The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

On the other hand, just a month ago, in Xiang County, the seat of Si Shui County.

An imperial edict came from Xianyang: the construction of the imperial mausoleum was exempted from the conscription of civilians for labor service, and all counties and prefectures were required to escort the imprisoned serious criminals to the imperial mausoleum in Mount Li.

Bai Yan, the lieutenant of Sishui County, urgently summoned the county magistrates and lieutenants from all the counties in the county to come to Xiang County to discuss specific matters.

At this time, the atmosphere in the hall of the Xiang County Magistrate's Office was tense. The county magistrates from more than a dozen counties under the jurisdiction of Sishui County had gathered together. They all had serious faces, waiting for Bai Yan's instructions.

"Everyone, the imperial edict from Xianyang requires us to escort the serious criminals from various counties to the Imperial Mausoleum in Mount Li. This is an arduous task." Bai Yan said in a heavy tone while sitting in the hall.

Everyone nodded, indicating that they understood the importance and urgency of the task.

"However, this matter is under the charge of Prime Minister Li Si, and this trip to Xianyang is also an opportunity to show up." Bai Yan continued.

Everyone looked eager to try it out.

"At present, I have ordered people to count the number of serious criminals in each county, and the total number is more than 1,500. These people have committed serious crimes and must be kept under strict supervision." Bai Yan said after a pause.

"Sir, I have something to say." At this point, the Pei County Magistrate stepped forward and said, "These over 1,500 serious criminals are a large number. If they are escorted separately from various counties, it may cause chaos and security risks. Pei County is located in the northwest of Sishui Commandery, and is the only way to Xianyang. It would be better to gather all the prisoners in Pei County, and then have them escorted to the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum from there. This will not only improve efficiency but also reduce risks."

Bai Yan nodded in agreement. "Good idea, let's do it. But this will put even more pressure on Pei County. Can you afford it?"

The magistrate of Pei County replied confidently: "Don't worry, sir. Pei County will do its best to complete the task."

"Don't worry, sir. We will do our best to ensure the prisoner's safe escort to Mount Li." Tian Song stood up and bowed.

"Very good, County Captain Tian, ​​the task of escorting the prisoners to the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum will be left to you, but you must also pay attention to safety. Many of these prisoners are extremely vicious, so you must be careful during the escort and not take it lightly. I have decided to mobilize two hundred patrol battalions to follow them." Bai Yan reminded.

So, Bai Yan asked the magistrate of Pei County and Tian Song to discuss the specific escort plan, and asked them to work out a detailed plan as soon as possible.

After some discussion, the Pei County Magistrate, He Tiansong, proposed a plan for the transfer. First, they would divide the county lieutenants from each county into several groups, each responsible for escorting a certain number of prisoners to Pei County. Upon arrival, the Pei County lieutenant would receive and arrange for their detention. Then, Pei County would organize a special escort team, consisting of 250 patrol soldiers, 50 Pei County jailers, and other relevant personnel, totaling over 300 people. This escort team would be responsible for escorting all prisoners to the Imperial Mausoleum at Mount Li.

Bai Yan heard the plan and thought it was very feasible, so he approved it. At the same time, he also reminded the magistrate of Pei County and Tian Song to make full preparations to ensure the safety and smoothness of the escort process.

Finally, Bai Yan once again emphasized the importance and seriousness of this mission, and hoped that everyone could work together to complete this arduous task.

At the same time, he also asked each county to prepare sufficient food and weapons just in case.

After the meeting, the county lieutenants immediately returned to their counties and began to organize the escort of prisoners.

Pei County Lieutenant Tian Song was detained by Bai Yan.

In the study, Bai Yan looked at Tian Song and spoke slowly, "County Lieutenant Tian, ​​do you know why I asked you to be in charge of escorting the prisoners to Xianyang?"

Tian Song was moved after hearing this, but he bowed respectfully and replied, "I understand. Thank you, Lord County Lieutenant, for your guidance!"

Bai Yan nodded slightly, a hint of a smile appearing on his face. "Well, I've assigned you the responsibility of escorting the prisoners to Xianyang this time. Firstly, it's because you're a steady person, and secondly, it's a test of your abilities. There's currently a vacant position for Chief Clerk in the County Magistrate's Office. I hope you won't disappoint me."

Tian Song quickly said, "I will definitely live up to the trust placed in me by the County Magistrate!"

Bai Yan continued, "Also, there's one more thing I need your help with."

Tian Song hurriedly asked, "What are your instructions, Lord County Magistrate?"

Bai Yan smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "General Xiao Meng and I are old acquaintances. When I go to Xianyang, please give him my regards."

Tian Song immediately agreed: "I obey your command!"

Finally, Bai Yan patted Tian Song on the shoulder and said earnestly, "County Lieutenant Tian, ​​do your best. When you come back, there will be more important things waiting for you to do."

Tian Song was filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Lord County Magistrate!"

After leaving the county magistrate's office, Tian Song rode back to Pei County at top speed, not wanting to waste a moment, and immediately began preparing for the prisoner's escort. He knew the mission was a heavy responsibility and he had to ensure it went smoothly.

At the same time, various places in Sishui County were busy, and a large-scale prisoner escort operation was being prepared in full swing.

In Pei County, Tian Song carefully selected a group of strong and capable soldiers, all of whom were rigorously trained and experienced elites. They would be responsible for guarding and protecting the prisoners and ensuring their safety during the escort process.

In addition, Tian Song also carried out strict inspection and management of the prisoners to prevent any accidents from happening.

One day, Tian Song was entertaining Liu Bang in a wine shop in Pei County.

After the two of them went upstairs and entered the private room, the food and wine were quickly served to the table. They began to toast each other. After a few drinks, Liu Bang was the first to speak and ask, "Sir, County Lieutenant, what do you want to see me about today?"

Tian Song pretended to be angry and said, "What's wrong, Brother Liu? I've told you so many times that we are brothers. Why are you still calling me sir or not?"

After hearing this, Liu Bang hurriedly smiled and said, "Yes, yes, Brother Tian, ​​look at my mouth, I deserve a slap!" Then he slapped himself lightly and continued to ask, "Then what did you want to see me about today, Brother Tian?"

Tian Song smiled faintly and spoke slowly, "For the construction of the imperial mausoleum at Mount Li, Your Majesty has mercifully exempted the civilians from corvée labor. Instead, all prefectures across the country will escort the most severely convicted criminals to Xianyang. This prefecture has 1,500 of them, and the county lieutenant has ordered me to take charge." He then looked at Liu Bang quietly, awaiting his response.

Liu Bang said flatteringly: "It must be the county lieutenant who has taken a fancy to your abilities, Brother Tian, ​​and wants to promote you." His face was filled with a flattering smile, and his eyes revealed his intention to curry favor with Tian Song.

Tian Song was a little drunk, and nodded slightly and said, "Well, Brother Liu is right. The county magistrate once told me that the position of chief clerk in the county magistrate's office is vacant. When I successfully complete this mission and return... hehe, then I will have the opportunity to fill this vacancy." He smiled triumphantly, as if he had already seen the beautiful scene after his promotion.

When Liu Bang heard this, he immediately stood up and bowed to congratulate him, saying, "Congratulations, Brother Tian, ​​congratulations on your promotion! That's great. Brother Tian will surely be very successful in the future and have a bright future!" His tone was full of envy and expectation, and his eyes were shining with desire.

Tian Song laughed, patted Liu Bang on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Brother Liu. I plan to take you with me to Xianyang this time. After we successfully complete the mission and return, if I can be promoted, I will definitely recommend the position of Pei County Lieutenant to you." His words revealed his trust and support for Liu Bang.

Liu Bang was secretly delighted and moved to tears. He quickly stood up to toast and said excitedly: "Thank you, Brother Tian, ​​for your support. I will do my best to assist you in completing this task!" He raised his glass and drank it all to show his determination.

The two smiled at each other and looked forward to a bright future together.