The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The next day, as soon as the sun rose, the Lu Mansion was already immersed in a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

The mansion was decorated with colorful lanterns and ribbons hanging inside and outside the house. The red lanterns hung high, illuminating the entire mansion; the colorful ribbons fluttered in the wind, as if telling people the joy of the New Year.

Lü Su personally led the maids and servants, busily decorating every corner of the mansion. They meticulously placed flowers and bonsai, filling the courtyard with a vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, Lü Zhi directed the preparations for a sumptuous family feast in the kitchen, a dazzling array of delicious dishes and a fragrant aroma.

Meanwhile, Father Lu, along with Lu Ze and Lu Shi, stood at the door, warmly welcoming every guest who came. Their faces were filled with bright smiles as they exchanged greetings with the guests, making people feel the strong festive atmosphere.

Around noon, Liu Bang arrived at Lu's residence with the county lieutenant. Seeing the county lieutenant arrive, Lu's father hurriedly led Lu Ze and Lu Shi to greet him, saying respectfully, "Greetings, County Lieutenant!"

When the county lieutenant learned that Grandpa Lu was the father-in-law of General Meng Tian, ​​he dared not accept such a gift. He quickly reached out to help Grandpa Lu to his feet, saying with a smile, "Grandpa, you are so polite! Please stand up! The two young men, please also excuse yourself." He then praised, "You two young men are both handsome and graceful. You are truly talented young men!" As he spoke, he waved to his attendants to put the gifts aside.

After both parties were seated, the county lieutenant asked with a smile on his face, "Grandpa, I wonder where General Meng is now?" There was a hint of anticipation in his eyes, and he seemed very excited to meet Meng Yi.

Father Lu naturally understood the deeper meaning. He smiled faintly and responded, "My dear son-in-law is meticulously decorating the backyard with my daughter for New Year's Eve. After all, young people prefer this kind of lively and festive atmosphere. County Lieutenant, please wait a moment. Lu Shi, quickly go and get your brother-in-law."

Hearing this, the county lieutenant waved his hands hastily, saying in a panic, "There's no need to rush, Grand Master. I'm not in a hurry. Please allow me to wait a little longer. Besides, General Meng is busy with his duties right now. I'm afraid it would be inappropriate for us to rush in and disturb him."

At this moment, Liu Bang suddenly interrupted and suggested, "Father-in-law, how about I take the County Lieutenant for a stroll around the mansion? This will allow the County Lieutenant to relax and wait for a while, and it won't interfere with Brother Meng's busy work."

After hearing this, Lu's father thought this was a good idea, so he nodded in agreement. Then, the county lieutenant followed Liu Bang towards the central courtyard.

When the lieutenant finally saw Meng Yi, he bowed respectfully and said, "I greet the young general! I am the lieutenant of Pei County. I learned today that the general has returned victoriously, so I came to pay my respects."

Meng Yi naturally understood this. He politely bowed in return and said humbly, "Your Excellency, County Lieutenant, are truly very kind. Although we have never met before, the Lu family in Pei County still needs your care."

Upon hearing this, the county lieutenant nodded repeatedly in agreement, saying that he would do his best to assist the Lu family in handling all matters.

Then, the two of them walked into the study side by side.

The county lieutenant turned around, gave Liu Bang a meaningful look, and said in a low voice, "Brother Liu, you should go and handle the affairs first."

After entering the room, they each took a seat. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the lieutenant cut to the chase, saying, "Young General, you are truly a man of noble bearing and grace! I, Tian Song, have served as the lieutenant of Pei County for six or seven years, but the years have worn thin. I hope that the young general will show some care and support for me."

After hearing this, Meng Yi's face showed no surprise. He remained calm and composed, and replied calmly, "Your Excellency, County Commandant, you are too kind. I just returned to Pei County, and various things have come to my mind. I am not familiar with the situation in the county yet."

Hearing this, County Lieutenant Tian Song quickly expressed his understanding and said anxiously: "It's okay, it's okay, the young general only needs a little guidance."

Seeing Tian Song's reaction, Meng Yi thought for a moment and then responded, "Since County Lieutenant Tian is so sincere, I can't just refuse. After the Lantern Festival, I will be getting married, and General Meng Yuan will be attending. I can help introduce you to him then."

When the county lieutenant heard this, he was immediately delighted and kept thanking him.

The county lieutenant thanked Meng Yi again and left the study. As he walked away, he secretly rejoiced: This trip was really worthwhile!

Liu Bang was waiting for the county lieutenant outside. When he saw him come out, he hurried to meet him.

"Sir, what's going on?" Liu Bang asked anxiously.

"Haha, don't worry, Brother Liu. Everything went smoothly!" The county lieutenant could hardly hide his excitement. "After the Lantern Festival, I'll have to trouble Brother Liu to say a few good words for you."

"Don't worry, sir. I will, I will." Liu Bang responded, but he was thinking about other things in his mind.

After seeing off the county lieutenant, Liu Bang turned around and returned to his study.

Said to Meng Yi, "Sorry to bother my brother-in-law."

Meng Yi thought, "If Liu Bang doesn't fight for supremacy in the future, I'd be willing to give him a future." So he said, "Brother-in-law has said too much. It doesn't matter. We are all family."

Liu Bang nodded, but thought to himself: This man will become a great man in the future, I must spend more time with him...

Liu Bang and Meng Yi chatted for a while and then stood up to say goodbye.

That night, the New Year's Eve family dinner kicked off in a lively atmosphere. The hall was decorated with lights and everyone was laughing and talking happily, making it very lively.

Brothers Lu Ze and Lu Shi smiled, raised their glasses, and slowly walked to Lu's father. They bowed and said in unison: "In the new year, I wish father good health and everything goes well."

Father Lu smiled happily, stroking his beard and saying, "Very good, very good, Lu Ze. After the New Year, you will be twenty-five years old. County Magistrate Chen Bin has a beloved daughter named Chen Yao, who is only eighteen years old. He wants to marry you."

Lu Ze smiled slightly and replied, "I'll follow my father's arrangements."

At this time, Liu Bang and Lü Zhi stood shoulder to shoulder, while Meng Yi and Lü Su held hands, raised their wine glasses, and approached Lü's father. The four of them said in unison: "I wish my father-in-law and father a year of great fortune and a long life!"

After hearing this, Lu's father smiled happily and said, "Great, great! May you and your wife live in harmony and have a son soon."

At that moment, a burst of earth-shattering firecrackers suddenly rang out from outside the door. The crackling sound was like thunder, like an exciting and passionate symphony. At the same time, the clear and melodious sound of the New Year's bells, like a string of inspiring notes, pierced the clouds and resounded throughout the sky.

Suddenly, a joyful atmosphere spread like a tide. Everyone toasted, congratulated each other, and laughter and sincere blessings intertwined, like a colorful flower blooming in this warm and peaceful ocean. Everyone's face was filled with a happy smile, like the warm spring sun, warm and brilliant, and their hearts were filled with beautiful expectations for the new year.