The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The First Emperor's eyes, once deep and majestic, suddenly became as sharp as an eagle's, as if piercing the souls of everyone present. He suddenly raised his palm and slammed it heavily on the armrest of the dragon throne, a symbol of supreme power, with a deafening sound.

At the same time, he shouted angrily: "Enough! In this dignified court, don't you have the slightest behavior of an official?"

In an instant, the originally noisy and bustling court fell into dead silence.

Many ministers were silent as a mouse, lowered their heads, and dared not even breathe, for fear of angering the emperor who was so powerful that he could be feared by the world.

The First Emperor calmed down a bit, but his tone remained as cold as ice: "There is no need to argue further about the Meng family's retainers. This is my will."

After saying this, he slowly turned his head, his gaze like two flashes of lightning shooting straight at Meng Yi standing beside him. In a low and intimidating voice, he asked, "Meng Yi, regarding the rumors that your Meng Mansion is harboring the murderer from Juxian Hall, do you have anything else to say?"

Faced with the First Emperor's questioning, Meng Yi hurriedly bowed and replied earnestly, "Your Majesty, my family, the Meng clan, is steadfastly loyal to the Qin Empire. Having enjoyed the Emperor's grace for generations, we would never commit such a heinous act as harboring a suspect. Those so-called rumors are pure fabrication and groundless. Your Majesty, I beg you to understand!"

Xianyang Magistrate Xin Qiliu hurried out, bowed respectfully to the First Emperor, and then spoke earnestly, "Your Majesty, please listen to me! The so-called impeachment of Lord Meng for harboring a murderer is completely absurd and baseless! As the Xianyang Magistrate, I bear the heavy responsibility of maintaining public order in Xianyang. For any crime that occurs within Xianyang's borders, it is my duty to apprehend the murderer and track down the true culprit! That very day, after Lieutenant Feng and Magistrate Zhao led their men away, I personally led my men into the Meng Mansion and conducted a thorough search. Unfortunately, after a thorough search, we have found no trace of the suspect. I beg Your Majesty to see through this!"

The First Emperor frowned slightly and remained silent, as if he were lost in thought. After a long while, he slowly spoke, "I understand your sincere devotion to me. Well, let's leave this matter at that. There's no need to discuss it further."

Immediately afterwards, a man stepped out. It was Li Si. He bowed respectfully to the emperor and spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, important intelligence has recently arrived from the northern border. It is reported that the Xiongnu and Yuezhi have been making unusual movements, seemingly ready to attack. I venture to advise that the most urgent priority right now is to strengthen our preparations for war and actively stockpile food and supplies so we can be ready to deploy troops at any time. Only by doing so can we ensure the safety of our borders."

As Li Si finished speaking, another man stepped forward. This man was Feng Quji. He also bowed to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li is absolutely right. However, I have a different idea. Besides launching an offensive, could we try to employ strategies such as alliances and win over others? Perhaps this would achieve victory without fighting, which would be a better strategy?" His words were earnest and his attitude was sincere.

Immediately afterwards, a noisy sound was heard in the hall, and some ministers, as if they had discussed it beforehand, began to respond to what Feng Quji said.

The First Emperor frowned slightly and fell into a brief moment of contemplation. After a moment, he raised his head, stared sharply at Feng Quji, and slowly asked, "Prime Minister Feng, what do you think would be considered a victory without fighting?" His voice was soft, but it carried an undeniable authority.

Feng Quji hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully saluted the First Emperor. Then, standing straight, he spoke in a clear voice, "Your Majesty, I believe we should send someone who is not only skilled in battle and fearless, but also possesses exceptional literary talent and eloquence. This person would be able to showcase the mighty military might of our great Qin, deterring other nations from easily offending him. At the same time, with his wit and agility, he would be able to handle complex diplomatic situations with ease."

Before he finished speaking, Zhao Gao on the side quickly echoed: "What Prime Minister Feng said is very true! But... where can we find such a peerless talent who is both civil and military?" As he spoke, he observed the reaction of the First Emperor out of the corner of his eye.

At this moment, Feng Quji bowed again and said firmly, "Your Majesty, I boldly recommend Lord Meng Yi, the Minister of Works, to be sent as an envoy to the Western Regions. With Lord Meng Yi's talent and prestige, he will surely accomplish the mission successfully and achieve the grand goal of conquering the enemy without fighting!"

The First Emperor nodded slightly upon hearing this, and after a moment's reflection, he expressed his approval. He knew Meng Yi's abilities well and believed he would be able to handle the important task of this mission to the Western Regions.

Li Si originally did not want Meng Yi to be sent on a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, but now that the First Emperor had revealed his intention to let Meng Yi leave the court, Li Si could only keep silent.

The First Emperor said, "Mengqing, how is your mission to the Western Regions?

Meng Yi thought to himself, "Although this trip requires me to travel far to the mysterious and distant Western Regions, at least I can temporarily escape the vortex of power struggle in Xianyang. This may not be a bad thing."

Thinking of this, he hurriedly replied respectfully: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust and respect for me. I will do my best to live up to my mission!" His words revealed firmness and courage.

The First Emperor waved his hand and said in a loud voice, "Very well! I grant you the imperial seal and commemorative seal to represent the Great Qin on a mission to the Western Regions. I hope you can conquer the other nations and spread the might of the Great Qin!"

After saying this, the First Emperor waved his hand, signaling the end of the court session. The ministers, feeling relieved, left the court one after another.

After the court was dismissed, Meng Yi returned home, closed the door to visitors, and devoted himself to studying the customs and cultures of the countries in the Western Regions. He knew that this journey was a difficult task and he had to be fully prepared.

In the quiet study room filled with the fragrance of books, Meng Yi looked at his beautiful wife Lu Su with tenderness and asked softly, "My wife, the journey to the west has been decided. His Majesty has graciously allowed me to set off in ten days. Now I am faced with a choice. What do you think? Do you want to go to Jiuyuan to visit your elder brother and sister-in-law and rest assured to take care of the baby here, or return to Pei County and recuperate with your father-in-law?" His eyes revealed concern and expectation.

The corners of Lu Su's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a touching smile. She replied softly, "My husband, you are wrong. How can a pregnant woman return to her parents' home to nurture her baby? I will naturally go to Jiuyuan. After all, I haven't seen my elder brother and sister-in-law for several years. I'm sure their child Xuan'er must be very cute and clever now!"

When Meng Yi heard this, his heart warmed up and he reached out to gently embrace his beloved wife in his arms.

At this time, Lu Su lowered her voice again, and said like a yellow oriole escaping from the valley: "Besides, Jiuyuan is close to the Western Regions. In this way, my concubine and the fetus in my belly can wait for your return as soon as possible." There was a firm light in her eyes, as if she had already prepared to wait for her husband's return.

Meng Yi felt his wife's tender affection, his heart filled with emotion. He slowly reached out his hand, gently caressing Lu Su's silky smooth face, and replied with a smile, "Okay, everything is up to you, madam. It's been a tiring journey, so I hope you take good care of yourself. When I return triumphantly, I will rush back to reunite with you and your son."

After saying this, the two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with deep affection.