The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Meng Yi and his entourage had been staying in the Shaodang tribe for several days. During this time, Tarilan personally led several people to travel around the surrounding area, taking the opportunity to introduce them in detail to the unique customs and habits of the Qiang people and the local customs and practices.

During this period, Meng Yi held several rounds of in-depth and candid discussions with King Taliton of Shaodang. After repeated deliberations and weighing the pros and cons, the two sides ultimately reached a consensus and determined the future direction of the Qiang people. They also formulated a series of effective strategies to counter the Xiongnu invasion.

King Shaodang said earnestly, "Please rest assured, General Meng! As for the Ling Qiang tribe, I will do my utmost to persuade them to join us in fighting the Xiongnu. As for the Zhong Qiang tribe, we will also take strict precautions."

Upon hearing this, Meng Yi hurriedly clasped his hands together, bowed, and responded earnestly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness and strong support! Now that all matters have been finalized, I will choose a day to set out northward to the land of the Yuezhi."

Upon hearing this, King Shaodang nodded in understanding and said, "Since that's the case, I won't force you to stay. I wish General Meng a smooth and successful journey north!"

The next morning, the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was gentle. After bidding farewell to King Shaodang, Meng Yi led his troops on their journey north.

As the distance gradually increased, the outline of the royal tent became increasingly blurred in everyone's sight, as if it was gradually disappearing into the distant skyline.

At this moment, a burst of rapid and loud horse hoofbeats sounded through the sky, breaking the original peaceful atmosphere.

When the figure got closer, everyone realized that it was the beautiful Princess Talilan of the Shaodang tribe.

At this moment, Ying Bu was still staring at her foolishly, as if he was completely attracted by the princess's beauty.

Seeing this scene, Meng Yi couldn't help but chuckle in his heart, thinking: "This Princess Talleyrand is really infatuated, it's a pity that Ying Bu is completely unaware of it. He is simply born in a blessed place and doesn't know how to appreciate it!"

Meng Yi then lightly shook the reins, urged his horse forward a few steps, stepped forward, and politely asked, "Your Highness, you have come here specially today, but is there anything important you would like to ask?"

Talleyrand's beautiful, deep eyes stared at Ying Bu behind Meng Yi, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. However, she eventually turned her gaze back and said to Meng Yi, "General Meng, may I have a moment with you?"

Meng Yi nodded slightly, indicating his agreement with Talleyrand's request. Then, they started walking together, away from the crowd.

Arriving at a relatively secluded spot, Talilane stopped and turned to face Meng Yi. She took a deep breath, then solemnly performed a standard etiquette to Meng Yi and said softly, "General Meng, please forgive me for interrupting you. You know, Qiang women are always bold in love and hate. From the moment I met Ying Bu, my heart was moved by him. However, it is difficult for me to escape from the tribe and pursue my feelings. Moreover, as an outsider, it is not easy for Ying Bu to gain the recognition of the tribe. Therefore, I hope that General Meng can help mediate." After saying this, Talilane bowed again, her eyes full of sincerity.

Meng Yi listened quietly to Talleyrand's story, and was moved by this woman who bravely pursued love. He looked at Talleyrand and felt her sincere feelings and firm determination.

Meng Yi responded, "Ying Bu is not only my good brother, with whom I fought side by side and shared life and death, but also a man worthy of entrusting my life to. Now that such a heaven-sent match has been made, I will naturally do my utmost to mediate and make this auspicious event a reality."

Then, without hesitation, Talleyrand gently took off his personal sword and said solemnly, "General Meng, please be sure to pass this sword to Ying Bu for me. I will wait quietly on this vast grassland for his return."

Meng Yi nodded solemnly, then carefully took the sword of extraordinary significance from Talleyrand's slender but firm and powerful hands.

After everything was handed over, Talleyrand once again bowed deeply to Meng Yi to express his sincere gratitude.

Then, she turned over, jumped onto the horse, whipped it, and rode away, gradually going farther and farther away, finally disappearing on the distant skyline, galloping towards the direction of the royal tent.

At the same time, Meng Yi turned around and walked back to his team.

The team overcame numerous difficulties and dangers along the way, crossing vast grasslands and climbing over towering mountains. During this period, they often used the sky as blankets and the ground as mats, living a life of eating and sleeping in the open air.

During the short break, everyone dispersed and each found a quiet place to rest and adjust.

At this moment, Meng Yi quietly walked to Ying Bu's side and slowly took out the personal sword that Talilean had entrusted to him. He whispered to Ying Bu, "Brother Ying Bu, this is Princess Talilean's personal sword. She specifically asked me to pass it on to you. She also said that she would wait for your return on the grasslands, and she looked forward to returning with you hand in hand."

Upon hearing the sound, Ying Bu hurriedly reached out to take the sword and held it tightly in his palm.

However, at this moment, Meng Yi patted Ying Bu's broad and strong shoulders and said earnestly, "Brother Ying Bu, if this marriage is not what you want, then I can send someone to return the sword to Princess Talilean. This way, we can both give an explanation."

Upon hearing this, Ying Bu hurriedly waved his hands and said, "Absolutely not, General! How could I be unwilling in the slightest?"

Seeing Ying Bu's reaction, Meng Yi couldn't help but smile slightly and said comfortingly, "Hahahaha... As the saying goes, 'A real man' shouldn't be hesitant or drag his feet when it comes to matters of love!"

After saying this, Meng Yi stood up and left, leaving Ying Bu alone in deep thought.

One day, on the vast grassland, Meng Yi and his companions were slowly riding their horses. The sunlight shone on them, casting patches of golden light.

In the distance, a group of Xiongnu appeared like ghosts, brandishing scimitars and shouting shrilly. Amidst the chaos, I heard, "That's them! They're from the Central Plains, having come from the Qiang tribe."

Meng Yi's eyes were determined. He knew that this group of people had been staring at them for a long time, and they had no choice but to fight their way out.

He yanked the reins, and the horse neighed and stopped. He drew his sword and roared, "Kill!" Ying Bu, Han Xin and others behind him also responded. For a moment, the shouts of killing were deafening.

The two sides instantly clashed, swords clashing and sparks flying. Meng Yi led the charge, his sword slicing through the air like lightning, each swing carrying deadly force. The blood of the Huns splattered on his clothes, but he remained undaunted and continued to fight bravely.

The dust billowed across the battlefield, and the clatter of horses' hooves, cries of battle, and the clashing of weapons intertwined to create a breathtaking scene. Meng Yi's figure stood out amid the chaos, his movements swift and decisive, like the arrival of a god of war.

Eventually, the Xiongnu squad began to retreat, their strength wearing thin. Meng Yi watched them retreat and breathed a sigh of relief. He bore several wounds, but his eyes were still filled with fighting spirit.

Han Xin, who was not far away, was also slightly injured, while Ying Bu was leading his men to check the battlefield, and the two accompanying military doctors were also treating the wounded.