We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 412: This Is Good. This Is Good…
Previously on We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?...
In the heart of Qi State’s imperial capital, the formidable army of Qin has made its entry.
Strictly adhering to the military directives laid down by Xiao Mo, Qin’s soldiers are expressly forbidden from causing any disturbance to the common populace. Any transgression of this rule is met with severe repercussions.
Upon breaching the imperial palace, Qin’s forces systematically eliminated every member of Qi’s royal lineage, ensuring none survived.
Command of the Qin army in this conquered territory now rests with Xiahou Nan and Fang Weiming.
Much like Xiao Mo had done previously, the pair diligently organized and cataloged Qi’s detailed geographical surveys of mountains and rivers, the official census records, and the comprehensive lists of its officials. These vital documents were then promptly dispatched back to the Qin imperial palace.
With these administrative tasks concluded, Xiahou Nan and Fang Weiming proceeded to establish the defensive arrangements for the city. They appointed Ma Jinpeng and Su Lei, alongside several distinguished generals from the Northern Wasteland, to oversee the garrison of Qi’s former capital.
Seven days had passed since the fall of Qi.
Xiahou Nan, clutching a long spear and a simple clay figurine, emerged from the city of Qi.
The spear in his hand was the legendary Ten-Calamities Spear.
With its former master now deceased, the divine-soul imprint that once resided within the Ten-Calamities Spear had faded.
Yet, the weapon still emitted faint tremors intermittently, a silent testament to the memory of its departed wielder and perhaps, a form of grief.
The small clay figurine, far from being a mystical artifact, was merely an ordinary carved piece of clay.
Nevertheless, this humble object was precisely what the Frost King had protected with his very life until his final moments.
Xiahou Nan remained unaware of the figurine's specific significance, but he understood its profound and irreplaceable value to the Frost King.
After departing the imperial capital of Qi,
beyond the city’s main gate, a multitude of one million Qin soldiers stood in formation, each adorned with white cloth tied around their heads.
Tears welled in every soldier’s eyes, yet they stood resolute, their weapons held firm.
“General.”
Xiahou Nan gazed at the mementos he carried. Despite having faced countless trials and losses in life and death, his own eyes welled up with emotion at this moment.
“The prolonged war has concluded.
We—
are heading home!”
...
Two months later…
“The Qin army returns victorious!”
“Our brave Qin soldiers are back!”
“Quick, hurry! Go see them!”
“If you don’t go now, you won’t find a decent spot.”
“The Qin army has returned? Truly wonderful—I can finally see the Frost King again.”
“What’s the point of seeing him? This time, the Frost King is actually going to marry His Majesty.”
“So what? I still admire the Frost King. If you have the courage, don’t go watch.”
“Wait for me—I want to go see the Frost King too…”
On this momentous day, as the grand Qin army approached its return to the imperial capital, the news rippled outwards, spreading from one person to ten, then to a hundred, swiftly reaching every corner of the city.
Echoing the celebrations of every previous triumphant return, the citizens lined the streets on both sides, eager to welcome their victorious soldiers.
The gates of the imperial city were opened, and the army proceeded into its heart.
Numerous women craned their necks, their gazes searching for any sign of the Frost King.
However, their long wait yielded no glimpse of him.
All they could see were Qin soldiers, their heads bound with white cloth, their expressions etched with solemnity.
And leading the procession, soldiers bore a coffin.
Methodically, they advanced.
...
Within the secluded back courtyard of the Xiao Residence, Qin Siyao sat vigil beside her mother-in-law’s bedside. A bowl of medicine rested in her hands, which she carefully administered to her ailing mother-in-law, sip by sip.
Earlier that day, just as dawn began to break, Qin Siyao had arrived at the Xiao Residence.
This was prompted by a message from the imperial physician attending Zhou Ruoxi, who had urgently instructed Cuicui to inform His Majesty:
Madam Zhou might not survive the day.
After completing the medicinal feeding, Qin Siyao gently set the bowl aside. She produced a handkerchief and delicately wiped away the remnants of the medicine from her mother-in-law’s lips.
“Siyao, during these past days… you have truly dedicated yourself. You’ve worked so hard.”
Zhou Ruoxi offered a weak smile to her daughter-in-law.
Despite her advanced age and completely white hair, this madam maintained an air of gentle grace, consistent from beginning to end.
“Mother, this is my duty. I am not tired.”
Sensing the fading life-flame of her mother-in-law, Qin Siyao couldn’t help but lower her head, her small hands clenching.
Zhou Ruoxi reached out, gently stroking Qin Siyao’s hair. With a soft smile, she spoke,
“Silly child, do not wear a frown all day. Everyone has their own destiny. There is no need to struggle against it.
“Moreover, I have lived a very, very fulfilling life.
“The two greatest joys in my life were, firstly, having Mo’er as my child, and secondly, gaining you as my daughter-in-law.
“After I am gone, you two must strive to live well.
“Mother understands that husbands and wives inevitably face disagreements. What couple in this world never quarrels?”
“But you know how couples are; they bicker and make up. And you—you shouldn't hold that dullard Mo’er against him.
“Leave him be for a couple of days, and he'll realize he was in the wrong.”
“Mother, I understand…” Qin Siyao’s eyes became moist as she offered a smile. “Don’t worry. I will live well with my husband, and I certainly won’t cause you any anxiety.”
“Mmm… that’s good… that’s good… As long as the two of you are content, that surpasses everything…”
As she spoke, Zhou Ruoxi felt her eyelids growing heavier and heavier, her breathing becoming weaker and weaker.
Zhou Ruoxi longed to drift off to sleep.
Yet, she was also aware that if she slept this time, she would never awaken again.
“Siyao… Mother seems to hear a lively commotion outside. Has something transpired?”
Zhou Ruoxi attempted to rouse herself further, asking Siyao.
Qin Siyao glanced through the window towards the street, separated by mere walls. Hearing the distant hubbub, her voice trembled with unshed tears.
“Mother, my husband… he has returned.”
“Mo’er is back… that is wonderful news…”
Zhou Ruoxi’s consciousness grew increasingly indistinct, her voice fading, as if she were murmuring in a dream.
“After this great war, Mo’er… he won’t have to venture out to battle anymore, will he? He can remain in the imperial capital for a longer duration, can’t he…”
“Mmm… Mother, once my husband returns… after his return, he won’t need to leave again. The world will cease its warring. All is concluded…”
As Qin Siyao spoke, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
“From this moment onward, my husband and I can remain by your side perpetually.
“We will be wed soon. My husband desires three or perhaps four children. When they mature, they will all address you as Grandmother…”
“How splendid… how truly splendid…”
The corners of Zhou Ruoxi’s lips curved upward slightly, her pupils gradually dilating.
Her gaze shifted away from Qin Siyao, towards the space behind her daughter, and she inquired,
“Eh? Siyao, look—has Mo’er come to visit me…? My eyes… I can’t quite make out clearly…”
Qin Siyao turned around.
Behind her lay an empty courtyard. Not a soul was present.
“Yes, Mother.” Qin Siyao hastily wiped the tears from her eyes, forcing a smile through her weeping. “Your husband has come to see you… your husband is back…”
“It is good that he is back… good that he is back…”
Zhou Ruoxi slowly lowered her eyelids.
Within the encroaching darkness, Zhou Ruoxi’s vision seemed to regain clarity.
Zhou Ruoxi was transported back, once more, to that unforgettable winter night.
On that particular day, her child entered the world.
On that day, her life was painted with vibrant hues, stroke by careful stroke, by her child’s tiny hands.
Her child’s initial cry—her own flustered, unprepared state.
Her child’s first smile—her own overwhelming joy.
Her child’s first babbling sounds—her own pure delight.
Her child’s first tentative steps—her own gnawing worry.
Her child’s first steps in the snow—her own piercing heartache.
The first birthday celebration… her own eager anticipation...
“Mo’er, this is Mother’s gift to you for your first year.”
Zhou Ruoxi gently placed a peace-jade amulet around the child’s neck.
“Mother does not concern herself with the future accomplishments you may achieve.
“Mother solely wishes that Mo’er, in the times to come…”
...
“Mother, what were you saying?”
Observing Zhou Ruoxi’s lips tremble faintly, Qin Siyao hastened to lean in closer.
“Year after year… year after year…”
“Year after…”
“Safe…”
