The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The next morning, Liu Bang couldn't wait to come to the guest room where Meng Yi lived, quietly watched Meng Yi finish a set of boxing and kicking, and then pretended to pass by and walked over.

Liu Bang laughed and said, "Brother-in-law is really a diligent person who wakes up early. Unlike us, we just want to sleep a little longer after taking a rest."

Meng Yi was slightly surprised. He wiped the sweat off his face and said with a smile, "I haven't seen my brother-in-law for a long time. He is still as elegant as ever."

Meng Yi then led Liu Bang to the dinner table and said, "Brother-in-law, you haven't had breakfast yet, right? Come and have something to eat with us."

The two of them then sat down and began to eat.

Liu Bang praised him, "Brother-in-law, you are truly capable. Riding a horse and holding a spear, you swept through the Xiongnu royal court as if you were in an empty land. This is truly the act of a real man!"

Meng Yi replied modestly, "Brother-in-law, you are too kind. This great victory over the Xiongnu is entirely due to the wise leadership of the generals and the selfless dedication of the brothers. I am merely a brute force."

Liu Bang smiled and said, "Brother-in-law, don't be too modest. As the saying goes, heroes emerge from youth. I also heard that you are the younger brother of General Meng."

Meng Yi wondered if Liu Bang wanted me to help him secure a position at court. So he said, "When I was heading north to join the army, I happened to run into you while you were inspecting the northern lands. After we got to know each other, I learned that I had been separated from my family during the campaigns against Chu and Qi."

Liu Bang said happily: "Brothers have been separated for many years, and today we are reunited. This is a great joy!"

Soon, after the two finished their breakfast, Liu Bang stood up and said goodbye.

Meng Yi was secretly surprised. He knew very well that Liu Bang must have some purpose in coming here. However, strangely, Liu Bang did not say a word.

On this side, after Liu Bang said goodbye to Meng Yi, he said goodbye to Lu Zhi and went out.

Liu Bang seemed to be strolling the streets, but in fact he was searching for the county lieutenant. According to the custom in previous years, the county lieutenant would personally lead a team of soldiers to patrol the city on the day before the New Year to show that he was fulfilling his duties.

Not long after, Liu Bang saw the county lieutenant and a team of patrolling soldiers in front of a tavern.

Liu Bang hurried forward, bowed and said, "I am Liu Bang, your humble servant, and I pay my respects to the County Lieutenant."

The lieutenant took a look and remembered that this man was the eldest son-in-law of Lü Taigong. Lü Taigong and the county magistrate had a close relationship. The county magistrate had also gone to congratulate them on their wedding some time ago. Although the lieutenant and the county magistrate were of equal rank, the county magistrate still had to be given higher respect. So he said, "Liu Bang, why are you not at home at this time of year-end, but wandering around instead?"

Liu Bang lowered his voice and said, "Sir, you may not know that a guest came to our house yesterday. His surname is Meng."

The county lieutenant's originally annoyed mood was like a calm lake, and at this moment there was no ripple at all. He thought to himself: "His surname is Meng, could he be a relative of the great General Meng who was feared by the world?" He hurriedly said: "Captain Liu, long time no see! Let's talk while we eat." After that, he pulled Liu Bang into the tavern next door.

The two of them went up to the second floor and entered a private room, waiting for the food and drinks to be served.

After a few drinks, the county lieutenant couldn't wait to ask: "Captain Liu, who is this guest? Could it be General Meng himself?" As soon as he said this, the county lieutenant felt that he was a bit rash and thought: How could General Meng come to this small Pei County?

Liu Bang smiled slightly and said, "Sir, this guest has a special identity. He is, and isn't, a real one." Liu Bang paused briefly and continued, "Sir, do you know anything about the Xiongnu's recent southern invasion?"

The county lieutenant replied, "I saw some news in the official newspaper, but I don't know what will happen next."

Liu Bang smiled and said, "General Meng defeated 300,000 Xiongnu troops in the Battle of Jiuyuan with overwhelming force. His Majesty was greatly pleased and promoted him to General and granted him the title of Marquis of Guannei."

Seeing the county lieutenant's puzzled expression, Liu Bang explained, "This guest is none other than the main force that led the army across a thousand miles to sweep across the Xiongnu royal court. He is General Meng's lost brother, Meng Yi, who was lost during the campaign against Qi. He has now been promoted by His Majesty the Emperor to the rank of General of the Central Army."

After hearing this, the county lieutenant was shocked and said with a smile: "If that's the case, why did this young general come to Lu's mansion?"

Liu Bang smiled and said, "Your Excellency the County Lieutenant, you may not know that General Meng was engaged to his first wife's younger sister before he joined the army. He returned this time precisely to complete the marriage."

The lieutenant pondered for a moment, then suddenly remembered that the two daughters of the Lu family had indeed been engaged in September. He couldn't help but sigh at how fortunate the Lu family was. General Meng was so loyal and righteous, truly rare. If he could establish a relationship with him, perhaps he would rise to prominence in the future, becoming the prefectural governor, military commander, or even the prefectural lieutenant. Having made up his mind, the lieutenant smiled and said, "In that case, General Meng will have to call Brother Liu his brother-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bang stood up in panic, bowed and said, "How dare I address you as my brother, my Lord County Lieutenant?"

The county lieutenant waved his hand and said, "Brother Liu, there is no one else here. You and I can call each other brothers in private."

Liu Bang said, "I will follow the orders of the county lieutenant."

The county lieutenant then said, "Brother Liu, the position of County Sikong is about to be transferred. I wonder if you are willing to take over?"

Liu Bang immediately said: "The county lieutenant has ordered that Liu Bang will serve until his death in the future."

The county lieutenant looked pleased with himself and said, "Brother Liu, please take a seat. I wonder if the young general is free these days. Could you please bring me in for an audience in the next couple of days?"

Liu Bang pondered, "Sir, it's probably difficult to do this today. My two uncles, Lü Ze, have just returned from a visit. Grand Master Lü might be hosting a banquet tonight, so we can only do it tomorrow morning."

The county lieutenant smiled and nodded, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Liu." Liu Bang quickly replied, "Your Excellency, County Lieutenant, you are too kind."

The county lieutenant chatted with Liu Bang for a while and then left the tavern.

After Liu Bang returned home, he told Lü Zhi about this. Lü Zhi was delighted and said, "That's very good. But I don't know what this county lieutenant is up to." Liu Bang smiled and said, "He must be trying to get in touch with Meng Yi." Lü Zhi nodded and said, "Then I'll trouble you with everything, my husband."

That night, Lu Ze and Lu Shi returned home after paying their respects. Lu's father specially called them over to give them some instructions, and then asked someone to prepare a family dinner.

At the banquet, Lu's father sat at the host seat, on his right were the two brothers Lu Ze and Lu Shi, and on his left were the table of Lu Zhi and Liu Bang, and the table of Lu Su and Meng Yi.

Father Lu raised his glass and said, "Today's banquet is held to celebrate the family reunion and to welcome Meng Yi's safe return. Let's drink together!"

Everyone responded and drank the wine in their cups.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Father Lu looked at Meng Yi and said with a smile, "My dear son-in-law, since you have returned this time, I wonder when the wedding date will be set?"

Meng Yi stood up and bowed, saying, "Father-in-law, it's expected to be after the Lantern Festival."

Father Lu laughed heartily. "Good! Good! Good! My dear son-in-law, please take a seat. I wonder which elder of the Meng family will be here? Is the general free?"

When everyone heard this, they all craned their necks to look, eager to catch a glimpse of the general.

Meng Yi said solemnly, "There have always been only my eldest brother and I in the Meng family's lineage. Now that our parents have passed away, it's common sense that my eldest brother should be in charge of the situation. However, he has the heavy responsibility of guarding the northern border and cannot leave his post easily. However, before I left, my eldest brother told me that if the wedding day comes, I can let my second brother, Right General Meng Yuan, take charge of it."

Seeing the puzzled expressions on everyone's faces, Meng Yi explained, "Meng Yuan is actually my father's adopted son, so we call him Second Brother. Second Brother's biological father tragically died protecting him, so my father took him in and raised him. For so many years, Second Brother has always followed my eldest brother on his campaigns, never being separated for even a moment."

After listening to this, Father Lu nodded in agreement and said, "That's excellent! Although General Meng Yuan has come here in place of the General, it means both the Meng and Lu families now have someone capable of taking charge."

Meng Yi nodded slightly in agreement, then turned and gazed at Lu Su affectionately, his eyes full of love. Lu Su was so embarrassed by his direct and passionate gaze that she lowered her head and eyes, her cheeks as red as the sunset.

At this time, Liu Bang stood up and congratulated with a smile: "Congratulations to my sister and brother-in-law on your happy marriage. I wish you a long and happy life together and a baby soon!" Others also followed suit. For a while, the banquet was filled with laughter and the atmosphere was very warm and harmonious.

After three rounds of drinking, Liu Bang finally revealed to Meng Yi that the county lieutenant wanted to see him the next day.

Meng Yi frowned slightly after hearing this and pondered for a moment, "Liu Bang really has such a plan, but the Lu family is in Pei County after all, and they really need their care!"

After saying that, Meng Yi raised his wine glass and took a sip. A shrewd look flashed in his eyes. He felt that this was acceptable.

So he readily agreed to Liu Bang's request.

And just like that, at this banquet, a seemingly simple deal was reached. And all of this would become a crucial part of future history...