The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

So, in the next few days, under the leadership of the chief commander Gong Shuyang, the craftsmen immediately began to make pottery figurines.

Inside the workshop, a bustling scene unfolds. Craftsmen, dressed in coarse linen clothes and wearing turbans and hats, are busy crafting pottery figurines.

In the center of the workshop, huge blocks of clay are placed. Craftsmen skillfully use tools to cut and shape them. Their techniques are skillful and precise, as if giving life to the clay.

Some craftsmen concentrate on carving the facial expressions of the terracotta warriors, delicately outlining every detail to make the warriors look lifelike; others are carefully shaping the bodies of the terracotta warriors, showing their strong physiques and majestic auras.

On a nearby workbench, various tools and molds are laid out. Craftsmen select the appropriate tools for their specific needs. Using tools like knives, hammers, and brushes, they constantly refine and perfect the shapes of the terracotta figures. They also use molds to create identical parts to increase production efficiency.

In a corner of the workshop, a fire blazes as potters place their finished terracotta warriors into the kiln for firing. The flames lick at the figures, gradually hardening and solidifying them. Throughout the firing process, the artisans must constantly monitor the temperature and heat to ensure the quality of the figures.

The whole workshop is filled with the scent of earth and sweat. Craftsmen toil diligently, their eyes revealing concentration and perseverance.

On the walls of the workshop hang drawings showing the various shapes and arrangements of the Terracotta Warriors. Craftsmen meticulously craft each warrior according to the drawings, ensuring they are uniform in size and style.

Following Meng Yi's request, Gong Shuyang and his craftsmen selected the finest clay and materials to meticulously sculpt lifelike terracotta figures, each with a unique expression and posture, as if they were real soldiers.

During the production process, Meng Yi personally supervised and guided the process, ensuring that every step met his standards. He constantly communicated with the craftsmen, asking for their ideas and suggestions.

"Mr. Gongshu Zhang, what do you think of the expression of this terracotta figurine?" Meng Yi asked, pointing at a terracotta figurine.

After careful observation, Gongshu Yang replied, "Sir, I think the expression of this figurine could be more vivid, so that it can better reflect the bravery of our Qin soldiers."

Meng Yi nodded in agreement and said to Gong Shuyang, "You are right. We need to make these terracotta warriors look as realistic as possible."

Gong Shuyang and the craftsmen received Meng Yi's approval and worked even harder, constantly adjusting the details of the terracotta figurines to make them more perfect.

After several days of hard work, the first batch of five terracotta figures were finally completed. These terracotta figures are not only exquisite in appearance, but also hard in texture and can withstand the test of time.

Meng Yi carefully examined each figurine and said to the craftsmen, "Well done, everyone! These figurines are perfect."

Looking at the results before him, Meng Yi nodded in satisfaction. He believed that these terracotta figures would replace the innocent soldiers buried with him, and that the soldiers themselves deserved to live well. All of this was inseparable from the hard work of Gong Shuyang and the craftsmen.

The next morning, the sun had just risen, and the sunlight shone on the earth, bringing a touch of warmth.

Meng Yi got up early and started working. He selected a batch of pottery figurines and arranged for special personnel to load them onto carts to be transported to Li Si's residence.

When the vehicles arrived at Li Si's mansion, Meng Yi personally led them into the mansion and had the terracotta warriors placed in the courtyard.

Li Si was busy in his study. When he heard the news of Meng Yi's arrival, he immediately put down his work and walked out of the study to greet him.

Meng Yi introduced to Li Si: "Uncle Master, this is the pottery figurine made according to your requirements. Please take a look."

Li Si carefully surveyed the terracotta figures within the courtyard, filled with wonder. Their faces, expressions, and clothing were all lifelike reproductions of Qin warriors. Every detail was meticulously crafted, making them appear as if they were real people.

Upon closer inspection, Li Si was even more amazed by the impressive appearance and durability of the terracotta figures. Not only were they aesthetically pleasing, but they also withstood the test of time and endured for eternity. This level of craftsmanship and quality control left Li Si with a deep admiration for the workmanship of Gong Shuyang and other artisans.

Li Si couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "My dear nephew, you are truly creative! These terracotta figurines are works of art, perfectly showcasing the demeanor of the Qin warriors. The craftsmanship of Gongshu Yang and other artisans is also first-rate; they've actually turned your idea into reality."

Meng Yi said modestly, "Master, you are too kind. This is the result of the joint efforts of the craftsmen. I hope these terracotta figures can convince Your Majesty to spare the lives of tens of thousands of soldiers and generals by burying them alive."

Li Si gazed at the lifelike terracotta figures before him, nodding inwardly with satisfaction. His eyes revealed both admiration and awe for them. These figures not only embodied the majesty and morale of the Qin army but also embodied the First Emperor's hopes and aspirations for the afterlife.

Li Si said slowly, "My dear nephew, the day after tomorrow, during the grand court session, you will accompany me to the palace and present these terracotta figurines to His Majesty. The lives of tens of thousands of soldiers depend on me."

Meng Yi bowed and said, "Uncle Master, as you command!"

Hearing these words, Meng Yi felt a heavy burden on his shoulders, yet also a sense of mission. He knew this opportunity was crucial to saving the soldiers destined for burial. If they could successfully persuade the First Emperor to abandon the practice of burying living people with him, these terracotta warriors would become a historical testament to the greatness of human wisdom and craftsmanship. And their efforts would become a powerful force, changing the fate of an era.

Li Si, fully aware of the First Emperor's concern for the afterlife, decided to present this matter to the Emperor at the grand court the day after tomorrow. He believed these terracotta figurines would satisfy the Emperor's needs while also bringing comfort to the Qin soldiers who would accompany him to his mausoleum. Their heroic names would be engraved on these figurines, immortalizing them as a lasting symbol of the Qin Empire.

After seeing Meng Yi off, Li Si faced the terracotta figurines in the courtyard and pondered for a moment before heading back to his study to prepare a memorial. He needed to present his ideas to the First Emperor in the most appropriate manner and secure his approval and support. This was a crucial task for Li Si, and a crucial responsibility as prime minister.

Li Si walked while thinking, his steps seemed a little heavy. He knew that this memorial was of great importance and he had to treat it with caution.

Li Si arrived at his study, opened his desk, and began to compose a memorial. His writing was fluent and his thoughts clear, and he quickly completed a detailed memorial. He folded the memorial and placed it in front of his desk, ready to present it to the First Emperor at the grand court the day after tomorrow.