The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

On the road, Bai Yan and Meng Yuan walked side by side, both of their thoughts immersed in memories of the past.

Bai Yan said with deep emotion, "Old Yuan, time flies! Thinking back to the days when we followed the general through battles and life and death, those memories are so vivid in my mind, as if they were just yesterday."

Meng Yuan nodded and responded with deep approval, "Indeed, the young general has grown into a capable and independent man, and is about to start a family and build a career. I believe that if the general knew about this, he would feel relieved and at ease."

As the two were talking, their team gradually approached Pei County.

The guards at the city gate saw the group from afar. One of them thought the leader looked familiar, like Shangguan. So he approached them tremblingly and said, "Everyone, please stay! Please show me your seals of identification."

When Bai Yan heard this, he handed his identity token to the guard without hesitation.

After the guard took the token and examined it carefully, his expression instantly became respectful. He quickly bowed and said, "It is the County Lieutenant who has arrived. I was blind and did not recognize you. I hope you will forgive me."

Bai Yan nodded slightly, returned a simple salute, then cupped his hands and asked, "Young man, may I ask how I can get to the Lu Residence?"

The guard said excitedly, "Sir, the Lu Mansion is in the north of the city. Go straight through the city gate and it's about four miles away."

Bai Yan thanked them and led everyone away on horseback.

The guard said proudly to the soldier beside him, "See? The county lieutenant actually saluted me! And he even called me little brother! Hahahaha!"

The soldier, with a fawning face, flattered, "I see you, Sergeant! But Sergeant, the county lieutenant has just arrived. Shouldn't we hurry and report this to the county magistrate and the county lieutenant?"

The guard finally came to his senses, as if waking from a dream, secretly regretting that he had almost delayed his work. He raised his hand and gently patted the soldier's shoulder, praising him, "Hey, you're quite smart, little guy! By the way, didn't you say your mother was sick? How about this, I'll give you two days off, go home and visit her!"

The soldier nodded repeatedly in thanks, then left happily.

The guards did not dare to delay any longer and hurried to report the situation to the county magistrate and county lieutenant.

On the other side, Bai Yan and Meng Yuan were riding their horses, moving slowly along the street.

Not long after, they saw from afar that the gate of Lu Mansion not far ahead was brightly lit, with ribbons fluttering, and an atmosphere of joy and jubilation everywhere.

Meng Yuan and Bai Yan exchanged a glance and smiled knowingly. They arrived at the gate of Lu's residence and dismounted.

The servant at the door saw the large number of horses and knew they must be some important person. He hurried to greet them and humbly asked, "What brings you two distinguished guests to my humble home?"

Meng Yuan handed over the identity token and replied with a smile, "We are from Jiuyuan in the north. Please let us know."

The servant responded and hurried into the mansion to report.

After a while, Meng Yi got the news and ran out like a bird.

Seeing Meng Yuan, Meng Yi said happily, "Second brother, you've worked hard and traveled all the way."

Meng Yuan smiled and said, "It's not hard at all. I'm very happy. Thank goodness my elder brother can't come, otherwise how could I take his place?" He turned and said, "Come, come, let me introduce you to this person—Bai Yan, the lieutenant of Sishui County."

Meng Yi quickly bowed and said, "Lord Bai Yan."

Bai Yan quickly grasped Meng Yi's arm and said with a smile, "Young General, ignore him. What Sishui County Magistrate? I haven't seen this old man for a few years, and he's learned to beat around the bush. Just call me Old Bai. Call me Brother Bai, and I'll be doing you a favor."

Seeing Meng Yi's confusion, Meng Yuan explained, "This Lao Bai was originally a member of the general's personal guard battalion, but later he was ordered to serve as a county lieutenant."

Meng Yi quickly said, "Hello, Brother Bai."

Bai Yan said ashamedly, "Young General, it's all because I, Old Bai, am useless. I didn't even know you were engaged in Sishui County. It was only because Old Pang was lucky enough to find you back, otherwise..."

Meng Yi quickly changed the subject and said with a smile, "Brother Bai, please don't be like this. This is a happy day, and Pei County is in your territory. You still need to take care of it."

Bai Yan patted his chest and said, "As long as I, Old Bai, am here, I will go through fire and water."

At this time, Grandpa Lu came out to greet them personally, and said to Bai Yan and Meng Yuan with a smile on his face, "You two gentlemen, your presence truly brings honor to our humble abode! Please come in!"

Bai Yan and Meng Yuan followed Father Lu into the mansion, only to see that it was decorated with lights and looked very lively.

Father Lu took Bai Yan and Meng Yuan to the living room and asked them to sit down. He ordered tea to be served and called Lu Ze and Lu Shi over.

Father Lu looked at Meng Yi and said, "My dear son-in-law, why don't you introduce me to him?"

Meng Yi introduced Meng Yuan and said, "This is my second brother, Meng Yuan."

Father Lu quickly stood up and saluted, saying, "Greetings, General Meng Yuan."

Meng Yuan supported Lu's father and said, "Grandpa, there's no need to be so polite. We are all family."

Meng Yi then introduced Bai Yan, saying, "Father-in-law, this is Lord Bai Yan, the Lieutenant of Sishui County."

Just as Father Lu was about to salute, he was stopped by Bai Yan, who said with a smile, "Grandpa, there are no officials here, only relatives and friends."

Meng Yi said to Meng Yuan Baiyan, "These two are my elder brother-in-law, Lü Ze, and my younger brother-in-law, Lü Shi."

Lu Ze and Lu Shi quickly saluted.

Then everyone sat down and started discussing the marriage.

Father Lu said gratefully, "Thank you, General Meng Yuan and the County Magistrate, for coming all the way here. Thank you for your concern for my daughter's marriage to Meng Yi."

Meng Yuan humbly replied, "You are too polite, Grand Master. This is my duty."

Bai Yan picked up the teacup and said with a smile, "You are too polite, Grandpa. The young general and Miss Lu Su are a match made in heaven. We are honored to witness such a happy event."

Father Lu smiled broadly, "Master Bai is absolutely right. I am very pleased to have such an outstanding son-in-law as Meng Yi."

Meng Yuan smiled slightly and looked at Lu's father: "Grandfather, please let me know what arrangements you have for the wedding. My brother and I will definitely help you with everything we can."

Father Lu nodded and smiled, "With the two adults' help, I can rest assured. Now everything is ready. When the auspicious day arrives, the wedding can be held."

As they were talking, a servant came hurriedly and bowed to report: "Master, the county magistrate, county magistrate, and county lieutenant have arrived and are waiting outside the door."

"The county magistrate, the county magistrate, and the county lieutenant?" Father Lu was slightly surprised. "Please come in quickly."

Then Lu's father, Lu Ze, and Lu Shi quickly followed and went out to greet them in person, while Meng Yi chatted with Meng Yuan and Bai Yan.

When Father Lu arrived at the door, the county magistrate said with a smile, "Brother Lu, this is really not nice of you. You didn't even inform us that General Meng Yuan and the county lieutenant were coming? You caught us off guard."

Father Lu smiled and said, "Brother Chen, I didn't know General Meng Yuan would arrive so soon, and I have never met the County Lieutenant before."

The county lieutenant Tian Song came out to smooth things over and said, "Grandpa, please introduce some of the gentlemen to us when you go in later." The county magistrate also echoed him.

Father Lu smiled and said, "Of course, of course."

Then Father Lu led everyone into the living room.

The county magistrate, the county magistrate, and the county lieutenant all saluted and said in unison, "Greetings, General Meng Yuan and the county lieutenant."

Meng Yuan stood up and returned the greeting, saying, "My Lords, there is no need for formalities. Everyone here is an honored guest. I am here today on behalf of half of the host family. My brother has the important task of guarding the pass and cannot leave his post without permission. I will take over the charge. I hope that everyone will take good care of me in the future."

County Magistrate Chen Bin said, "General Meng Yuan, please rest assured. We have always had a good relationship with Lu Gong. It's a pity that we didn't get to see the general's style."

Then everyone sat down and started greeting each other.

They chatted for a while, enjoying themselves. Then, the county magistrate, the county magistrate's assistant, and the county lieutenant stood up to take their leave, and Lu's father saw them off to the door. When Lu's father returned, he instructed his servants to prepare dinner.

The banquet began, and everyone took their seats, but the main seat remained vacant. On the right sat Meng Yuan, Bai Yan, Meng Yi, and Lü Su, respectively, while on the left sat Lü Fu, Lü Ze, Lü Shi, Liu Bang, and Lü Zhi.

Everyone drank happily. Bai Yan was a generous person and had a pleasant conversation with Meng Yuan and Lu's father. Liu Bang also sat obediently in his seat and didn't say much.

After three rounds of drinks, Bai Yan stood up, raised his glass high, and said loudly, "I am honored to come to Pei County today to attend the young general's wedding. I wish the young general and Miss Lu Su a happy marriage and a son soon!"

As soon as the words fell, everyone present responded, and for a moment, the banquet was extremely lively.