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

Chapter 287: Mujiu Is Willing to Do Everything to Help Brother Emperor

Zhou Kingdom Imperial Palace, Dao Inquiry Platform.

Xiao Mo was practicing the Grass Character Sword Formula.

The sword moved with his heart as Xiao Mo felt something, he swung out a sword qi, and a warm current flowed through every part of his body.

Sheathing his long sword, Xiao Mo exhaled deeply.

When he opened his eyes, his heart filled with great joy!

He had already entered the eighth level of Qi Refinement realm!

Moreover, compared to the obscure feeling when practicing the sword before, Xiao Mo felt that after using the Great Dao Marrow Cleansing Liquid to temper his body, cultivating the Grass Character Sword Formula was much smoother.

This feeling was very mysterious.

Originally ordinary moves, when he practiced them now, always brought different insights. Moreover, he grasped them extremely quickly and could even draw inferences from one example.

From this, it could be seen that his talent had indeed improved considerably compared to before.
Xiao Mo didnʼt know what rank his talent could reach in this real cultivation world. However, in the Book of a Hundred Lives, with this talent, he would at least be an inner disciple of a major sect, and one that exceeded the average level at that.

Of course, if compared to his fourth life self, this was definitely inadequate. However, Xiao Mo accepted this calmly in his heart.

After all, in his fourth life, he was playing on ”genius mode,” very likely one of the top-ranked geniuses since ancient times. That was innate and couldnʼt be envied.

In comparison, for his talent to reach this level today was already extremely rare, and he was very satisfied.

”Speaking of which, why havenʼt I seen Jiang Rou today?”

Xiao Mo looked around the Dao Inquiry Platform, quite puzzled.

Whenever Xiao Mo practiced the sword, Jiang Rou would generally come to give him guidance to varying degrees but today Jiang Rou hadnʼt appeared, and he didnʼt know where she had gone.

”Your Majesty!”

Just as Xiao Mo was wondering whether he should make a trip to the National Preceptorʼs residence to see what Jiang Rou was doing, outside the Dao Inquiry Platform came Wei Xunʼs shout, ”The welcoming banquet for the Qin Kingdom envoys is about to begin.”

”We understand.”

Xiao Mo put down the long sword in his hand and strode out of the Dao Inquiry Platform.

Xiao Mo went to Clear Spring Palace, and after bathing and changing clothes under the service of the maids, he walked toward the front hall of the imperial palace.

At this time, the Four Directions Hall was already filled with Zhou Kingdom officials and Qin Kingdom envoys.

The Qin Kingdom envoys had arrived at the Zhou Kingdomʼs imperial capital in the morning. However, considering that the Qin Kingdom envoys had traveled a long distance, the welcoming banquet was arranged for the evening.

”His Majesty arrives!”

As Wei Xunʼs shrill voice carried into the great hall, the officials of both the Qin Kingdom and Zhou Kingdom stood up to welcome him, shouting in unison, ”We subjects respectfully welcome Your Majesty.”

Xiao Mo walked to the front of the great hall, his gaze sweeping over everyone, but he didnʼt see the figure of that Princess Qinyang from the Qin Kingdom.

”Esteemed ministers, no need for such formality. Please rise.” Xiao Mo said to the crowd.

”Thank you, Your Majesty.”

The officials straightened their backs. Especially the Qin Kingdom envoys, they curiously sized up this legendary ”puppet emperor of the Zhou Kingdom.”

However, the image of this Zhou Kingdom puppet emperor completely exceeded all their expectations.

In their hearts, they felt that the Zhou Kingdomʼs puppet emperor should be the timid and hesitant type.

Even subconsciously, they had already associated the Zhou Kingdom rulerʼs image with negative words like ”short,” ”cowardly,” and so on but seeing him with their own eyes, they didnʼt expect the Zhou Kingdom ruler to be so dignified in appearance and upright in posture.

Judging solely by appearance, this Zhou Kingdom ruler could absolutely be considered a talented gentleman.

Moreover, his every movement carried a scholarly elegance. How was this like someone obsessed with Daoist arts?

What puzzled them most was that looking at this Zhou Kingdom emperor, a sense of trepidation arose faintly in their hearts.

This was an imperial majesty.

They had only felt it before when seeing their own sovereign.

This imperial majesty even made them somewhat afraid to look directly at him.

Was this really a puppet emperor?

Could a puppet emperor have such bearing?

Never mind these Qin Kingdom envoys.

Even Yan Shanʼao, standing on the other side, couldnʼt help but feel uneasy.

He had indeed been very busy during this time and hadnʼt seen Xiao Mo for over a month but why did it feel like he was becoming more and more imperial?

What Dao was he cultivating?

”Please, everyone, be seated.” Xiao Mo made a ”please” gesture.

”Thank you, Your Majesty.” After everyone bowed, they all took their seats.

”We have long heard of Princess Qinyangʼs great reputation. May We ask where Princess Qinyang is?”

Xiao Mo asked the Qin Kingdom envoys.

When Yan Shanʼao heard Xiao Mo proactively mention the two words ”Princess Qinyang,” his brows couldnʼt help but furrow.

”Reporting to Your Majesty, Her Highness the Princess this afternoon...”

Just as a Qin Kingdom envoy stepped forward, wanting to explain to Xiao Mo, a maid quickly walked in, kneeling before Xiao Mo, ”Reporting to Your Majesty, Princess Qinyang has arrived and seeks an audience outside.”

”Please invite Princess Qinyang in.” Xiao Mo spoke calmly.

”Yes, Your Majesty.”

The maid hurriedly withdrew.

Before long, a young lady, followed by several maids, walked gracefully into the great hall.

The young lady wore a rouge-red palace gown embroidered with golden phoenixes. The wide sleeves were embroidered with layered cloud patterns in dark gold silk thread.

The high collar of the palace gown opened just right by a fraction of an inch, faintly revealing a beautifully lined collarbone, just like a jade comb lightly placed on silk gauze, each curve revealing meticulous and refined nobility.

The hem of her skirt dragged long behind her, and the pearls adorning it made soft sounds as she moved.

The young ladyʼs waist was bound extremely slender, with a white jade belt accentuating her graceful curves.

Her raven-black hair was styled into a dignified bun, with a light blue hairpin inserted in her hair that swayed gently with her movements.

”Eyebrows like spring mountains containing jade, eyes like autumn waters with rippling waves.”

This seemed to be the best description.

Moreover, the corners of her eyes naturally carried a touch of crabapple-drunk-in-sun light red. Her nose bridge was delicate and upright, her vermillion lips like newly blooming cherry blossoms, her lip pearls plump and lustrous as if holding morning dew.

Her snow-white skin glowed with warm jade luster under the palace lanterns, and the red gem teardrop earrings hanging from her earlobes swayed gently by her neck, which was like congealed fat, as she nodded.

”Tsk.”

Seeing this Princess Qinyang, Yan Shanʼao on the other side clicked his tongue secretly.

Setting everything else aside, in terms of appearance alone, this Princess Qinyang indeed was not inferior to Ruxue.

The young lady walked directly in front of Xiao Mo and bowed respectfully to him, ”Qin Mujiu of the Qin Kingdom pays her respects to Your Majesty.”

”Princess Qinyangʼs arrival at this banquet is even later than Our own.” Xiao Mo said with a smile.

Qin Mujiuʼs clear and melodious voice echoed through the great hall, ”Reporting to Your Majesty, Mujiu has long admired the great reputation of the talented lady of your honorable countryʼs Yan family. Upon arriving at the imperial capital, I wished to meet Sister Ruxue. We conversed so pleasantly that I forgot the time. Please punish me, Your Majesty!”

”Hahaha, so thatʼs how it is. However, punishment is unnecessary. Since ancient times, how can a host punish a guest?” Xiao Mo laughed heartily. ”Rather, it is We who interrupted the Princess and Miss Yanʼs refined enjoyment. We should be the one penalized with a few cups.”

”Since Your Majesty has said so.” Qin Siyao raised her head, her eyes curved playfully. ”Then however many cups Your Majesty drinks, Mujiu will accompany Your Majesty and drink the same.”

Hearing Qin Siyaoʼs words, Xiao Mo was stunned for a moment, then said with a smile, ”Good, good, good. Then the Princess must properly accompany Us for a few cups. Princess Qinyang, please be seated.”

”Yes, Your Majesty.”

Qin Siyao bowed and sat in the first position on the left, no more than ten feet away from Xiao Mo.

The banquet began, and maids successively brought up dishes and wine.

Qin Siyaoʼs tardiness not only didnʼt give the Zhou Kingdom an impression of arrogance, but rather, because of Qin Siyaoʼs playful words, inadvertently closed the distance with Xiao Mo.

However, what Qin Siyao mentioned about ”meeting Yan Ruxue” caused the Zhou Kingdom officialsʼ hearts to stir with murmurs.

After all, who didnʼt know now that the Qin Kingdomʼs sovereign wanted to marry his younger sister to their own Majesty?

Yet His Majesty was about to marry the talented lady of the Yan family.

Now that these two people had met, what could they have discussed?

Could they have been giving each other shows of force?

”The Qin Kingdomʼs princess met with Our Zhou Kingdomʼs foremost talented lady. We are quite curious what the two of you discussed?” Xiao Mo asked with a smile.

”Reporting to Your Majesty, Mujiu and Sister Ruxue didnʼt say much, just discussed some poetry and songs, and asked Sister Ruxue for guidance on some Zhou Kingdom etiquette.” Qin Siyao answered cheerfully. ”After all, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. Mujiu cannot be ignorant of propriety, otherwise people will gossip.”

As she spoke, Qin Siyao sighed gently, her eyes carrying sincere admiration as she said emotionally, ”However, Sister Ruxueʼs talent truly makes Mujiu admire her. Moreover, Sister Ruxue is also as beautiful as a celestial immortal, and her bearing is extraordinary. After meeting Sister Ruxue, Mujiu has been wondering how there could be such a perfect woman in the world.”

Hearing Qin Siyaoʼs words, everyone was somewhat at a loss for a moment.

What was going on?

Shouldnʼt these two be in a competitive relationship?

After all, there could only be one Empress of the Zhou Kingdom yet now, Qin Siyao was praising Yan Ruxue? She even seemed willing to yield gracefully, wanting Yan Ruxue to be the principal wife while she herself became a concubine?

Xiao Mo was also stunned, unable to understand for a moment what this Qin Kingdom princess was thinking. However, in reality, Xiao Mo knew that even if this Princess Qinyang truly wanted to be a concubine, it was impossible.

Because the Qin Kingdomʼs sovereign would never agree but still, at first, Xiao Mo had thought this Princess Qinyang might be a domineering, willful, or even somewhat tyrannical woman.

But as it turned out, now the feeling she gave him was like a gentle and harmless little white rabbit, even somewhat naive and innocent...

However, it must be said that at the banquet, Princess Qinyangʼs lively and playful manner indeed made Xiao Mo feel quite comfortable.

A thought even arose in Xiao Moʼs heart, ”If she were to become Empress, I should be able to control things better, and she wouldnʼt cause me trouble.”

However, reason quickly calmed Xiao Mo down.

Based on just one meeting, one couldnʼt make a complete judgment of a person.

Who knew whether this Princess Qinyang had another side?

An hour later, as the welcoming banquet was about to end, just as Xiao Mo was about to leave, Princess Qinyang stood up and looked at Xiao Mo expectantly, saying, ”Your Majesty, Iʼve heard that within the imperial palace there is a garden called Firefly Garden, which was built by the Zhou Kingdomʼs founding ancestor for the Empress. At night, hundreds and thousands of fireflies dance in the sky, as if one were in the Milky Way. May Mujiu have the honor of seeing it?”

”Why not? We happen to have nothing pressing, so you may come along with Us.”

As for this small request, Xiao Mo felt it was nothing.

”Thank you, Brother Emperor...” Hearing Xiao Mo agree, Qin Siyao bowed respectfully and called out happily.

Hearing the four words ”Brother Emperor,” Xiao Mo couldnʼt help but draw in a sharp breath, feeling his body go soft for a moment.

No wonder it was said that the Qin Kingdomʼs sovereign doted on his younger sister extremely, granting nearly all her requests.

With this personality, it was indeed impossible not to like her.

Regarding the mutual willingness of both parties, the Qin Kingdom envoys and Zhou Kingdom officials naturally had nothing to say.

Moreover, Princess Qinyang would very likely be entering the imperial harem soon anyway. What did it matter if she visited a garden in the rear palace now?

Xiao Mo departed, bringing Princess Qinyang to the outside of Firefly Garden.

Wei Xun very tactfully waited outside while Xiao Mo brought Qin Siyao inside.

It was already past the hour of xu. The moment the two stepped into Firefly Garden, their eyes instantly lit up.

Hundreds and thousands of fireflies danced in the courtyard, like stars adorning the human world, echoing the multitude of stars in the night sky above.

Being in the courtyard felt like being in a celestial realm.

”So beautiful...” Qin Mujiuʼs eyes sparkled as she exclaimed beside Xiao Mo.

”It is quite lovely.”

Xiao Mo nodded.

Actually, having been in the palace for so long, Xiao Mo had never been to this place, mainly because Xiao Mo wasnʼt interested in such things but now, Xiao Mo felt that occasionally coming here during his leisure time might not be bad.

Especially watching this lively young lady holding up her skirt as she wove through the flower bushes, as if dancing with the fireflies, was truly pleasing to the eye.

”Thank you for accompanying Mujiu, Brother Emperor.”

After playing in Firefly Garden for a while, Qin Siyao ran in front of Xiao Mo and bowed respectfully.

”The Princess is too kind.” Xiao Mo smiled slightly. ”Seeing the Princess so happy, Our mood has improved considerably as well.”

”Was Brother Emperor in a bad mood before?” Qin Siyao tilted her head and asked. Somehow, her calling him ”Brother Emperor” had become increasingly natural.

”More or less.” Xiao Mo smiled. ”People inevitably have some worries.”

”Then is Brother Emperorʼs worry because of Yan Shanʼao and Empress Dowager Yan and others?” Qin Siyao said softly, her beautiful eyes vigilantly looking around, as if afraid of being overheard.

Hearing Qin Siyaoʼs words, Xiao Mo didnʼt answer, only quietly looked at her.

”Brother Emperor need not be so guarded against Mujiu.”

Qin Siyao stepped forward, looking at Xiao Mo with an innocent expression.

”The Qin Kingdom and Zhou Kingdom royal families have long maintained diplomatic relations. Now that Brother Emperor is trapped by powerful ministers and the Empress Dowager, our Qin Kingdom should help.

Mujiu knows that Brother Emperor still doesnʼt trust Mujiu.

After all, Mujiu and Brother Emperor have only met for the first time but when Father Emperor was alive, he always told Mujiu that if there was an opportunity, Mujiu must fulfill the marriage agreement established by the ancestors of both countries.

Moreover, my elder brother is also very sympathetic to Brother Emperorʼs plight.

So...”

Qin Siyao reached out her hand and nervously but bravely grasped Xiao Moʼs sleeve.

”If Brother Emperor is willing to trust Mujiu, Mujiu is willing to do everything to help Brother Emperor...”