The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The next morning, sunlight streamed into the guest room through the window.

Meng Yi walked briskly to the door of the guest room and gently pushed it open. He saw Meng Yuan and Bai Yan sitting around the table, seemingly talking about something.

Meng Yi stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Second brother, Brother Bai, good morning!"

Bai Yan chuckled and teased, "Young General, how come you have the free time to chat with us today? Is there something you need our help with?"

Before Meng Yi could speak, Meng Yuan jokingly said, "Old Bai, you're truly a master of predictions! I think he must have something to ask of you."

Meng Yi looked embarrassed, scratched his head, and said with a smile: "Second brother is really a brilliant thinker. I admire you."

Bai Yan laughed heartily, patted the seat beside him, and said loudly, "Young General, please take a seat! Come, let's sit down and talk slowly."

Meng Yi followed his instructions and sat down across from Bai Yan. After taking a deep breath, he spoke, "Brother Bai, a while ago, Pei County's Lieutenant Tian Song contacted me through my brother-in-law Liu Bang, hoping I could help him out and give him some advice. He said he's been an official in Pei County for many years, always working diligently, but never getting a chance for promotion. Now that he's approaching thirty, he's feeling quite anxious, so he asked someone to find me to see if I could give him some advice."

Meng Yi paused briefly before explaining, "Brother Bai, in my opinion, Tian Song is, after all, an official in charge of the local military in Pei County. The Lu family will certainly benefit from his care in Pei County. While there's no need to entrust him with important tasks, giving him some opportunities will allow us to observe his performance in the near future."

Bai Yan nodded slightly in agreement, then said, "Well, in that case, after the wedding, arrange for him to come and meet me."

After taking a deep breath, Meng Yi spoke again: "My two brothers, I have a small request." After he finished speaking, he looked at the two of them calmly, with a firm look in his eyes.

Seeing this, Meng Yuan couldn't help but laugh and joked, "Alright, alright, stop keeping us in suspense. Just tell us what's going on!"

Meng Yi's expression grew serious, and he spoke gravely, "A few days ago, while traveling in Pei County, I stumbled upon a man of exceptional talent named Xiao He. He currently serves as an official in Pei County. Although only a minor official, he possesses extraordinary insight and intelligence, possesses a keen understanding of current affairs, and knows how to act decisively. Therefore, I wish to take him north with me."

Upon hearing this, Bai Yan immediately responded, "Since you, Brother Yi, have said so, Lao Yuan and I will definitely make proper arrangements."

Hearing this, Meng Yi stood up, clasped his hands together and said, "Thank you very much, brothers!"

At this time, Meng Yuan, who had been silent all this time, interrupted with a smile and said, "Brother Yi, you are getting better at doing things now."

Meng Yi chuckled, scratched his head and responded, "No, no, I learned it all from my brother." After saying that, they smiled at each other and the atmosphere on the scene was relaxed and harmonious.

The three of them smiled at each other, feeling as if they were bathed in spring breeze. Then, Meng Yi left the guest room.

Lu's father called Lu Ze and Lu Shi to the study, and then everyone sat down.

Father Lu looked at the two of them and said, "Now that Chi'er has married Liu Bang, and Su'er will also marry Meng Yi, what do you two think of Liu Bang and Meng Yi now?"

This time, Lu Shi was the first to offer his greetings, saying, "Father, Meng Yi's meritorious service in attacking the Xiongnu from the north may have been due to General Meng's support, but it also demonstrates his extraordinary bravery and intelligence. Furthermore, he is truly sincere to me, always keeping his promises, and truly values ​​friendship and loyalty."

Father Lu nodded slightly to show his approval.

Lu Shi continued, "Father, after Meng Yi and my younger sister are married, I intend to follow him north. Although I can't ride a horse or wield a sword, I can still do some clerical work. I hope you'll allow me."

Father Lu pondered for a moment and said, "Well, now that you've made up your mind, go. You must be down-to-earth and not be too ambitious. Although a father worries when his son travels a thousand miles away, this trip may not necessarily lead to great achievements, but it will help you gain experience. Besides, with Meng Yi by your side, your life won't be in danger. When Su'er goes north, you can reunite."

Lu Shi bowed and said, "Thank you, father."

Lu Ze said, "Father, I heard that the Emperor Qin Shi Huang has sent alchemists to seek immortality and medicine, and the world will not remain peaceful forever. For now, it is better to stay away from the court and develop secretly. I still have high hopes for Liu Bang."

Lu Ze paused and said, "Yesterday, the county magistrate invited me to visit him. He hinted that he wanted me to serve as an official under him."

After thinking for a moment, Lu's father replied, "It's good to be an official. You can take this opportunity to understand the court bureaucracy. But remember, don't get too involved. Liu Bang is indeed capable and will achieve great things in the future." Lu Ze nodded in agreement.

After Lu Ze and Lu Shi left, Lu's father first called Lu Zhi.

He told Lu Zhi earnestly that although she was already married, she still needed to keep a clear head at all times.

"Liu Bang is indeed quite capable, and can be considered a late bloomer. As his father, I have seen countless people throughout my life, and I do have the ability to judge people. It's just that he currently lacks an opportunity to realize his ambitions. As his wife, you must encourage him more often and never let him become depressed and lose his fighting spirit!"

After hearing this, Lu Zhi nodded repeatedly and told her father that she would definitely follow her father's teachings.

After Lu Zhi left, Lu's father called Lu Su again.

Lu Su slowly walked into the study, and Lu's father looked at her with loving eyes.

Father Lu smiled slightly and said in a soft voice, "Su'er, you are going to marry Meng Yi soon. From now on, I'm afraid you will be even farther away from home. I have a few words to tell you." After hearing this, Lu Su hurried to sit beside Father Lu, listening carefully to his teachings.

Father Lu paused for a moment, then spoke softly: "Su'er, I never thought that you are the youngest among our children, and now you are getting married. You are marrying Meng Yi this time, and the journey is long, so remember to take good care of yourself..."

Lu Su nodded slightly, showing her understanding, and said softly, "Don't worry, Daddy, I naturally understand the reason."

Father Lu continued, "Meng Yi is not only a man of deep affection, but also a skilled warrior. He will surely achieve great things in the future. When you marry him, you must support him wholeheartedly, but don't forget to take care of yourself."

Lu Su nodded again in response, her eyes revealing a touch of attachment and reluctance: "My daughter knows this very well, and will never let down my father's expectations and instructions."

Father Lu couldn't help but sigh. "Alas, you have been a kind-hearted and innocent person since you were a child. This is what worries me the most. If you suffer any grievances or unfair treatment in Xianyang, please write to your family immediately."

Lu Su's eyes gradually became moist, tears welling up in her eyes, as crystal clear as ripe cherries. She tried hard not to let the tears fall, and choked back her tears as she answered, "My daughter will remember it in her heart. Thank you for your care, Dad."

Father Lu patted Lu Su's shoulder gently, as if he was back in the days when he coaxed her to sleep as a child. He said earnestly, "Our daughter has grown up now, and I'm very pleased. After you get married, if you are wronged or unhappy outside, remember to come home."

Lu Su burst into laughter, like a flower blooming in spring, "Daddy, I believe he will treat me well."

Father Lu nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. Your wedding day is approaching. Is there anything else you would like to tell me?"

After Lu Su thought carefully, he slowly said, "Dad, if there is a conflict between the Liu family and the Meng family one day, I hope you will put the overall situation first."

Father Lu was shocked. He had never thought that Lu Su would say such words. He couldn't help but sighed: "Su Su, you have grown up. I will keep your words in mind."