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

Chapter 365: Husband

”Second Brother, Iʼve come to see you. I made some new dishes. Come and taste them quickly...”

In the back courtyard of Second Prince Qin Jingyuanʼs residence, Qin Siyao called out happily.

”Greetings to the Frost Prince, greetings to Princess.”

Second Princeʼs consort Ji Yue, upon seeing the Frost Prince couple arrive, quickly put down the pruning shears for trimming flowers and plants and came forward to receive them.

”Greetings, Sister-in-law.” Xiao Mo bowed in salute.

”Sister-in-law, please donʼt call me Princess anymore. You and my brother will be married next year. Sister-in-law, just call me Siyao.” Qin Siyao pulled Ji Yueʼs fair wrist and said intimately.

Although Qin Siyao had only met this Jin Kingdom princess once, she and Ji Yue had hit it off immediately and liked her very much.

”Alright, Sister Siyao.” Ji Yueʼs eyes curved in a smile, and she didnʼt refuse.

”By the way, Sister-in-law, whereʼs my brother? Where did he go?” Qin Siyao asked curiously.

”Husband went out for some matters, but he should be back soon. If Siyao isnʼt in a hurry, you can have some tea first.” Ji Yue responded.
”Of course weʼre not in a hurry. Weʼll wait for Second Brother to return.” Qin Siyao set down the gifts.

”Then Frost Prince, Siyao, please have a seat.”

Ji Yue invited the two to sit down, then personally prepared the stove and boiled water to make tea.

Watching Ji Yueʼs every movement, Xiao Mo could only say she was truly worthy of being Jin Kingdomʼs Eldest Princess.

Her every tea-making movement was a pleasure to watch, displaying complete dignity and grace.

Qin Siyao chatted with Ji Yue about some Qin Kingdom customs and some matters from when the Second Prince was young.

Ji Yue listened attentively, nodding and responding from time to time.

When hearing interesting parts, Ji Yue would also occasionally cover her mouth and laugh lightly, asking, ”And then what?”

Xiao Mo sat to the side drinking tea on his own, not disturbing the two. However, Xiao Mo discovered that this Jin Kingdom princess didnʼt seem that averse to the marriage arrangement.

After all, Jin Kingdom was a great nation, not weaker in strength than Qin Kingdom.

And this princess was Jin Kingdomʼs Eldest Princess, surely deeply beloved.

Xiao Mo had thought that with this political marriage between two nations, this Jin Kingdom princess would have some objections more or less but this Eldest Princess seemed to have completely accepted this marriage arrangement, even wanting to learn more about her future husband. Her eyes were full of pure sincerity.

Setting aside other matters, if this Eldest Princess wasnʼt putting on an act, then the Second Prince had truly encountered a good match.

About one incense stickʼs worth of time later, footsteps came from outside the courtyard. Second Prince Qin Jingyuan walked in carrying a wine jar.

Seeing his younger sister and brother-in-law, Qin Jingyuan froze for a moment and quickly dispersed the alcohol vapors.

”Second Brother, where did you go? Why is your whole body reeking of alcohol?”

Seeing her brotherʼs drunken appearance, Qin Siyao furrowed her brow.

”Hahaha, where could I go? I attended a poetry banquet. It was hard to refuse their hospitality, so I drank a bit more.” Qin Jingyuan said with a laugh, ”Siyao, why did you all come?”

”Isnʼt the New Year approaching? Iʼm bringing you some New Year goods from the Northern Frontier. Oh, and also dishes I made myself. Come taste them quickly.”

When saying that last sentence, Qin Siyaoʼs eyes brightened.

”Alright, then Iʼll taste them.”

Qin Jingyuan nodded and sat on the stone stool.

At this time, Ji Yue had already brought out a new outer garment from the room, helping Qin Jingyuan change out of the alcohol-reeking cloak, and brought the sobering tea she had prepared long ago to his presence.

”Husband, have some tea to warm your stomach...” Ji Yue said respectfully.

Qin Jingyuan glanced at Ji Yue and accepted the sobering tea with a smile, ”Thank you for your trouble, Wife.”

Xiao Mo watched their every movement. Although they treated each other with courtesy and respect, somehow he felt something was a bit odd.

Moreover, seeing that the Jin Kingdom princess had prepared so thoroughly, with sobering tea already prepared, it meant the Second Prince had been going out drinking quite often recently?

He remembered the Second Prince shouldnʼt be fond of alcohol.

”Second Brother, really, drink less alcohol. Iʼve never seen you like this before.” Qin Siyao complained.

”Alright, alright, Iʼll definitely be more careful next time.” Qin Jingyuan quickly nodded, then changed the subject, ”Come, let Second Brother taste how your cooking has improved.”

”Then taste it quickly.” Hearing Second Brother mention her cooking, Qin Siyao happily opened the food box and passed over the chopsticks.

Looking at the minced meat eggplant and braised pigʼs trotters that Qin Siyao had made, Xiao Mo couldnʼt help but shudder, his psychological trauma immediately surfacing but Qin Jingyuan showed no fear whatsoever, eating several mouthfuls and even tasting carefully.

”Mm, Siyaoʼs culinary skills have improved. However, for this minced meat eggplant, using a bit less minced meat would be better. Then use less oil, it can better highlight the eggplantʼs fragrance.

This braised pigʼs trotter is a bit sweet. You can use less sugar and add an appropriate amount of fine salt.”

The Second Prince commented.

”Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.” Qin Siyao quickly took note, ”Alright Second Brother, Iʼll improve it tomorrow and make it for you again.”

”Good.” Qin Jingyuan nodded with a smile.

Watching the Second Princeʼs composed manner, Xiao Mo was stunned for a moment, wondering if during this time, Siyaoʼs cooking had truly evolved to an edible level?

”Eh? Wife, I remember a few days ago someone sent over some Azure Glass Carp. I had the servants raise them in the residenceʼs lotus pond. Recently I heard Siyao has been arranging things at the Frost Princeʼs Manor. Wife, take Siyao to see them. If Siyao likes them, scoop up a few.”

Qin Jingyuan said to his fiancée.

”Alright, Husband.” Ji Yue bowed in courtesy.

”Letʼs go, letʼs go. Thank you Sister-in-law for taking me to see them.” Qin Siyao said happily.

”No trouble at all.” Ji Yue smiled and shook her head, ”Siyao, this way.”

Before long, Qin Siyao and Ji Yue walked out of the courtyard, leaving only Xiao Mo and the Second Prince.

Xiao Mo looked at the dishes on the table, wanting to taste a bite to see what they were really like but a White Cold Bird in the courtyard landed and ate a bite of eggplant. The next moment, its legs kicked up and it fainted.

Xiao Mo immediately dismissed that thought, and his gaze toward the Second Prince became even more admiring.

It seemed the Second Prince had built up immunity to Siyaoʼs cooking...

”Come, Brother-in-law, the two of them went to play. We two men can drink tea.”

Qin Jingyuan smiled and poured Xiao Mo a full cup of fine tea.

Xiao Mo nodded and accepted, ”Second Brother seems to have a good relationship with Sister-in-law.”

”Itʼs alright.” Qin Jingyuan smiled, ”She and I are together only because of a marriage contract. How can we compare to you and Siyao, who are emotionally compatible and have known each other since childhood?”

”Sometimes through a marriage contract, one can also meet the right person.” Xiao Mo slowly spoke, ”I believe Second Brother and this Eldest Princess will definitely be in harmony like zither and lute.”

”Hahaha.” Qin Jingyuan laughed, ”Then Iʼll accept Brother-in-lawʼs auspicious words.”

”Speaking of which.” Qin Jingyuan asked Xiao Mo, ”I heard Brother-in-law has already assembled his own team?”

”I found some people and accepted a few guest ministers. Itʼs barely adequate.”

”Thatʼs good.” Qin Jingyuan took a sip of tea, ”I also know that for you to reach where you are today, Brother-in-law, was by no means easy. And this is merely your beginning. In the future, Qin Kingdom will depend on you, Brother-in-law.”

”Second Brother is too kind. Both First Brother and Second Brother are heavenʼs chosen. For Qin Kingdom to have both of you is Qin Kingdomʼs fortune.”

”Qin Kingdomʼs fortune? Hahaha...” Qin Jingyuan laughed loudly, not continuing this topic, only raising his head to gaze at the winter sky.

Looking at Qin Jingyuanʼs desolate yet somewhat complex eyes, Xiao Mo also said nothing.

Now the entire court had almost decided on the First Prince as Crown Prince. Now His Majesty also had this intention and had even begun selecting a fief for Qin Jingyuan.

Perhaps after the marriage, it wouldnʼt be long before Qin Jingyuan would have to leave the capital and those people around the Second Prince had also gradually left, throwing themselves under the First Princeʼs banner.

Qin Kingdomʼs heir was almost decided.

”Letʼs not talk about this.” Qin Jingyuan put down his teacup, ”I heard Brother-in-lawʼs spear techniques are unmatched and youʼre even that senior’s disciple. I havenʼt sparred with Brother-in-law yet. Shall we practice?”

”Naturally no problem. Then I will be presumptuous.” Xiao Mo agreed.

”Why be so polite between family? Come!”

Qin Jingyuan casually plucked a tree branch and tossed Xiao Mo a wooden stick.

Both sides used tree branches as swords and wooden sticks as spears, sparring in the courtyard.

Two incense sticksʼ worth of time later, Qin Siyao and Ji Yue returned to the courtyard and saw that Xiao Mo and Second Brother were actually sparring.

”Alright, alright, stop fighting. Itʼs almost New Year. What if someone gets hurt?”

Qin Siyao quickly walked over and pulled Xiao Mo and Second Brother apart.

”Since Siyao has said so, then letʼs leave it at that for today.” Qin Jingyuan dropped the tree branch, ”Truly worthy of being the world-renowned Frost Prince. Brother-in-lawʼs spear techniques are indeed divine.”

”Second Brother is too kind. Second Brotherʼs sword techniques also opened my eyes.” Xiao Mo cupped his fists in salute.

”Come on, if you hadnʼt been holding back the whole time, I would have been knocked out within twenty exchanges.”

Qin Jingyuan waved his hand, looking at the five Azure Glass Fish in the glass bowl his sister held, and said with a smile.

”There were only six in my pond total, and you took five?”

”Didnʼt little sister still leave one for Second Brother? If not for Sister-in-lawʼs sake, I originally didnʼt want to leave Second Brother even one.” Qin Siyao huffed.

”Oh right, little sister discovered that Second Brotherʼs courtyard still has quite a few good things. For instance, that Thousand Mountain Treasure Jade, and that Moon Radiance Flower, Pure Heart Snow Cicada, I want them all. Iʼll have people come pack them up and move them to the Frost Princeʼs Manor later. Little sister thanks Second Brother here.”

Qin Siyao placed her hands in front of her and performed an elegant bow.

”You, this girl...” Qin Jingyuan smiled and pointed at his sister, ”You havenʼt even crossed the threshold yet and you already want to empty Second Brotherʼs home? Fine, fine. You donʼt need to call people to move them. Iʼll have the servants send them to the Frost Princeʼs Manor later.”

”Hehehe, then little sister will shamelessly accept.” Qin Siyaoʼs eyes curved, ”Then Second Brother, Sister-in-law, Xiao Mo and I wonʼt disturb you any longer.”

”Go quickly, go quickly.” Qin Jingyuan said with a wry smile, ”If you donʼt leave, youʼll even move my bed away.”

”Iʼll see you out.” Ji Yue said with a smile.

”No need, no need. Sister-in-law, just keep Second Brother company. Weʼre all family, no need to be so formal.” Qin Siyao hugged Xiao Moʼs arm.

”Indeed so. Sister-in-law need not see us out. Siyao and I will take our leave first.”

”Take care.”

After both sides said farewell, Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao left the courtyard.

After Xiao Mo and Qin Siyaoʼs figures gradually disappeared from Qin Jingyuanʼs sight.

The originally smiling Second Princeʼs lips slowly returned to normal, no longer showing his previous joy.

Seeing her husbandʼs cold and indifferent appearance, Ji Yue stood respectfully to the side, her expression showing some fear but in the end, Ji Yue still walked forward and spoke softly, ”Husband, itʼs cold. Letʼs go inside.”

”You donʼt need to concern yourself.”

Qin Jingyuan brushed Ji Yueʼs slender hand away, picked up the wine jar thrown to the side, drank while tilting his head back, and walked into his room on his own, closing the door tightly.

Outside the Second Princeʼs residence, Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao didnʼt take a carriage but had the servants take the few Azure Glass Fish back. The two of them strolled on the street, slowly walking back to the Frost Princeʼs Manor.

Xiao Mo looked at Qin Siyaoʼs happy expression and smiled, ”Whatʼs making you so happy?”

”Nothing much, just feeling that chatting with Sister-in-law is very compatible.”

Qin Siyao shook her head.

”Sister-in-law told me about many things concerning Jin Kingdom. Moreover, sheʼs proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Also, I can sense that Sister-in-law actually cares about Second Brother very much.

Xiao Mo, to be honest, at first I wasnʼt optimistic about this marriage arrangement. Not because Second Brother took our wedding date, but because I felt forcing them together would be unsuitable.

But now, I donʼt think that anymore.

Sister-in-law is a very good woman and Second Brother also seems to like Sister-in-law.

Look, although they havenʼt married yet, theyʼve been addressing each other as husband and wife.”

”It is quite good...” Xiao Mo responded but Xiao Mo recalled the Second Princeʼs gaze when looking at that Jin Kingdom Eldest Princess, and he always felt something was odd.

Just as Xiao Mo was pondering, Qin Siyao turned her head to glance at Xiao Mo.

Then Qin Siyao withdrew her gaze, her mind involuntarily recalling her earlier conversation with Sister-in-law—

”Siyao, why do you and the Frost Prince still address each other by name?”

By the lotus pond, Ji Yue had asked curiously.

According to Qin Kingdom customs, since they were already engaged, even if she hadnʼt crossed the threshold yet, they could change how they addressed each other.

”I... I donʼt want to either...”

Qin Siyao picked up a stone and threw it toward the lotus pond, speaking resentfully.

”Weʼve known each other since childhood. We seem to have gotten used to calling each other by name. That blockhead Xiao Mo doesnʼt seem to have realized it either. Iʼm too embarrassed and donʼt know how to bring it up with Xiao Mo...”

”Mm... I do have a method. Do you want to hear it?” Ji Yue thought for a moment and said with a smile.

”What method?” Qin Siyaoʼs eyes brightened.

”Itʼs like this...” Ji Yue leaned toward Qin Siyaoʼs ear and spoke softly.

Qin Siyao listened, her cheeks taking on a faint blush, but her eyes grew brighter and brighter.

”Siyao... Siyao... Siyao.”

”Ah? What is it?” Qin Siyao came back to her senses.

”Still asking me what is it.” Xiao Mo flicked her forehead, ”Whatʼs wrong with you? Why are you spacing out?”

”I... Iʼm fine...” Qin Siyao tried to cover up.

”Then the marketplace is ahead. Do you want to buy anything?” Xiao Mo asked.

”Not really...” Qin Siyao shook her head, ”Letʼs just slowly walk back.”

”Alright.”

Xiao Mo felt this girl seemed to have some plan again.

”Xiao Mo...” Qin Siyao kneaded her sleeves, ”Letʼs play a little game, shall we?”

”Play what?”

”Iʼll call your name, and you just respond.”

”What kind of game is this?”

”Oh, never mind about that. Letʼs just play, letʼs play...” Qin Siyao shook Xiao Moʼs arm.

”Fine.” Xiao Mo said helplessly, ”Then letʼs play.”

”Xiao Mo...” Qin Siyao called softly.

”Mm.” Xiao Mo responded.

”Xiao Mo.”

”Mm.”

Qin Siyao called Xiao Moʼs name again and again, and Xiao Mo responded again and again.

They continued for who knows how many times.

”Xiao Mo.”

”Mm.”

Finally, Qin Siyao pressed her thin lips together, raised her delicate head, and softly called out, ”Hus... Husband...”

Xiao Moʼs expression froze, while the woman beside him lowered her head, her cheeks so red they seemed about to drip water.

Xiao Mo smiled gently and responded, ”Mm, Wife...”