We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 405: Siyao, Dad Is Leaving

Qin Siyao vigorously shook her head, pushing away an unwelcome notion.

She then turned her gaze towards her father.

Observing his usual placid expression, a gentle sigh of relief escaped her lips.

Unbeknownst to them, Qin Siyao and her father had already reached the former living quarters of her eldest and second brothers.

Normally, the princes of Qin would reside within the imperial palace until their sixteenth year, each allocated their own grand hall. Only after reaching this age would they relocate and establish independent estates.

However, due to the close bond between Qin Jingsu and Qin Jingyuan from a young age, they shared accommodations. They jointly departed the imperial palace only when Qin Jingyuan marked his sixteenth birthday.

Despite the prolonged absence of residents, the palace's arrangement and furnishings remained precisely as they had been left.

Gazing upon this familiar environment, Qin Siyao’s thoughts inevitably drifted to her elder siblings. Her gaze fell slightly, and her delicate hand instinctively clutched the fabric of her skirt.

But in a swift moment, Qin Siyao roused herself, regaining her composure, and continued to walk beside her father.

“When your eldest brother was newly born, I paced restlessly outside, my heart filled with anxiety. It was only when he truly entered this world that my heart finally found peace.

“Yet, regrettably, as the eldest son, Jingsu rarely received a kind word from me.”

Qin Shengtian adjusted his sleeves, speaking with a gentle smile. The change in his self-reference from “We” to “I” marked a shift in his narrative.

“During that period, my discipline towards Jingsu was exceptionally stringent. Any transgression, whether minor or severe, was met with reprimand or even physical punishment.

“And at that time, he was merely a three-year-old child.

“In reality, I recognized that Jingsu was performing admirably.

“Still, I felt it was insufficient.

“Your mother, witnessing my harshness towards Jingsu, felt a pang of sympathy in her heart.

“However, despite her feelings, she understood that your eldest brother might one day inherit the mantle of Qin’s ruler, necessitating strict upbringing. Thus, she did not intervene.

“Later, your second brother was born.

“Upon your second brother’s arrival, your eldest brother was overjoyed.

“Firstly, because he was gaining a sibling.

“Secondly, your second brother’s birth offered your eldest brother a sense of relief, believing my attention would now be divided, lessening the constant scolding and punishment directed at him.

“On the day your second brother entered the world, your eldest brother waited outside for an extended period.

“When he first laid eyes on his infant brother, his entire countenance lit up with pure delight.

“From that point onward, your eldest brother cared for his younger sibling with a tenderness that even surpassed my own as their father.

“At that tender age, he was only three and a half.

“As they grew, your second brother was seldom far from your eldest brother’s side, constantly trailing in his wake.

“Your eldest brother’s life became considerably more joyful than before.

“This was partly because, as his father, my gaze was no longer solely fixed upon him – I now also watched over your second brother.

“And with a younger brother to care for, he was no longer lonely.

“Later, after your mother gave birth to you, your second brother also began to emulate the role of an elder brother.”

As the words left his lips, a flicker of tenderness crossed Qin Shengtian’s eyes:

“Truthfully, I was aware of this. Your eldest brother held no genuine interest in the throne.

“More than assuming the position of Qin’s Crown Prince, your eldest brother yearned for a life of serene detachment, akin to drifting clouds and wild cranes. His deepest desire was to become a wandering cultivator, finding solace in the embrace of nature.

“Your eldest brother possessed a profound clarity of vision.

“He understood that power, in itself, was not an inherently virtuous thing.

“For the unenlightened, power serves as a mere instrument for their gratification and indulgence.

“However, for those endowed with ambition and a sense of duty, power transforms into an arduous burden one must carry throughout their existence—from the moment of its acceptance until one’s final breath.

“Initially, your eldest brother believed that by having a younger brother, Jingyuan could assume the mantle of Crown Prince, thereby freeing him to depart from the court.

“Yet, what he hadn't anticipated was his own inability to relinquish the responsibility.

“Jingsu perceived Jingyuan’s somewhat unyielding nature. He harbored a fear that, should his brother ascend to the throne, he might unwittingly exhaust himself to death in service throughout his lifetime.

“It was at this juncture that Jingsu resolved to embrace the role of Crown Prince.”

“Regarding your second brother, he was inherently competitive. He looked up to your eldest brother and also desired to surpass him. Therefore, concerning the matter of the Crown Prince, your second brother genuinely intended to vie with your eldest brother.

“Initially, I was pleased to witness this.

“I believed that through such rivalry, the two of them would mature more rapidly by spurring each other onward.

“When Jingyuan proposed the plan ‘to wed Jin’s Eldest Imperial Princess and subsequently plot against Jin,’ I was aware that for him, this endeavor would be fraught with immense peril.

“However, in my heart, I thought—I thought Jingyuan would manage to navigate the danger and emerge unscathed.

“And our Qin would decisively defeat Jin, perhaps even absorbing that persistent nuisance in one swift action!

“When your eldest brother resolved to wage war against Jin, seeking retribution for your second brother, had I exerted even a bit more influence and prevented your eldest brother from departing, perhaps he would not have met with such a tragic fate.

“Yet, at that juncture, my reasoning was that it would be beneficial for your eldest brother to resolve the turmoil in his heart. Furthermore, with the Crown Prince leading the campaign, and doing so to avenge his younger brother, it would undoubtedly bolster the soldiers' morale significantly.

“But I never anticipated the outcome—your eldest brother and second brother, both falling on the battlefield due to my own selfishness.

“I have wronged them.”

“Father.” Qin Siyao’s eyes welled up as she clasped her father’s hand. “Father, please refrain from speaking such words. Your daughter firmly believes that whether it was the eldest brother or the second brother, neither of them would hold Father accountable.”

“Indeed.” Qin Shengtian lifted his head, drawing a profound breath. “Given the disposition of your eldest brother and second brother, how could they possibly blame me? Yet, how could I possibly forgive myself?”

“Father.” Qin Siyao pressed her delicate lips together, unsure how to offer solace.

“I am quite well.” Qin Shengtian offered a gentle smile, stroking the back of his daughter’s hand. “Come now. Let us take a bit more of a stroll.”

“Mm.”

Qin Siyao nodded, dabbing away the moisture from the corners of her eyes, and cast one final glance toward the grand palace hall where her eldest and second brothers had once resided.

Qin Shengtian proceeded, escorting his daughter forward.

The paths they traversed led them through courtyards that Qin Siyao and her two brothers frequented during their childhood.

Consider the verdant expanse of Spring Swallow Garden—a place Qin Shengtian had brought his wife and children for leisure. In those days, Qin Jingsu and Qin Jingyuan would be engrossed in their studies, while Qin Siyao’s joyous laughter echoed nearby as she chased after butterflies.

Or the tranquil lotus pond within Summer Lotus Garden—Qin Siyao, trailing closely behind her elder brothers, met an unfortunate tumble into the water. Fortunately, a swift-acting maidservant rescued her. Nevertheless, upon hearing of the incident, Qin Shengtian administered a stern reprimand to Qin Jingsu and Qin Jingyuan.

And the serene woodland of Autumn Moon Garden—as autumn arrived each year, Qin Shengtian would bring Empress Shi and his offspring to this location to appreciate the season’s beauty, subsequently testing his sons on their academic progress. Qin Siyao found great amusement in observing her brothers' flustered and tense expressions when they faltered in answering their father's inquiries.

Without conscious awareness, as the pair ambled along, the time had advanced to noon.

“Father, let us return. It is time for the midday repast,” Qin Siyao suggested.

“There is no need for haste. Just ahead lies Red Sleeve Palace, the former residence of your mother. Your father feels somewhat weary. We shall rest there briefly before heading back,” Qin Shengtian stated.

“Very well.” Qin Siyao assented, harboring no particular suspicion.

Ultimately, the two individuals arrived at Red Sleeve Palace.

At this present moment, Red Sleeve Palace was conspicuously devoid of any attending palace maids, projecting an aura of profound desolation.

Qin Siyao diligently cleared the accumulated snow from a stone bench situated within the courtyard. She then assisted her father in seating himself, and consequently, she took a seat beside him.

Just then, a gentle flurry of white snow began to descend anew from the heavens, as if fragments of celestial clouds had gracefully disintegrated.

“Reflecting on that period—your grandfather had passed away, and I had just ascended to this position. Every noble house and influential clan dispatched the women of their lineage.”

A subtle trace of nostalgia flickered within Qin Shengtian’s gaze, accompanied by an exceedingly rare display of tenderness.

“How could I possibly fail to comprehend the underlying intentions of those prominent aristocratic families?

“Their sole ambition was for me, as I was then unmarried, to select a bride from their respective clans, thereby elevating one of their women to the esteemed position of Qin’s Empress.”

“At the very least, they aspired for her to attain the status of a consort.”

“However, at that time, my own standing was far from secure. Should I have allied myself through marriage with a woman from a powerful aristocratic family, it was not guaranteed that I could effectively command the allegiance of the court.

“Furthermore, my entire focus was dedicated to the affairs of the state. Each day, I struggled to complete the review of countless memorials. Where, then, would I find the inclination or the time to concern myself with matters of romantic relationships?”

“One fine day, after I concluded my review of the official memorials, I embarked on a leisurely stroll to clear my thoughts, and found myself arriving at this very location.

“Your mother, at that moment, was seated in my usual spot, delicately savoring peach-blossom pastries, bite by tiny bite.

“Her cheeks were puffed out, much like a squirrel hoarding nuts.

“What amused me further was that upon noticing my arrival, despite my attire – the unmistakable imperial yellow robe – her initial reaction wasn't to offer a formal salutation. Instead, she frantically stuffed the remaining pastries from the jade plate into her mouth, as if I were intent on snatching her sweet treats.

“At that instant, a thought crossed my mind: how could such a gluttonous woman exist? And yet, she possessed such breathtaking beauty.

“It was precisely this fascinating paradox that led me, whenever I found myself with free time, to bring along some delicacies and seek her company at Red Sleeve Palace.

“For your mother, I suspect,

“Pastries held a far greater allure than I did.”

A faint smile touched Qin Shengtian’s lips as he recounted this.

“Subsequently, once the imperial court’s stability was firmly established, I formally took your mother as my wife.

“After your mother ascended to the position of Empress, in the initial stages, she admittedly lacked experience in managing the inner palace. Nevertheless, she diligently studied the ancient texts of the Hundred Schools, striving to embody the ideal Empress.

“When it concerned her own kin, your mother never once played favorites. Should any members of the Shi clan aspire to positions within the government, the most formidable barrier they faced was not me – but rather, your own mother.

“Gradually, those venerable families who had initially opposed her ascension to Empress found their voices silenced.

“Moreover, among the common populace, your mother's reputation burgeoned. The people of Qin began to refer to her as a truly worthy Empress.

“And thus, the student surpassed the master.

“Siyao, your father also holds unwavering faith in you. Whatever endeavor you set your heart upon and pursue with earnest dedication, you are destined to achieve it.”

Qin Shengtian turned his gaze towards his daughter, a gentle smile gracing his features, tinged with a discernible sense of paternal pride.

“Siyao, over these past three years, your proficiency in managing diverse affairs has grown remarkably. Be it military strategies, agricultural practices concerning mulberries, or the essential matters of public welfare and ethical instruction, you have developed your own astute perspectives.

“Yesterday, I shared the memorials you meticulously reviewed with Prime Minister Li and his colleagues, and they offered unreserved commendation.”

“It is all thanks to Father’s excellent tutelage,” Qin Siyao replied, shaking her head modestly. “And, Father, when this daughter encounters matters she doesn’t fully grasp, I not only have you, but also my husband, to provide clarification.”

“No, my dear. The guidance that both Xiao Mo and I can offer you is inherently limited.”

Qin Shengtian countered, his expression filled with gratified warmth.

“The true reason lies in your innate talent. In truth, Father has long recognized that you possess an intellect far surpassing that of many, many others.

“Whether in the realms of **cultivation**, governance, or any other domain, your aptitude exceeds that of Jingsu and Jingyuan.

“You may not even be fully aware yourself, but when compared to countless rulers and nobles, you stand significantly more accomplished.

“It is simply that in the past, Siyao, your day-to-day life was marked by a degree of indolence.

“However, Siyao—your heart remains exceedingly kind.

“On numerous occasions, when faced with the hidden intentions of those court officials, it isn't that you fail to comprehend them; rather, you harbor a persistent hope that their motives might not be as nefarious as you perceive them to be.

“Yet, more often than not, those court officials prove to be precisely as malevolent as your initial suspicions suggested.”

Qin Shengtian continued, his words carrying the weight of final counsel to his daughter.

“Siyao, you must always remember this—do not hesitate to attribute the worst possible intentions to others.

“Siyao, you must also bear this in mind—do not condemn everyone as inherently wicked. The world has not been entirely depleted of individuals driven by noble ideals.

“And Siyao, what you must engrave even deeper upon your heart—water can sustain a vessel, but it can also capsize it. Under any circumstances, ensure that the common people do not forfeit their hope, nor their means of sustenance.”

“Father.” Qin Siyao’s eyes shimmered, and a flush of emotion began to redden her eye sockets.

“My foolish child. Father is merely speaking his mind. Why do you appear on the verge of tears?” Qin Shengtian inquired with a gentle smile.

“Very well, very well. I shall cease my pronouncements. The Imperial Kitchen seems quite proximate to Red Sleeve Palace. Would you care to accompany me there and perhaps prepare a couple of dishes at leisure? We could dine here at noon. What do you say?”

“Certainly, Father.” Qin Siyao dabbed at the corners of her eyes, dispersing the nascent tears. “Your daughter shall depart immediately. Father, please wait here a moment.”

“Mm, excellent.” Qin Shengtian nodded in assent.

Qin Siyao clutched the hem of her skirt and hurried out of Red Sleeve Palace.

In the deserted courtyard that lay before the palace, Qin Shengtian reached up and detached the jade pendant from his waist.

With the protective aura of the magical artifact now absent, Qin Shengtian’s life-flame—resembling a flicker on the verge of extinguishment—lay starkly exposed amidst the heavy snowfall.

“Xiner, very soon, I shall come to join you all.”

Gazing past the courtyard gate, Qin Shengtian softly uttered his thoughts.

"However, once I depart, Siyao will truly be left all alone.

"Will that brat Xiao Mo dare to trouble her?

"Can she manage everything by herself?

"Was it a mistake to burden her with this responsibility?

"She's merely a woman, a daughter we've always doted upon.

"I am indeed selfish, a father utterly unqualified to lead."

Qin Shengtian's awareness grew increasingly sluggish, his vision dimming with every passing moment. Soon, the surrounding sounds faded, and the chill no longer registered.

"Siyao, please forgive your father for entrusting everything to you."

"Siyao, please forgive your father for not being able to remain by your side."

"Siyao, Dad... is leaving."

The man sat upright on the stone stool, his hands resting firmly on his knees. His eyes slowly closed, never to open again.

"Father, I've casually prepared two dishes. Please take a look and see if they are to your liking."

A little over thirty minutes later, Qin Siyao, carrying a food box, hurried into the Red Sleeve Palace.

But the instant Qin Siyao entered and saw her father seated on the stone stool, his eyes shut, her expression solidified like ice on a tranquil lake.

Her pace faltered involuntarily. The fingers clutching the food box clenched tighter and tighter.

The woman pressed her delicate lips into a firm line, advancing slowly, step by deliberate step, towards her father.

"Father, your daughter has made three dishes today. There's red-braised chili chicken, a steamed Moon-Snow Fish, and also a warming soup made with pig heart."

Her voice quivered noticeably.

Despite her father offering not the slightest reaction.

She continued to name each dish as she meticulously removed them from the food box, arranged them on the table, and then served a bowl of rice to her father.

"Father... eat."

Tears welled in the woman's eyes, cascading down like streams and falling onto the steaming bowl of rice.

"Eat, Father..."