The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

At this moment, the majestic voice of the First Emperor echoed slowly from within the hall: "Appoint Meng Yi as the Minister of Works, responsible for the construction of the Imperial Mausoleum at Mount Li. No further discussion is needed, and the court is dismissed."

The First Emperor was seen walking from the dragon throne to the side hall, leaving only his back to everyone.

The ministers in the hall bowed and saluted, shouting in unison: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!"

With the sound of this slogan, the figure of the First Emperor disappeared from everyone's sight.

On this day, what happened in the court shocked the entire court.

Among the Nine Ministers was a Shaofu, who was responsible for taxation of mountains, seas, land, and marshes, government handicrafts, the emperor's personal property, and his daily life. Under the Shaofu were the Zuo Jiangzuo Shaofu, who handled the internal affairs of the royal family and the external affairs of the government and people's livelihood, respectively.

Zhao Gao couldn't help but feel a little regretful. He had hoped to use this opportunity to expel Meng Yi from the capital, but in the end, he failed to do so. However, despite this, he still succeeded in getting Meng Yi out of the court.

"Hmph!" Zhao Gao sneered inwardly, thinking, "Although I failed to expel Meng Yi from the capital, his departure from the court is still a small victory."

Meanwhile, Chunyu Yue sighed inwardly. He had hoped that the First Emperor would severely punish Meng Yi, demonstrating his majesty and justice. But now it seemed that the First Emperor was not fulfilling his wish. This made Chunyu Yue begin to think about how to deal with possible future events.

"Your Majesty, why don't you severely punish Meng Yi?" Chunyu Yue muttered to himself. He knew that Meng Yi's existence was a threat to him.

Inside the hall, the officials reacted in varying ways. Some approached Meng Yi to offer their congratulations; others, displeased, simply walked away; and still others remained silent, their heads bowed. Each had their own thoughts and attitudes, and the interweaving of these emotions formed a complex political landscape.

"Congratulations, Lord Meng!" A minister bowed to Meng Yi in congratulations, with a sincere smile on his face.

"Thank you!" Meng Yi responded with a smile, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

"Hmph!" Another minister snorted coldly, with an unhappy look on his face, and turned away.

Meng Yi looked at the departing minister and sighed inwardly. He knew that his departure was a disappointment to some, but a relief to others.

When Xiao He, Ying Bu, Han Xin and Meng Xin learned that Meng Yi was dismissed from his post and transferred to be the Minister of the Imperial Household, they were all filled with worry.

"The general has been dismissed. What should we do?" Han Xin frowned and said anxiously.

"Yes, our lord is an upright and loyal man with outstanding talents, but now he has been demoted and transferred. It is really a pity." Xiao He echoed.

"We should visit the general and find out what's going on," Meng Xin suggested.

"Okay, let's go to Meng's house together tonight." Ying Bu nodded.

As night fell, four people with the same goal set out on the journey to Meng Mansion.

Along the way, they remained silent, yet their minds were filled with thoughts. They knew Meng Yi was a man of integrity, loyalty, and exceptional talent. Despite being demoted and transferred, they were still willing to follow him.

Finally arriving at the Meng residence, the gate was closed, and the entrance was deserted, making it seem rather deserted. They knocked gently, making a crisp sound. After a moment, the door opened, revealing a familiar face—Meng Zhong, the Meng residence's butler.

"Uncle Zhong, we are here to visit General Meng." Xiao He bowed, his tone showing a hint of respect.

"The four of you, please wait a moment. The young general is in the study." Meng Zhong hurriedly welcomed the four people into the mansion and led them to the living room.

Entering the living room, they found Meng Yi seated at his desk, his expression calm and composed. Dressed in a simple, elegant robe, he resembled a tranquil mountain. Four people approached and saluted. Meng Yi smiled, rose, and returned the greeting, inviting them to sit down.

Xiao He was the first to speak. "My Lord, we have heard that you have been dismissed and transferred to the position of Minister of the Imperial Household. I am willing to follow you to the Imperial Mausoleum at Mount Li."

Meng Yi smiled slightly, looked at Xiao He and the others with a gentle gaze, and said softly, "Why are you so troubled, brothers? I am only going to Mount Li to change places."

Xiao He and the others looked at each other, and a firm belief surged in their hearts. They knew that although Meng Yi had been demoted, he was still the lord in their hearts.

Meng Yi looked at the crowd, a flicker of emotion and relief in his eyes. He stood up, walked to the window, gazed at the distant sky, and slowly said, "I understand your feelings. Brothers, don't worry. This is His Majesty's will. Although I have been dismissed from my position as lieutenant, I can continue to serve the court. It's just a change of position." His tone was firm and calm, inspiring admiration.

After hearing this, the four of them felt a little relieved, but they still had doubts in their hearts.

Ying Bu couldn't help but ask, "General, you have always been trusted by His Majesty. This incident is obviously caused by a villain!"

Meng Yi said slowly: "In this matter, the enemy is hidden and we are in the open. I have made many enemies in the court. Now is a good opportunity to avoid the limelight. As for other things, don't worry too much." There was a light of determination and confidence in his eyes.

Han Xin continued, "Your Majesty, what you said is absolutely true. However, I have been dismissed from my post. I beg Your Majesty to allow me to accompany you to the Imperial Mausoleum at Mount Li. Please assign me some tasks, and I can make a difference."

Meng Yi smiled faintly and replied calmly, "If you truly wish to accompany me to the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum, then come. However, you must be prepared for hardship and perseverance."

Han Xin said excitedly: "My lord, rest assured. I, Han Xin, am not afraid of hardship. As long as I can follow you, I am willing to try anything."

Meng Yi nodded slightly, a smile appeared on his face, and he said softly: "In that case, then you should pack your luggage. We will set off tomorrow and go there together to see the situation. As for the rest of you, just handle the affairs in Xianyang well. You will be needed in the future." His tone was firm and confident, as if he had already seen the possibilities of the future.

Upon hearing this, the four of them bowed to show that they understood and answered in unison, "Yes, sir!" Their voices were full of respect and determination, as if expressing their loyalty and trust in Meng Yi.

The five then began discussing the current political situation and future developments. They expressed their views, with some arguing for strengthening the military to safeguard national security, others advocating diplomatic solutions to avoid war, and others suggesting prioritizing agricultural production to ensure the nation's food supply. The discussion was heated, the atmosphere lively, and harmonious, as if everyone was discussing future strategies.

Time slipped away amidst the discussion, and before they knew it, night had fallen, with moonlight streaming down the ground like water. Realizing it was getting late, the four of them stood up, said their goodbyes, and prepared to leave. Meng Yi also stood up and saw them to the door.

After the four men said goodbye and left, Meng Yi stood at the door, watching their receding figures, a warmth welling up in his heart. He knew these were the confidences he could trust, and they would face this together.