The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The next morning, the sun shone through the clouds and onto the streets and alleys of Xianyang, bringing a touch of warmth to the cold Guanzhong land.

Inside the Meng Mansion, Meng Yi, dressed in thick winter clothes, stood in the courtyard and said to Meng Zhong beside him, "Uncle Zhong, the New Year is approaching, and we need to prepare New Year's supplies and carriages in advance. Although the New Year is still more than ten days away, Pei County is a long way, so we must prepare in advance."

Meng Zhong nodded respectfully and replied, "Young General, don't worry. I will take care of this matter right away."

Meng Yi continued, "Uncle Zhong, we must also send someone to deliver the gifts to my eldest and second brothers as soon as possible. After all, Jiuyuan is quite a distance from Xianyang, and the journey will take quite a while."

Meng Zhong nodded in understanding: "Young General, you have considered this very carefully."

Meng Yi nodded, and then continued: "Also, Uncle Zhong, we need to prepare gifts for Prime Minister Li, and it would be best if we send them over before the New Year."

Meng Zhong agreed, "Okay, young general." After saying that, he turned around and prepared to leave.

At this moment, footsteps were heard, and Meng Xin strode in. He was a tall and strong man, exuding a heroic aura. As soon as he entered the door, he bowed and said, "General, Ying Bu is not here this time. Why don't you let me accompany you?"

Meng Yi smiled slightly, looked at Meng Xin and said, "Xin'er, Yun'er is only half a year old, and Uncle Zhong is old and needs someone to take care of him. You should spend more time with them."

Meng Xin frowned and said, "But General, I also want to share your worries."

Meng Yi patted Meng Xin on the shoulder and said, "Brother Xin, I understand your intentions. But the family needs someone to take care of them, and this mission isn't very dangerous. Han Xin is here too, so we can handle it."

Meng Xin was still a little unwilling, and he said, "General, I know you are doing this for my own good, but I really want to go with you."

Meng Yi smiled and said, "Xin'er, don't worry. You must take good care of Yun'er and Uncle Zhong at home."

Meng Xin frowned and said anxiously, "But..." There was a hint of unwillingness in his voice.

Meng Yi interrupted him and said seriously: "No buts, this is an order! This year you should stay in Xianyang and spend time with your family." His tone was firm and unquestionable, and his eyes revealed his concern for Meng Xin.

Meng Zhong and Meng Xin, father and son, quickly said gratefully, "Thank you, young general."

Meng Yi stood up, patted Meng Xin on the shoulder, and said earnestly: "Brother Xin, family is the most important thing. Cherish this time."

Meng Xin nodded heavily, a touch of emotion flashing in his eyes. He looked at Meng Yi, his eyes full of respect and gratitude.

Meng Yi watched the departing figures of Meng Zhong and his son, a trace of relief flashing in his eyes. He knew that Meng Zhong and Meng Xin were both loyal and reliable people, and with them taking care of him at home, he would feel more at ease.

A moment later, Li Ziwei arrived at the Meng residence. He walked hurriedly, as if carrying an anxious breath.

Entering the mansion, he quickly walked up to Meng Yi, clasped his fists and bowed, his movements neat and respectful. Meng Yi smiled, his eyes revealing kindness and trust.

"Greetings, General!" Li Ziwei's voice was loud and firm.

Meng Yi smiled and gestured for him to stand up, then asked softly, "Ziwei, how's it going?"

Li Ziwei replied respectfully, "General, the Jinyiwei have already established control along the entire line from Xianyang to Sishui County. Please rest assured, General."

Meng Yi nodded with satisfaction, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. After a pause, he asked, "By the way, your son should be three years old this year, right?"

Li Ziwei showed a happy smile on his face and replied, "That's right, General." His eyes were full of longing and concern for his family.

Meng Yi continued, "I remember your family is in Jiuyuan. How about this: find a time to bring them to Xianyang so the family can be reunited. The Meng family owns several farms outside the city, and Xiao He's family is there too. You can all look after each other, and it's a good opportunity for you to get together. When Hao'er is older, you can have your son study and practice martial arts with him."

Li Ziwei was deeply moved by this, and his eyes became slightly moist. He quickly prepared to kneel down and express his gratitude, his voice choking with emotion: "Thank you, General, for your kindness!"

Meng Yi waved his hand and said with a smile: "Stand up and talk, this is just a small matter. You don't need to accompany me to Pei County this time. We finally caught up with the New Year, you should go home and spend time with your family."

Li Ziwei stood up and said with tears of gratitude: "Thank you for your understanding, General. I will definitely live up to your trust!"

Suddenly, as if remembering something important, Meng Yi lowered his voice and said to Li Ziwei beside him, "Ziwei, we must pay close attention to Xu Fu's return. In particular, we must find out what happened to the elixir he brought back."

After hearing this, Li Ziwei bowed slightly, clasped his hands together, and replied: "General, please rest assured, I will definitely see to it." After that, he turned and left the Meng Mansion.

A few days later, four carriages were parked in front of the Meng Mansion's main gate. Several servants were carefully inspecting the vehicles, while twenty household guards sat on their horses like statues, ready to set off.

In the front carriage sat the Meng Yi, Lu Su, and their family. Meng Yi was dressed in a black winter suit, while Lu Su wore a long, light blue winter dress. She held Meng Hao in her arms, her eyes revealing a hint of anticipation and excitement.

At this time, a servant came running over and reported to Meng Yi: "Young General, the carriage has been inspected and there is no problem."

Meng Yi nodded and said, "Okay, let's go."

"Yes, sir!" the servant replied.

In the car, Lu Su held the child and whispered to Meng Yi, "Husband, we are finally going home." There was a slight tremor in her voice, and she seemed a little nervous about the upcoming journey.

Meng Yi held Lu Su's hand and said with a smile, "My lady, don't worry. Everything will go well with me here." His smile was warm and confident, which gradually calmed Lu Su's mood.

Meng Hao blinked his big eyes and said in a baby voice, "Daddy, isn't this our home?"

Meng Yi smiled and kissed the child's cheek, saying, "Hao'er, we are going back to your mother's home this time! Your grandparents are there, and they must miss you very much."

Lu Su looked at Meng Yi and the child, her heart filled with happiness. She gently stroked the child's hair and said, "Hao'er, when you get to your grandparents' house, you must listen to them, okay?"

Meng Hao nodded obediently and said, "I understand, Mother."

With the sound of crisp whips, the convoy started slowly and headed towards Sishui County.

The wheels rolled, raising a cloud of dust.

Meng Yi and Lu Su always look into the distance, looking forward to returning to their hometown and reuniting with their families as soon as possible.