The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Another day passed, and the 50,000 infantry and cavalry of the Central Guard Camp led by Meng Yuan finally arrived at Yanmen Pass.

Inside the spacious and solemn tent, Meng Yuan, Pang Bo, Meng Yi and Pang Qing sat together, discussing the expedition plan.

Meng Yuan glanced sharply at everyone, then said in a deep voice, "This journey is 1,500 miles long, and it requires a long-distance raid, so we must reduce the number of troops to half."

Pang Bo nodded and continued, "In the battle of Dongxishi Valley, we captured 6,000 war horses, which can be distributed to the army's 5,000 horses. This will give us greater mobility and combat effectiveness."

Meng Yi then bowed to Meng Yuan and Pang Bo and said respectfully, "From the 50,000 infantry and cavalry, we can select 20,000 elite cavalry. Each of them will be equipped with two war horses. This will ensure both marching speed and increased impact during combat. As for the required horses, we can deploy them from the Tuan tribe. We estimate that in two days at most, we will be able to penetrate the enemy's royal court at the fastest speed!"

After hearing this, everyone expressed their agreement and showed excitement on their faces.

Then Meng Yi took Ying Bu and Han Xin to count the horses and transport supplies.

After inventory, it was found that a total of 40,000 war horses were needed, but there were only 35,000 available, leaving a shortfall of 5,000 to meet the demand. Meng Yi then decisively decided to send Ying Bu to Tuan to arrange for the necessary horses.

Just as Meng Yi was absorbed in his work, Pang Qing walked briskly up to him. With a flattering smile on his face, Pang Qing said to Meng Yi, "Young General, this is such an important operation to raid the Xiongnu royal court. Can you take me with you?"

Hearing this, Meng Yi's lips curled up slightly, and he jokingly said, "Hey, this matter was decided by General Meng Yuan himself! If you want to participate, you have to go and discuss it with him. I'm just a small deputy general, I don't have that power!"

Pang Qing chuckled, scratched his head and said, "Hey, little general, please stop teasing me! This operation is definitely led by General Meng Yuan, so it's really not appropriate for me to ask him. Besides, my cousin can't say too much, otherwise people will suspect that he wants to take the credit. So, little general, if you don't agree to take me with you, I won't leave here today!"

Meng Yi couldn't help but burst out laughing after hearing this. He said, "Oh, our dignified commander of the vanguard battalion has actually learned to play rogue? Never mind, then I'll talk to General Meng Yuan on your behalf. But I have to warn you in advance, I can't guarantee that it will succeed!"

Pang Qing bowed deeply and said respectfully, "Very well, thank you so much, General! When we return to Xianyang, I will definitely treat you to a drink and express my gratitude."

Meng Yi then walked into the main tent. He saw Meng Yuan and Pang Bo inside. With a smile on his face, Meng Yi recounted the entire incident.

After hearing this, Pang Bo immediately pretended to be angry and shouted, "Oh, this war is no joke! How can anyone go just because they want to? No, I have to teach him a lesson!" As he said this, he walked towards the door angrily. However, just as he reached the door, he suddenly stopped and glanced at Meng Yuan secretly.

At this moment, Meng Yuan had a faint smile on his face, his eyes fixed on Pang Bo. He said softly, "Old Pang, aren't you going to look for him? Then go quickly, no one will stop you."

Pang Bo laughed dryly and replied a little embarrassedly, "Hey, Lao Yuan, you are our commander! How dare I say anything careless? It's better to wait for your decision."

Meng Yuan couldn't help laughing and said jokingly, "Come on, Lao Pang, stop playing those little tricks! This was clearly your idea, wanting him to go find Brother Yi. We've been good brothers for so many years, don't we know each other well? In that case, let him go with us."

Pang Bo's expression straightened, and he said solemnly, "Yes, sir! I will obey the orders of the commander-in-chief!"

Meng Yi, who was standing aside, couldn't help but laugh secretly when he saw the interaction between the two.

After Meng Yi stepped out of the main tent, Pang Qing suddenly jumped out from the adjacent tent and stared at Meng Yi with anticipation.

Meng Yi said seriously, "Originally, General Meng Yuan was planning to have General Pang sue you, but I'm telling you this ahead of time so you can be mentally prepared."

After hearing this, Pang Qing's face turned pale instantly.

Then, Meng Yi burst into laughter and said, "Okay, I won't joke with you anymore. Pack up and get ready to go. Remember you still owe me a drink."

At this time, Pang Qing came back to his senses, and his heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down.

In the afternoon, Ying Bu sent a message that Tuan's 5,000 war horses were ready and could set off at any time.

As night fell, Meng Yuan led Meng Yi, Pang Qing and others, as well as 20,000 cavalry and 40,000 war horses, and under the guidance of Han Xin and Zhao Da, galloped all the way to the northwest of Yanmen Pass.

The words are divided into two parts.

In the northern part of Jiuyuan County, a fierce wind raged, dust and sand flew all over the sky, covering the sky and the sun, shrouding the land in desolation. At this moment, Meng Tian led an army of 200,000, galloping out of the clouds and arriving at this uninhabited land.

He was wearing heavy armor, standing firmly on the high ground, his eyes as sharp as torches, staring into the distance. Behind him, the Qin soldiers lined up in neat rows, each with an upright posture, solemn expressions, and firm eyes, revealing a fearless determination.

Meng Tian's face was heavy, his hands tightly gripping the map as he carefully surveyed the surrounding terrain. He knew the importance of this ambush mission and couldn't afford any mistakes. He immediately summoned Sima Yan, Bai Lin, and Li You to discuss the matter.

Meng Tian's face was solemn. He spoke in a deep voice, "According to the scouts, the Xiongnu are being led by the Great Khan, Touman, himself. He is commanded by the Right Wise King, the Left Riju King, and the left and right Grand Commandants, totaling 280,000 infantry and cavalry. They are still three days away from Jiuyuan at the fastest."

Sima Yan frowned and said, "General, it seems the Tuan tribe's rebellion is a Xiongnu conspiracy. They want to seduce us, draw our attention, and disperse our forces so they can seize the opportunity to invade the south."

A sly glint flashed in Meng Tian's eyes as he spoke, "Over at Yanmen Pass, a few days ago, the Xiongnu's Left General led 15,000 cavalrymen to Tu'an. Pangbo joined forces with the Tu'an tribe and annihilated the Xiongnu cavalry in the Dongxishi Valley. The Xiongnu Great Chanyu, Touman, is still unaware of this and believes our army has been deceived by him."

Li You's mouth dropped open in astonishment. "General," he said, "so this urgent report is a play put on by Pangbo and the Tuan tribe? When did that rough fellow Pangbo become so smart? Did he suddenly become enlightened?"

After hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

Meng Tian smiled slightly and told everyone about how he recognized his brother Meng Yi, how he was engaged to the daughter of King Tuan in order to lure the Huns into a trap, and how he finally took advantage of the Huns' trap.

Bai Lin smiled and bowed, "Congratulations, General, on this double celebration. Meng Yi, long lost, has finally returned home. The sons of generals are truly remarkable. First, they created a means of transportation to shorten the construction of the Yanmen Pass Great Wall, and then they came up with this brilliant plan to take advantage of the opponent's strategy. The General has fought alone for so many years, it's time for him to consider his own marriage. When the time comes, I'll have to invite my brothers to the wedding."

Li You laughed heartily and said, "I was wondering how that reckless Pang Bo could possibly have come to his senses. A few days ago, I heard that the construction of the Yanmen Pass city wall, which he was in charge of, was nearing completion. I didn't believe it. It turns out that it was all thanks to the young general who gave him advice. This young general is truly amazing!"

Meng Tian then pointed to the map and declared firmly, "This battle must not only defeat the Xiongnu army, but also capture the northwest of Jiuyuan County—the Houhetao Plain." Meng Yi pointed aside and said firmly, "This area is located at the junction of the Yinshan Mountains and the Helan Mountains. It's located on a plain and is an ideal place for a decisive battle."

After a moment's silence, Meng Tian spoke calmly, "I will personally lead a hundred thousand infantry and cavalry troops to set up camp here."

He turned his gaze to Sima Yan and gave the order: "General Sima, lead 50,000 elite cavalry to ambush in the valley here. Wait for the Xiongnu army to fall into the trap, then immediately launch an attack. But remember, do not be greedy for fighting and get into a protracted battle."

Sima Yan respectfully accepted the order. Meng Tian then gave Bai Lin another order: "General Bai, you will lead 50,000 brave and fearless infantrymen, armed with powerful crossbows, and quietly ambush them north of the Yin Mountains. If the Xiongnu army flees here, use a dense rain of arrows from bows and crossbows to destroy them."

Finally, Meng Tian's gaze fell on Li You, and he decisively issued an order: "General Li, you will lead the remaining 50,000 soldiers to garrison near Jiuyuan City and be ready to provide support at any time. If you find that the Xiongnu are retreating, you can lead 30,000 cavalry to bypass Yinshan and directly attack the Xiongnu army from behind."

All the generals responded in unison: "We obey your orders!"