Chapter 474: Chapter 392: These Young People Will Do Better Than Us

Xiao Shi and Xiao Mo arrived at the Imperial Palace.

After bestowing rewards upon Xiao Mo and Xiao Shi according to custom, the Sovereign of Qin began discussing various matters of the battlefield with them.

Although the Qin Kingdom had now annexed the Jin Kingdom, conquered nearly half of the Zhao Kingdom’s territory, and even cut off the Qi and Zhao Kingdoms from aiding one another, giving them a decisive advantage, the Qin Kingdom still could not afford to be arrogant.

One never knew what might happen before the final step was taken, especially since it was unknown what sort of agreement the two great powers—the Chu Kingdom and the Demon Race’s World—had reached.

This called for even greater caution.

Otherwise, any negligence would cause all their efforts to be for naught.

After some discussion, the three of them decided to first stabilize the current situation and then plan their next moves slowly.

As for Bai Qi’s transgressions, they would not extend to his family. Moreover, since Bai Qi had served his kingdom loyally to the very end, he would still be given a grand burial. His title of nobility would be inherited by his sister’s child in the future.

Several hours later, Xiao Shi left the Imperial Study first, but Xiao Mo was asked to stay behind by the Sovereign of Qin.

"Does Your Majesty have further instructions for me?" Xiao Mo asked, puzzled.

"Nothing in particular." The Sovereign of Qin patted his robes and rose from the soft couch. "Just walk with me for a while."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Xiao Mo nodded and followed beside the Sovereign of Qin out of the Imperial Study.

The Sovereign of Qin dismissed Eunuch Li, then strolled aimlessly through the gardens of the Imperial Palace with Xiao Mo.

"Xiao Mo, we truly have you to thank this time. If you hadn’t destroyed the Jin Kingdom, the current situation on the battlefield would have been extremely unfavorable for our Qin Kingdom."

The Sovereign of Qin sighed with heartfelt emotion.

"Your Majesty overpraises me. I merely did what little I could. If the Crown Prince had not held back the Dukes of Jin, and if the soldiers of Qin had not been united in their efforts, I would have never been able to break into the Jin capital."

"You..." The Sovereign of Qin shook his head with a smile. "It’s just the two of us here. There’s no need to be so modest with me. When I praise you, I mean it. What, do you think my praise is misplaced?"

"That..." Xiao Mo quickly bowed. "May Your Majesty quell your anger..."

"Alright, alright." The Sovereign of Qin shook his head, exasperated. "Why are you so cautious all the time? You boy... you’re not old, but I always feel you’re far more mature than your father."

Xiao Mo didn’t answer, merely continuing to walk with the Sovereign of Qin, but he positioned himself half a step behind the Sovereign.

After a moment, the Sovereign of Qin glanced at the young man beside him and smiled. "Xiao Mo, do you think my health is still fine? That I don’t look gravely ill at all?"

"It is naturally for the best that Your Majesty is safe and sound," Xiao Mo replied.

"Hahaha... If only I could be. But I can’t." The Sovereign of Qin clasped his hands behind his back and said slowly, "To be honest with you, I don’t actually have many years left to live."

Xiao Mo glanced at the Sovereign of Qin. He didn’t look at all like a man who only had a few years left. His complexion was no different than usual, though he did look a bit worn out, likely due to the recent war and the deaths of his two sons.

"You don’t believe me?"

The Sovereign of Qin smiled, and with a jolt of his palm, he completely dispersed the Mountain and River Fortune coiled around his body.

Sensing the weak Life Fire within the Sovereign of Qin’s body, Xiao Mo was shocked.

The Sovereign of Qin’s Life Fire was like a candle flickering in the wind. Although it wouldn’t be extinguished immediately, it likely wouldn’t last much longer.

A moment later, the Sovereign of Qin once again gathered the Mountain and River Fortune around himself and strode forward, his tone carrying the calm acceptance of one who has come to terms with life and death:

"Years ago, about twenty years back, something went wrong with my cultivation. I failed when I tried to break through to the Jade Realm. Only your father knows about this. Though I managed to save my life, my fundamental Root Bone was severely damaged.

Since then, I have been using the Mountain and River Fortune and various Elixirs to sustain my lifespan.

If I had focused on recuperating, perhaps I could have lived for another ten or twenty years.

But I don’t like that kind of life!

Over the years, I’ve worked myself to the bone, causing my life force to drain away even faster.

But I don’t care.

Everyone must die. Some deaths are as light as a feather, others as heavy as a mountain.

For me, it is enough to have lived a passionate life, with a clear conscience...

But I have failed those two brothers, and I have failed my own daughter..."

As his words fell, the Sovereign of Qin turned and looked at Xiao Mo with a smile:

"Xiao Mo, in your eyes, am I a heartless man? Willing to sacrifice anything for my ambitions, even sending my own sons into mortal danger?"

"..." Xiao Mo remained silent.

For one, Xiao Mo truly didn’t know how to answer.

For another, in his heart, he did indeed feel the Sovereign of Qin was somewhat heartless.

"It’s right for you to think that... It’s right..."

The Sovereign of Qin offered no explanation, merely lifting his head to watch the distant trees sway gently.

"I... I probably have three years left to live, at most. You don’t need to tell Siyao about this.

As for the next Sovereign of Qin, I have thought about it for a long time and have a plan, but I can’t tell you about it yet.

However, Xiao Mo, if the future Sovereign of Qin does not perform well enough, you may take his place."

"I wouldn’t dare! I will do my utmost to assist him, so as not to fail Your Majesty’s trust!" Xiao Mo hurriedly bowed.

"You..."

The Sovereign of Qin sighed.

"Do you really think I’m still testing you...? Back then, your Xiao Family’s ancestor and the first emperor conquered the lands of Qin together. For five generations, and especially in yours, most of the territory we’ve expanded has been thanks to your Xiao Family.

The Qin Family has ruled this land for so many years. Why can’t the Xiao Family have its turn?"

"I must ask Your Majesty not to say such things," Xiao Mo said in a low voice.

"Sigh... Forget it, forget it. I’ve said what I needed to say. Whether you believe it, whether you listen, that is all up to you..."

The Sovereign of Qin waved his hand dismissively.

"I want to walk by myself for a bit. Xiao Mo, you are dismissed. During this time, you should also spend more time with Siyao and go see the Empress. Also, I know that you and your father are rather estranged.

But...

Your father... that fellow Xiao Shi... he’s actually a good man. At least, better than I am.

Go and talk with your father more."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I will take my leave." Xiao Mo bowed once more before turning to depart.

After Xiao Mo left, the Sovereign of Qin continued walking forward, arriving at a nearby pavilion where he slowly sat down.

"COUGH, COUGH, COUGH..."

The Sovereign of Qin coughed a few times, then looked in the direction Xiao Mo had left and shook his head.

’Go and talk with him more. In the future... you won’t have the chance anymore...’

As his words fell, the Sovereign of Qin raised his head and spoke softly in the direction of the Xiao Mansion:

"Don’t worry.

After the two of us are gone,

these young people will do a better job than we did."

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