We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 407: I... I Will See You Off

Three days after the passing of the Qin ruler, the imperial capital of Qin was abuzz with an ascension ceremony.

Though modest in its proceedings, the ceremony’s significance was immense.

From this day forward, Qin Siyao was officially and legitimately recognized as the ruler of Qin.

And precisely on the day Qin Siyao completed her ascension ceremony—

A ten-thousand-li radius around the Qin imperial capital was graced with an abundance of auspicious phenomena.

These were not mere fabrications by officials seeking favor; these were genuine occurrences.

Following Qin Siyao’s ascent to the throne, even the winter chill seemed to recede, hinting at milder weather ahead.

It was evident that the spring season would arrive sooner than usual this year.

Once her position was formally secured, Qin Siyao’s immediate undertaking, in her capacity as Qin’s ruler, was to arrange a funeral for her late imperial father.

Honoring her father’s wishes, the funeral arrangements were kept deliberately understated in all aspects.

A marked contrast to earlier occasions where Qin Siyao had openly wept and struggled to contain her sorrow—

Now, as she presided over her imperial father’s funeral rites, her demeanor was notably composed.

Despite having just assumed her authoritative role, every gesture she made exuded the gravitas of a true sovereign.

It was as if the young girl, once lost and merely mimicking adult behavior, had shed her pretense and genuinely matured.

All the eunuchs within the palace grounds were subsequently dismissed.

Only the female attendants were permitted to remain within the palace confines.

Huasheng continued her role as Qin Siyao’s personal attendant.

However, a stark difference marked this new era compared to Huasheng's previous days of leisure; from this point onward, Huasheng was tasked with overseeing all internal palace affairs, her days of ease now a thing of the past.

Following the conclusion of the funeral, Qin Siyao dedicated herself entirely to the management of state affairs.

As the ruler of Qin, Qin Siyao naturally took up residence in the imperial palace.

Although Xiao Mo was Qin Siyao’s intended husband and now wielded considerable influence, his daily presence in Qin Siyao’s private chambers would have been met with no condemnation.

Yet, Xiao Mo chose not to do so.

Xiao Mo persisted in residing at the Frost King’s estate.

In truth, Xiao Mo’s visits to the Imperial Study were now limited to formal court sessions or essential matters requiring discussion.

Qin Siyao’s current standing was exceptionally sensitive, and regardless of the circumstances, Xiao Mo was, fundamentally, a subject.

From Xiao Mo’s perspective, frequenting the imperial palace at this juncture could be misconstrued as possessing “ulterior motives.”

The question of who held dominion over the realm—Qin or Xiao—was a delicate one.

Even if Xiao Mo harbored no such ambitions, his supporters within the Xiao family might harbor different sentiments.

A significant number of ministers and generals aligned with the Xiao residence harbored hopes of Xiao Mo occupying the throne.

Should Xiao Mo declare himself emperor, their own standing would undoubtedly skyrocket.

Furthermore, the situation at the borders was escalating in tension.

The Northern Wasteland was engaged in extensive military drills, necessitating Xiao Mo’s frequent presence to assert authority.

Beyond rarely visiting the imperial palace, Xiao Mo found himself seldom returning even to the Frost King’s residence.

Nevertheless, Qin Siyao understood that despite the limited opportunities for them to see each other—and even during their infrequent encounters, which typically occurred in the Imperial Study amidst assembled ministers, requiring both to maintain formal decorum—

Qin Siyao was convinced these restrictive days were transient.

The paramount concerns at present were the stabilization of the court and the cessation of hostilities across the realm.

Once a period of time had elapsed, and after Qin’s internal affairs were settled and the major conflict concluded, she could then formally proceed with the wedding ceremony with Xiao Mo.

At that juncture, Xiao Mo could openly and rightfully take up residence in the imperial palace.

Ultimately, should they be blessed with an heir and successfully raise that child to become a capable sovereign, the throne could be passed down.

Following such an event, she and Xiao Mo could retreat to the tranquility of the mountains and forests, forever relinquishing their ties to worldly affairs.

She was prepared to wait for the future life they envisioned together.

Indeed, precisely one month after Qin Shengtian’s demise, significant hostilities reignited along the borders.

Learning of the Qin ruler’s death, both Qi State and Zhao State saw an opportunity to attack while Qin’s leadership was in disarray.

Moreover, internal dissent began to surface within Qin itself, with certain factions harboring their own ambitions.

The ruler of Qin having passed and Qin Siyao having only recently ascended the throne—and as a woman, no less—ignited restlessness among several feudal lords.

Historically, the position of sovereign had never been held by a woman.

They harbored the conviction that a woman was incapable of shouldering such immense responsibilities.

Irrespective of the Emperor's deep affection for the Third Princess, the throne would never be passed to her!

Therefore, they clung to one assertion: the imperial decree must be a fabrication. This, they insisted, was a forged final edict masterminded by the Three Excellencies!

This accusation stemmed from the fact that two of the Three Excellencies had previously served as guest retainers to Xiao Mo. Xiao Mo had acted as their patron, and the remaining figure, Prime Minister Li, was also known to be close to Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo and his allies were accused of destabilizing the court, maneuvering to seize governmental power, and aiming to transform the Qin family's dominion into the Xiao family's realm!

And how could individuals such as themselves—descendants of the Qin imperial lineage—stand idly by and permit such a subversion?

In reality, could Xiao Mo truly be unaware of their underlying intentions?

Regardless of how eloquently they articulated their positions, their words merely veiled their own avarice.

Their ultimate desire could be distilled into two stark words: the throne.

Instantly, numerous feudal lords possessing royal bloodlines of Qin mobilized their forces.

Certain generals also joined their ranks in rebellion.

After all, who wouldn't covet the influence over the court that Xiao Mo wielded?

Naturally, Xiao Mo suspected that among these rebellious feudal lords—setting aside those genuinely consumed by power and devoid of clear judgment—

There were likely a significant number with connections to the Qi and Zhao states.

These individuals might have planned to orchestrate a coordinated assault, acting in concert with Qi and Zhao.

However, as for their ultimate objective, Xiao Mo felt it had ceased to be of consequence.

Xiao Mo commanded the commanders of the Northern Wasteland to lead their troops in quelling the uprising, and he personally took command of the army as well.

Throughout the preceding period, Xiao Mo and the Northern Wasteland had engaged the other states in direct confrontation.

These feudal lords of Qin lacked a precise understanding of either the Northern Wasteland army or Xiao Mo himself.

Some even harbored the belief that Xiao Mo's renown surpassed his actual capabilities.

They reasoned that with the Northern Pacification King absent, the Northern Wasteland could no longer command the same formidable presence as in bygone days.

But when the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry materialized before them—when it annihilated their formations and razed their fortifications—

They came to grasp the utter folly of their preceding assumptions.

The Northern Wasteland remained the Northern Wasteland, and its might had actually grown!

Any feudal lord who dared to rebel faced the complete extermination of their entire lineage at Xiao Mo's command.

Furthermore, concerning the great clans and noble houses associated with them, not a single soul was spared.

Upon witnessing the deteriorating situation, many feudal lords and noble houses sought to capitulate.

However, Xiao Mo granted them no such reprieve.

Xiao Mo even found a measure of grim amusement in the situation.

How, he mused, could an act of rebellion possibly allow for a path of retreat?

After their pleas for surrender were unequivocally denied by Xiao Mo, these noble houses were left with no alternative but to fight to their bitter end.

Yet, their own subordinates harbored differing sentiments.

To the subordinates, the matter of the rebels' actions seemed entirely disconnected from their own fate.

Among the generals serving these feudal lords, a considerable number maintained connections, to varying degrees, with individuals within the Northern Wasteland.

Moreover, Xiao Mo occupied the moral high ground—he was acting under imperial decree to suppress sedition.

At this juncture, Qin's national power was experiencing a significant resurgence, and the impending large-scale conflict with the Qi and Zhao states loomed. Soldiers, it was argued, would naturally prefer to march to the frontiers to confront external foes and earn renown—why would they choose to engage in internal strife, raising arms against their own countrymen at such a critical time?

Consequently, a substantial number of feudal lords met their demise at the hands of their own commanders, even before Xiao Mo's forces could engage them directly.

In less than a single year, Xiao Mo had successfully extinguished all internal dissent.

Although this period of turmoil involved multiple factions, its impact on the common populace of Qin was minimal, and the total casualties on both sides remained relatively low.

This outcome was largely attributed to the fact that many soldiers, upon encountering Xiao Mo's presence, lost any inclination to continue their resistance.

Simultaneously, Qin Siyao seized this opportune moment to implement significant reformist policies throughout the court.

With the exception of Xiao Mo's own authority, the military powers vested in feudal lords across the realm were drastically curtailed.

Additionally, the fiscal management of the individual feudal states was brought under the direct supervision of the imperial capital.

High-ranking official appointments were now solely vested in the court; private establishment of positions was strictly prohibited.

Furthermore, the various hereditary noble ranks held by Qin's prominent clans were limited to inheritance for only two generations.

All exemptions from land taxes previously enjoyed by nobles and court officials were rescinded, and they were required to remit taxes on par with ordinary citizens.

Regarding the recruitment and appointment of new officials, Qin Siyao instituted a system of recommendation and selection: local authorities, or officials designated by the central government, would be responsible for evaluating and nominating suitable candidates for office.

The number of individuals recommended each year was capped, and ultimately, these recommended candidates would undergo a personal assessment conducted by the sovereign of Qin.

In addition to this, Qin maintained a schedule of three progressive imperial examinations annually.

The content of the examinations centered on learnings from Confucius, the Legalists, Daoism, and the Mohists, alongside military strategy and agricultural practices.

Scholars who successfully passed all three examinations were granted an audience within the imperial palace, where the ruler of Qin would bestow upon them official ranks or appoint them at a later juncture.

Qin Siyao’s initiatives adversely impacted the vested interests of numerous prominent clans—after all, the available positions were finite. If others were to occupy them, what then would become of their lineages?

Consequently, ministers lodged their objections one after another.

In their estimation, women were inherently frail, let alone Qin Siyao, who had been meticulously pampered since her youth. (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght)

They were convinced that a strong opposition would compel Qin Siyao to revoke her decree.

However, Qin Siyao paid no heed to the sentiments of these court officials and powerful clans.

Qin Siyao pressed forward resolutely, even going so far as to demote—and in some cases, dismiss—certain individuals who had been the most vocal dissenters.

Within the court's confines, Prime Minister Li Ge, Baili Xi, and Jian Shu lent their support to Qin Siyao's decisions.

Beyond the court, Xiao Mo’s Northern Wasteland army stood as a formidable deterrent, and Xiao Mo’s influence within Qin's military, stemming from the Northern Wasteland, permeated every level. Furthermore, Xiao Mo had recently orchestrated the demise of several feudal lords.

Ultimately, those great clans were left with no recourse but to reluctantly acquiesce.

At the very least, they found some solace in the fact that the officials appointed annually through recommendation-and-selection and the imperial examinations were few in number—hardly enough to threaten their established foundations.

Before long, another year elapsed.

The inaugural group of officials who had entered the court via recommendation-and-selection and the imperial examinations were already being entrusted with responsibilities and advanced by Qin Siyao.

This development caused a considerable stir among the populace.

Even though the number of officials entering the court through the new route totaled only seventy, and the majority began their service from the lowest ranks—

It, at the very least, revealed to the common people an alternative path to advancement beyond the battlefield merits of killing enemies!

Furthermore, over the two full years since Qin Siyao assumed her duties, she governed with unwavering diligence, personally managed affairs, placed significant value on labor and agriculture, and emphasized education and moral guidance. The populace could discern tangible improvements in their daily lives.

This undoubtedly bolstered Qin Siyao’s prestige considerably.

The murmurs among the populace that once questioned, “Can the Third Princess govern effectively?” gradually subsided.

Some even began to utter, “Within the court, the Empress; securing the borders, the Frost King.”

And just as Qin experienced increasing stability, Xiao Mo also sensed that his preparations were nearing completion.

The moment had arrived for him to march to the frontiers and bring an end to this Warring States era that had persisted for millennia!

Prior to his departure, Xiao Mo ensured all necessary arrangements were made.

However, the one individual he could not leave behind was his mother.

Beginning the year before last,

Xiao Mo had observed a progressive decline in his mother’s health, marked by frequent bouts of illness.

Physician-cultivators had examined her on numerous occasions, but due to her advanced age and frail constitution, their treatments were largely limited to mortal remedies.

To alleviate his mother’s burdens and spare her mental strain, Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao earnestly implored her multiple times—it was only then that Zhou Ruoxi finally relinquished her involvement in Xiao family matters.

At this point, while Zhou Ruoxi remained the matriarch of the Xiao family in name, Xiao Mo had appointed a paternal aunt, Xiao Xiaoyue, to oversee all operational affairs.

Only matters of utmost significance still necessitated Zhou Ruoxi’s final decision.

On the fourth day of the second lunar month, as the spring season commenced,

As was her custom, Qin Siyao arose from her slumber at the crack of dawn.

After completing her morning ablutions and dressing, Qin Siyao emerged from her chambers to find a man standing before her.

Gazing upon the man, Qin Siyao’s eyes flickered with emotion, and her delicate hand instinctively tightened its grip on her sleeve.

Since her ascension to the throne, he had never once set foot within the inner palace.

Now that he had sought her out, how could Qin Siyao not grasp the intended meaning of her beloved?

“Are you departing?” Qin Siyao inquired.

After a considerable pause, Qin Siyao finally spoke, her words measured.

“Yes. The time has come to leave.”

Xiao Mo offered a nod.

“The pressure on the borders is currently immense, and Qin has made complete preparations. That protracted war, which has spanned until this day, must now be concluded. I have come today to bid farewell to Your Majesty.”

Upon hearing Xiao Mo’s pronouncement, Qin Siyao’s lips parted as if to articulate further words, only to close slowly once more.

“I… I shall see you off,” Qin Siyao finally stated.

“Very well.” Xiao Mo offered a subtle smile, making no objection.

The pair proceeded side-by-side along the palace pathways, making their way toward the palace exit.

Qin Siyao intentionally set an extremely slow pace.

Xiao Mo, unhurried himself, simply adjusted his stride to match hers.

“Once this esteemed individual departs the capital today, Your Majesty may entrust the security of the four city gates to Black Big Ox, Xu Yongsheng, Xiao Gui, and Xiao Dahai. These four individuals possess unwavering loyalty to Your Majesty, allowing you to rest assured.”

Xiao Mo conveyed these final arrangements as he walked.

“Furthermore, I have arranged for Lian Li to remain in the imperial capital. Once Black Big Ox is assigned elsewhere from the Imperial Guard, Lian Li will be capable of leading the Imperial Guard. Should Your Majesty require assistance with any matters, she is available to consult.

“Prime Minister Li Ge, Baili Xi, and Jian Shu are all crucial pillars of the state. Their hearts beat only for Qin, and having received great favor from the late emperor, they will undoubtedly dedicate themselves to assisting Your Majesty.

“Within the Northern Wasteland, there exists an intelligence organization known as the Wasteland Tower.

“The tower master of the Wasteland Tower, Qiu Wen, has already made his way into the city.

“Operatives from the Wasteland Tower will aid Your Majesty in monitoring the court officials. Qiu Wen will provide daily reports to Your Majesty concerning the activities of certain ministers.

“During this period of great conflict, Your Majesty's utmost priority should be to stabilize the court. Regarding the friction between the new officials and the established nobility, Your Majesty may offer some mediation, but it is best not to exacerbate the situation.”

“I understand,” Qin Siyao replied, nodding.

“As for Mother, I shall personally persuade her to reside in the palace, so that I may attend to her closely. If she still refuses, then I will visit her frequently, and ensure Imperial Physicians remain at her residence. My Emperor Husband may be at ease.”

“With Your Majesty here, this humble subject feels at ease,” Xiao Mo stated with a smile.

“However…”

Xiao Mo paused and gazed at the one he cherished before him.

“Should this subject not return, Your Majesty need not fret. The affairs of the Northern Wasteland have already been meticulously arranged by this subject. When the opportune moment arrives—”

Before Xiao Mo could finish his sentence, Qin Siyao raised a delicate finger and gently placed it upon his lips.

Qin Siyao tilted her head up, her eyes fixed serenely on the man before her.

“There shall be no ‘if.’”

“There is no necessity for ‘when the time comes.’”

“My Emperor Husband need only remember…”

“I…”

“Will always be waiting for my Emperor Husband’s return.”