The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Meng Yi walked out of the royal city with a heavy heart. His face was solemn, as if shrouded in a heavy haze.

He sat quietly on the horse, steering it slowly towards the Meng residence. Each step seemed heavy, as if filled with endless worry and contemplation.

Along the way, Meng Yi silently pondered the recent events. He recalled the moment when His Majesty had granted Hu Hai the right to participate in government affairs, and a sense of unease welled up within him. Then, Li Si was dispatched to Mount Li to oversee the construction of the imperial mausoleum, leaving most of the court affairs in Feng Quji's hands. And now, the alleged confession of Zhang Liang and the physical evidence—the Lieutenant's pass—were fraught with doubt, leaving him deeply perplexed.

Who orchestrated all this? Was it the Confucian scholars led by Chunyu Yue, the eunuchs led by Zhao Gao, or perhaps the alchemists hiding in the shadows, the remnants of the Six Kingdoms... These questions flooded his mind like a tide, leaving him bewildered. Everything had happened so suddenly, leaving him with no clue, and he was at a loss as to where to begin.

The horses continued to move forward slowly, the sound of their hooves echoing in the quiet streets, as if intertwined with Meng Yi's inner thoughts. Meng Yi stared ahead, his eyes revealing firmness and determination.

Han Xin was under investigation by the Censorate during the day, and he was very suspicious. He knew he had done nothing wrong, but why was he being investigated? He could only come to Xiao He to seek answers.

After Xiao He heard Han Xin's account of what had happened, he became anxious. He frowned and asked, "Brother Han, is this really none of your business?"

Han Xin replied with a serious face: "Brother Xiao, we have gone through so many hardships on our way south. Don't you know my character? How could I do such a thing?"

Xiao He pondered for a long time and said slowly, "So, someone is plotting to harm the Lord, and Brother Han, you are just a pawn they are using to bring him down."

Han Xin became anxious upon hearing this and quickly asked, "Brother Xiao, what should we do now? I can't frame the general!"

Xiao He said calmly, "Brother Han, don't worry. After dark, let's go to the Lord and report this matter to him in person."

As the sky grew darker and night was about to fall, Han Xin and Xiao He hurried to Meng's residence, hoping to meet Meng Yi and learn about the situation.

However, when they arrived at Meng's residence, they were told by the Meng's servants: "The young general just received the imperial edict and has hurried to the palace."

Han Xin frowned, looked at Xiao He worriedly, and asked, "What should we do? Brother Xiao, I'm worried that the general may have been framed." His voice was full of anxiety and uneasiness.

Xiao He replied, "Brother Han, we must trust the Lord. Now we can only wait for news." His eyes were firm and calm, as if he had absolute trust in the Lord.

Meng Zhong came here at this moment, and seeing that they were the young general's men, he interrupted and said, "It's late at night now, why don't you two come in and wait for the young general." He warmly invited the two into the mansion.

Xiao He and Han Xin looked at each other, then thanked Meng Zhong and followed him into the Meng Mansion. They prayed silently in their hearts, hoping that Meng Yi would be safe and return home as soon as possible.

Meng Zhong led Han Xin and Xiao He into the front hall.

Seeing that Lu Su was already waiting in the living room, Han Xin and Xiao He hurriedly saluted and said in unison, "Madam."

Lu Su warmly invited them to sit down, then arranged for the servants to bring tea and snacks, and said, "Please wait a moment, your husband should be back soon." Then she left.

After Lü Su left, Han Xin and Xiao He sat down on their chairs, looking anxiously at Meng Zhong. Han Xin couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Zhong, do you know why the young general was summoned?"

Meng Zhong hesitated for a moment and replied, "I don't know the specifics, but I heard that the young general received an imperial edict and hurried to the palace."

Xiao He frowned and said, "I hope Your Majesty will not believe the slander and misunderstand the Lord." There was a hint of worry in his voice.

Han Xin nodded and agreed, "Yes, General, you are loyal and have made many contributions to Your Majesty. You must not be falsely accused."

Their conversation echoed in the silent living room, making the atmosphere even more solemn.

In the hall of Meng's residence, Xiao He and Han Xin sat quietly, waiting for Meng Yi's return. As time passed, they grew increasingly anxious, yet remained patient and calm.

After Feng Jie returned home from the royal city, he walked through the front yard, around the corridor, and came to the door of a study in the backyard.

The lights in the study were bright, and it was obvious that the people inside had not yet gone to bed. Feng Jie knocked gently on the door, and after getting permission, he pushed it open and entered.

There were bamboo slips and official documents piled on the desk. Feng Quji was sitting in front of the desk, flipping through them with a serious expression.

Feng Jie bowed to his father and said, "Father, I'm back."

After Feng Jie sat down, he continued, "Father, tonight in the palace, His Majesty did not severely punish Meng Yi, nor did he deal with his subordinates. It seems that Meng Yi's favor has not diminished!"

Feng Quji raised his head, looked at his son, and said, "The Meng family is full of loyal and brave men. Meng Wu fought for many years before finally dying from a relapse of an old wound. Meng Tian also campaigned throughout the country, defeating the Xiongnu and securing the northern border. Your Majesty personally transferred Meng Yi from Jiuyuan to Xianyang, so naturally he favors him greatly."

Feng Jie looked puzzled and frowned as he said, "Father, if things are really as you said, then Zhao Gao's plan will be in vain, right?" He was a little puzzled by this conclusion. After all, Zhao Gao and the Feng family were currently united.

Feng Quji smiled slightly and answered firmly: "This matter will never be so simple. We need to wait patiently. The results will surely emerge during the court session the day after tomorrow. At that time, we just need to go with the flow." He knew that His Majesty was meticulous and there might be a deeper struggle behind this incident.

Feng Jie listened to his father's words, pondered for a moment, and nodded. "Father, I understand. But, do we need to inform Zhao Gao about this?"

Feng Quji waved his hand. "Not yet. Zhao Gao is no fool. He should have made preparations for the next step. All we need to do now is wait and see what happens during the grand court session."

Feng Jie nodded, "Father is right, then we will just wait and see what happens."

Feng Quji looked at his son, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes, "Jie'er, you have grown up. There are some things that you need to judge and handle on your own."

Feng Jie suddenly understood. He nodded respectfully and said, "I understand, father." He realized that he needed more time and wisdom to understand this complex political struggle.

Feng Quji smiled with satisfaction, "Okay, then you can go and rest first."

Feng Jie bowed and turned to leave. In the study, Feng Quji continued to flip through the bamboo slips and official documents on the desk, lost in thought.

In the study of Zhao Gao's mansion, the flickering candlelight illuminated the figures of Zhao Gao and Zhao Cheng.

Zhao Gao sat at his desk, a document in his hand, his face gloomy. Zhao Cheng stood nearby, looking at him anxiously.

Zhao Cheng said, "Brother, I heard that His Majesty didn't punish Meng Yi in the palace tonight, and didn't even punish his subordinates. He just suspended them."

Zhao Gao nodded and said, "Well, I didn't expect that Meng Yi would be so trusted by Your Majesty." There was a hint of helplessness and unwillingness in his voice.

Zhao Cheng said, "Brother, what should we do next?" His tone revealed confusion and worry about the future.

Zhao Gao pondered for a moment and said, "In the court, we are not the only ones who have a grudge against Meng Yi. Let's spread the word and let those Confucian scholars make some trouble first." A hint of cunning flashed in his eyes.

Zhao Cheng asked doubtfully, "Brother, do you want the Confucian scholars to deal with Meng Yi?"

Zhao Gao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a sinister smile: "That's right, the Confucian scholars have always been dissatisfied with Meng Yi. All we need to do is fan the flames behind the scenes and let them stir up trouble. His Majesty will naturally be dissatisfied with Meng Yi."

Zhao Cheng nodded and said, "Brother, this is indeed a good idea."

Zhao Gao patted Zhao Cheng on the shoulder and said, "We must make His Majesty lose trust in Meng Yi, so that we can have a chance." There was a hint of firmness and determination in his voice.

Zhao Cheng nodded and said, "Brother, I understand."

Zhao Gao continued, "Confucian scholars are all passionate people. They will fight for their beliefs. As long as we give them a chance, they will do it without hesitation." His eyes revealed his understanding and utilization of Confucian scholars.