The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The next day, the sun shone on the general's mansion in Jiuyuan City, making it shine brightly.

The study in the mansion was quiet and peaceful. Only the slightest sound of wind blew into the room through the gaps in the window, gently blowing the gauze curtains in front of the window.

At this time, the three brothers Meng Tian, ​​Meng Yuan and Meng Yi were sitting opposite each other.

Meng Yuan was the first to break the silence. He stared at Meng Yi, his eyes filled with concern and curiosity. He leaned forward slightly, his hands on his knees, and asked anxiously, "Brother Yi, after returning from Xianyang, why were you ordered to travel to the Western Regions again? What exactly have you been through during this time?"

Meng Tian sat aside, silently picked up a cup of steaming hot tea, took a sip, and at the same time looked at Meng Yi, as if he was also expecting his answer.

Meng Yi took a deep breath and began to speak slowly. He recalled his experiences since leaving Jiuyuan two years ago and assuming the post of lieutenant in Xianyang. First, he successfully solved the case of Yan Le, Lu Sheng, and other villains who abducted children to refine elixirs; then he dealt with the murder of Confucian scholars and alchemists; then he dealt with a severe plague outbreak in Yunyang; and finally, the thrilling scene of the First Emperor being attacked by an assassin during his eastern tour. However, his fate was unfortunate, and he was demoted to the position of Junior Official of the Ministry of Works due to false accusations. Later, he created the massive project of the Terracotta Army. Finally, he mentioned the heated debate over the feudal system...

As Meng Yi narrated, Meng Yuan's face gradually became filled with shock.

Meng Yuan couldn't help but frown, muttering to himself in confusion, "Your Majesty has always been wise and intelligent, with great talent and strategy. Why are you so obsessed and confused in the pursuit of immortality?" His tone was full of confusion and worry, and he unconsciously stroked his chin with his hand.

Upon seeing this, Meng Tian quickly scolded in a low voice: "Second brother, don't criticize His Majesty casually! His Majesty is the ruler of the world, and his decisions must have profound meanings. How can we guess?" His voice was low and powerful, with an unquestionable majesty, and his eyes became sharp, staring at Meng Yuan closely.

Meng Yuan was startled by Meng Tian's scolding. He looked up at Meng Tian, ​​then at Meng Yi, with a trace of guilt on his face.

Meng Tian looked at his two brothers with a serious expression, then spoke earnestly, "My two brothers! Our Meng family has been blessed with the emperor's great grace for generations. We must always bear this great favor in mind. No matter when or where, we must remain steadfastly loyal to His Majesty and unwaveringly serve the Qin Empire!"

Meng Yuan then nodded and agreed, "Brother is right! My Meng family is deeply trusted by His Majesty, and we should help His Majesty solve his problems. His Majesty's pursuit of immortality may have deeper meanings, and we should not speculate."

Meng Yi was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Brother, I think what Second Brother said earlier is not without reason. Judging from the current situation, I am truly worried that Your Majesty will neglect state affairs and affect the fate of the Qin Dynasty."

Meng Tian patted Meng Yi on the shoulder and said soothingly, "Brother Yi, your concerns are not without reason. But as subjects, we should trust in your majesty's wisdom and decisions. All we can do is fulfill our duties and assist your majesty in governing the country."

Meng Yi had no choice but to take a deep breath and continue, "Brother, I understand. I will be more careful with my words and actions in the future."

Meng Tian nodded with satisfaction and said, "Very good. The three of us brothers must work together for the future of the Qin Dynasty."

Meng Yuan listened to his elder brother's earnest words and nodded slightly, expressing his deep agreement with his views. He knew that as a member of the Meng family, loyalty was ingrained in their blood, an innate quality and mission.

Meng Yi, who was standing aside, nodded silently, but his heart was in turmoil.

He clearly remembered that heartbreaking history - after the First Emperor died in Shaqiu, even though his brother Meng Tian was guarding Jiuyuan and commanding an army of 300,000, he was ultimately forced to succumb to the forged edict by Zhao Gao and Li Si and chose to end his life by committing suicide.

Thinking of this, Meng Yi secretly made up his mind: "No matter what difficulties and obstacles I face in this life, I must protect my elder brother at all costs!" This determination is as firm as a rock, as if declaring to fate that he will never allow a similar tragedy to happen again.

At this moment, Meng Yuan suddenly snapped out of his thoughts and instructed, "Oh! By the way, Brother Yi, you're shouldering the important mission of a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions this time. I think it's best for you to take a circuitous route from the southwest, bypassing the Qiang first, and then heading towards the Yuezhi. The Xiongnu have been quite restless lately! Ever since we dealt them a heavy blow, they've been scattered like sheep, their once-united tribe now fragmented. Furthermore, the Great Khan, Touman, holds the greatest power, commanding 80,000 elite soldiers! Furthermore, the newly appointed Left and Right Wise Kings each command 40,000 to 50,000 troops. I hear even the Xiongnu Crown Prince, Maodun, has gathered 30,000 men under his command."

Hearing this, a glint of determination flashed across Meng Yi's eyes. He responded in a low and steady voice, "Brother, please be at ease. After all, we still have 300,000 strong troops under my command guarding the northern border. I believe those Xiongnu will not dare to act rashly."

After hearing these words, Meng Tian's originally tense face instantly relaxed, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily rose, outlining a faint smile of relief.

At the same time, his broad, powerful hand gently reached out and rested on Meng Yi's shoulder. He whispered, "I, your foolish brother, am well aware of your talents. You have always been both wise and courageous. This time, you have been entrusted with an important mission and have journeyed far from home. I firmly believe that with your extraordinary talent and fearless courage, you will surely achieve outstanding military exploits. However, remember that the situation in the Western Regions is complex and full of unpredictable factors. Therefore, no matter when, where, or what the situation, you must act with caution and think twice before you act!"

Meng Yi deeply agreed with what Meng Tian said. He nodded frequently, as if he wanted to deeply imprint this precious advice in his heart.

Then, he straightened his body and replied with a firm look in his eyes, "Don't worry, brother. I will definitely remember your teachings. I will shoulder this important mission to the Western Regions with all my strength and live up to your trust."

Seeing this, Meng Yuan on the side couldn't help but sigh and warned earnestly: "Brother Yi, this trip to the Western Regions is long, with mountains and rivers, so you must not take it lightly. Be sure to take good care of yourself. If you have any needs or difficulties, don't hide them and tell us brothers." His words were full of concern.

Faced with his brothers' caring concern, Meng Yi felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a warm smile, and replied softly, "Thank you for your concern, brothers. I will not worry. Please do not worry, brothers. When I return, I will bring back good news."