The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Through conversations with Meng Tian and Meng Yuan, Meng Yi learned that the Hehuang region currently constituted the Western Qiang's range of activity, encompassing the mountain range west of the Helan Mountains. Primarily inhabiting the Yellow River and its tributaries, the Tao, Huangshui, Daxia, and Guangtong rivers, the Hehuang region encompassed numerous tribes. From east to west, the northern region bordered the Xiongnu, Yuezhi, Wusun, and Loulan. The larger tribes included Shaodang, Xianling, Zhongqiang, Hanqi, Puyuma, Laojie, Shanjie, Shaohe, Canlang, Dangchang, Qiedong, Dianling, and Lingchang, totaling over twenty. Shaodang, Xianling, and Zhongqiang were the largest, each commanding over 40,000 soldiers.

Immediately afterwards, Meng Yi asked his brother Meng Tian to allow him to go to the northern camp to select a group of elite soldiers and generals to accompany him on the journey to the Western Regions.

Meng Tian was naturally very happy about his brother's idea. He expressed his full agreement and readily agreed to it.

At this time, Meng Yuan, who was standing by, volunteered to accompany Meng Yi to the military camp.

When they arrived at the Beidi camp, Meng Yi did not personally inspect every soldier. Instead, he made a decisive move and summoned Ying Bu, Han Xin, and Li Ziwei, his three right-hand men.

Facing the three men before him, Meng Yi said loudly, "You three have spent some time in this camp before, and you must be familiar with all military affairs. This time, the task of selecting the right personnel will be entirely entrusted to you."

Upon hearing Meng Yi's words, Ying Bu, Han Xin and Li Ziwei responded in unison: "General, don't worry, we will live up to our mission!" Their voices were as loud as a bell, sonorous and powerful.

Li Ziwei then stepped forward, clasped his fists in a salute, and respectfully asked, "General, may I ask how many people are needed this time? And what specific requirements do you have for the abilities of the chosen individuals?"

Meng Yi frowned slightly, and after a moment's contemplation, he replied, "This operation will require approximately forty personnel. Among them, we must include some who are familiar with the customs and cultures of the various countries in the Western Regions and can communicate in the local languages. In addition, we will also need several military doctors. As for the rest... it's up to you to decide!"

After careful consideration, Meng Yi made a series of careful arrangements. He decided to leave Xiao He and Meng Xin in Jiuyuan City to ensure the safety of the rear.

Xiao He and Meng Xin expressed strong willingness for this decision. They made a special trip to find Meng Yi and earnestly requested to accompany him on the journey to the Western Regions.

However, Meng Yi rejected their request without hesitation. Facing Xiao He's insistence, Meng Yi explained solemnly, "Brother Xiao, the reason I asked you to stay here is out of consideration for the stability of the rear."

Xiao He was still unwilling to give in and tried to continue arguing, but Meng Yi suddenly raised his voice and said in a deep voice: "Brother Xiao, please listen to me! This journey to the Western Regions is long and extremely dangerous. The round trip will take at least a year and a half. During this period, we will be cut off from the Central Plains, and the situation in the court is unpredictable and undercurrents are surging. If we are not careful, it may lead to unexpected changes. Here is a letter. If anyone in the court intends to harm the general, you only need to open it and read it, and you will understand the deep meaning." After speaking, Meng Yi quickly took out the letter from his arms and stuffed it into Xiao He's hand.

Xiao He took the letter with both hands, bowed solemnly to Meng Yi, and said firmly: "My lord, please rest assured. I, Xiao He, will definitely live up to your trust."

Meng Yi nodded slightly, expressing his satisfaction. Then, turning to Meng Xin, he solemnly instructed, "Meng Xin, you must remain at the General's residence and ensure the safety of your brother and his wife. If you receive any unfavorable news from the court, immediately come to Xiao He to discuss countermeasures."

Meng Xin held his head high, chest puffed out, back straight as a pine tree, and said with a folded hand, "General, don't worry!"

At this moment, Meng Yi's heart was equally restless. The journey to the Western Regions was long, arduous, and filled with unknowns. More crucially, this very variable had already altered the course of history to a certain extent. Therefore, he couldn't definitively say whether Qin Shi Huang would die before his death in Shaqiu. Even so, he still had to make every effort to ensure the safety of his elder brother, Meng Tian.

As night fell and the lights began to come on, Meng Yi finally entered the gate of his own mansion. Without any delay, he hurried straight to the west wing.

When he gently pushed open the bedroom door, he saw Lu Su reclining on the couch, her eyes slightly closed, as if half asleep. Obviously, she was taking a nap.

Lu Su was keenly aware of the subtle noise coming from inside the house. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the door. When she saw that it was Meng Yi, her face immediately showed joy and her eyes sparkled.

Meng Yi quickly stepped forward and hugged Lu Su tightly in his arms. His movements were gentle but firm. Lu Su felt the warmth of her husband's embrace, her heart filled with joy.

"My wife, I am going to the Western Regions this time and I don't know when I will be able to return. You must take good care of yourself and the baby in your belly." Meng Yi's voice was low and gentle, with a hint of reluctance.

A trace of worry flashed in Lu Su's eyes. She raised her head, looked into Meng Yi's eyes, and said, "Husband, you must be careful when you go to the Western Regions. The child and I will wait for you to return safely at home." Her hand gently touched the baby in her belly, as if conveying her thoughts and blessings for her father to the child.

Meng Yi gently stroked Lu Su's face and comforted her, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." His eyes were full of determination and confidence.

The two sat hugging each other, enjoying this moment of tranquility. The room was filled with a faint fragrance, and the moonlight outside the window shone on them, forming a warm halo. Meng Yi and Lu Su's figures looked particularly warm in the halo.

Meng Yi gently kissed Lu Su's forehead and said, "When I come back, our family will be reunited." Lu Su nodded, a happy smile on her face.

Their conversation echoed in the air, filled with love and concern for each other.

Lu Su's delicate hands, as smooth and delicate as white jade, slowly and gently began to caress Meng Yi's broad and solid chest, as if exploring an unknown and mysterious territory. Her movements were cautious, with a hint of shyness and anticipation, and she gradually moved downwards, finally resting on his tight and strong waist.

At this moment, the two people's breathing involuntarily became slightly rapid, and the air was filled with an ambiguous and hot atmosphere.

Their eyes met, gleaming with uncontrollable desire and deep affection. At that moment, their lips, drawn by an invisible force, pressed together. This passionate kiss ignited a raging fire, completely igniting their emotions.

Lu Su panted slightly and said softly in a gentle voice: "My husband, I am pregnant now and my body is not very convenient. Why don't you let Qiuya come and sleep with you instead of me." There was a hint of apology and helplessness in her eyes.

Meng Yi gently stroked Lu Su's delicate face, which was as delicate as a piece of jade, and shook his head lightly. A slightly malicious smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he responded softly: "Don't worry, my lady. Although there are some inconveniences below, it is also possible above."

After saying that, his eyes fell on Lu Su's fair and slender neck and delicate and charming collarbone, and his eyes became more and more fiery.

When Lu Su heard this, her cheeks instantly flushed as brightly as the sunset, and she was too shy to look up and meet Meng Yi's gaze.

She said "hmm" softly, her voice as low as a mosquito, but full of endless tenderness and affection.

……