The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

When Meng Yi learned that the First Emperor was planning an eastern tour the following year, his heart became heavy. He knew what this decision meant and that it contained countless variables.

Meng Yi pondered, "Next year will be the 36th year of the First Emperor's reign. Historically, it was during this eastern tour that the First Emperor died of illness in Shaqiu. Zhao Gao colluded with Li Si, forging an imperial edict that led to the unjust deaths of Fusu and my elder brother Meng Tian. Although Li Si and Zhao Gao are no longer in league now that I'm here, there's no guarantee Feng Quji won't collude with them. Alas, next year is destined to be a turbulent one. It seems I must be fully prepared."

Therefore, Meng Yi decided to discuss with Ying Bu and let him go to the Qiang tribe of Shaodang, preferably to assist Tarilan in unifying the Qiang people, so that he could provide some checks and balances when the Xiongnu took advantage of the civil strife in the future to invade the south during the Qin Dynasty.

Immediately, Meng Yi sent people to look for Ying Bu.

Meng Yi sat on a chair in his study, his brow furrowed, his brush sliding gently across the paper. After thinking for a moment, he put down the brush, stood up, and paced back and forth in the room.

Soon, a guard came hurriedly and reported quietly at the door: "General, Ying Bu has arrived."

Meng Yi stopped, a look of relief on his face. He quickly said, "Please ask him to come in."

Ying Bu walked into the study and, upon seeing Meng Yi, hurriedly bowed.

Meng Yi smiled and motioned him to sit down, and the two sat opposite each other.

Meng Yi said solemnly, "Brother Yingbu, I need you to leave for the Shaodang tribe immediately."

Upon hearing this, Ying Bu quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "As you command, General. I just don't know what exactly I need you to do."

Meng Yi nodded slightly and continued, "It would be best if we could fully assist Talilan in unifying the Qiang people within a year, and then strengthen our military. The Xiongnu are now so powerful that they will surely attack again. If the Qiang are on their flanks, they will surely be able to contain them."

Ying Bu said firmly: "Don't worry, General. I will definitely fulfill my mission."

Meng Yi stood up, walked up to Ying Bu, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Brother Ying Bu, this mission is difficult, you must be more careful."

Ying Bu said gratefully, "Thank you for your trust, General. I will do my best."

After saying this, Ying Bu accepted the order and immediately began to prepare for the journey.

A few days later, Ying Bu led a team of trusted men on the journey to the Qiang tribe's Shaodang tribe.

Then Xiao He continued to work in the Censorate with Meng Yi.

Because of a previous case, Han Xin was unable to serve in Xianyang, so he practiced martial arts with Meng Xin every day and lived in Meng's mansion.

However, at this moment, Meng Yi received news about Xu Fu from Li Ziwei.

As early as when Xu Fu led his men out to sea in search of immortals, Meng Yi had arranged for his men to infiltrate secretly. And this time, it was the Jinyiwei who brought the news: Xu Fu had found the elixir and was expected to dock in Langya County in March of the following year.

It turned out that after Xu Fu led his men out to sea for more than a year, there was no trace of an island. Later, a small island was discovered to the east.

This small island, like a glittering pearl set in the vast ocean, exudes a mysterious and enchanting aura. Atop the island stands a towering, celestial mountain, its peak shrouded in mist and cloud, as if shrouded in a veil, creating a hazy, ethereal feeling. The mountain is lush with greenery, shaded by trees, and filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers, as if inhabited by immortals.

Xu Fu was overjoyed, and a surge of joy surged in his heart. He secretly congratulated himself on his good fortune, believing that this was the legendary Penglai fairyland, where the gods lived.

"Hahaha, God helps me! This island must be Penglai. If we can find the immortal traces, we will surely be able to live forever!" Xu Fu said excitedly to his followers.

After that, Xu Fu led everyone on the journey to the fairy mountain. They walked along the winding mountain road, and from time to time they heard the clear sound of birds singing, as if welcoming their arrival.

Along the way, Xu Fu talked with his followers and began to look for the immortals with great anticipation.

"Master, do you think we can really find an immortal?" an attendant asked curiously.

Xu Fu smiled proudly and replied: "Although it is difficult to determine the affairs of immortals, we have faith in our hearts and will definitely gain something."

Zhao Ben led his soldiers and followed behind in silence.

Xu Fu and his companions searched the island for a long time but could not find any trace of the immortal. Although the scenery on the island was pleasant, they gradually became anxious and disappointed.

"We've been searching for so long, where is the immortal?" an attendant couldn't help but complain.

Xu Fu comforted him, "Don't worry, perhaps the immortal is testing our patience."

As time went by, Xu Fu became extremely anxious and did not know how to explain to the First Emperor. Just as he was hesitating and preparing to continue the voyage, Zhao Ben, who was sent by Zhao Gao, raised a different opinion.

"Lord Xu Fu, according to Lord Zhao Gao's instructions, if there is still no news of finding the elixir after two years, we must return." Zhao Ben said in a firm tone.

Xu Fu frowned and retorted, "But we haven't found the immortal yet. How can we go back like this?"

Zhao Ben sneered, "Master Xu Fu, don't forget that Master Zhao Gao's orders cannot be disobeyed."

Zhao Ben was Zhao Gao's cousin and was deeply trusted by him. Before setting out, Zhao Gao secretly told him to be on guard against Xu Fu at all times, lest he take the opportunity to escape.

Xu Fu's heart sank after hearing this. He knew that although Zhao Ben was only a deputy general, he was powerful and in charge of the soldiers on the ship. He did not dare to disobey his orders lightly.

But he was unwilling to return to Xianyang, so he tried to persuade Zhao Ben: "Deputy General Zhao, this voyage to search for immortals is ordered by His Majesty, and we shoulder a heavy responsibility. If we don't find the elixir, how can we report back? If His Majesty blames us, who can bear the responsibility?"

Xu Fu's tone was full of anxiety and worry. Fine beads of sweat oozed from his forehead, his hands trembled unconsciously, and his eyes revealed fear of the future.

Zhao Ben sneered and whispered, "Master Xu, do you believe there are truly immortals in this world? To tell you the truth, we have long known that you are nothing but a liar. Your tricks may fool His Majesty, but if you obey us during this visit, we will protect your life and offer you a high position and generous salary."

Zhao Ben's voice was low and cold, his eyes flashed with a hint of cunning, and the corners of his mouth were slightly raised, revealing a look of disdain.

Xu Fu was shocked when he heard this. His expression changed instantly. A cruel smile appeared on his face. He said softly, "I will follow Lord Zhao's orders. However, if we return now without the elixir, how can His Majesty forgive us?"

Xu Fu's voice trembled, and his body involuntarily took a few steps back, as if trying to escape from this terrible situation.

Zhao Ben looked around and said softly, "There are so many strange plants and animals on the island. It shouldn't be difficult for you to secretly refine some elixirs to strengthen your body, right?" His eyes swept over Xu Fu with a threatening look.

Xu Fu was helpless and nodded quickly, saying, "Master Zhao is absolutely right." His voice was full of helplessness and obedience, as if he had given up resistance.

Zhao Ben was very satisfied to see that Xu Fu was so obedient, so he did not continue to make things difficult for him.

Afterwards, Zhao Ben arranged some trusted men to keep a close watch on Xu Fu, calling it "close protection", but in fact they were monitoring Xu Fu to prevent him from escaping or doing anything else that would be detrimental to him.

It was also announced to the public that Master Xu was praying to the gods to bestow an elixir and needed to resign from his post for 9981 days. He also ordered the rest of the personnel not to go deep into the island and could only move around near the beach so as not to disturb the gods.

In the following days, Xu Fu and his entourage, under the supervision of Zhao Ben's confidants, began to collect various rare plants and minerals on the island.

During this period, Xu Fu was under the close supervision of the soldiers and had almost no chance to contact the outside world. All this was concealed from the Jinyiwei personnel who secretly followed him to the sea.

After another half a year, Xu Fu finally succeeded in refining the elixir.

When Zhao Ben learned the news, he immediately ordered the ship to set sail and return.