The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After Meng Yi returned from Li Si's residence, the guards hurried forward to report: "General, Mr. Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu have requested an audience and have been waiting in the front hall for a long time."

Meng Yi nodded slightly, indicating that he understood, and then quickened his pace and walked towards the front hall.

When he entered the front hall, Meng Yi saw Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu sitting there, as well as Lu Su sitting in the main seat.

When Lu Su saw Meng Yi coming back, a delighted smile appeared on her face. She stood up to greet him and said, "Husband, you are finally back. Master and Big Brother have been waiting for you for a long time."

Meng Yi felt a warm feeling in his heart. He walked forward, looked at Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu, bowed and said, "Master, big brother, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Xiang Liang stood up, reached out and took Meng Yi's arm, his eyes full of love, and said with a smile: "Yi'er, we are all family, why be so polite?"

Xiang Yu also echoed and said, "Yes, brother Yi, your uncle is right. How can we say such polite words to each other as family members? This is wrong. You should be fined three cups of wine. No, no, no, it should be three bowls." After saying that, he laughed.

Meng Yi laughed heartily and said, "Hahahahahaha...Okay, okay, Master, Big Brother, let's not go home until we're drunk." Then he turned to Lu Su and said, "Madam, please have someone arrange the banquet."

Lu Su chuckled and replied gently, "Don't worry, husband. I've already made all the arrangements and am just waiting for you to come back!" Her lips curled up slightly, her eyes sparkling with joy, and she continued, "I'll go to the kitchen to see if there's anything I need to prepare. You can sit with Master and Big Brother for a while."

After saying that, Lu Su bowed slightly to Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu, then stepped out lightly.

Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu looked at each other and said with a smile: "Yier, your wife is really virtuous, you must cherish her!"

Meng Yi nodded, his eyes full of love, "Of course I know, I will definitely treat her well."

Xiang Liang looked at Meng Yi and smiled with satisfaction, "That's good, that's good!"

Xiang Yu also smiled and said: "Brother Yi, you are so lucky to have a wife like my sister-in-law!"

Meng Yi smiled and said, "Brother, you will find your own happiness."

Xiang Yu laughed heartily, "Then I'll borrow your good words!"

The three of them sat down and started chatting, and laughter continued to spread from the room.

Meng Yi chatted with Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu for a while, and before they knew it, the topic gradually turned from trivial family matters to the situation in the court.

Xiang Liang looked at Meng Yi deeply, then said worriedly, "Yier, you've been transferred to the position of Junior Official, is it possible someone is secretly framing you?"

Upon hearing this, Xiang Yu immediately patted his chest and said loudly: "Don't worry, brother Yi. If someone really frames you behind your back, tell me and I will definitely avenge you!" His eyes revealed determination and domineering power, which made people respect him.

However, Meng Yi simply smiled and shook his head, indicating he wasn't concerned. After a moment's silence, he slowly spoke, "Master, Big Brother, don't worry. The court situation is so volatile and people's minds are so unpredictable. I'd rather go to the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum and find some peace and quiet!" His tone was calm and composed, as if he had seen through everything.

At this time, Lu Su walked in and said with a smile: "The wine and food are ready, please move to the restaurant."

Meng Yi, Xiang Liang, and Xiang Yu stood up and walked towards the dining room, where a beautiful table was set up, laden with sumptuous food and wine.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Xiang Liang looked at Meng Yi and said earnestly, "Yi'er, I know you're not interested in this, but the current situation at court is complicated, so it's a good idea for you to stay dormant for a while. But don't worry, I and your brother are here with you. If you need anything, just ask."

Meng Yi looked at Xiang Liang gratefully, "Thank you, Master. I understand."

Xiang Yu gulped down a glass of wine, "Hmph, if those villains dare to bully my brother Yi, I will not let them go!"

Xiang Liang patted Xiang Yu on the shoulder and said, "Yu'er, don't be impulsive. Yi'er, you must be careful in the palace. If there is any disturbance, let us know as soon as possible."

Meng Yi nodded, "Disciple knows."

Xiang Yu looked at Meng Yi and said, "Brother Yi, if there is any danger, please tell me. I, Xiang Yu, will never let you come to any harm."

Meng Yi smiled and said, "Thank you, brother."

Xiang Liang stood up and raised his glass, "Come, let's toast to the future together!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank it all.

Lu Su watched all this with a smile. She gently held Meng Yi's hand, giving him silent support.

The next day, Meng Yi came to the East Garden under the jurisdiction of the Shaofu Yamen.

Under the Shaofu were two generals, the Left and Right Shaofu, one in charge of the construction of the imperial palaces and gardens, the other in charge of the construction of public buildings throughout the country. Under each of these were a chancellor, and the Left and Right Zhonghou. Subordinate officials included the Stone Chamber Commander, the East Garden Chief Commander, the Chief Commander, the Left School Commander, the Right School Commander, the Front School Commander, the Back School Commander, and the Center School Commander. The Stone Chamber was in charge of building stones, the East Garden Chief Commander was in charge of carpentry, the Chief Commander was in charge of felling large timber, and the Five Schools were in charge of construction. Most of the officers in the Five Schools were convicts.

Meng Yi went directly to the workshop and gathered a group of craftsmen. Gathering them together, he began to explain his concept and requirements for making the terracotta figurines. He described in detail the shape, size, and material of the figurines, while also emphasizing the importance of exquisite craftsmanship and quality.

The craftsmen listened carefully to Meng Yi's explanation, raised questions and suggestions from time to time, and discussed with Meng Yi how to better implement this plan.

At this time, the chief official of the East Garden, Gong Shuyang, heard Meng Yi's purpose from nearby and couldn't help but feel curious. He cautiously walked up to Meng Yi and whispered, "Excuse me, Lord Meng, what is the purpose of making terracotta warriors?"

Meng Yi turned to look at Gongshu Yang, a hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes, and then he slowly replied: "Mr. Gongshu Zhang, in your opinion, what is my purpose?"

Gongshu Yang was slightly startled, then said respectfully, "I dare not say anything at this moment, but what I do know is that if this thing can be made, it will surely save millions of soldiers. Your Excellency has a broad mind, and I admire you."

Meng Yi nodded, looked at Gongshu Yang with admiration, and said, "Since Gongshu Zhangling is the descendant of the Gongshu family, he will definitely be able to assist me."

Upon hearing this, Gongshu Yang immediately bowed and said seriously, "Don't worry, sir. I will do my best."

Meng Yi nodded with satisfaction, then said to Gongshu Yang, "Ming Gongshu Zhang, do you know the craftsmanship behind these terracotta figures?"

Gong Shuyang nodded and said, "Sir, I know that the production of these terracotta figurines requires exquisite craftsmanship and skills. I am willing to assist you with all my efforts."

Meng Yi said, "Okay, Commander Gongshu Zhang, do you have any suggestions?"

Gongshu Yang thought for a moment and said, "Master Meng, I suggest adding quartz sand and other substances to the clay when making the terracotta figurines. This will increase their hardness and durability."

Meng Yi nodded and said, "Gongshu Zhangling, you are right. How about you take charge of this matter?"

Gongshu Yang bowed and said, "Don't worry, sir. I will obey your orders."

Meng Yi nodded in satisfaction, then turned to look at the craftsmen around him and said in a loud voice, "Do you understand what I mean?"

The craftsmen responded in unison: "Understood!"