The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

That night, Liu Bang returned to his residence and couldn't wait to tell Lu Zhi about this matter as soon as he entered the door.

After hearing this, Lu Zhi showed a look of joy on her face, and said to Liu Bang with a smile: "My husband, in that case, when you come back from Xianyang, won't I have to call you County Lieutenant?" As she spoke, she bowed slightly.

Seeing this, Liu Bang's face showed a hint of pride, and he laughed heartily: "Madam, please stand up quickly!"

Liu Bang was in a particularly good mood at this time. He pulled Lu Zhi into the house. Then, he sat down leisurely on the chair, his eyes flashing with excitement, as if he was thinking about the grand blueprint for the future.

"My wife, I will be careful when I go to Xianyang this time. When I return, I will definitely be able to become a county lieutenant." Liu Bang's voice was full of confidence and determination.

Lü Zhi smiled gently at Liu Bang, her eyes revealing firm support and encouragement. "My husband has such ambitions, and I naturally have full confidence in you. However, this journey is long, and we will inevitably encounter various situations along the way. I hope my husband will be more careful and cautious. My son and I will wait for your return."

Liu Bang nodded in understanding. "Don't worry, my lady. I know what I'm doing and I won't put myself in danger."

Lü Zhi looked at Liu Bang with some concern. She gently held Liu Bang's hand and said softly, "My husband, I know you have your own plans, but you must be careful."

Liu Bang felt Lü Zhi's concern, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart. He comforted her, "Don't worry, my lady. I will protect myself."

Lü Zhi continued, "My sister and brother-in-law are also in Xianyang. Tomorrow I will ask my father if there is anything I need to take with me. It's a good opportunity for you to visit your brother-in-law Meng Yi as well. Perhaps your position as county lieutenant will be secure."

Liu Bang's eyes flashed with excitement after hearing this. He knew that if he could get Meng Yi's support, his future would be even brighter.

Liu Bang looked at Lu Zhi with gratitude and said, "Thank you, my lady. You always support and help me when I need you most."

Lü Zhi smiled slightly and said, "My husband, we are husband and wife. Of course I will support you. As long as you can achieve something, I will be satisfied."

Liu Bang held Lü Zhi's hand tightly. Lü Zhi's eyes flashed with determination. She believed that Liu Bang would be able to realize his ambition.

The next morning, Lü Zhi got up early, dressed up carefully, and set off for Lü's mansion. Along the way, her heart was filled with joy.

As soon as Lu Zhi stepped into the gate of Lu Mansion, she went straight to Lu Gong's study.

Upon entering, she saw Lü Gong sitting at his desk, lost in thought. Lü Zhi's face was beaming as she gracefully walked over to him and said, "Father, I greet you! I have good news for you. The county lieutenant has arranged for Liu Ji to accompany him on his mission to Xianyang."

When Lu Gong heard the news, he was slightly stunned, then smiled and nodded to indicate that he understood.

However, Lu Zhi did not stop there. She continued, "Father, do you think there is anything you should take to my sister and brother-in-law? They are far away from home and must miss the taste of home."

Before Lü Gong could answer, Lü Zhi couldn't wait to add, "Father, I have prepared some salted duck eggs, rice, and yams. These are my sister's favorite foods. There is a shortage of rice in the north, so Liu Ji can take it so that my sister and brother-in-law can also taste the flavors of home."

At this point, Lü Zhi recalled the many gifts her sister and brother-in-law had sent her when she gave birth to Ying'er last year. She couldn't help but sigh, "Father, when Ying'er was born last year, my sister and brother-in-law sent me so many things..."

Lü Gong listened quietly to Lü Zhi's words, tears glistening in his eyes. He sensed Lü Zhi's deep affection for his sister, Lü Su. He sighed deeply and said with emotion, "Chi'er, you still dote on Su Su like you did when we were little. I also hope that Liu Ji's trip to Xianyang will be smooth."

Lü Zhi smiled and nodded to Lü Gong, then replied firmly, "Don't worry, father! I will definitely take good care of Liu Ji."

Afterwards, Lü Zhi said goodbye to the Lü Mansion and set off on her journey home. Before she left, Lü Gong had prepared a letter and other related items and personally handed them to Lü Zhi.

Lu Zhi returned home with the letters and items given to her by Lu Gong, and then found Liu Bang.

Liu Bang was sitting at the table, frowning, thinking about his plans for the journey.

Lu Zhi walked gently to his side and placed the letters and items on the table.

"Husband, this is what my father asked me to give to you." Lu Zhi said softly.

Liu Bang raised his head and saw the letters and items on the table, and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

"What is this?" Liu Bang asked.

Lu Zhi handed the letter to Liu Bang and said solemnly: "This is the letter and items that my father asked you to pass on to my sister and brother-in-law."

A few days later, Liu Bang led a group of strong soldiers to the gate of Pei County. They lined up neatly, waiting for the order to set off. At the same time, Tian Song also led another group to meet Liu Bang.

After Liu Bang and Tian Song met, they exchanged a few pleasantries. They both knew that this mission of escorting prisoners was very important, but also faced huge risks.

Tian Song looked at the large bags behind Liu Bang and asked with a puzzled look on his face, "Brother Liu, what are these?"

Liu Bang quickly explained with a smile, "Oh, my father-in-law and my wife heard that I was going to Xianyang with Brother Tian, ​​so they asked me to bring some local specialties to my sister and brother-in-law."

Tian Song nodded and said, "That's right. Lü Gong and his wife are indeed considerate people." He paused, then continued, "Brother Liu, if it's convenient for you to take me with you when you go to Xianyang to visit Lieutenant Meng this time?"

Liu Bang's heart moved. He smiled and said, "Of course, let's go together. But I'm not familiar with Xianyang, so I have to rely on Brother Tian to lead the way."

Tian Song readily agreed: "No problem, I will arrange everything when the time comes." The two smiled at each other, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding.

After the greetings, Liu Bang and Tian Song mounted their horses together and led the huge escort team behind them slowly out of the city.

Liu Bang and Tian Song sat on their horses, looking ahead with serious expressions.

Along the way, Liu Bang performed his duties diligently and always paid attention to the surrounding situation.

Tian Song looked at Liu Bang and said, "Brother Liu, there can be no mistakes in this mission. We must remain vigilant at all times."

Liu Bang nodded and responded, "Don't worry, Brother Tian, ​​these prisoners are all criminals. I have arranged for people to keep a close eye on them."

Liu Bang and Tian Song conversed while watching the road ahead. They knew that this mission of escorting the prisoners was not only related to their reputations but also to their careers. Therefore, they had to do their utmost to ensure the successful completion of the mission.