The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The news of Fusu's expulsion from Xianyang was like a bolt from the blue, shocking the entire world. This was not only a change in Fusu's personal fate, but also a major turning point in the future of the Qin State.

For the anti-Qin forces in the six countries, this was undoubtedly a sign of the times.

The moderate faction within the Six Kingdoms' anti-Qin movement had long attempted to advance the anti-Qin cause through gentle means. They advocated for peacemaking with key officials and ministers at court, employing subtle influence tactics to gain wider support. However, Fusu's exile signaled the complete failure of their conciliatory policies.

With Fusu's departure from Xianyang, the Qin Dynasty's ruling class underwent a subtle shift. Fusu, who had previously favored moderate governance, lost power, while more radical forces gradually gained the upper hand. This made the political atmosphere throughout the Qin Dynasty even more tense and unstable, and also provided new opportunities for the anti-Qin forces of the six states.

Against this backdrop, radical factions within the anti-Qin forces of the six states began to rise again. They realized that relying solely on conciliatory policies would not achieve their anti-Qin goals. Instead, they believed that tougher measures were needed to break the Qin rule. Consequently, some anti-Qin forces began actively planning an armed uprising.

At the same time, Fusu's exile also attracted widespread public attention. Many people expressed sympathy and indignation for his plight, believing him to be an innocent victim. This sentiment, to a certain extent, fueled public dissatisfaction with the First Emperor's rule and further exacerbated social unrest.

In short, Fusu's expulsion from Xianyang not only altered the political landscape of the Qin court but also gave new direction to the anti-Qin forces of the six states. How this turbulent situation would unfold, and who would ultimately emerge as the winner, remained uncertain.

When Meng Yi learned that all the people in the Juxian Hall would be expelled from Xianyang, he was shocked and quickly sent his confidant to secretly bring Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu to Meng's residence.

In the study, Meng Yi sat opposite Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu. Meng Yi was the first to speak: "Master, big brother, Ying Bu just sent a message that Zhao Gao has ordered people to draw your portraits and is now searching the city for you. You should stay here for the time being."

Xiang Liang looked at Meng Yi with gratitude and said, "Thanks to Yi'er's help this time, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous. However, we are now in Xianyang, and hiding here for a long time is not a long-term solution. If we are discovered one day, it will bring disaster to you."

Xiang Yu also echoed, "Brother Yi, uncle is right. Uncle and I should leave here as soon as possible and find another place to hide so as not to implicate you."

Meng Yi shook his head and said firmly, "Master, Big Brother, you can just stay here and wait until the storm has passed before making any plans. Besides, the situation outside is so tense right now that it would only put you in greater danger if you go out rashly."

Not long after, Li Ziwei returned with the latest news: "The twelve gates of Xianyang City, east, south, west, and north, are all heavily guarded. Portraits of Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu are posted at the gates, and soldiers are patrolling the streets."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu secretly groaned inwardly. They had thought they could leave the city smoothly, but now it seemed that escaping Xianyang had become extremely difficult.

Meng Yi looked at the two men's expressions and understood their difficult situation. He said comfortingly, "You can stay at my house for now. We can make plans after the storm has passed."

Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu exchanged a glance. Although somewhat reluctant, they saw no better option. They knew that if they forced their way out of the city, they would likely be captured by the Qin army, with disastrous consequences. So, they nodded in agreement.

Seeing that the two had agreed, Meng Yi asked the servant to take them to the guest room to rest. At the same time, he also instructed them to take good care of the two distinguished guests and not to neglect them in the slightest.

Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu temporarily settled down in Meng's mansion, but they could not calm down.

After two days of searching, the Left Marquis Zhao Ping, the Right Marquis Qian An, the Front Marquis Sun Xi, and the Back Marquis Li Le all came to report that they had not found any trace of Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu.

Zhao Gao was immediately enraged. Ever since the First Emperor unified the six kingdoms, who had dared to touch him in all these years? He secretly vowed in his heart that he must catch these two people.

At this time, Zuo Hou Zhao Ping flattered, "Sir, I believe these two must be hiding in the homes of the people in the city."

Zhao Gao looked at this man and immediately became interested. He asked, "Who are you?"

Zuo Hou Zhao Ping said respectfully, "I am Zuo Hou Zhao Ping."

Zhao Gao said slowly, "Oh? Your last name is Zhao too? Perhaps we are actually one family. What do you think?"

Zhao Ping quickly said, "I am honored to share your surname. I believe these two criminals must have been frightened by our formation and retreated into hiding. We can disguise the street patrols as plainclothes officers and conduct covert observation."

Zhao Gao's eyes flashed with admiration after hearing this. He nodded and said, "Well, this is a brilliant plan. As you say, I'll leave this matter to you."

After saying this, Zhao Gao looked at the other three and said, "The three of you will obey Zhao Ping's orders."

Although Sun Xi and Li Le were unwilling, they had no choice but to bow and say, "Yes, sir!" Although they were dissatisfied in their hearts, they did not dare to disobey Zhao Gao's orders.

Qian An behaved very obediently. He agreed, "Don't worry, sir. We will definitely assist Zhao Zuohou to bring the criminal to justice." He was well aware of Zhao Gao's power and did not dare to be negligent in the slightest.

Zhao Gao nodded, smiled with satisfaction, and then swaggered out of the Lieutenant's Office.

After Zhao Gao left, Qian An immediately came to Zhao Ping and said with a flattering smile on his face: "Congratulations to Zhao Zuohou for gaining the trust of Lord Zhao. I hope you will be successful in the future. Don't forget to help me." He tried to please Zhao Ping, hoping to get some benefits.

Zhao Ping said proudly: "Okay, okay. Brother Qian, the most important task now is to catch these two thieves." He did not take Qian An's flattery to heart, but focused on the task at hand.

Qian An nodded quickly and said, "Yes, yes, yes." He was eager to show his loyalty and cooperation to Zhao Ping.

Li Le snorted and turned away. He felt disdain for Zhao Ping and Qian An's attitude and was filled with disgust.

Seeing this, Sun Xi quickly tried to smooth things over and said, "Brother Zhao, don't blame me. Li Le is just like that. Please bear with me. If you need any help from us, just let me know." He tried to ease the tense atmosphere and avoid further escalation of the conflict.

Zhao Ping smiled and nodded. He knew that Sun Xi was a good person, so he didn't care about Li Le's attitude.

After saying that, several people dispersed and began to prepare to carry out the tasks assigned to them by Zhao Gao.

Sun Xi quickly caught up with Li Le and said, "Brother Li, why are you doing this?"

Li Le said indignantly, "I just can't stand their flattering faces. What right does Zhao Gao have to interfere in the affairs of the Lieutenant's Office? When Master Meng Yi was here, who dared to interfere in the affairs of my Lieutenant's Office?"

Sun Xi quickly pulled Li Le aside and said, "Hush, be careful with your words, Brother Li. Lord Meng is gone now, and Lord Feng has taken over the Lieutenant's Office. I heard that His Majesty has ordered Zhao Gao to supervise the Juxiantang case. Let's do our best and be careful with everything else."

Li Le nodded helplessly, but his heart felt as heavy as if it were being pressed by a stone.

Soon, the patrolmen on the streets changed into plain clothes and blended into the crowd.