Chapter 335 Then I'll come find you, but you have to like me too! (4000 words)
The main courtyard of the Xiao family residence.
Madam Xia Qingke was still pruning the flowers and plants.
However, Xia Qingke's every move seemed to be subconscious, as if she was pondering something.
"lady."
The maid Huanying entered the courtyard and bowed to Xia Qingke.
"Hmm." Xia Qingke nodded, then turned to Huan Ying, "How is it? Did the Third Madam accept the gifts?"
Since Zhou Ruoxi was granted the title of Imperial Noblewoman, Xia Qingke, as the First Madam, had to treat Zhou Ruoxi like a principal wife.
However, Zhou Ruoxi did not change courtyards, nor did she accept the service of other maids; she continued to live in that small courtyard.
To avoid gossip, Xia Qingke often sent gifts, but Zhou Ruoxi refused to accept most of them, even the expensive ones.
This time, Xia Qingke sent some pastries and silk.
"Reporting to Madam, the Third Madam has accepted it and asked me to thank you," Huan Ying replied.
"If the Third Madam needs anything in the future, have the people in the manor do their best to meet her needs, understand?" Xia Qingke instructed.
"Yes, Madam." Huan Ying nodded, then handed over a letter. "By the way, Madam, this is a letter sent by Consort Die. Please take a look."
Xia Qingke took the envelope, opened it, and looked at it again and again, her brows furrowing involuntarily.
"Madam, has anything happened in the palace?" Huan Ying asked.
Huan Ying knew that the Butterfly Consort in the palace was the lady's good sister, and they had grown up together since childhood.
The lady would often visit Consort Die in the palace.
Similarly, Consort Die would often write letters to the First Madam, talking about things happening in the palace.
"His Highness has returned to the capital." Xia Qingke put down the envelope and slowly said, "His Highness had just returned to the capital when His Majesty summoned him to the palace. His Majesty gave His Highness many rewards and then ordered His Highness to lead the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry to conquer the Wei Kingdom."
"Madam, isn't it normal for the Prince to go on a campaign? Is there something different about this campaign?" Huan Ying was a little confused.
“It’s normal for the Prince to be away on campaigns all year round,” Xia Qingke sighed. “However, this time, His Majesty sent Xiao Mo to lead the Snow Dragon Riders to assist the Prince in his campaign against the Wei Kingdom.”
"Huh?"
Huan Ying was taken aback.
In recent days, Huan Ying has heard the name of the Third Young Master Xiao Mo the most.
The third young master, Xiao Mo, conquered twenty-one cities of the Wei Kingdom, making great contributions and even being directly granted the title of king. Even his mother, Zhou Ruoxi, was granted the title of imperial consort.
At this point, Zhou Ruoxi was no longer a concubine; her status was equal to that of his wife.
Xiao Mo was naturally not just an illegitimate son.
Since Xiao Mo is not an illegitimate son, he naturally has the right to inherit the title of "Prince of Zhenbei" without fail.
Although Xiao Mo is now a king or marquis, in the Qin Kingdom, the Four Town Kings and the Great Pillars of the State are of a much higher status and have much greater power than a "Frost King".
Not to mention that among the four kings, the King of Zhenbei is the leader.
Previously, I had heard that Xiao Mo had beaten up the Second Young Master in front of five thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Riders.
Now, Xiao Mo is going to the Northern Wilderness to ride the Snow Dragon Rider and help the prince conquer the Wei Kingdom.
The Snow-Treading Dragon Riders are the foundation of the Xiao family.
If Xiao Mo were to gain a foothold on the Snow-Treading Dragon Rider...
In addition, His Majesty highly values Xiao Mo.
Then the eldest and second sons are in danger of losing their "hereditary" status.
"The prince will be returning to his residence tonight. I'll cook some of his favorite dishes later."
Xia Qingke spoke slowly.
"In addition, I will write a letter to Yichuan later; it's time for him to come down the mountain."
At the Frost King's Mansion, Xiao Mo was sitting in the courtyard, lost in thought.
Recalling Qin Siyao's words not long ago and her shy expression as she ran away, Xiao Mo couldn't help but smile and shake his head.
In fact, Xiao Mo already had the answer to Qin Siyao's question in his heart.
However, given Siyao's current personality, she'll probably avoid him for several days.
Just as Xiao Mo was pondering whether or not to go to the princess's residence to find Si Yao, a maid entered the courtyard and bowed to Xiao Mo: "Your Highness, Eunuch Li from the palace has arrived."
"Please invite Eunuch Li in," Xiao Mo said.
Usually, when Eunuch Li comes over, it's because His Majesty has something to discuss.
"Yes." The maid bowed and then hurriedly left the courtyard.
A moment later, Eunuch Li entered the courtyard. Xiao Mo stood up to greet him, cupping his fists in a salute: "Greetings, Eunuch Li."
“Your Majesty, there’s no need for such formalities. It is we who should be paying our respects to Your Majesty.” Eunuch Li bowed respectfully.
Xiao Mo smiled and said, "I wonder what brings Eunuch Li here today?"
"Cough cough cough," Eunuch Li coughed a few times, and a eunuch beside him brought over a red plate.
Eunuch Li lifted the red cloth, picked up the imperial edict, and read it aloud to Xiao Mo: "Prince Xiao Mo, receive the edict!"
"I have received the mandate of Heaven, uphold the weight of the ancestral temple, rule over the four seas, and nurture the people."
The northern wilderness of Xiang is not peaceful, the barbarian cavalry are spying on the border, and the Wei barbarians have usurped the title and invaded our territory.
Whenever I read reports from the border regions, I am filled with trepidation, day and night.
Frost King Xiao Mo, soaring high in the northern deserts, once wielded a golden spear to defeat the Wei Kingdom, and led iron-clad warriors to fight against a powerful army. His achievements are recorded on the banners and his merits are inscribed on the tripods.
"I hereby appoint you as the Left General of the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry. In two days, you will depart for the Northern Wilderness to assist Prince Xiao Shi of the North in his campaign against the Wei Kingdom, in order to demonstrate the might of my Qin Kingdom!"
"Your subject, Xiao Mo, receives the imperial decree!"
Xiao Mo accepted the imperial edict.
Eunuch Li smiled at Xiao Mo: "Prince Shuang, this expedition against Wei is of great importance, and the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry is quite different from other armies. His Majesty instructed this old servant to tell Prince Shuang: Think carefully, act boldly."
"Please convey my message to His Majesty, Eunuch Li—I will certainly live up to His Majesty's expectations," Xiao Mo said.
"Alright." Looking at the young and talented man before him, Eunuch Li understood why His Majesty liked the Frost King so much. "In that case, I will return to the palace to report back."
"Take care, Eunuch Li. Xin'er, see him off."
"Farewell."
Eunuch Li left the courtyard, escorted by his maids.
Xiao Mo frowned slightly as he looked at the imperial edict in his hand.
Xiao Mo had considered the various appointments the King of Qin would make for him, but he never expected that he would be appointed to the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry.
As for what the King of Qin was really thinking, how could Xiao Mo not know?
"As expected, being the 'Frost King' is not an easy job."
Putting away the imperial edict, Xiao Mo shook his head, walked out of the mansion, and drove to the princess's residence.
I was just hesitating about whether or not to go see Siyao.
But it's not necessary now.
At the very least, I need to say goodbye to her.
Half an incense stick later, Xiao Mo arrived at the gate of the princess's residence.
"Greetings, Frost King!"
The guards standing at the gate bowed to Xiao Mo.
"Um."
Xiao Mo gave a simple reply and walked straight in.
Qin Siyao can freely enter Xiao Mo's Frost King's Mansion.
Xiao Mo can also freely enter Princess Qin Siyao's residence.
However, in the past, Xiao Mo would always have the gatekeeper announce his arrival.
But now, Xiao Mo felt that Si Yao was definitely being difficult, so he decided it was better to just go in directly.
Not long after entering the princess's residence, Xiao Mo met the maid Peanut.
"Sister Peanut." Xiao Mo clasped his hands in a respectful greeting.
When he was a child, Xiao Mo couldn't see through Peanut Sister's level of understanding.
Now, even though he's almost at the Golden Core stage, he still can't see through Peanut Sister's realm.
"Greetings, Frost King." Peanut Sister bowed and said with a smile, "Why is Frost King bullying our princess again? Her princess has been locked in her room for most of the day."
"This..." Xiao Mo looked embarrassed, unsure how to explain.
"Hehehe," Peanut chuckled, "Alright, alright, Frost King, go ahead. You know our princess's temperament; her temper flares up quickly and subsides just as fast. Her Highness is easy to appease, especially when facing Frost King. As long as you say a few kind words, Her Highness will be all smiles again."
"Oh, by the way." Peanut placed the jade plate of pastries in Xiao Mo's hands. "Your Highness, could you please deliver these pastries to Her Highness the Princess for me?"
After saying this, Peanut placed his hands on his chest, bowed slightly, and walked away.
Xiao Mo carried the pastries and walked towards the courtyard where Si Yao lived.
Reaching the door of the room, Xiao Mo knocked.
"Sister Peanut, I don't want to eat pastries today."
Inside the room, Qin Siyao's somewhat disappointed and resentful voice could be heard.
“It’s me,” Xiao Mo replied.
"Huh? Xiao Mo?"
Upon hearing Xiao Mo's voice, Qin Siyao, who was lying on the bed, trembled slightly. She suddenly raised her head from the bed, her beautiful eyes blinking, her expression showing a hint of panic.
"Xiao Mo, you... why are you here?" Qin Siyao crawled into bed, wrapped herself up like a spring roll, and then sat on the bed, nervously looking at the door.
It was as if the blanket was a protective barrier, shielding her.
"There are some things I need to tell you," Xiao Mo said.
"What...what's wrong?" Qin Siyao asked nervously.
"How about we take a walk around the capital? We can talk as we go?" Xiao Mo asked.
"I...I'm a little sleepy, I...I don't really want to go," Qin Siyao said, clutching the blanket and pursing her thin lips.
In fact, Qin Siyao also really wanted to meet Xiao Mo.
However, Qin Siyao felt extremely ashamed when she thought about what she had said to Xiao Mo, and she didn't know how to face Xiao Mo.
Even just hearing Xiao Mo's voice made her instinctively want to hide far away, yet she also longed for him to be by her side.
"Shall I come in and talk?" Xiao Mo asked.
"No, no!" Qin Siyao quickly said, "My room is a mess, and my makeup isn't done yet, I...I..."
“Alright.” Xiao Mo didn’t press the matter. “Then I’ll leave the pastries outside the door. Also, an imperial decree just arrived from the palace. I’m going to the Northern Wilderness in two days. I’ve come today to say goodbye.”
Just as Xiao Mo finished speaking, the sound of a girl's fair feet hitting the floor came from inside the room.
Immediately afterwards, the door to the girl's bedroom was suddenly flung open.
Before Xiao Mo could react, Qin Siyao stood in front of him.
She was still wearing that light pink dress, but because she had been lying on the bed for too long, her hair was a little messy, and her fair ankles were touching the cold floor, as if she had forgotten the coldness of the floor.
"Are you going to the Northern Wilderness?" Qin Siyao stared blankly at Xiao Mo.
“Yes.” Xiao Mo nodded and repeated, “His Majesty’s decree has been issued, and we will depart in two days.”
"Then how long will you be gone?" Qin Siyao's eyes flickered, her small hands clenched tightly.
"It should take at least several years."
Xiao Mo answered truthfully.
"The morale of the Qin state is high, while the ruler of Wei is incompetent and tyrannical, the court is in chaos, and the people are full of complaints. This is a rare opportunity."
His Majesty probably intends to take advantage of this opportunity to annex the State of Wei in one fell swoop.
Once Qin conquers Wei, its northern border will be secure, allowing it to focus on dealing with powerful states like Qi and Chu.
"I'll go find my father! I'll go tell my father!"
As she spoke, Qin Siyao was about to run out of the room.
But Xiao Mo grabbed her wrist immediately.
"What do you want to do with His Majesty?" Xiao Mo asked.
"I...I told Father Emperor not to let you go on the expedition!" Qin Siyao said anxiously.
“Silly girl, what good will it do you to go to His Majesty?” Xiao Mo’s tone was tinged with helplessness. “I am a military general, and leading troops into battle is my usual job. If I stay in the capital and do nothing, what is the point of His Majesty bestowing upon me the title of king?”
"But."
Qin Siyao's eyes trembled, as if she was about to cry.
"But Xiao Mo, even if, as you say, the Wei court is in a state of chaos, Wei is still a great power with far more famous generals and elite soldiers than Wei."
"If anything happens to you on this expedition..."
Xiao Mo shook his head: "As long as you go to the battlefield, life and death are in the hands of fate. The soldiers in the front line will die, so why can't I die? What makes me special?"
And Siyao, have you ever thought about this?
That's why you can freely enter and leave the Frost King's mansion, and why I can look for you anytime, yet you haven't said a word in the palace.
Does Siyao think His Majesty doesn't know?
Xiao Mo tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear: "Now that I have been granted the title of King, and my mother has also been granted the title of Lady of the Imperial Decree, my status is no longer that of a mere illegitimate son of the Xiao family. If His Majesty were to reward me after we destroy the Wei Kingdom this time, it should be..."
Xiao Mo didn't finish speaking, but Qin Siyao already understood what he meant, and her cheeks flushed.
“So,” Xiao Mo reached out and wiped away the glistening tears from the corner of the girl’s eyes, “I have to go even more.”
"Huh?"
Qin Siyao raised her head and stared blankly at Xiao Mo.
At this moment, the blush on the girl's cheeks had spread to her ears.
Soon, the girl lowered her head shyly, her small hand gently tugging at Xiao Mo's hem, her voice barely audible: "Even if you don't go, you can still get that reward, and that reward can only be yours."
“But I can’t let people gossip about her. I want to marry her properly and give her a grand wedding,” Xiao Mo said with a smile.
Qin Siyao clenched her small pink fist and gently punched Xiao Mo's chest: "What are you saying? So embarrassing!"
"So, Siyao, what you said to me before, and what you asked me about..."
Xiao Mo looked directly into Qin Siyao's eyes.
"If I return from this expedition, I will love you."
"If I don't come back."
Before Xiao Mo could finish speaking, Qin Siyao reached out and gently pressed her finger to Xiao Mo's lips.
The girl raised her head and looked intently into the eyes of her beloved:
"If you don't come back."
Then I will go find you.
You have to like me too!
You can't escape me!
(End of this chapter)
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