choked back a sob.
"Empress, Your Highness, the Frost Prince has arrived for a visit."
Just as the mother and daughter were engrossed in their emotional exchange, a maid's voice could be heard from beyond the chamber door.
"We are all family here. Do permit the Frost Prince to enter," Empress Shi said with a warm smile.
"Yes." The maid outside acknowledged the instruction and then addressed Xiao Mo, who stood beside her, "Frost Prince, please proceed inside."
Xiao Mo entered the bedroom and offered a respectful bow to Empress Shi, who was reclining on the bed. "This subject, Xiao Mo, pays his respects to the Empress."
"Frost Prince, there is no need for such formalities." Empress Shi then looked towards her daughter beside her. "Siyao, please step outside for a moment. Mother wishes to have a private word with Xiao Mo."
Qin Siyao's thin lips pressed together as she cast a gentle glance at Xiao Mo.
Xiao Mo gave a subtle nod. Only then did Qin Siyao gracefully rise, perform a curtsy to her mother the Empress, and quietly exit the room.
"Come, sit here."
Empress Shi indicated a stool positioned nearby, patting it gently.
"Thank you, Empress."
Without any hesitation, Xiao Mo accepted the offer and sat down beside Empress Shi.
As Xiao Mo perceived the faint resonance of Empress Shi's life essence, a subtle sense of sorrow welled up within his heart.
Empress Shi's life flame was even more diminished than that of the Qin Kingdom's ruler; her remaining days were few.
"If I recall correctly, this is the first time I've truly had the opportunity to observe you," Empress Shi remarked with a smile as she studied Xiao Mo seated beside her. "I never would have fathomed that the child I once knew has matured so significantly."
"Yet, Empress, you appear precisely as you did when this subject first had the honor of meeting you," Xiao Mo replied.
"Still dwelling on 'back then,'" Empress Shi chuckled, shaking her head slightly. "I have already grown so old, and my remaining years are few."
"The Empress possesses profound fortune and blessings. Your lifespan is naturally destined to be long."
"You, my boy, needn't employ such flattering words to appease me,"
Empress Shi stated with tranquil composure.
"My remaining years were already limited. Now that Jingsu and Jingyuan have departed, my spirit has been considerably weakened. I likely have only a few months left to live.
I am fully aware of this reality.
Regarding the inevitability of life and death, I have long since found acceptance. However, at present, my deepest concern rests with my Siyao… Xiao Mo, would you grant me one request?"
Xiao Mo promptly stood and offered a respectful salute. "I implore you to speak, Empress. This subject shall undoubtedly exert his utmost effort!"
"There is no necessity for such solemnity."
Empress Shi smiled and gently guided Xiao Mo back to his seat beside her, casting a subtle glance towards the area outside the chamber.
"Siyao, though we have indulged and doted upon her, and her disposition can be somewhat wilful, she possesses an exceedingly kind heart. It is merely that she tends to be rather headstrong."
Whatever decision she makes, it will be her lifelong commitment, and it is the same for those she cherishes.
I can feel that Siyao deeply cares for you. You are the one she speaks of most often to me, and I understand that men traditionally have multiple partners.
Should you find other women you admire in the future, marrying them is acceptable. However, Xiao Mo, can you give me your word that you will cherish Siyao for all your days and never grow weary of her?"
At the conclusion, Empress Shi's voice faltered slightly. "Siyao... has truly only you remaining..."
After the duration of an incense stick, Xiao Mo emerged from the chamber.
Qin Siyao, who had been patiently waiting nearby, immediately approached him, her voice laced with anxiety, "Husband, Mother Empress, she..."
"The Empress mentioned she feels a bit fatigued and wishes to rest for a while," Xiao Mo replied.
Qin Siyao cast a glance towards the room, her eyes filled with concern. "Husband, for the time being, I likely won't be able to return to the Frost Prince Manor. I wish to remain by Mother Empress's side."
"That is only right," Xiao Mo agreed. "Once I have attended to a few matters, I will come to see you and the Empress."
"Mm," Qin Siyao murmured, gazing at Xiao Mo with a touch of reluctance. "Allow me to escort you from the palace."
"Very well."
Xiao Mo gave a nod.
Together, they ambled along the palace's bluestone pathways, advancing beside the towering crimson walls, as if traversing a serene, secluded town.
"Husband, did Mother Empress convey anything specific to you?" Qin Siyao inquired, tilting her head to observe the man's profile.
Xiao Mo extended his hand, gently caressing Qin Siyao's head. "The Empress asked me to look after you well."
Qin Siyao lowered her gaze, her delicate hands clutching the fabric of her dress, her brow furrowed slightly.
"Is something amiss?" Xiao Mo inquired.
"Husband," Qin Siyao lifted her head, meeting Xiao Mo's eyes with earnestness. "I no longer wish for you to solely look after me!"
Xiao Mo paused briefly, then a smile touched his lips. "And why is that?"
"From childhood, I have always found refuge behind Father Emperor, Mother Empress, and my two elder brothers. As I grew, you too have consistently shielded me. But I no longer desire this."
Qin Siyao's gaze met Xiao Mo's, a hint of apprehension surfacing as if she feared he might depart in the next great conflict, much like her elder brothers had.
"I do not wish to remain hidden behind you any longer. I want to cultivate with all my might! I want to stand alongside you! To face everything together! I genuinely want to protect you too!"
"You foolish girl," Xiao Mo chuckled, lightly tapping Qin Siyao's nose. "What reason is there for a wife to protect her husband?"
