The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

It didn't take long before Liu Bang, Tian Song and the guards arrived at the gate of the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Finance.

After the guard explained his purpose to the guard, the guard led Liu Bang and Tian Song into the office to wait.

The guard said goodbye to Liu Bang and Tian Song, who hurriedly expressed their gratitude. The guard then quickly walked towards the backyard.

The artisan workshop in the backyard is full of busy figures.

The guard came to Meng Yi and said, "Sir, two people have come from the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum. One is Liu Bang and the other is Tian Song. They are here to see you, entrusted by the elders of their families!"

After listening to this, Meng Yi put down his work and followed the guard to the front hall.

Liu Bang and Tian Song were sitting on chairs in the front hall, waiting anxiously.

When Meng Yi walked into the front hall, Liu Bang and Tian Song immediately stood up and saluted Meng Yi respectfully.

Meng Yi smiled and hurried forward to hold their arms, saying cordially, "Brother Liu, Brother Tian, ​​we're all family. There's no need to be so polite. Please take a seat!"

Liu Bang and Tian Song glanced at each other, then sat down on the chairs opposite Meng Yi. After they were settled, Meng Yi asked, "Brother Liu, Brother Tian, ​​how did you two come here from the Mausoleum of the Emperor Lishan?"

Liu Bang and Tian Song exchanged a glance. Tian Song quickly stood up and replied respectfully, "Master Meng, two months ago, the imperial court issued a decree requiring all counties to escort seriously convicted criminals to the Imperial Mausoleum at Mount Li. County Lieutenant Bai Yan specifically ordered Pei County to centrally organize the escort. That's why the two of us came to Xianyang."

Meng Yi smiled, waved his hand and said, "Brother Tian, ​​there's no need to be so reserved. Sit down quickly."

Tian Song nodded repeatedly and then sat down.

At this time, Liu Bang also spoke up and said, "Brother Meng, my father-in-law and my wife learned that I was coming to Xianyang, so they asked me to bring a letter and some specialties from my hometown. My wife said these are what my sister likes to eat." As he spoke, he carefully took out the letter from his arms.

Meng Yi took the letter from Liu Bang and slowly opened it. He saw that the letter paper was densely covered with words, all of which were instructions from Lu's father to the couple. Among them, he especially mentioned his deep longing for his daughter Lu Su.

After reading the letter, Meng Yi nodded with a heavy heart, then smiled and said, "Brother Liu, please tell my father-in-law to rest assured that I will take good care of Susu. It's just that I'm currently busy with the construction of the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum and really don't have time to spare. However, I will definitely bring Susu back to Pei County to visit him in a few days."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bang immediately responded, "Brother Meng, you are responsible for the construction of the imperial mausoleum. You can't leave easily! We are the family members of my father-in-law, so you don't have to worry too much."

Tian Song, who was standing by, quickly agreed, "Yes, Brother Meng, what Brother Liu said makes a lot of sense. We are the ones who will take care of Mr. Lu, so you can rest assured."

Meng Yi bowed gratefully and said, "Thank you both!"

Liu Bang and Tian Song hurriedly returned the gift, saying that this was what they should do.

Meng Yi turned to look at the two of them and continued, "How is Brother Bai?"

Tian Song smiled and replied, "Master Bai is doing well, but he often talks about returning to Xianyang to meet up with his old friends and drink some fine wine."

Meng Yi nodded slightly, indicating his understanding, and then asked, "When will you two return?"

Liu Bang took over the conversation and replied, "According to the order to escort the prisoners to the imperial mausoleum, we must set out and return to Xianyang at the latest tomorrow."

Meng Yi then warmly invited them, "In that case, why don't you come back with me today so that my wife and I can thank you both."

Liu Bang and Tian Song looked at each other and said in unison: "It is better to obey than to be respectful!"

Soon, the three men rode their horses to the gate of the Meng residence. Meng Yi dismounted and shouted, "Someone come!"

A guard stepped forward quickly, bowed, and asked, "What are your orders, sir?"

Meng Yi smiled slightly and said to the guard, "Go and tell my wife that my brother-in-law has arrived and brought a letter from my father-in-law."

The guards took the order and left, while Meng Yi strode into the mansion with Liu Bang and Tian Song.

At this time, Lu Su was busy in the mansion. After hearing the guard's report, she was overjoyed. She hurriedly ordered Xuemei to prepare a sumptuous banquet and went to the front hall to greet the guests in person.

Lu Su walked quickly to the front hall door and saw Meng Yi chatting and laughing with the two of them. A bright smile appeared on her face and she walked into the hall.

When Tian Song and Liu Bang saw Lu Su coming in, they immediately stood up and saluted. Tian Song said respectfully, "Greetings, Madam."

Lu Su hurriedly returned the greeting and said with a smile, "No need to be so polite, please sit down." As she spoke, she turned to look at Meng Yi, her eyes full of tenderness.

Liu Bang smiled and bowed to Lu Su, saying, "How are you these days, little sister? Your sister specially asked me to bring some local specialties and a letter from your father-in-law."

Lu Su bowed slightly in return and said softly, "Thank you, brother-in-law, for your trouble."

At this moment, the maidservant beside him stepped forward and took the large bundle from Liu Bang's hand. Lu Su gently untied the bundle, only to find it filled with a variety of delicacies, including salted duck eggs and yams... These were her favorite foods. A warm feeling suddenly surged in her heart, and her eyes couldn't help but moisten. She said gratefully, "Thank you for your concern, sister. These are all my favorite foods."

Seeing this, Liu Bang hurriedly said, "Sister, you may not know this, but your sister and father-in-law often mention you and miss you very much!"

Hearing this, a trace of sadness flashed across Lu Su's eyes. She thought of her family far away, and her heart was filled with longing. Meng Yi, standing by, keenly noticed his wife's change of mood. He held Lu Su's hand tightly and gently comforted her, "My dear, don't be sad. When I'm done with this busy period, I will definitely take you home to visit them."

Lu Su was deeply moved after hearing this, but she still fought back tears and said, "My husband holds an important position now, how can he just leave?" She knew that she couldn't let her personal feelings affect her husband's career, so she continued, "It's okay, I've already arranged a banquet. You can chat with your brother-in-law. I'll go prepare some things for him to take back to my father and sister."

After saying that, Lu Su bowed to Liu Bang and Tian Song, then slowly turned and left.

Liu Bang and Tian Song stood quietly, watching Lu Su leave. Only when she disappeared from sight did Liu Bang sigh softly and say, "Sister is such a sensible woman, and so considerate."

Tian Song also nodded in agreement.

After a while, the banquet was ready and Meng Yi invited Liu Bang and Tian Song to take a seat.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Liu Bang and Tian Song said goodbye to Meng Yi and Lu Su.

Meng Yi and Lu Su escorted them to the door. Liu Bang bowed and said, "Brother Meng, sister, I will say goodbye now. We will meet again in the future."

Tian Song also echoed: "Brother Meng, Madam, take care!"

Meng Yi nodded and said, "Have a safe trip!" Lu Su smiled and said, "Brother-in-law, be careful on the road."

After Liu Bang and Tian Song left, Meng Yi and Lü Su returned to the house. Lü Su leaned against Meng Yi's chest and whispered, "My dear, after reading my father's letter, I feel a little homesick."

Meng Yi hugged Lu Su tightly and comforted her, "My wife, when I finish my work, we will go back together to visit my father-in-law and his family."

Lu Su nodded, "Yes, husband."

Meng Yi stroked Lu Su's hair gently, his eyes full of love.

Lu Su leaned in Meng Yi's arms, feeling his warmth, her heart filled with happiness.