The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

For several days, the spies sent out disappeared without a trace.

Han Xin said, "Mr. Qin, through inquiries over the past few days, I've learned that three tribes occupy an area of ​​approximately three hundred miles from here. The Tuan tribe is the largest, with a population of nearly 10. The remaining two tribes, Andi and Hehu, have populations of approximately 5 and 6, respectively. These tribes belong to the Donghu tribe and have not made any significant moves. They may be weighing the pros and cons, or they may be gathering strength and waiting for an opportunity."

Qin Yi nodded and said, "Brother Han, what you said is very true. Some time ago, the First Emperor sent 300,000 more troops to Jiuyuan Yunzhong Commandery, and General Meng Tian was in charge of patrolling the northern territories. He clearly intended to march north to attack. The tribes along the route really need to think carefully before making any rash moves." Then he changed the subject, "But this is also a potential threat. Not only will it delay the construction schedule, but it will also cause heavy casualties among the garrison and civilians. Moreover, if a battle breaks out at Yanmen Pass, it will certainly distract the army's attention. The Xiongnu will take the opportunity to move south to Hetao, and both sides will be overwhelmed."

Qin Yi then met Pang Bo and said, "General, I want to lead a team to patrol the border and conduct an investigation deep into the north to ensure safety." Then he stated the potential threats of the matter one by one.

Pangbo thought for a moment and said, "Good boy, you have courage and a sense of the overall situation." He then instructed, "You can lead the patrol, but remember not to act rashly. If anything unusual happens, return as soon as possible."

That night, Qin Yi, Ying Bu and Han Xin discussed the matter for a long time.

The next morning, Qin Yi and his two companions carefully selected twenty strong soldiers from the patrol camp of the Zhongwei Camp, and brought a Xiongnu spy to count the men and horses. They led the elite soldiers and galloped towards the northeast like an arrow.

After galloping for nearly three hundred miles, the men finally reined in their horses. Qin Yi turned to Ying Bu and Han Xin and said, "I've heard that King Tuan isn't a belligerent. His tribe lives near mountains and rivers, and the people primarily farm. I plan to attack the Tuan tribe directly. The longer we delay, the greater the consequences."

Han Xin thought for a moment and said, "Sir, you are absolutely right. The Tuan tribe is large, and the other two tribes have always followed their lead. Furthermore, Jiuyuan and Yunzhong are guarded by 300,000 troops. I believe they will not dare to act rashly. However, you can take your men and wait here, and Ying Bu and I will go."

Qin Yi waved his hand and said, "You can't get a tiger cub without entering the tiger's den. This trip is because of me, so I must go myself." He turned to Li Ziwei and said, "Li Ziwei, you lead the nine riders and wait here. Watch closely. If you see anything unusual, report back to the interior immediately."

Li Ziwei opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but finally bowed and replied, "As you wish."

Then Qin Yi led everyone and the Hun spies, and attacked the Tuan tribe like a tiger descending from the mountain.

The tribe sat at the foot of the Yinshan Mountains, nestled between the hills and the water, its farmland scattered across the landscape. A three-meter-high earthen wall, upon which stood Tuan's soldiers. The gates were wide open, guarded by guards and chevaux de frise.

When the soldiers guarding the city saw Qin Yi and his group, they hurriedly warned the tribe and stood guard with knives in hand, as if facing a powerful enemy.

The guard shouted, "Stop! Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Qin Yi replied, "We are the garrison troops of Yanmen Pass of the Great Qin. We have heard of an unusual situation and have been ordered to come and discuss it with King Tuan."

The guard said, "If that's the case, General, please wait a moment. I will go and report this to our king."

Soon, a large man in leather armor emerged, flanked by dozens of guards. In a resounding voice, he addressed Qin Yi, "I am Jin Shuishan, Commander-in-Chief of the Tuan Left Guard. Do you have any identification?"

Qin Yi handed over the badge and seal. Jin Shuishan looked at them, looked at Qin Yi and the Xiongnu behind him, and said, "In that case, follow me."

The group followed Jin Shuishan to the outside of Tuan's palace. After dismounting, Qin Yi left the other riders behind and took Ying Bu, Han Xin, and the Xiongnu spies to the palace. It was called a palace, but in reality it was just a larger meeting room.

King Tuan sat in the middle, flanked by two guards, and two men sat on each side. One wore leather armor and a curved sword, while the other wore a felt hat and was dressed like a scholar.

After entering the palace, Qin Yi and the other two bowed and said, "Greetings to King Tuan."

King Tuan said, "Please take a seat, generals. I wonder what brings you here this time? There has never been a war between Tuan and the Qin Dynasty."

Qin Yi said, "King Tuan is absolutely right. Our Great Qin and Tuan have always lived in peace. But a clown came out of nowhere and tried to stir up trouble." After saying this, Qin Yi looked at the Xiongnu spy and said, "Your Majesty, does this person look familiar?"

Immediately, everyone in Tuan's attention was attracted by the soldiers dressed in Hun uniforms. Some people opened their mouths in surprise, some came forward curiously, and some were confused.

King Tuan said, "This person came here some time ago. He is a group of five people. He was sent by the Xiongnu. He wanted to make our three tribes unite and attack Yanmen Pass."

Han Xin said, "I'm afraid there's a suspicion that this is an attempt to divert our Jiuyuan army's attention."

King Tuan said, "General, what do you mean by that? We have already rejected it on the spot. The Tuan tribe only wants to live and work in peace and do not want to get involved in disputes."

Qin Yi said, "Since the king is so frank, we will report truthfully when we return." He turned around and said, "Ying Bu, drag this Xiongnu spy out and chop him up!" Ying Bu immediately dragged the Xiongnu spy out.

Immediately, everyone in the hall showed expressions of surprise and anger. They were surprised by the Qin people's cold attitude towards the Xiongnu people, and angry that the Qin people killed people in public and did not take them seriously at all.

As it was getting close to evening, King Tuan arranged for Qin Yi and others to rest for a night.

Qin Yi sent two riders to deliver the message back.

That night, Qin Yi met with King Tuan and said, "Your Majesty, if we reject the Xiongnu's plan this time, they might turn around and attack Tuan. How can we resist them?"

King Tuan: "General, you should know that our three tribes all belong to the Donghu. We are irreconcilable with the Xiongnu and cannot serve as their vanguard. However, our power is now weak. If all else fails, we can only move eastward, which is better than countless casualties."

Qin Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty is truly kind-hearted! You truly love your people like your own children, just as the rumors say." Then, changing the subject, he continued, "Your Majesty, are you General Meng Tian?"

King Tuan nodded slightly, indicating his understanding. "General Meng is renowned far and wide! He currently leads an army of 300,000 soldiers stationed in Jiuyuan and Yunzhong. He has repeatedly defeated the Xiongnu's southern invasions and is undoubtedly a prominent young hero of our time."

Qin Yi responded, "To be honest, I am General Meng's personal brother. I heard that you, King Tuan, have a daughter named Yu Shu, who is in her prime. My eldest brother is about to turn thirty and is still unmarried. I hope to propose marriage to you on my eldest brother's behalf. This way, Tuan can enjoy eternal peace and freedom from worries."

King Tuan pondered for a moment and said, "That's a good idea. But I wonder if General Meng would agree to this marriage?"

Qin Yi smiled and answered confidently, "Don't worry, the general is currently leading his troops on a border patrol and will arrive at Yanmen Pass soon. When the time comes, I will personally lead him to meet you."

Qin Yi paused and said, "Your Majesty, please do not make this matter public, lest it be spread and cause trouble. It is enough for the two of us to know. Princess, please keep it a secret as well." He thought to himself, "In my previous life, this cheap brother also liked Yu Shu, but he had to put loyalty first and eventually died of poisoning. Let me help you this time."

King Tuan nodded, feeling somewhat relieved. That evening, he ordered the preparation of the golden seal representing the Tuan royal family's authority, along with a handwritten letter bearing his own seal, and gave them to Qin Yi. These items would serve as important tokens to clarify misunderstandings and express his sincere gratitude.