We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 394: Do Not See Me Off

By the time Xiao Mo returned to the Frost Prince Manor, twilight had already descended.

The dying sun cast its final rays, bathing the world in a warm glow.

Upon the steps at the entrance of the Frost Prince Manor, a man, having shed his battle armor for comfortable attire, was seated with a wine jar in hand.

A stark contrast to the overwhelming blood Qi he exuded on the battlefield, this man, now dressed in civilian clothes, appeared as any ordinary wealthy gentleman or perhaps a seasoned martial artist.

"You have returned."

Acknowledging Xiao Mo's arrival, Xiao Shi lifted the wine jar for a drink and offered a smile.

"Father," Xiao Mo responded, executing a respectful bow, before inquiring, "Why do you find yourself seated at the entrance?"

"I was naturally waiting for you," Xiao Shi replied with a grin. "Are you occupied? Perhaps we could take a stroll together?"

"Should Father extend an invitation, I am, of course, available," Xiao Mo confirmed with a nod.

Xiao Mo fell into step beside his father.

Their conversation flowed easily, touching upon matters from the battlefield and exchanging various perspectives.

Xiao Shi also saw fit to inquire about the Emperor's conversation with Xiao Mo, to which Xiao Mo responded truthfully, having no reason to conceal anything.

Upon hearing the exchange between his son and His Majesty, Xiao Shi lapsed into a brief, contemplative silence, offering no further comment.

As they ambled along, Xiao Mo gradually became aware that their path was leading them ever closer to his mother's courtyard.

A quick glance at his father revealed no inclination to turn back.

Approximately half an incense stick's duration later, Xiao Mo and Xiao Shi arrived at Zhou Ruoxi's courtyard.

Despite now holding the position of mistress of the Xiao household, Zhou Ruoxi continued to reside in this humble, modest courtyard.

Numerous members of the collateral branches had indeed urged Zhou Ruoxi to relocate to the main residence of the Xiao Manor, arguing that this small courtyard was unworthy of her status. However, Zhou Ruoxi merely offered a gentle smile, stating she had grown accustomed to her current dwelling.

Upon seeing her child's return, a flicker of joy appeared in Zhou Ruoxi's eyes. Yet, her gaze then fell upon the man accompanying Mo'er, causing her heart to skip a beat. She promptly called out to Cuicui in the kitchen.

Zhou Ruoxi stepped forward, executed a curtsy, and announced, "This concubine pays her respects to the Prince."

Cuicui, standing dutifully behind her, also hastily bowed, "This servant pays her respects to the Prince."

"We are among familiar company here. Such formalities are unnecessary," Xiao Shi stated with a warm smile. "Xiao Mo and I were simply taking a leisurely walk around the manor and, without conscious thought, found ourselves here. I trust we are not intruding?"

"..." Xiao Mo found himself momentarily at a loss for words.

He distinctly recalled being the one who had initially led the way, intentionally guiding their steps in this direction.

With this realization, Xiao Mo tilted his head to steal a glance at his father.

Could it be that Father felt a degree of awkwardness about visiting Mother's courtyard and had specifically brought him along to alleviate that discomfort?

"Not at all. Please, be seated, Your Highness," Zhou Ruoxi invited Xiao Shi into the courtyard, adding, "Kindly wait a moment, Your Highness. This concubine shall prepare some tea for you."

"There is no need," Xiao Shi demurred, his gaze drifting towards the kitchen. The savory aroma of cooking food wafted from within. "Are you preparing to dine? Do you typically manage the cooking yourselves? It would be more appropriate to leave such tasks to the servants."

"This concubine finds herself with little else to occupy her time, so I often cook alongside Cuicui. After all these years, it has become second nature," Zhou Ruoxi explained. "It is already evening. If Your Highness does not mind, would you care to join us for dinner?"

"Since you have extended the invitation, Ruoxi, it would be impolite to refuse," Xiao Shi replied with a smile, accepting the offer.

"..." Zhou Ruoxi was taken aback for a moment.

Her invitation had been merely a courtesy, yet, unexpectedly, the Prince had agreed so readily...

"Please wait a moment, Your Highness. The meal will be ready shortly," regaining her composure, Zhou Ruoxi curtsied once more and swiftly led Cuicui back into the kitchen.

During the time Zhou Ruoxi was occupied with cooking, Xiao Shi slowly perambulated the small courtyard, his expression conveying a sense of peace and tenderness.

Before long, the meal was prepared.

Within the courtyard, the family of three partook in dinner.

This intimate family dinner, shared between the three of them, was a novel experience for Xiao Mo, leaving him feeling somewhat unaccustomed to the setting.

Xiao Mo extended an invitation for Cuicui to join them at the table, but she repeatedly shook her head in refusal.

It was only after Xiao Shi himself intervened, urging her to sit and partake in the meal, that Cuicui nervously took a seat, consuming her food in small, hesitant bites.

Following the conclusion of dinner, Xiao Mo sensed that his father wished to have a private conversation with his mother. He therefore fabricated a reason to excuse himself, departing the courtyard with Cuicui.

Following the departure of Xiao Mo and Cuicui, a quiet courtyard was left with only Xiao Shi and Zhou Ruoxi.

A subtle tension seemed to linger in Zhou Ruoxi's demeanor.

It was understandable, considering Xiao Shi's limited prior interactions with Xia Qingke, and even less so with Zhou Ruoxi herself.

Their current solitude naturally fostered a sense of awkwardness.

"It cannot have been easy for you during this period," Xiao Shi began, his voice gentle, "I am aware of the countless responsibilities within the Xiao Manor, not to mention the minor affairs of the branch families that still demand your attention."

"No matter the effort this concubine exerts, it pales in comparison to the Prince's burdens," Zhou Ruoxi replied with a slight smile, shaking her head. "Besides, these are duties I am meant to fulfill. Yet, only after assuming the role of mistress of the Xiao family have I truly grasped the challenges the First Madam faced back then."

"You have all faced hardships," Xiao Shi sighed, his gaze distant. "Without your efforts, with my constant presence on campaigns, who knows what disarray the household might have succumbed to."

Zhou Ruoxi turned her head, her eyes blinking as she looked at Xiao Shi. "Does the Prince wish to convey something to this concubine today?"

"It's not a matter of particular urgency. It's merely that certain insights only become clear at specific junctures in life."

Xiao Shi took a deliberate sip of his tea, exhaling slowly.

"The other women who married me were drawn by my influence and standing. In return, I bestowed upon them prestige and status, elevating their fathers' fortunes and granting them lives of opulence, free from concerns of sustenance or shelter. However, it is with you and Qingke that I feel a profound sense of guilt.

Qingke, as the sole daughter of the former Prime Minister Xia, relinquished the chance of becoming an imperial consort to marry me. Yet, I find myself unable to see her perhaps even once every few years.

And you, originally the daughter of a city lord, possessed the potential to marry a man of equal standing. Instead, I took you as a concubine, confining you to this courtyard day after day.

While you two differ in some respects, your core desires are remarkably similar.

You have never pursued glory, luxury, or power. Your sole wish was for a life of stability, a peace that I, of all people, am least able to provide."

"The Prince is far too serious in his words."

Zhou Ruoxi clutched the fabric of her dress, shaking her head gently.

"My father sent this concubine to the Prince; it was not an act of coercion. Since arriving at the Xiao Manor, despite my status as a concubine, I have never endured mistreatment. This concubine is already deeply content. Most importantly," Zhou Ruoxi lifted her gaze, looking beyond the courtyard walls, "ever since this concubine gave birth to Mo'er, I have never felt a sense of loneliness."

"Alas, it is precisely because you and Qingke possess such a disposition that my own indecision is amplified..."

Xiao Shi let out another sigh, finished the tea in his cup, and rose to his feet.

"Ruoxi, I am departing.

In the past, when I left, I never offered you a formal farewell.

This visit to your courtyard is both for conversation and to bid you one final goodbye."

"Is the Prince embarking on a campaign?" Zhou Ruoxi inquired, standing as well.

Xiao Shi responded with a shake of his head. "Not a campaign in the traditional sense. Rather, in a few days, I must return to the Northern Frontier. This time, Xiao Mo will accompany me. However, do not fret; Xiao Mo will be back before you know it."

"Then, when will the Prince return?" Zhou Ruoxi asked.

Had this been an earlier time, Zhou Ruoxi would not have posed such a question. Yet, at this very moment, an inexplicable sense of unease settled in her heart.

Hearing his wife's question, he offered no verbal reply. Instead, he bent down and bowed deeply to her, a serene smile gracing his features.

As she witnessed her husband's profound bow, Zhou Ruoxi's eyes shimmered, a touch of bewilderment clouding her vision.

This was the Qin Kingdom's traditional farewell ritual between husband and wife upon departing the home.

An act of simple significance, yet it was the very first time she had experienced it.

"There is no need to see me off."

Xiao Shi straightened, turned, and walked away.

Zhou Ruoxi snapped back to the present, taking a step forward in her embroidered shoes, but Xiao Shi had already put considerable distance between them.