The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

At dawn the next day, the morning light shone through the clouds onto the vast grassland, casting a faint golden glow over the entire earth.

Everyone woke up from their sleep, quickly packed up, dismantled and folded the tents, and loaded them onto the packhorses in an orderly manner. After everything was ready, the team was about to embark on a new journey, heading west.

Meng Yi waved his hand to summon Ying Bu, Han Xin, and several others, including Wang Er, who was well-versed in the topography of the Western Regions. Once everyone had gathered, Meng Yi opened a map of the Western Regions and spoke solemnly, "According to information I gained from last night's conversation with the people of the Shaohe tribe, the Canlang tribe is located approximately fifty miles west of here. Not only are they hostile to us Central Plains people, but they are also a formidable force, boasting approximately eight thousand soldiers. I've decided to prepare a detour to the southwest."

After a brief pause, Meng Yi continued, "On this journey west, the most important priority is to win over the Qiang and Yuezhi tribes and prevent them from colluding with the Xiongnu. Given the current situation, the Shaodang, Xianling, and Zhongqiang tribes within the Qiang tribe are undoubtedly the key targets we must prioritize and strive to win over."

At this time, Wang Er pointed to a location on the map and reported, "General, there is a canyon in the southwest of this area. The terrain is steep and dangerous. It is a dangerous place. We can avoid the eyes and ears of the Canlang Tribe and reach our destination more safely."

Meng Yi nodded

"Alright, let's do as Wang Er says." Meng Yi turned to look at Li Ziwei. "Send out two scouts to scout the road ahead and be on guard. If they find anything unusual, signal immediately. The rest of you will follow, remain alert, and be ready for battle at any time."

Li Ziwei immediately took the order and left.

Meng Yi led the group southwest. Along the way, they carefully traversed dense grass and followed the rugged mountain path. Soon, they arrived at the canyon entrance Wang Er had pointed out.

The canyon is surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides and is shrouded in clouds and mist, making it look quite secretive.

After about half an hour, everyone finally successfully crossed the steep and deep canyon.

Afterwards, they continued their journey non-stop for nearly half a day. Li Ziwei sent a scout to report, "General, we are still on the outskirts of the Canlang Tribe's territory. If we advance another twenty miles, we will enter the Shaodang Tribe's territory."

Meng Yi nodded slightly, and then ordered his men to mark the location more clearly on the map.

In fact, since leaving Jiuyuan, Meng Yi has made careful arrangements and sent special personnel to carefully record and outline the topography of mountains, rivers and the specific distribution of various tribes along the way. In this way, he can prepare for various emergencies that may occur in the future.

The scout who delivered the message continued, "General, Commander Li has made another important discovery. There's a valley about ten miles ahead. Preliminary observations indicate there are approximately a thousand soldiers stationed within. Numerous visible and hidden sentries have been set up around the valley, creating a tight security situation. This makes it difficult for us to investigate further!"

Upon hearing this news, Meng Yi's expression instantly grew solemn. He pondered to himself, "Based on the intelligence we have, the Canlang Tribe has always had a tense relationship with the people of the Central Plains, even harboring deep hostility. Could this matter be somehow connected to this place?"

Thinking of this, Meng Yi's brows knitted tightly together, his eyes became deep and solemn, and he was immersed in endless thoughts...

After much inner struggle and careful consideration, Meng Yi finally made up his mind to leave this place for the time being. Although reluctant, the reality was clear: they simply did not have the strength to engage the enemy head-on. The most urgent task now was to reach the Shaodang tribe as quickly as possible and join forces with the Qiang people to effectively contain the Xiongnu.

So, Meng Yi decisively gave the order: "Everyone listen up! Change the route, avoid the valley ahead, and choose to advance in a roundabout way!" With his order, the whole team acted quickly and adjusted the direction in an orderly manner.

However, fate always seems to like to play tricks on people. When they were only five miles away from the territory of the Shaodang tribe, an accident happened.

A dozen or so cavalrymen on steeds appeared not far ahead, chasing several people dressed in Central Plains clothing. This sudden scene made everyone's heart tighten, and the atmosphere instantly became tense.

Seeing the situation develop to this point, Meng Yi's eyes fixed and he decisively issued an order: "Ying Bu, Han Xin, each of you will lead 15 soldiers and encircle them from the left and right flanks!"

After receiving the order, Ying Bu and Han Xin immediately led their men to rush out and surrounded the group of people in a lightning speed.

At this moment, one of the pursued people caught a glimpse of the Qin army. As if he had grabbed a life-saving straw, he opened his throat and shouted for help: "General, we are Qin people. Please save us!"

At the same time, the leader of the cavalry unit confronting this group shouted in a stilted and awkward voice, "How dare you, Qin army, trespass into the heart of our tribe without permission? You are so audacious!"

Upon hearing this, Meng Yi's eyes widened in anger, and he sternly rebuked, "We are envoys representing the imperial court, carrying the emperor's orders. What are you trying to do by arresting the people of the Great Qin Dynasty without any reason? Such actions are unacceptable!"

Faced with Meng Yi's questioning, the cavalry leader was caught in a dilemma. Although their tribe, the Canlang tribe, had always harbored deep hostility towards the Han people of the Central Plains and intended to capture these refugees as slaves, they had also heard of the Qin army's recent victory over a 300,000-strong Xiongnu army. Moreover, at this moment, the enemy's cavalry alone numbered as many as forty men, and their own strength was clearly at a disadvantage. If they rashly engaged in battle, they would have no chance of victory.

Suddenly, Meng Yi stared at the cavalry leader, who was caught in a dilemma. He shouted in a resounding voice, "How dare you act so recklessly and hunt down the people of the Great Qin? Are you trying to start a war with the Great Qin?"

Hearing this, the cavalry leader on the opposite side, who was still hesitant, suddenly changed his expression. He hurriedly gestured to several of his men behind him, then quickly turned his horse around and led them galloping south.

Meng Yi, seeing the enemy fleeing in panic, did not order his soldiers to stop the pursuit. Instead, he gently waved his hand, signaling Ying Bu beside him to bring the people from the Central Plains to him.

These people were obviously frightened, but when they saw the majestic general in front of them, they suddenly felt a surge of joy at surviving the disaster.

Then, they all knelt on their knees and said in unison with gratitude: "Thank you so much, General, for your great kindness. If you hadn't rescued us in time, I'm afraid we would have died today!"

Meng Yi nodded slightly, then asked seriously, "You're not just out here looking for ordinary people, are you? Tell me the truth, who are you? And why are you here?"