Beauties in Simulation Cross over into Reality

Xiao Mo commanded the generals of the Northern Wilderness to lead their troops and crush the rebellion, personally taking the field himself.

Traditionally, Xiao Mo and the Northern Wilderness had only ever engaged in direct conflict with the other Allied States.

The Dukes of the Qin Kingdom lacked a clear understanding of the Northern Wilderness Army and Xiao Mo.

Some even felt that Xiao Mo’s reputation was undeserved.

They believed that with Prince Zhenbei gone, the Northern Wilderness was no longer what it once was.

But when the Snow-Trampling Dragon Cavalry appeared before them, trampling their armies and overrunning their cities...

...they realized just how absurd their previous assumptions had been.

The Northern Wilderness was still the Northern Wilderness—and it was even stronger than before!

Every last Duke who rebelled had their entire family executed by Xiao Mo.

As for the Noble Families who had colluded with them, not a single one was left alive.

Seeing the situation turn dire, many of the Dukes and Noble Families tried to surrender.

But Xiao Mo gave them no such opportunity.

Xiao Mo even found it somewhat amusing.

’Treason? How could there possibly be a way to turn back from that?’

After Xiao Mo rejected their surrender, these Noble Families had no choice but to fight him to the bitter end.

Their subordinates, however, did not feel the same.

’What does your rebellion have to do with us?’

More than a few of the generals serving these Dukes had amicable ties to the Northern Wilderness.

Not to mention, Xiao Mo held the moral high ground, as he was acting on imperial decree to quell the chaos.

Moreover, the Qin Kingdom’s national power was growing by the day, and a great war with the Qi and Zhao Kingdoms was imminent. The soldiers were eager to kill enemies on the border and earn merit; who would want an internal conflict at a time like this? Who would want to turn their blades against their own countrymen?

As a result, many Dukes were killed by their own generals before Xiao Mo even had to make a move.

In less than a year, Xiao Mo had crushed all internal rebellions.

Although this internal conflict was widespread, its impact on the common people of the Qin Kingdom was minimal, and casualties on both sides were low.

After all, many soldiers lost the will to fight the moment they saw Xiao Mo.

Qin Siyao also seized this opportunity to push reforms through the Imperial Court.

With the exception of Xiao Mo, the military authority of all other Dukes was severely restricted.

The finances of the ducal states were also brought under the control of the Imperial City.

High-ranking officials had to be appointed by the Imperial Court; Dukes were forbidden from appointing their own.

Furthermore, the noble titles of the Qin Kingdom’s Noble Families could now only be inherited for two generations.

The tax exemptions on land for nobles and court officials were all abolished; they would now be taxed just like commoners.

For the selection of new court officials, Qin Siyao implemented an ”examination and recommendation” system. Under this system, local officials or centrally appointed personnel would identify and recommend talented individuals for official posts after an assessment.

The number of candidates recommended each year was limited, and all nominees had to undergo a final, personal assessment by the Sovereign of Qin.

In addition, the Qin Kingdom would hold a series of three progressively difficult examinations each year.

The exams focused primarily on Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism, Mohism, Military Strategy, and Agriculture.

Scholars who passed all three examinations would be granted an audience in the Imperial Palace, where the Sovereign of Qin would either bestow upon them an official title or schedule them for a future appointment.

Qin Siyao’s actions harmed the interests of many Noble Families. ’After all, there are only so many positions. If outsiders take them, what will become of our own clans?’

And so, the ministers began to protest one after another.

In their eyes, women were inherently weak, and Qin Siyao, having been pampered since childhood, was no exception.

They believed that if they protested loudly enough, Qin Siyao would surely retract her decree.

However, Qin Siyao paid no heed to the opinions of these court officials and Noble Families.

She remained resolute, even demoting or outright dismissing some of the most vocal opponents to make an example of them.

Within the court, Li Ge, Baili Xi, and Uncle Jian supported Qin Siyao’s decision.

Externally, she had the backing of Xiao Mo’s Northern Wilderness Army. The Northern Wilderness’s network permeated every corner of the Qin Kingdom’s military command, and let’s not forget that Xiao Mo had just finished slaughtering a great number of Duke Nobles.

In the end, the Noble Families could only hold their noses and accept it.

’At least,’ they consoled themselves, ’the number of officials appointed each year through the ”examination and recommendation” system and the ”civil service examinations” isn’t enough to shake our foundations.’

「Soon, another year passed.」

The first batch of officials to enter the Imperial Court through the new systems had already been entrusted with significant responsibilities by Qin Siyao.

This news caused a great stir among the common people.

Although only seventy officials had entered the Imperial Court through these new channels, and most had to start from the lowest ranks...

...it at least showed the common people a new path to advancement, one besides fighting and dying on the battlefield!

Moreover, in the two years since taking the throne, Qin Siyao had been a diligent ruler, personally overseeing state affairs and prioritizing industry, agriculture, and education. The common people could feel their lives improving day by day.

This undoubtedly earned Qin Siyao considerable prestige.

The whispers of concern among the populace about ”whether the Third Princess can truly rule” grew quieter and quieter.

A new saying even began to circulate: ”The Empress rules within, the Frost King guards without.”

And just as the Qin Kingdom was becoming increasingly stable, Xiao Mo felt his own preparations were nearly complete.

’It’s time for me to go to the border and end this Warring States Period that has dragged on for millennia!’

Before his departure, Xiao Mo made all the necessary arrangements.

But the one person Xiao Mo couldn’t set his mind at ease about was his mother.

Since the year before last, Xiao Mo had noticed his mother’s health steadily deteriorating; she was often ill.

Medical Cultivators from the Medical School had examined her many times, but because of her advanced age and extreme frailty, they could mostly only use mortal remedies.

To lighten her burden and prevent her from overtaxing her mind, Xiao Mo and Qin Siyao had to persuade her several times before Zhou Ruoxi finally agreed to step back from managing the Xiao Family’s affairs.

The matriarch of the Xiao Family was now Zhou Ruoxi in name only; Xiao Mo had asked a paternal aunt named Xiao Xiaoyue to take charge of all family business.

Only the most important matters still required Zhou Ruoxi’s decision.

...

「The fourth day of the second lunar month. Spring had arrived.」

As always, Qin Siyao rose from her bedchambers just as the sky began to lighten.

After freshening up, Qin Siyao stepped out of her bedchambers to find a man standing before her.

Looking at the man before her, Qin Siyao’s gaze wavered, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on her sleeve.

He had never once come to the inner palace since she ascended the throne.

Seeing him here now, how could Qin Siyao not know the intentions of the man she loved?

”Are you leaving?”

After a long silence, Qin Siyao finally asked.

”Yes, it’s time.”

Xiao Mo nodded.

”The pressure on the borders is immense, and our Qin Kingdom is fully prepared. It is time to end this great war that has dragged on for so long. I have come today, Your Majesty, to bid you farewell.”

Hearing Xiao Mo’s words, Qin Siyao’s lips parted as if to speak, but then she slowly closed them.

”I... I will see you off...” she finally said.

”Alright.” Xiao Mo smiled faintly, not refusing her offer.

The two walked side by side along the palace pathways, heading toward the main gates.

Qin Siyao deliberately walked very, very slowly.

Xiao Mo was in no hurry, simply matching her pace.

”After I leave the capital today, Your Majesty can entrust the defense of the Imperial City’s four main gates to Hei Daniu, Xu Yongsheng, Xiao Gui, and Xiao Dahai. They are all absolutely loyal to you. You can rest assured on that front.”

Xiao Mo continued to explain his final arrangements as they walked.

”I am also leaving Lian Li in the Imperial City. Once Hei Daniu is transferred from his post, Lian Li can take command of the Imperial Guard. If anything arises, Your Majesty, feel free to consult with him.

Li Ge, Baili Xi, and Uncle Jian are all pillars of the state. They care for nothing but the Qin Kingdom, and they feel a great debt to the late Emperor. They will certainly do everything in their power to assist you.

The Northern Wilderness has an intelligence agency called the Deserted Tower.

The Deserted Tower Master, Qiu Wen, has already arrived in the city.

The agents of the Deserted Tower will assist Your Majesty in monitoring the officials. Qiu Wen will report the movements of key ministers to you daily.

During the great war, your main priority should be the stability of the Imperial Court. You may mediate the conflicts between the new, ambitious officials and the old aristocracy, but it would be unwise to let them escalate.”

”I know.”

Qin Siyao nodded.

”As for your mother, I will try again to persuade her to move into the palace so I can care for her personally. If she still refuses, I will visit her often. The Imperial Physicians will be stationed at the manor as well. You can set your mind at ease, my husband.”

”With you here, Your Majesty, I am at ease.”

Xiao Mo said with a smile.

”However...”

Xiao Mo stopped and looked at the woman he loved.

”If I don’t return, Your Majesty, you needn’t worry. I have already made arrangements for all affairs in the Northern Wilderness. When the time comes...”

Before Xiao Mo could finish, Qin Siyao reached out and gently pressed a finger to his lips.

Qin Siyao lifted her head, looking quietly at the man before her.

”There are no ’ifs’.”

”There is no ’when the time comes’.”

”You only need to remember one thing...”

”I...”

”...will be waiting for you to come home, always.”