We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 413: So, Big Sister Can No Longer Cry
Previously on We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?...
Reality.
In the Zhou State’s imperial palace.
Within the Imperial Study, Xiao Mo’s eyes suddenly snapped open.
The midday sun cast its rays upon Xiao Mo’s form.
Xiao Mo placed a hand over his chest, gasping for air, one breath after another.
Due to the Book of a Hundred Lives, Xiao Mo’s memories had become indistinct.
Nevertheless, the sensation at the brink of death, so palpable it felt almost real, still left Xiao Mo with a lingering sense of dread.
“The fifth-life experience from the Book of a Hundred Lives has concluded. Rewards for the fifth life are currently being calculated. The host may access the River of Time while the reward tally is completed. Does the host wish to proceed?”
The voice of the Book of a Hundred Lives echoed once more within Xiao Mo’s mind.
“Enter!”
After regaining his composure, Xiao Mo made his decision without the slightest hesitation.
Even though Xiao Mo retained only fragmented recollections of the Book of a Hundred Lives’ fifth life,
a profound feeling within him suggested he could not simply let it go.
“The host is about to enter the River of Time. Please be ready.
Three.
Two.
One.”
The Imperial Study within the Qin imperial palace.
Xiahou Nan, Li Jing, Zhao Guang, Fang Weiming, and the assembled generals were all present to deliver their reports in person.
They had achieved a momentous victory. Should their deeds be etched into the annals of history, their names would undoubtedly be honored for countless generations.
Yet, a palpable lack of jubilation was evident on their countenances.
Once Qin Siyao had bestowed the accolades and rewards, all departed except for Xiahou Nan, who remained in the Imperial Study.
“Does General Xiahou have further matters to address?”
Qin Siyao inquired in a measured tone. Her voice carried no discernible inflection, betraying no hint of emotion, as if devoid of any color.
“Indeed, there are certain affairs.”
Xiahou Nan retrieved three items from a storage pouch.
“This Ten-Calamities Spear was the immortal weapon wielded by the Frost King. The mask is the one the Frost King consistently wore throughout the campaigns. As for this clay figurine, your subject is uncertain of its nature.
“However, even as the grand formation surged with lethal intent, the Frost King steadfastly protected this single object with his life.
“This item must have held immense significance for the Frost King.
“Now that the Frost King’s physical form is no more, save for the Ten-Calamities Spear, these items—the mask and the clay figurine—should have been interred with his remains.
“Yet, your subject believes that rather than being buried, these possessions ought to be presented to Your Majesty.”
Huasheng stepped forward, accepted the three relics from Xiahou Nan, and arranged them before Qin Siyao.
As her gaze fell upon the mask and the small clay figure upon the table, Qin Siyao’s eyes seemed to soften.
She reached out, lifting the clay figurine into her palm, and began to stroke it gently. Her pale fingertips quivered almost imperceptibly.
“Your Majesty, this figurine…?” Xiahou Nan inquired.
Qin Siyao offered a slight shake of her head. “It is merely an ordinary clay carving crafted by a young girl.”
Raising her eyes to meet Xiahou Nan’s, Qin Siyao continued, “General Xiahou must also be weary. You should return and rest.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. This general takes his leave.”
Xiahou Nan joined his fists in a respectful salute, uttered no further words, and exited the Imperial Study.
The door swung shut.
Alone in the Imperial Study, only the woman remained.
Gazing at the rather unrefined little clay figure, it was as if, within her mind’s eye, she revisited a scene from years gone by: a young girl standing before a young boy.
“This is for you.”
“For me?”
“Yes. This clay figure represents no one else but me. It is my gift to you. Whenever you find yourself missing me, simply look at this clay figure and silently speak my name. Perhaps I will sense you are thinking of me, and then I shall come to see you.”
“I see.”
The young boy accepted the figurine, a smile gracing his lips. “Then what if the princess does not come?”
“If I do not come, you will have lost nothing.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I, too, am thinking of you.”
By the time the woman regained her senses, tears were already falling, dappling the surface of the tiny clay figure.
“You big liar. Did you miss me?”
She tenderly brushed the figurine’s brow, a smile mingling with her tears.
“I miss you terribly.”
The following day, Qin Siyao made preparations to depart the palace for the Xiao Residence.
According to Qin customs, Qin Siyao was obligated to officiate her mother-in-law, Zhou Ruoxi’s, funeral.
However, at this juncture, certain officials submitted petitions, urging her to reconsider.
Given the demise of the Frost King and Qin Siyao’s non-yet-formalized status within the household, these officials contended that, under Qin legal statutes, the marriage engagement was rendered null and void.
They asserted that the responsibility for Zhou Ruoxi’s funeral rites, as well as the Frost King Xiao Mo’s, should fall upon the younger members of the Xiao family.
Upon hearing of these remonstrances, Baili Xi, the Chancellor, and his peers offered no verbal commentary in court. They merely uttered a sigh, remarking, “A pack of opportunistic scavengers.”
As anticipated, Qin Siyao completely disregarded their objections.
Indeed, within a span of two days, irrefutable evidence detailing the usual corruption and unlawful conduct of those very officials was presented before the court.
The officials who had remonstrated found themselves stripped of office, rank, or thrown into prison.
From that moment on, not a single court official dared to utter another word.
A few days later, Qin Siyao personally presided over her mother-in-law’s funeral.
On the day of the burial,
even though Cuicui was sixty years old, she wept as if she were a young girl.
“Aunt Cui, will you come live in the palace?” Qin Siyao inquired of Cuicui after the funeral concluded.
Cuicui shook her head. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s profound kindness, but this old woman is far advanced in years and will not trouble Your Majesty. After attending the Young Master’s funeral, this old servant will construct a small courtyard beside Madam’s grave to continue keeping Madam company.”
Upon hearing Cuicui’s words, Qin Siyao did not press the matter, merely nodding in silent understanding.
One month after Zhou Ruoxi’s burial came the funeral for Xiao Mo.
The day preceding Xiao Mo’s funeral, the formidable Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and the heavy-armored infantry of the Northern Wasteland Army arrived at the outskirts of the Qin imperial capital.
This arrival caused considerable alarm among many court officials, who suspected the Northern Wasteland Army harbored disloyal intentions.
However, Qin Siyao exhibited not the slightest concern.
On the solemn day of the funeral, Xiao Mo’s coffin was carefully carried from the Xiao Residence and conveyed towards the ancestral lands of the Xiao family.
Qin Siyao, clad in mourning attire with hempen cloth draped over her shoulders and a mourning band adorning her, held Xiao Mo’s memorial tablet and walked foremost in the procession.
The citizens of the city lined the roads in great numbers to bid farewell.
Numerous women observed the Frost King’s coffin, sobbing uncontrollably until they collapsed to the ground in grief.
As they departed the city,
Xiahou Nan, Lian Li, Li Jing, and the other generals, accompanied by the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and the heavy-armored infantry, stood in formation on either side of the city gates, forming an unbroken line that stretched all the way to the Xiao ancestral lands.
“Send off the Frost King!” Li Jing’s commanding voice echoed.
“Woooo—!”
As Li Jing’s words concluded, the resonant blast of a charge horn pierced the heavens.
Boom! Boom-boom!!!
The eyes of a million soldiers turned red as they struck their weapons against their armor, escorting the Frost King on his final journey.
Xiao Mo’s vacant tomb was prepared and buried alongside that of Zhou Ruoxi.
Upon Xiao Mo’s tombstone, one would find none of the lengthy strings of titles that adorned many a feudal lord. It simply read: “The tomb of my husband, Xiao Mo. Erected with tear-washed reverence by his wife, Qin Siyao.”
After Xiao Mo was laid to his eternal rest, all attendees dispersed. Only Qin Siyao remained, kneeling silently before the stone.
No one dared to disturb her solitude.
And no one could fathom the thoughts swirling within her mind.
Half a month later, before her husband’s tombstone, the woman slowly rose to her feet, turned, and proceeded back to the palace.
The Master of Huanglou from the Northern Wasteland arrived at the palace to convene with Qin Siyao.
Qiu Wen presented a letter and the official seal of the Northern Pacification King.
The letter itself had been penned by Xiao Mo and authenticated with a print of his finger-blood.
Its contents detailed Xiao Mo’s comprehensive arrangements for the Northern Wasteland.
The most crucial stipulation was a formal request for Your Majesty to revoke the title and military authority of the Northern Pacification King, ensuring that, from that day forward, the Northern Wasteland Army would operate under the direct command of the Qin ruler.
As she studied the letter, a final testament left behind, Qin Siyao lapsed into deep contemplation for an extended period.
“Your Majesty need not harbor any worries,” Qiu Wen stated, sensing Qin Siyao's apprehension that such an action might incite rebellion within the Northern Wasteland Army and precipitate unrest within Qin.
“Currently, military affairs are capably overseen by Li Jing, Zhao Guang, Fang Weiming, and the others. Not one of them harbors any inclination toward rebellion. They were all steadfastly loyal to the Frost King.
“Now that the Frost King has tragically passed, their allegiance rests with Your Majesty as well.
“What they most fervently desire to prevent is the realm fracturing once more, rendering the immense efforts and bloodshed of the Northern Pacification King, the Frost King, and millions of soldiers to have been in vain.
“Therefore, regarding the Frost King’s final wishes, they harbor no objections whatsoever.
“As for the current descendants of the Xiao Residence,
the only individuals possessing any true promise are Xiao Yang, Xiao Gui, and a select few others who accompanied the Frost King on his military campaigns.
Their sole aspiration is to safeguard the realm that the Frost King so painstakingly forged in the end.”
Qin Siyao gently shook her head. “My concerns do not lie there. I have never harbored worries concerning that.”
“Then what is Your Majesty’s meaning?” Qiu Wen inquired, a note of confusion in her voice.
“No matter the circumstance, no matter what transpires, he is invariably considering my well-being.”
Qin Siyao lifted her gaze and met Qiu Wen’s eyes. “Miss Qiu, when my husband was in your company, did he ever ask of you any personal favors, anything for himself?”
Qiu Wen pondered carefully, then shook her head in response.
“As I suspected.”
Qin Siyao lowered her head, her eyes fixed upon the seal of the Northern Pacification King.
“He is consistently this way.”
“He is always like this.”
Three days after, Qin Siyao officially revealed Xiao Mo’s final wishes to the entire realm. The Frost King’s title was rescinded, and the Northern Wasteland Army was brought under the direct administration of the Qin ruler. It was widely expected that this decree from Her Majesty would incite unrest among the generals of the Northern Wasteland, even with the Frost King’s testament in hand. However, to everyone’s surprise, the Northern Wasteland generals readily complied, surrendering their military authority without a hitch. Some seasoned generals, weary of endless conflict, chose to resign their posts, seeking solace in seclusion among the mountains as wanderers. Others, however, integrated into the imperial capital of Qin, assuming various positions within the court. Regardless of their choices, the transition of military command in the Northern Wasteland concluded flawlessly. Furthermore, it was half a year following the subjugation of the Qi State that the new King of Zhao personally journeyed to the capital to pledge allegiance to Qin. Qin Siyao accepted his submission, bestowing upon him the title of Duke of Peace and Pleasure. This title granted him no actual power or governmental role, but an annual stipend was assured until his passing. From that moment onwards, the Zhao State ceased to exist, and the world of myriad arts was finally unified under a single banner. As spring arrived the following year, Qin Siyao enacted the Qin Code. From this point in history, the world of myriad arts would witness the end of all feudal states. The territories once known as Qi, Zhao, Chu, Yan, Wei, Jin, and numerous other smaller principalities were reorganized into provinces. Below the provinces, commanderies were established, and beneath them, counties. For written communication across the land, the Qin script was mandated as the standard. For spoken language throughout the realm, Qin pronunciation was declared the correct form. For transportation by carriage and horse, Qin’s standardized measurements would be strictly adhered to. Henceforth, a single script, a single vehicle track, a single spoken language. The populace [N O V E L I G H T] of the realm would no longer be defined by their former state affiliations. All were now Qin people. From this new era, the esteemed titles of prominent clans and noble houses could only be perpetuated with the explicit approval of the emperor. Regarding the selection of officials, while recommendations would be considered, the civil examination system would be the primary pathway. This civil examination system was to be implemented universally, recognizing six primary schools of thought: Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, Militarism, Agriculture, and Mohism. From this day forward, under the prosperous reign of Qin, the elderly would be cared for until their end, the able-bodied would contribute their strength, the young would be nurtured to adulthood, and the widowed, orphaned, solitary, disabled, and infirm would all receive support. The realm was finally at peace. In the span of a blink, two decades elapsed. After an extended period of recuperation and consolidation, Qin Siyao personally led her forces into the dominion of the demon race. “I have arrived to seek retribution from the Flowing-Flame State and the Creek-Valley State. Should any dare impede my advance, they shall face the consequences.” Qin Siyao’s formidable declaration resonated throughout the entirety of the demon race’s world. Subsequently, Qin Siyao directed her army, subjugating the Flowing-Flame State and the Creek-Valley State, two prominent demon realms. Throughout this entire campaign, the Qin army remained undefeated. From start to finish, among the hundreds of demon realms, none dared to intervene, merely observing from the periphery. Not a single entity dared to obstruct her path. The following year, Qin Siyao piloted her forces aboard flying vessels, traversing the sea to breach the shores of the Ten-Thousand Islands State. The ruler of the Ten-Thousand Islands State immediately sued for submission. Qin Siyao rejected the plea, ordered the execution of the entire royal lineage of the Ten-Thousand Islands, and formally annexed the state into Qin territory, establishing provinces and prefectures under Qin’s governance. Another fifteen years passed. Following Qin Siyao’s conquest of the Creek-Valley State, Flowing-Flame State, and Ten-Thousand Islands State, a prolonged era of peace descended upon the realm. Millions upon millions of people lauded the Qin Emperor as a wise and benevolent ruler. Yet, one persistent concern weighed heavily on the court. It was the matter of Her Majesty’s marital status. Throughout these years, the imperial palace had remained exclusively under Her Majesty’s solitary presence. Since the demise of Xiao Mo, Her Majesty had adhered to a life of widowhood. But this situation was untenable for the stability of the realm. Even with Her Majesty achieving the Jade-Polished Realm of cultivation, bestowing a lifespan of a thousand years, the succession, symbolized by a crown prince, was the very foundation of the realm. How could such a vital element be absent? Consequently, certain high-ranking officials took it upon themselves to submit memorials, earnestly urging Her Majesty to consider marriage. However, without exception, these earnest petitions were met with utter silence from Qin Siyao. In the end, the remonstrating censors could only relinquish their efforts, holding onto the hope that Her Majesty might eventually reconsider her stance. Another six years elapsed. On a particular day, Qin Siyao made a sudden proclamation, announcing her intention to adopt an heir to the throne. This decree mandated that all imperial relatives present children between the ages of three and eight for consideration. Upon hearing this, the imperial relatives, without hesitation, readily agreed to the arrangement.Children from the Qin royal family's collateral branches were successively presented before the palace.
However, Qin Siyao found none of them to her liking.
This continued until a certain day.
Another offering arrived from a collateral branch: ten more children.
As was the custom, Qin Siyao summoned these youngsters to the Imperial Study for a personal audience.
Upon their entrance and seeing Qin Siyao, all the children promptly lowered their heads, overcome by apprehension and nervousness, avoiding her gaze.
Yet, a solitary six-year-old girl lifted her small face, her innocent eyes fixated on the stunningly beautiful sovereign before her.
Qin Siyao's attention was drawn to the little one. She knelt before the child and offered a smile.
“What is your name, little one?”
“Esteemed Big Sister Sovereign, I… my name is Qin Lan’er.”
“Lan’er. A truly lovely name,” Qin Siyao affirmed.
She nodded. “And who are your parents?”
“I… I lost my parents when I was quite young,” Qin Lan’er replied, her head dropping. “I have resided with my uncle ever since.”
“I understand.”
Qin Siyao gently patted the girl’s head. “Are you not frightened of me?”
The young girl first nodded, then quickly shook her head.
Qin Siyao let out a soft chuckle. “So, are you afraid, or are you not?”
“I am not afraid,” the little girl stated with conviction.
“And why is that?” Qin Siyao inquired further.
“Because Lan’er can sense that Big Sister Sovereign is a kind person.”
“Lan’er can perceive such things?” Qin Siyao asked, her tone soft. “Then what else can Lan’er discern about your big sister?”
“Lan’er can also tell… Big Sister Sovereign appears very sorrowful,” Qin Lan’er responded in her childlike voice.
Qin Siyao paused momentarily upon hearing this, a slight stiffness in her posture, before she smiled again.
“And why does Lan’er believe that?”
“I am unsure.”
The little girl shook her head. “Lan’er simply feels that Big Sister Sovereign carries great sadness.”
As she spoke, the small girl raised her head once more.
“Big Sister Sovereign, if you are feeling sad, you should allow yourself to cry. After crying, you will surely feel much better.”
“Big sister cannot cry,” Qin Siyao replied with a smile.
“But why can’t big sister cry?” the little girl curiously tilted her head.
“Because big sister’s mother once advised that a woman’s tears are exclusively for the one who holds her heart, ensuring that person feels her pain.”
Qin Siyao smoothly stroked the girl’s hair.
“Therefore, big sister…”
“…can no longer shed tears.”
The end of the chapter.