The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After Zhao Gao made up his mind to survive, he began to think about how to get out of the predicament. He knew he had to find a strong supporter, and Feng Jie was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.

By this time, Feng Jie had been transferred to the position of Imperial Court Commander and concurrently served as Imperial Censor. This meant that he had the authority to compile all cases reported by the inspectors and counties. Regardless of the case, it had to pass through his hands before being submitted to the First Emperor for approval.

Zhao Gao knew this, so he decided to seek Feng Jie's help. He hoped that Feng Jie would treat Wang Chang's case as an ordinary corruption case, thus clearing himself of any involvement.

Sure enough, when Feng Jie compiled the cases from various counties and prefectures and submitted them to the First Emperor, the First Emperor wrote in his imperial edict: "According to Qin law, punish severely without mercy."

Zhao Gao breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this. He knew his plan had succeeded. Now, Wang Chang's fate was sealed, and he could rest easy.

Back in Chen County, the Supreme Court had already dispatched several cavalry envoys to arrest Wang Chang and others and bring them back to Xianyang.

After this matter is settled.

Meng Yi led everyone out of Chen County and continued eastward to inspect various counties.

More than half a month has passed in the blink of an eye.

Meng Yi and his party finally arrived at the area of ​​Sishui County.

On this day, the sun was shining brightly and the breeze was blowing.

Meng Yi led a group of followers and entered Xiang County, the seat of Si Shui County.

The city before us is prosperous, with bustling crowds of people walking around, and shops lining both sides of the streets with a wide variety of goods.

Meng Yi couldn't help but feel emotional, this county town is full of vitality and vigor.

Li Ziwei beside him asked softly, "General, should we go visit Lord Bai Yan, the lieutenant of Sishui County?"

Meng Yi nodded slightly, agreeing: "Indeed, now that we are here, we should go and pay a visit to Brother Bai."

After saying that, he waved his hand to signal the team to continue moving forward towards the city.

Soon after, everyone arrived at the gate of the county governor's mansion.

Meng Yi dismounted, walked forward, and gently knocked on the door. The crisp knock echoed in the silent air.

A moment later, the gate slowly opened, and a guard appeared at the door. When he saw Meng Yi and the others, he was stunned at first, but then he quickly recovered and saluted respectfully.

"Excuse me, who are you? Why do you come to see my master?" the guard asked politely.

Meng Yi smiled slightly, took out a token from his pocket, handed it to the guard and said, "Please tell your master that Meng Yi is here to visit."

The guard took the token and looked at the three words "Imperial Censorate". A hint of doubt appeared on his face, but he nodded and turned to run into the mansion.

After a while, a burly and strong man walked out of the house quickly. He had a sword on his waist, a resolute face and sharp eyes.

"Young General, it's rare for you to come here. I'm so sorry for your disrespect!" Bai Yan came forward with a smile and bowed.

Meng Yi also smiled and returned the greeting: "Brother Bai, you are too polite. I hope you will forgive me for my unsolicited visit today."

After the two exchanged greetings, Meng Yi followed Bai Yan into the County Magistrate's Mansion.

The County Marshal's Mansion was a bustling scene, with soldiers coming and going, the sounds of training and shouting echoing. Bai Yan led Meng Yi through the courtyard and into the living room.

Bai Yan then arranged for the housekeeper to greet and settle Xiao He, Han Xin and others.

In the living room, Meng Yi and Bai Yan sat opposite each other, waiting for the servants to serve tea.

Bai Yan was the first to speak: "Young General, why are you here? Could it be that you have some official business?"

Meng Yi's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He said to Bai Yan, "Brother Bai, you may not know this, but since returning from my mission to the Western Regions, I've been appointed by His Majesty as the Chief Censor. This time, I'm in charge of inspecting the eastern counties. I suddenly remembered you when I passed by here, so I came to visit you."

Bai Yan laughed heartily, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, and said to Bai Yan: "Haha, young general, you are so polite. Since you are here, why don't you stay a few more days and we can have a good time together."

Meng Yi bowed gratefully, but replied firmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Brother Bai. However, this inspection tour of the eastern counties is very demanding and time is tight. I really can't stay any longer."

Bai Yan nodded in understanding, "I see. It seems the young general now shoulders a heavy responsibility!"

Meng Yi smiled modestly and replied humbly, "All this is done to serve Your Majesty and fulfill my duty."

Afterwards, the two began to discuss recent government affairs. Bai Yan gave Meng Yi a detailed introduction to the current situation of Sishui County and some of its governance difficulties.

Meng Yi also shared his experiences, observations and insights in the Western Regions without reservation.

Just as the two were chatting happily, Bai Yan suddenly changed the subject and asked, "Young General, did you find anything special or give any instructions during this inspection?"

Meng Yi pondered for a moment, then replied, "At present, the situation in the counties is generally stable. However, I also heard some calls from the people along the way, especially in the counties of the East and the areas of the former six kingdoms. They all hope that the court will reduce taxes and improve people's livelihoods."

Bai Yan frowned slightly after hearing this. He said thoughtfully, "Young General, you may not understand this, but taxes and labor service in the Guanzhong region of the Qin people are indeed less than in the original territories of the six kingdoms. As for those places that once resisted stubbornly, Your Majesty will increase taxes after unifying the six kingdoms. Although the lives of the people are indeed difficult, this is not something we can change. We can only do our best to do things that benefit their lives."

Meng Yi expressed great admiration for Bai Yan's concern for the people. He said with emotion, "It is a blessing for Sishui County to have an official like Brother Bai who cares about the people!"

After lunch, the two chatted for a while, and Meng Yi stood up to say goodbye: "Brother Bai, thank you for your hospitality. I have something important to attend to, so I won't bother you any longer. I will meet you again when there is a chance." He saluted Bai Yan with a fist.

Bai Yan was about to send Meng Yi and others to the city gate.

Meng Yi and Bai Yan walked side by side, chatting as they walked.

Meng Yi asked curiously, "Brother Bai, you've been an official in Sishui County for many years. How are the people here living?"

Bai Yan sighed and said, "Alas, although the people's lives are relatively stable, the taxes are heavy, and many families are struggling. I am often worried about this, and I hope I can do something for them."

Meng Yi nodded and said, "Yes, the people are not politicians. They don't care who the court wins, they only care about whether their families can eat and survive. The people are not cattle and horses, but the foundation of the country. Only when they can live and work in peace and contentment can the country prosper."

Bai Yan looked at Meng Yi, a trace of admiration flashing in his eyes, but he still reminded him, "Young General, be careful with your words! Young General, you are so young, yet you have such a broad mind. You will definitely become a pillar of the country in the future. You must not speak so much that others can easily catch you."

Meng Yi nodded carefully, smiled, and said, "Brother Bai is right. I was careless."

As they spoke, they had already arrived at the city gate. Meng Yi jumped on his horse and bowed to Bai Yan, saying goodbye: "Brother Bai, goodbye, see you later!"

Bai Yan also bowed in return: "Have a bon voyage, young general!"

Immediately, Meng Yi took Xiao He and others and left Xiang County. They rode their horses towards Pei County.

The sound of a group of people's horse hooves echoed on the official road and gradually faded away.