**Chapter 73: Settling Up: The Final Rewards of the Simulation, A Great Harvest!** - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

**Chapter 73: Settling Up: The Final Rewards of the Simulation, A Great Harvest!** "You were assassinated by the former dynasty's General Xiao Zhan." ... What?! Upon seeing his simulated self meet such an abrupt end, Su Mo was taken aback. Well, well, well. He thought he could simulate a few more decades. Unexpectedly, he died so quickly. Well, death is just death. Judging by the outcomes of previous simulations, this “Fateful Life” game seemingly never provides a peaceful death by natural causes. Everything comes so suddenly. But even after his simulated demise, he could still observe further developments. Su Mo continued to watch the unfolding scene. "After your death, Xiao Zhan and his followers were captured and executed by dismemberment." "The court was in an uproar." "No one expected you to die so abruptly." "However, you left behind two princes upon your death, giving everyone hope that the Zhou dynasty could still endure." "Xiao Huang was heartbroken, but in order to preserve the empire you established, she didn’t follow you into death. Instead, she chose to raise the two infants, planning to select one of them as the new emperor." "Thus, she governed from behind a veil, becoming a legendary Empress Dowager..." … As the scene froze, the settlement for “Fateful Life” appeared in front of Su Mo. "Born into a royal family, you never had the heart for the throne, instead dedicating yourself to learning and exploring everything the world has to offer." "Your mother hired many teachers to instruct you in various arts, but your favorite pastime was reading." "You vaguely felt a power awakening inside you, yet remained uncertain of its nature." "Your tranquil life didn’t last long as the Xiao imperial clan from the previous dynasty successfully restored themselves, placing you and 31 other princes under house arrest." "Contrary to expectations, you didn’t find this lifestyle boring, rather you enjoyed the leisure." "After your father passed, Empress Xiao Huang sought a new titular King from among the princes, but you declined, inadvertently avoiding disaster." "Hidden Hint: By avoiding disaster, your final evaluation is boosted." … "Empress Xiao Huang was wary of you, and to eliminate you discreetly, she assigned you as the magistrate of Gu Lan County, which had seen 13 magistrates die in the past decade." "On your way to Gu Lan County, you were targeted by various demons and spirits 37 times, yet you managed to escape disaster using the just qi within you." "Hidden Hint: Having faced 37 instances of defying fate, your evaluation greatly increased." … Seeing this progression, Su Mo was surprised. What? On just the journey to Gu Lan County, he was targeted by demons thirty-seven times! Geez. Had he not drawn the 'Just Qi' talent, the simulation might have ended there. Indeed. One's birthright and talents are the ultimate determinants of fate. Like the outcome of a coin toss known the instant it leaves the hand, one’s life destiny is similarly settled at birth… … What excited Su Mo even more, though, was the final evaluation and the reward he would receive for defying fate so many times. Also, this simulation reinforced one thing for Su Mo: He absolutely cannot leave the city recklessly. Who knows what demons or spirits might be encountered outside the city walls? On screen, the settlement continued… "Using unique investigative techniques, you secured your place in Gu Lan County, and accidentally discovered how to harness your inner 'Just Qi.'" "By wielding this just qi, you subdued the enchantress Yu Luo-niang and the Five Ghosts of Yin Mountain." "In Gu Lan County, you indulged in decadence for a time, which almost made the 'Just Qi' abandon you." "When Empress Xiao Huang came to inspect, you used potions from Yu Luo-niang to make her fall in love with you." "Yet, Xiao Huang was no lovesick fool. On the return journey, she contemplated ending you to sever any threats but hesitated because you were the only one to capture her heart." "Upon returning to the capital, Xiao Huang suppressed a rebellious imperial faction. Her decision about you left her in a constant dilemma." "Utilizing desperate measures, you drew Xiao Huang into desire, altering the fate of the Xiao imperial clan, and consequently the Zhou empire’s destiny." "Hidden Hint: You defied fate, altering countless destinies, boosting your final evaluation." "Upon your relationship with Xiao Huang being discovered by the royal family, she cunningly sent you to forge a political marriage with the Xiongnu." "Once in Xiongnu, you gained the trust of the Xiongnu Khan and earned military support." "The Xiongnu shaman priest, Wu Chi-xie, was injured by your writings, causing his spirit to leave him. He went into seclusion, indirectly shifting the Khan’s attitude toward you." "Amassing an army, you rallied people under the banner of 'restoring heavenly virtue and quelling traitors,' gaining immense support." "Ultimately, you defied fate, becoming the Emperor of the Zhou." "Yu Luo-niang, under your command, engaged in excessive slaughter, resulting in the destruction of her talisman, leading to her demise." "Your 'Just Qi' abandoned you due to your killings." "Xiao Zhan, who had been secretly preparing, knew of the enchantress by your side, and after news of Yu Luo-niang’s death, he infiltrated the palace with assassins, ultimately killing you." "You lived for a total of 27 years." "Originally destined to be a laid-back prince, your destiny defying path led you to become the Emperor of Zhou. You had two confidantes, enjoyed unparalleled blessings, and lived a life full of legendary highs and lows." "Evaluation: Mixed." … Reading the final evaluation, Su Mo's heart sank, perplexed by its meaning. Was he to receive no reward due to mixed merits and faults? This was his most fate-defying simulation yet, after all. As he awaited the appearance of the reward screen, Su Mo felt anxious. After some time, the settlement screen began to move. "This simulation grants you the talent ‘Just Qi’!" "Because you've defied fate numerous times, this Just Qi will never leave you." "Gulp..." Su Mo couldn't help but swallow nervously. Just Qi that will never leave him? Does this mean he no longer needs to fear demons? Before Su Mo could delve into this, more rewards quickly followed. "Due to your high rating, you've obtained a hidden reward: 'Identity Card'!" "Identity Card: Post-simulation use grants you 10 random identities, from which you can choose one for your next start." "Due to your high rating, you've obtained another hidden reward: 'Talent Card'!" "Talent: Post-simulation use grants you 10 random talents, from which you can choose one for your next start." "Congratulations, you have earned the opportunity to designate a real-life romance character to accompany you in a simulated life." … "All rewards have been distributed, wishing you a pleasant life!" … With four rewards in hand, Su Mo held onto two more cards, gradually coming to terms with his astonishment. Oh my. Four rewards at once; it was his first time receiving so much! The chance to designate a real-life romance character was self-explanatory. Starting with his own identity was essentially an optimal way to forecast the future. In his eyes, this was crucial. Given the stakes tied to his fate and future opportunities. As for the Identity and Talent Cards, Su Mo hadn’t expected such formidable tools. These cards ensured he wouldn't be left gambling on poor random draws for identities and talents. Instead, he could choose one out of ten possibilities. Surely, he wouldn't be unlucky enough to encounter ten useless identities or talents in a row! Su Mo shook his head. He felt certain it wouldn’t happen. After all, choosing one out of ten is quite the shot! And as for those cards, he wouldn’t expend them both in a single simulation, planning to spread their use. Su Mo yearned for a golden talent start. But sadly, he had only taken that path once. From all his simulations, he realized how extraordinary a golden talent beginning was. Regardless of how lowly the initial status might be, with golden talent, one could still defy fate! With the rewards organized, Su Mo finally had time to examine his Just Qi. After acquiring the Just Qi, Su Mo felt a difference near his heart, sensing a newfound energy flowing through his entire body. However, this energy wasn’t yet capable of enhancing his physical form. Moreover, the energy felt quite weak. Just like how his simulated self initially experienced it. The thought of nurturing this Just Qi gave Su Mo a bit of a headache. With his money-loving and indulgent nature, how was he supposed to cultivate such a dignified energy? Never mind, he shrugged it off. Might as well pretend it doesn’t exist! With that thought, he relaxed and stretched. Su Mo felt a wave of comfort wash over him. He glanced out the window. What was previously sleet had turned into heavy rain. Raindrops struck the window with a resounding patter. Although it was already morning, not a single soul was visible on the streets. No one wanted to be out in such unpleasant weather. It seemed Miss Guo wouldn’t be coming over today. Su Mo got up, quickly freshened up, and headed to the kitchen to prepare himself a hearty breakfast. With practiced skill, Su Mo began chopping meat on the cutting board. There was some leavened dough left over from the day before. He planned to steam a basket of meat buns. Suddenly. A knocking sound came from the front hall, which surprised Su Mo. Could it be that little girl Guo Lin, coming over so early? But this was way too early. And it was pouring rain outside. Feeling a bit unsettled by the thought, Su Mo put down the kitchen knife and headed toward the front hall. As he opened the tavern door, it wasn’t Guo Lin standing before him, but rather Xu Miaoyin, someone he'd seen once before! Xu Miaoyin was clad in a white ruqun, her body drenched by the rain, causing the fabric to cling to her impressive figure. Raindrops trickled down her fair cheeks, graceful neck, slim waist, shapely hips, straight legs, and delicate feet. She appeared somewhat anxious. Moreover, given that Xu Miaoyin stood nearly eye-level with Su Mo, The sight of her heaving chest, highlighting her breath's rise and fall, left Su Mo momentarily dazed. He stood there for a while before finally uttering a question. “Heroine, is there something you need?” (End of Chapter)