The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The First Emperor frowned tightly, his face solemn. His majestic voice echoed in the hall: "Show it!"

A scout in black armor swiftly entered the hall. His steps were steady and powerful, each one carrying the weight of his mission. Kneeling on one knee, the scout clasped his fists in salute, his voice resonant and respectful: "Your Majesty, the Yuezhi and Qiang tribes of the Western Regions have submitted petitions expressing their willingness to serve under the Qin. The Yuezhi have sent a hostage as a token of their loyalty. This is the general's report."

After saying this, he held up the bamboo tube high. The bamboo tube seemed to carry important news and exuded a tense atmosphere.

The eunuch beside him hurried forward, his movements cautious, fearing the slightest mistake. After taking the bamboo tube, the eunuch gently placed it on the emperor's desk as if it were a precious treasure.

The First Emperor couldn't wait to unfold the bamboo slips, his eyes eagerly scanning every line of text.

However, his expression quickly shifted from initial joy to anger, his eyes gleaming with fury, as if threatening to consume the bamboo slips. He slammed the table in fury, roaring, "How dare this Xiongnu prince, Maodun, attack the envoys of the Great Qin!"

As the First Emperor's mood gradually calmed, he spoke again, his voice heavy with emotion: "My dear ministers, Meng Yi was attacked by the army led by the Xiongnu Crown Prince Maodun on his way back. Due to the overwhelming odds, he lost too much blood and fell into a coma. Fortunately, after emergency treatment, Meng Yi is no longer seriously injured and has successfully regained consciousness."

Upon hearing the news, Li Si and other ministers felt relieved.

Li Si stepped forward, saluted the First Emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, now that the nations of the Western Regions are willing to honor the Great Qin as their leader, this means that in the future, the Great Qin will surely be able to wipe out the remaining Xiongnu in one fell swoop. This is truly a cause for celebration!"

The other ministers nodded in agreement, and the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became relaxed. The Emperor's expression gradually eased, and he nodded slightly to show his approval of the ministers.

At this time, Zhou Qingchen stepped forward, saluted the First Emperor with a serious expression, and said, "Your Majesty, this incident fully demonstrates the Xiongnu's ambitions. We must strengthen our border defenses and actively prepare for war to deal with possible threats."

The First Emperor agreed deeply. He glanced at everyone in the hall and said, "Your Excellencies are right. We cannot let our guard down and must be fully prepared."

However, Feng Quji continued to advise, "Your Majesty, although the Xiongnu have offended the Qin envoys, it is the coldest time of the year and it is not suitable to send troops to attack."

Li Si also stood up and saluted the First Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Feng is quite sensible. The main force of the Xiongnu army has now fled far to the Mobei region. We need to wait for the right opportunity to ascertain their whereabouts and then find a suitable opportunity to attack."

The First Emperor pondered for a moment and replied, "You two are right. Meng Yi's mission to the Western Regions has lived up to my expectations, but he is now seriously injured. Therefore, I have ordered him to rest and recuperate here, and to be appointed to another position in the future."

Immediately, all the ministers congratulated him again.

The First Emperor was in high spirits and laughed heartily, saying, "This time Lingnan has been pacified, and your trip to the Western Regions has gone smoothly. Congratulations!"

Cheers erupted in the palace, and everyone was filled with anticipation for the future. However, no one could have imagined that behind this victory lay a greater storm...

In Jiuyuan, the New Year has just passed and the weather is still cold, but the breath of spring has quietly arrived.

Lu Su lay on the bed in her bedroom, her face as pale as paper, her forehead covered with beads of sweat. She clenched her teeth tightly, enduring the severe pain, but her eyes were full of expectation and strength.

The maids and attendants of the palace were busy and frantic, their footsteps echoing in the corridors. Handmaids, carrying hot water and towels, hurried back and forth, preparing to welcome the new life. The midwife expertly prepared the tools, her hands trembling slightly, clearly nervous.

Under the command of Meng Yuan's wife Zhang, everything was in order. Yu Shu was also wiping her sweat with a towel beside Lu Su.

Meng Yi stood at the door of the delivery room, his face full of concern and anxiety. He looked inside from time to time, muttering softly: "May mother and child be safe, may mother and child be safe..."

Meng Tian and Meng Yuan were also standing by, they looked solemn and prayed silently.

In the bedroom, Lu Su's breathing became increasingly rapid. Her hands gripped the bedsheets tightly, her nails digging deep into the fabric. Her lips trembled slightly as she let out painful moans.

Finally, after half a day of effort, a clear cry shattered the silence of the delivery room. "Wow!" With this resounding cry, the Meng family welcomed a new member. The entire mansion was immersed in joy, with cheers and laughter echoing one after another.

Meng Yi rushed into the bedroom excitedly. He looked at the swaddled baby with eyes full of love. He gently stroked the baby's cheek and whispered, "What a lovely child."

Lu Su smiled tiredly, her eyes fell on the child, her eyes full of tenderness. She said softly: "Child, you are finally here..."

At this time, sunlight shines into the room through the window, adding a touch of warmth to the whole scene.

In the bedroom, Meng Yi held Lu Su's hand tightly, a happy smile on his face. He held his newborn son in his arms. The little one's rosy cheeks were like a newly blossomed flower, making one want to kiss him. Meng Yi gazed at his son, his heart filled with joy and emotion.

Lu Su blinked, her eyes full of happiness. Her hair was a little messy, but it only showed her maternal tenderness.

Meng Yi gently stroked her face, and the gentle touch seemed to reach the deepest part of her heart. He whispered, "My wife, you have worked hard." His voice was full of care and love for his wife, which made Lu Su's face blush and she nodded shyly.

Lu Su blinked, her eyes full of happiness. She gently held Meng Yi's hand and said coquettishly, "Husband, we should give him a name!"

Meng Yi nodded, and after thinking for a moment, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a warm smile. He said, "My lady, why don't we call him Meng Hao, which means upright and righteous. I hope he will grow up to be an upright, kind and brave person."

Lu Su smiled and nodded in agreement.

She lay quietly on the soft bed, looking at her husband and son with tiredness and satisfaction, tears glistening in her eyes. She knew that this new life would bring more joy and expectations to their lives.

Although the future may be full of uncertainty, she is willing to use everything she has to nurture the child's growth.

The whole mansion was filled with a festive atmosphere. Friends such as Ying Bu, Han Xin and Sima Yan came to congratulate and send sincere blessings and gifts.

In this cold season, the Meng family welcomed the birth of a new life, and the northern land of Daqin also welcomed the hope of spring.