We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 348: Xiao Mo, What Do You Think?

After the Northern Frontier armyʼs main force joined the battlefield, the situation was instantly reversed.

Not to mention that the Northern Frontier army arriving at Yanmen Pass meant that all eleven southern cities had fallen.

For the Zhei Kingdom army, this was absolutely unacceptable, and morale scattered beyond measure.

”Retreat!”

Even though Guo Xin had risen through connections, he knew that nothing could be accomplished now and decisively ordered a retreat.

Xiao Shi personally led the army in pursuit for twenty li before returning triumphantly to the city.

After the Northern Frontierʼs great victory, Xiao Shi ordered a search and rescue of soldiers on the battlefield.

Anyone still breathing must be treated with full effort.

Inside Yanmen Pass, with the arrival of the Northern Frontier armyʼs main force, provisions had also been delivered.

Xiao Shi ordered the distribution of grain. Every household could eat their fill again.
Moreover, the Northern Frontier army also kept their previous promise. The wealthy merchants whose grain had been requisitioned all received compensation in silver or grain.

As for Yanmen Passʼs city protection formation, formation masters were already rushing repairs, even planning to strengthen it.

The Northern Frontier armyʼs upper echelon jointly decided to devote all resources to fortifying Yanmen Pass into an iron barrel, making it truly a place easy to defend and difficult to attack.

When the Northern Frontier army continued its campaign, if things went unfavorably, they could also defend Yanmen Pass.

Three days later, the casualty count for all Northern Frontier army soldiers who defended Yanmen Pass was completed.

Of the ten thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry that Xiao Mo originally brought out, only four hundred twenty cavalry remained.

As for infantry, counting the surrendered soldiers Xiao Mo had recruited and the men conscripted in Yanmen Pass, there were a total of sixty thousand but after the great battle, those who survived in the end, including soldiers pulled from piles of corpses on the battlefield, numbered only two thousand seven hundred twenty.

According to Qin Kingdom military law, if soldiersʼ bodies could be found, they would be sent back to their hometowns.

If they couldnʼt be found, belongings would be collected and sent back to their families.

The Qin Kingdom would also provide each household with sufficient pensions. Their future lives would have various condolences and conveniences, ensuring families had no worries.

At Xiao Moʼs request, all the fallen soldiers would also have tombstones erected on a mountain in Yanmen Pass, with their names carved on them to commemorate their achievements.

Five days later, the tombstones were completed.

Xiao Mo and all the surviving soldiers stood at the base of the mountain, holding wine bowls, sending their comradesʼ heroic souls to heaven.

After the matters following the great battle at Yanmen Pass were handled, came the rewarding of soldiers because Xiao Mo was already a prince, Xiao Shi could only write down Xiao Moʼs merits and send them to the court, waiting to return to court for His Majesty to bestow rewards, so Xiao Mo remained as before.

But after this battle, Xiao Moʼs prestige in the Northern Frontier army was not much different from veteran generals like Fang Weiming and Zhang Kui.

Xiao Shi also made a grand gesture, entrusting fifty thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and two hundred thousand Northern Frontier infantry to Xiao Mo.

Xiao Shi even specially ordered the crafting of fifty thousand masks like Xiao Moʼs, indicating that the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry under Xiao Mo could all fight with covered faces like Xiao Mo.

This move seemed like nothing much but to generals like Fang Weiming, they knew His Highness had completely recognized Xiao Moʼs abilities and was already planning to cultivate Xiao Mo as a true successor.

And the fifty thousand cavalry under Xiao Mo being able to cover their faces meant distinguishing them from other Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, giving them the nature of becoming Xiao Moʼs private army.

As for those soldiers who defended the city.

Ordinary soldiers all received official positions or monetary rewards according to their performance, and all had great merits recorded for priority consideration in future promotions.

Mid-level officers all rose one rank in the Northern Frontier army. People like Xiao Gui and Sheng Xia were promoted to commanders of a thousand.

The merits of high-ranking officers like Zhao Guang and Li Jing also needed to be determined by the Qin Kingdom’s ruler, but after this battle, Li Jing and others being enfeoffed was a certainty. However, the final title specifications would depend on their performance in the subsequent campaign against the Zhei Kingdom.

All the soldiers who originally defended the city continued to follow Xiao Mo. They were all willing to continue following this general who had faced life and death with them.

During these days while the army rested and reorganized, Xiao Mo also learned roughly what had happened with the eleven southern cities.

The Mati City that Xiao Mo had captured was defended to the death by the Northern Frontier army, refusing to let it go no matter what.

The Northern Frontier army tried to gradually expand their advantage from this breach but how could Xiahou Nan not know what Xiao Shi was thinking?

Xiahou Nanʼs various responses to Mati City were timely and accurate. However, when the Northern Frontier army and the southern territory were in a stalemate, an accident occurred.

The Luoxia City lordʼs wifeʼs affair with the deputy city lord was discovered by the Luoxia City lord.

The deputy city lord killed the Luoxia City lord, then surrendered with Luoxia City.

Luoxia City was lost so abruptly that Xiahou Nan didnʼt even react, and the Northern Frontier army immediately used Luoxia City as a new breach to break the deadlock.

Finally, Xiahou Nan truly couldnʼt hold on anymore. Knowing nothing could be done, he could only lead his army to fight their way out horizontally from the border between Qin Kingdomʼs Northern Frontier and Zhei Kingdomʼs southern territory.

Because time was tight, Xiao Shi didnʼt pursue further and quickly led the army to support Yanmen Pass.

Although they didnʼt kill the great threat Xiahou Nan, which was somewhat regrettable, the Zhei Kingdomʼs southern territory completely falling was like having a large piece of flesh cut from the Zhei Kingdom. Moreover, this wound would never heal and would continue bleeding!

”Itʼs decided then. Ten days from now, we attack Yuetong Pass. After capturing it, weʼll divide the army into five routes and march toward the Zhei Kingdom capital.”

In the city lordʼs manor hall at Yanmen Pass, after Xiao Shi and generals like Xiao Mo discussed, they formulated the following strategy and planned to let the army rest for another ten days.

”Yes.”

Xiao Mo and others bowed and withdrew one after another.

Just when Xiao Mo walked back to his courtyard, he stopped walking as if sensing something.

Turning around, he saw Lian Li standing before him.

”Miss Lian has been quite leisurely lately.” Xiao Mo looked at the woman before him and asked.

Previously, Xiao Mo had released Lian Li, but Lian Li didnʼt immediately leave.

After the Northern Frontier armyʼs main force came to Yanmen Pass, Xiao Mo also didnʼt revoke his previous decision and still permitted Lian Li to leave, but Lian Li still didnʼt go and instead chose to stay in the city. However, Xiao Mo didnʼt concern himself with her.

After all, during the previous great battle, Lian Li, this prisoner, inexplicably appeared on the city walls and was certainly seen by the Zhei army.

If Lian Li returned to the Zhei Kingdom, she would definitely be suspected.

Moreover, someone needed to take the blame for this great battle. Lian Li was the first to lose a city. Even if she wasnʼt suspected, she would probably be pushed forward as a scapegoat.

So in Xiao Moʼs view, if Lian Li returned to the Zhei Kingdom and could stay alive, that would already be good, let alone command troops again.

Lian Li naturally also knew all this in her heart.

”Quite leisurely indeed.” Lian Li nodded. ”Before, when I was your prisoner, every day in the cell felt alright. Now that youʼve released me, I donʼt know what to do.”

”What? Does General Lian still want to continue staying in the dungeon?” Xiao Mo joked.

Lian Li tilted her head, then stepped forward and held out both hands, ”Seems like thatʼs not impossible either. How about you shackle me again?”

Xiao Mo shook his head, ”Shackling isnʼt necessary. If General Lian agrees to join our Qin Kingdom, she could surely accomplish much.”

Lian Li lowered her hands, ”Although the Zhei Kingdom ruler is incompetent and tyrannical, no matter what, the Zhei Kingdom is still the country that bore and raised me. I have no way to lead troops to attack my own homeland.”

”Then go find my master and learn some spear techniques from him.” Xiao Mo said.

”The Spear Immortal Huangʼs lineage has always only taken one disciple. Since you havenʼt died, thereʼs no use in me going.”

”When did General Lian become so troublesome?”

”Your Qin Kingdom has an old saying that women and children are the most troublesome.” Lian Li looked directly at Xiao Mo. ”General Xiao seems to have forgotten that I am originally a woman.”

”...” Xiao Mo was momentarily speechless.

”However...” Lian Li changed the subject. ”These days, in the city and town, Iʼve also had some ideas. Today I came to bid farewell to General Xiao.”

”Where is Miss going?” Xiao Mo asked curiously.

”To travel among the various kingdoms.” Lian Li looked directly into Xiao Moʼs eyes. ”I want to see what this world is really like.”

”Thatʼs good.” Xiao Mo bowed with clasped fists. ”Miss, take care.”

”Take care.” Lian Li took one last look at Xiao Mo, turned and left.

”Oh right.” Just when Lian Li was about to leave the courtyard, she stopped, turned around again and said, ”That Qin Kingdom princess you mentioned to me before is indeed beautiful.”

As her words fell, Lian Li disappeared into the night.

Xiao Mo shook his head, turned around and said to a large tree, ”Come out. She just praised you for being beautiful.”

After a moment, Qin Siyao, wearing a white long dress, walked out from behind the tree. The young girl turned her head away, hands behind her back, pouting, ”Who wants her praise! I donʼt care!”

”Then what does Her Highness the Princess care about?” Xiao Mo smiled.

”I care about you.” The young girl moved her long legs beneath her skirt and walked before Xiao Mo, her eyes curved. ”Speaking of which, this Miss Lian is quite beautiful too. Xiao Mo, donʼt you think so?”

”Not as beautiful as Her Highness the Princess.” Xiao Mo answered.

”Really? But these past days, how come I heard that you and General Lian were kindred spirits, even exchanging martial arts below Mati City and gradually developing feelings?” Qin Siyaoʼs beautiful eyes blinked as she looked at Xiao Mo.

”Thatʼs all false. At that time, I was merely using a stratagem to try to capture Mati City, attempting to sow discord between the Zhei Kingdom court and the southern territory.”

Xiao Mo knew Siyao would hear about this matter. Fortunately, he had prepared his wording long ago.

”However, this Lian Li is indeed excellent in martial arts and also good at military campaigns. I originally thought that if she didnʼt surrender, Iʼd send her to your side and let you deal with her.”

”Really?” Qin Siyao looked at Xiao Mo half-believing.

”Really.”

”Actually Xiao Mo, Iʼm not a petty woman. If you want to marry her as a concubine, I would also agree.” Qin Siyao said understandingly.

”She and I are truly innocent.” Xiao Mo smiled. ”When have I ever lied to you?”

”Alright then...” Qin Siyao turned her little head away, the corners of her mouth revealing a happy smile. ”I gave you a chance. You canʼt say Iʼm jealous...”

”Naturally.” How could Xiao Mo not know this girl was just fishing?

If he had agreed just now, heʼd probably need to coax her for a long time.

”Speaking of which, itʼs so late. Siyao, why arenʼt you sleeping yet?” Xiao Mo changed the subject.

”I canʼt sleep.” Qin Siyao lowered her little head. ”Sister Huasheng said she has to take me back the day after tomorrow. Thinking about returning to the imperial capital the day after tomorrow, I wanted to see you. Just now I went to your courtyard to find you, discovered you werenʼt there, and guessed you should be in the hall discussing military matters.”

”Sorry, Iʼve indeed been quite busy lately.” Xiao Mo thought for a moment and said to Qin Siyao, ”Does Siyao want to visit the army? Tonight Li Jing and the others should be having a gathering. They invited me this afternoon.”

”Is that okay?” Qin Siyao said expectantly.

”These days the soldiers are all resting and reorganizing, so naturally thereʼs no problem.” Xiao Mo rubbed her head. ”Letʼs go.”

”Mm.”

Qin Siyao happily followed beside Xiao Mo.

Before long, Xiao Mo brought Qin Siyao to the military camp.

Over a dozen officers including Li Jing, Zhao Guang, and Xiao Gui were sitting in a circle around a bonfire, drinking wine.

”Still drinking?” Xiao Mo walked forward with Qin Siyao.

”General!”

”General!”

”General, youʼve finally come. Quickly have a drink with us.”

”Her Highness the Princess has come too.”

Seeing Xiao Mo arrive, Li Jing and the others all showed happy expressions and quickly made space for two seats for Xiao Mo and Her Highness the Princess.

”Quick, quick, stop drinking.” Zhao Guang kicked Yu Guang beside him. ”Whereʼs a stool? Quickly get a stool for Her Highness the Princess.”

”Ah? Oh? Iʼll go look in the tent...” Yu Guang quickly put down the wine jar and climbed up from the ground.

”No need, no need, itʼs not necessary.” Qin Siyao waved her hand.

”Her Highness the Princess, we rough men all sit on the ground. This ground is full of dust and would dirty your dress.” Yu Guang said.

”So what?” Qin Siyao looked at Xiao Mo beside her. ”Wherever he sits, I sit.”

”This...” Yu Guang glanced at Xiao Mo.

Xiao Mo smiled, ”If the Princess says itʼs not needed, then itʼs not needed. Drink your drinks.”

”Alright then.”

Yu Guang sat on the ground again. Since the General said so, he wouldnʼt go look for a stool.

After Xiao Mo sat on the ground, Qin Siyao brushed her skirt, not minding at all if her skirt hem got stained with dust, and sat beside Xiao Mo.

Qin Siyao sat close to Xiao Mo, listening to him talk and laugh with the Northern Frontier army officers, listening to them discuss matters about the two armies fighting.

Although Qin Siyao didnʼt understand, she felt that Xiao Moʼs spirited appearance looked even better than usual.

Moreover, Qin Siyao could also feel that these officers truly admired Xiao Mo from the bottom of their hearts.

”Her Highness the Princess, would you like to try our Northern Frontierʼs Sangluo wine?”

After Xiao Mo drank several rounds with the officers, an officer named Hong Hai asked with a smile.

”Her Highness the Princess really should taste it. Our Northern Frontierʼs Sangluo wine is quite famous.” Other officers joined in. ”In our Northern Frontier, both men and women drink Sangluo wine. As the Frost Princeʼs consort, how can Her Highness the Princess not drink Sangluo wine?”

”Then I... Iʼll try some?” Qin Siyao asked Xiao Mo.

”Siyao, this Sangluo wine isnʼt ordinary rice wine. It can intoxicate even Foundation Building realm cultivators, let alone you who normally doesnʼt drink alcohol.” Xiao Mo shook his head.

”Itʼs fine! Iʼll just drink one sip...”

Qin Siyao took Xiao Moʼs wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

”Cough, cough, cough.”

The fiery Sangluo wine burned down her throat, and the young girl couldnʼt help but cough several times.

”Are you alright? I told you not to be stubborn.” Xiao Mo took back the wine cup. ”And you all, why are you stirring things up?”

”Hehehe...” The officers scratched the backs of their heads, somewhat embarrassed.

They were just joking around. They didnʼt expect Her Highness the Princess would actually drink it...

”Iʼm fine...” Qin Siyao shook her head. ”But Xiao Mo, why do you have two heads?”

”...” Xiao Mo smiled helplessly. ”Because youʼre drunk.”

Qin Siyao puffed out her tender pink cheeks, her watery big eyes looking at Xiao Mo unsteadily, ”Iʼm not drunk!”

”Alright, not drunk.” Without waiting for Qin Siyao to agree, Xiao Mo directly carried her horizontally in his arms. ”You all continue drinking. Iʼm taking Her Highness the Princess back.”

”Alright, General.”

”General, take care.”

Everyone stood to see them off.

Xiao Mo carried Qin Siyao out of the military camp and back to the city lordʼs manor.

Just when Xiao Mo was about to send Qin Siyao back to her courtyard.

Qin Siyao, leaning against Xiao Moʼs chest, extended a fair and tender finger, gently poking Xiao Moʼs heart, softly calling, ”Xiao Mo...”

”Mm?” Xiao Mo responded.

”They... they called me Frost Princeʼs consort...” The young girl, face flushed, said softly.

”These fellows speak without restraint. Donʼt take it to heart. Tomorrow Iʼll punish them.”

”Itʼs fine...”

In Xiao Moʼs embrace, the young girl raised her beautiful face to look at her beloved. Those crystalline eyes seemed even gentler than this moonlight.

”I think the title ʼFrost Princeʼs consortʼ sounds better than ʼHer Highness the Princess.ʼ”

“Xiao Mo, What do you think?”