The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

One day before the Double Ninth Festival, Qin Yi thought of Xiao He and decided to try his luck in the city, creating some barriers for Liu Bang's small group so as to achieve the goal of defeating them one by one. Then he and Ying Bu left the gate of Lu's Mansion.

The two of them came to the market and wandered around, and soon found Fan Kuai, who was selling meat at his stall. His business was very good, and many people gathered around him.

Qin Yi pretended to be a customer and approached Fan Kuai, deliberately finding fault with him and accusing him of not being good at all. Fan Kuai had a bad temper and recognized Qin Yi and Ying Bu as the owners of the horses outside the city. He could not stand such humiliation and immediately started arguing with Qin Yi.

The two men's argument intensified, and finally came to blows. They punched and kicked each other, neither willing to give in, and objects around them were smashed to pieces. Ying Bu fanned the flames, attracting a crowd of onlookers.

Seeing the situation was not good, Fan Kuai tried to break free, but Qin Yi was tightly entangled. He tried to break free, but Qin Yi was very strong and held his clothes tightly. Fan Kuai was extremely anxious and started to kick Qin Yi, but Qin Yi nimbly avoided his attacks.

At that moment, Liu Bang and several other people also came to the market. They saw Fan Kuai fighting with others and hurried forward to mediate.

Seeing that the two sides were about to quarrel again, Liu Bang stepped forward to mediate. He shouted: "Everyone, please stop arguing! If you have anything to say, just talk it out. Why fight?"

Liu Bang's voice was so loud that everyone present fell silent. He then said, "Fan Kuai, calm down for a moment. Could you please tell me your name, my friend?" Qin Yi replied, "I am Qin Yi." Liu Bang immediately said, "So you are the strong man Qin. Don't be impulsive, both of you. We are all acquainted with each other through fighting. If you have any questions, you can sit down and discuss them."

After hearing what Liu Bang said, Fan Kuai and Qin Yi stopped what they were doing.

Qin Yi secretly took a look at Liu Bang. He saw that Liu Bang had a high nose bridge, a beautiful beard, sparkling eyes, a tall and straight figure, a broad forehead, and thick black hair neatly tied on top of his head, which made him look energetic. Although his clothes were simple, they were neat and decent. In short, Liu Bang's appearance gave people a sense of calmness, determination and majesty.

Finally, with Liu Bang's mediation, the two sides finally calmed down their anger and a conflict was avoided.

He first apologized to Qin Yi, then turned around and scolded Fan Kuai for being so impulsive.

Seeing this, Qin Yi went down the stairs and stopped pestering.

After Fan Kuai calmed down, Xiao He smiled and said to Liu Bang: "It's a rare occasion for us to get together today, why don't we go have a drink together."

Liu Bang thought to himself: "Qin Yi is not a simple person. It might be an opportunity to find out something about him at the banquet." Thinking of this, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly and he readily agreed.

Afterwards, a group of people walked into the pub, sat around the table, and as they drank and chatted, the originally tense atmosphere gradually became relaxed and harmonious.

After a few drinks, Qin Yi seized the opportunity and, under the pretext of a toast, expressed his deep admiration for Xiao He. At the same time, he subtly hinted at his desire to work with Xiao He.

Xiao He was a man of extraordinary wit, so how could he not understand Qin Yi's hidden meaning? However, he did not immediately express his attitude, but only responded with a smile, but he was secretly calculating in his heart.

When the banquet ended, everyone stood up and left. Liu Bang stared at Qin Yi's receding figure, and a strange feeling welled up in his heart: "This person came with such a fierce momentum, I'm afraid he has some ulterior motive."

He couldn't help but fall into deep thought...

Looking at the bustling market, Qin Yi's eyes were as sharp as an eagle, searching for Xiao He's figure in the crowd.

Suddenly, he saw a familiar face. It was Xiao He!

Qin Yi was delighted and hurriedly pulled Ying Bu towards Xiao He. "Mr. Xiao, how are you?" Qin Yi said with a smile.

Xiao He's eyes flashed with surprise when he saw Qin Yi, but he quickly regained his composure. "So it's you, Qin Yi and Ying Bu. Your heroic deeds in driving out the bandits in the mountains and saving Lu Taigong's family have long been known throughout Pei County. You are truly young heroes. How could you be here right after the banquet?"

Qin Yi laughed heartily, "Mr. Xiao, what are you talking about? We two were just helping someone who was in trouble. We've been bored these past few days, so we just continued to wander around the city. I didn't expect to meet Mr. Xiao here. It's really fate!"

Xiao He raised the corner of his mouth slightly, "Yes, it is indeed fate. I wonder what the two of you are doing here?"

Qin Yi looked around and lowered his voice, "I have something to discuss with Mr. Xiao. Why don't we find a quiet place to discuss it?"

Xiao He hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

Qin Yi brought Xiao He and Ying Bu to a teahouse and chose a secluded private room. After settling in, Qin Yi got straight to the point. "Mr. Xiao, I know you're resourceful and a rare talent. While the world may appear peaceful on the surface, undercurrents are surging, and the people's lives are suffering. I'd like to invite you to join us in building a great cause."

Xiao He was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Mr. Qin, I am only a small official. I am afraid I am not qualified for such an important task."

Qin Yi smiled, his eyes revealing his admiration for Xiao He: "Mr. Xiao, you are too modest. With your talent, if you can lend me a helping hand, you will surely accomplish great things in the future." He said earnestly.

Then he changed the subject and continued to ask: "Mr. Xiao, what is a scholar in the world and what should a scholar do?" His eyes fell on Xiao He, as if expecting a different answer.

Xiao He smiled slightly, thought for a moment, and replied, "The Four Books are a collection of chapters. Scholars take 'cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world' as their highest ideal in life. Through self-cultivation and good family management, one can contribute to the country and society, ultimately achieving world peace."

Qin Yi walked to the window, looked out, put his hands behind his back and smiled, "Mr. Xiao is right, but I think scholars should establish their minds for the world, their lives for the people, carry on the lost knowledge of the sages, and bring peace to the world for all generations." His voice was firm and confident.

Xiao He was suddenly moved. As he pondered Qin Yi's words, his eyes brightened. "To establish a mind for Heaven and Earth means to cultivate correct understanding and perspective, pursuing truth and justice; to establish a destiny for the people means to pay attention to their suffering and seek their well-being; to carry on the lost knowledge of the sages means to inherit and promote the wisdom and ideas of the ancients; to establish peace for all generations means to create a peaceful and prosperous world for future generations."

Qin Yi turned and stared at Xiao He, his eyes sparkling like bright stars in the night sky.

After hearing what Qin Yi said, Xiao He couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration in his heart. He stood up and bowed, his voice resonant and powerful, "Mr. Qin is absolutely right. This is the mission of scholars."

The two smiled at each other, as if they had found each other's soulmate at this moment.

Although Ying Bu remained silent, after hearing Qin Yi's words about his determination and destiny, his heart was like a turbulent sea and was deeply touched.

Qin Yi turned around and whispered to Xiao He beside him, "Brother Xiao, this matter cannot be made public at the moment. So I hope you can stay in Pei County for the time being. I'll trouble you to help look after the Lu family father and daughter. As for me, I need to go north with Brother Ying Bu. When the time is right, I will naturally come back to invite you, Brother Xiao."

Xiao He instantly understood what Qin Yi meant. He nodded heavily, as if making a firm promise to Qin Yi.

Afterwards, Ying Bu and Qin Yi took the lead and walked down the stairs...