The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The next morning, Qin Yi looked up at the sky and said to himself, "From now on, there will be no Qin Yi in the world, only Meng Yi!" Last night, he did not return to the tent, but talked with Meng Tian all night long, drinking and singing, and fell asleep unknowingly.

Meng Yi shook his head, trying to wake himself up, and then returned to his tent.

When Ying Bu saw that Meng Yi was safe and sound, he showed a look of relief.

Han Xin asked anxiously, "Sir, does the general have any instructions?"

Meng Yi briefly told the two of them that he was Meng Tian's long-lost younger brother.

Ying Bu and Han Xin both showed expressions of disbelief, and then said that they would follow Meng Yi's orders in the future.

Meng Yi smiled slightly and said, "The three of us brothers have come this far with the ambition to achieve great things. No matter what happens in the future, please trust me, brothers."

It was a sunny morning, and Meng Yi was about to head to the main tent to convince a few people so he could return to the Tuan tribe. After all, he had already proposed marriage on behalf of his elder brother, so he had to handle the matter properly and quickly.

Meng Yi arrived outside the main tent, quietly awaiting notification. Only after receiving permission did he enter. Although news of his long-lost brother, General Meng Tian, ​​had already spread throughout the camp, his changed status did not make him arrogant or conceited. On the contrary, he became even more respectful of rules and regulations, strictly observing the principles of seniority and respect for the younger.

At this moment, Meng Tian, ​​Meng Yuan, and Pang Bo were all seated in the main tent. Meng Yi stepped inside and respectfully bowed, saying, "I pay my respects to the great generals, General Meng Yuan and General Pang!"

When the three heard this, they couldn't help but laugh and cry at Meng Yi's address.

Pangbo laughed and joked, "There's no one else here, why do you have to be so cautious?"

Meng Yi replied solemnly, "General, in the army, there are only rules and distinctions between superiors and subordinates."

Meng Tian nodded slightly in agreement, and said, "You don't have to be so reserved when no one is around in the future."

Meng Yi's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smile. He nodded gently and then said, "Brother, this is the golden seal and handwritten letter that King Tuan personally handed to me when I went to the Tuan tribe a few days ago."

Meng Tian had heard about Tuan's affairs from Pang Bo before. He did not think Meng Yi acted rashly, but was deeply pleased with his brother's wisdom, courage, and decisiveness.

At this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps came from outside, followed by a soldier walking quickly into the tent, kneeling on one knee, and reporting loudly: "Report - General! I met the messenger sent by the Tuan people while on patrol. They turned back immediately after delivering the letter." The soldier's face was full of excitement, and even his voice trembled slightly.

Meng Tian quickly stood up and took the letter from the soldier. He patted the soldier on the shoulder and said gently, "Thank you for your hard work."

Pangbo waved his hand, signaling the soldier to withdraw. The soldier could not hide his excitement, saluted respectfully, and then left the tent happily.

Meng Yi's eyes fell on the letter unfolded in Meng Tian's hands and he was surprised to find that it was actually a piece of white cloth. He thought to himself: It seems that this kind of paper has not yet spread to the north.

Meng Tian scanned the letter with a sharp gaze and said in a deep voice, "King Tuan said that because the previous wave of spies didn't return, the Xiongnu sent another group here. They are currently staying in Tuan. They also said that the Xiongnu plan to have several tribes in Tuan send troops together soon, but the specific time is unknown."

Pang Bo said, "General, we must find a way to find out the exact time when the Xiongnu will send out their troops so that we can prepare."

Meng Yi pondered for a moment and said slowly, "Brother, I think what Brother Pang said is very true. First, we can cooperate with Tu'an to obtain the specific time when the Xiongnu will send troops. Secondly, when the Xiongnu spies return, we can follow the clues and find out the location of the Xiongnu royal court. Then, we can take the initiative to attack and directly strike the Xiongnu lair."

Meng Tian's face lit up after hearing this, and he thought to himself, "Brother Yi's ideas coincide with mine. They embody quite a bit of the Meng family's martial spirit." He then said, "This approach is feasible, but to unite with Tuan, we must establish absolute trust, otherwise our efforts will fail."

Meng Yi said, "Brother, I would like to go to Tuan again and meet King Tuan."

Meng Tian agreed to his request and handed him King Tuan's golden seal and his own identity token.

Then, Meng Yi called Li Ziwei and asked him to find some Tuan people's clothes and eight war horses.

After changing his clothes, Meng Yi took Ying Bu, Han Xin, Li Ziwei and four other good fighters and headed towards the Tuan tribe.

In the afternoon, they arrived outside Tuan City. Meng Yi quietly handed the Tuan Golden Seal to the guard and asked him to inform King Tuan.

A moment later, Jin Shuishan arrived outside the city gate and led everyone into a small side room through the side door of the palace. Then, Meng Yi followed Jin Shuishan alone to see King Tuan.

When Meng Yi met Queen Tuan, he stated his purpose directly and took out Meng Tian's identity token.

King Tuan thought deeply for a moment, then said solemnly, "General, I wonder what General Meng thinks of the marriage?"

Meng Yi replied firmly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I've come here not only to discuss the alliance, but also to bring back your princess's portrait and birth date. Although the current circumstances prevent a formal marriage, we must respect your princess."

King Tuan nodded in agreement and said, "My daughter's portrait and birth date are already prepared. When my daughter marries the general, I will not disturb him unless my clan is annihilated. Even if it means moving our entire clan eastward or even into the interior of the country, I would not hesitate. I only ask that the general treat my daughter well."

Meng Yi said solemnly, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. My elder brother has fought for many years and is still alone. He is definitely not a heartless person."

Afterwards, the two men discussed the possibility of an alliance. King Tuan pretended to agree to send troops to buy time for the Xiongnu to invade from the south. Tuan and several other tribes then set up an ambush, attacking from both the east and the west.

Finally, Meng Yi suggested that the Xiongnu spies take a few Qin army heads with them before leaving, reveal the plan to King Tuan, and leave behind several sets of Qin army uniforms.

After hearing this, Pattern King applauded.

That night, Meng Yi and Ying Bu rushed back to the interior of the country without stopping, leaving Han Xin, Li Ziwei and four others there to wait for the Huns to return.

Before leaving, Meng Yi specifically instructed several people to keep a distance when following, not to reveal their identities, and to ensure their own safety.

After Meng Yi left, King Tuan said, "Yu'er, come in."

Princess Yu Shu slowly entered, like a fairy descending from the heavens. Her skin was as white as snow, delicate as silk, and her hair cascaded down her shoulders, gently brushing against her slender collarbone, silky smooth. Her face was beautiful, and her features exuded a gentle elegance. Her eyes were clear and bright, her lips as rosy as cherries, and her lips curled slightly upwards in a faint smile, creating a warm and welcoming impression. Her attire was opulent yet elegant, a pale blue dress flowing in the breeze, its hem intricately embroidered. A unique Tuan necklace shone softly, complementing her demeanor.

Yu Shuying bowed, bowed her head, and said softly, "Greetings, father." Her voice was clear and pleasant, like the sound of a yellow oriole singing in a valley.

King Tuan smiled gently and said softly, "Yu'er, you probably heard what I said just now. I know you have high aspirations and look down upon ordinary tribal men. This opportunity for you to marry General Meng will fulfill one of my wishes and comfort your mother's spirit in heaven."

Upon hearing this, Yu Shu's pretty face flushed. She gently held King Tuan's hand and said coquettishly, "Father, I can't bear to leave you." There was a hint of attachment and dependence in her tone.

King Tuan looked at Yu Shu with affection and said earnestly, "General Meng has been on the battlefield for many years and has made great achievements, but he has never married. Moreover, from what I know, he treats his subordinates like brothers. Such a man must be a man of loyalty and righteousness. If you marry him, he will definitely treat you well. As long as you can live a happy life, your father will be at ease."

Yu Shu nodded slightly, understanding her father's good intentions. She knew the deep meaning behind his arrangement, so she said softly, "Father, don't worry. I will take good care of myself." Her words revealed a firmness and confidence.