The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

When Meng Yi and his companions were about to embark on their journey back to Xianyang with the hostage of the Yuezhi Kingdom, time quietly passed to the end of October.

Meng Yi secretly calculated that Lü Su was expected to give birth at the end of December, which meant that he would soon be welcoming his first child in his past and present lives. Thinking of this, his heart was filled with endless anticipation and joy.

At the same time, in the distant land of the Xiongnu, on the vast grassland, rumors that Maodun was secretly colluding with the Qiang people and attempting to usurp the throne spread like wildfire.

At this moment, inside a spacious tent, Maodun was livid, his roar echoing throughout the tent. He swung his arms violently, toppling the neatly arranged kettles and upright knife racks on the table to the ground. In an instant, the room became a mess, as if it had just been through a fierce battle.

"Who is it! Who leaked this news?" Maodun roared with his eyes wide open and his hair standing on end.

This camp was home to Maodun's personal guard. Back then, in the Battle of the Royal Court, the Xiongnu suffered a crushing defeat, with countless lives lost and heavy casualties inflicted. He alone led a mere 800 warriors, bravely breaking through the encirclement and surviving through untold hardships. Throughout his escape, he constantly sought out the remaining soldiers and generals who had been lost. After years of meticulous training and refinement, this personal guard of only a thousand men had become an invincible elite force.

Therefore, the Royal Guards were united and completely loyal to Maodun, and there was absolutely no possibility of them tipping off anyone.

At this moment, the deputy commander of the Royal Guard approached Maodun with a solemn expression and reported in a low voice, "Your Highness, after careful investigation, I have discovered that these rumors originated from the two envoys sent to the Yuezhi Kingdom. Soon after their return, these rumors spread like wildfire."

Hearing this, a cold glint flashed across Maodun's eyes. His voice was low and icy, as if it could freeze the air around him: "It seems that what we are planning can no longer be concealed. If so, there is no need to hide it anymore!"

Maodun then turned, staring sharply at his deputy, and gave a firm order: "Immediately, secretly mobilize five hundred elite cavalry and ambush them on the vital road leading from the Yuezhi Kingdom to Qin territory. This time, we must ensure that those Qin troops will never return, and will be shattered to pieces! In addition, quickly send an envoy to inform the Zhongqiang tribe that the time is ripe and we can begin the operation!"

Upon hearing the order, the deputy general hurriedly bowed and said loudly: "I will follow the prince's order!" After that, he turned around and walked out of the tent quickly to carry out the order.

Gazing at the deputy general's departing back, Maodun tightly gripped the extremely sharp scimitar in his hand, thinking to himself, "Father, oh father, now that things have come to this, you can't blame me for being so ruthless..."

Let’s talk about this side.

That day, Li Ziwei followed Meng Yi's orders and carefully selected three capable people to escort the five seriously injured brothers back to the Shaodang tribe to recuperate.

After two days of arduous journey, they finally arrived at the foot of a hill not far from the royal tent of the Shaodang tribe.

The leader among these three people was called Li Er. Because Li Ziwei repeatedly told him to act in secrecy before leaving, he went alone quietly, trying to find Princess Talilean for help.

At that moment, Talleyrand was out on patrol with his entourage. Li Er seized the opportunity and blocked her path. Upon hearing that there were wounded men in urgent need of medical attention, Talleyrand's expression immediately turned serious. He hurriedly and quietly housed the men in his personal guard tent and quickly dispatched a skilled military physician to treat them. He also strictly ordered everyone to remain silent and not to leak a single word.

A month has passed in a flash. After this period of meticulous care and treatment, the five injured are now able to walk and engage in some simple activities.

Unexpectedly, at the same time, the distant Zhongqiang tribe received the message from Maodun, and immediately assembled 50,000 elite soldiers, including other small Qiang tribes affiliated with the Zhongqiang tribe, and quietly advanced towards the vicinity of the Shaodang tribe, and even sent messengers to inform Tariq.

On a sunny day, the sun shone on the vast grassland, illuminating the royal tent of the Shaodang tribe.

At that moment, King Shaodang sat upright on his tiger-skin throne within the tent, his expression solemn and serious. He surveyed the assembled crowd, all key figures of the Shaodang tribe—Princess Talilan, Shaodang Prime Minister Tariq, Central Guard Commander Gari, Imperial Guard Commander Yelikh, and the commanders of the front, rear, left, and right armies.

King Shaodang took a deep breath and broke the silence: "Everyone, recently Harile of the Western Guard and Habib of the Northern Guard have sent people to deliver urgent reports. According to them, the situation in the western and northern regions is turbulent, and traces of Xiongnu cavalry have been found many times. This undoubtedly poses a huge threat to us!" His voice was low and powerful, full of worry.

Upon hearing the news, Princess Talilean stepped forward and said anxiously: "Father, please let me lead the army to patrol! I will definitely wipe out those Hun villains in one fell swoop!" Her eyes were firm and her demeanor was heroic, showing the courage of a woman who is no less than a man.

King Shaodang gazed at his beloved daughter, his eyes filled with relief. He nodded slightly, praising her. "Well done! Lan'er, your courage makes me very proud. In that case, you will lead the Imperial Guards to patrol the north and ensure the security of the border. As for me, I will personally lead the vanguard to the west to investigate."

However, just as Talilane was about to respond, King Shaodang decisively waved his hand, silencing her. He then spoke again, "Brother Tariq, the important task of guarding the camp this time is now upon you. You must protect our homeland without any slackness! Gali, you will accompany me to the front lines!"

Upon hearing this, Tariq and Gali hurriedly knelt down to accept the order, stating that they would definitely fulfill their mission.

The entire royal tent was filled with a tense and solemn atmosphere.

King Shaodang slowly stood up and stood before the crowd. He glanced at everyone present and said, "Tomorrow morning, the army will set out. Here, let us all pray that the Sun God will bless the Shaodang tribe with peace and tranquility in the east and north, and defend the beautiful homeland we have passed down from generation to generation!"

After saying this, everyone clasped their hands together, closed their eyes tightly, and knelt on their knees to pray devoutly.

In a flash, King Shaodang waved his arm, signaling the end of the meeting. Everyone quickly rose from their seats, hurried out of the tents, and immediately plunged into the intense and busy preparations before the expedition.

In the blink of an eye, only King Shaodang and Tariq were left standing opposite each other in the huge royal tent.

"Brother King! You must be careful on this journey!" Tariq stared at King Shaodang.

King Shaodang smiled and patted his shoulder. He said firmly, "Don't worry, my brother. I will lead the entire army back safely! I leave the rear base camp in your hands."

Tariq's expression was solemn. He nodded solemnly and replied, "Don't worry, brother. I will do my utmost to protect the base camp."

At dawn the next day, the golden sunlight sprinkled on the vast grassland like broken gold.

King Shaodang led the vanguard, advancing westwards like a tidal wave. At the same time, Talleyrand led his personal guards, galloping northwards like lightning.

In an instant, smoke and dust billowed across the vast grassland, covering the sky and the sun.