The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Time flies, and nearly a month has passed in a flash.

It was the end of February in the 32nd year of the First Emperor's reign (215 BC).

One day, the weather was beautiful and the sun was shining brightly. Meng Yi and Lu Su sat leisurely in the courtyard, basking in the warm sun and chatting about family matters.

Meng Yi held Lu Su's hand tightly, his face full of smiles, and said softly, "My lady, I have something to discuss with you. Now that spring has arrived, His Majesty the Emperor will be touring the northern region. I plan to return to Jiuyuan soon."

Following Meng Yi's words, Lu Su leaned gently into his arms and replied softly, "My husband, no matter where you go, I will follow you."

Meng Yi gently stroked Lu Su's nose and said lovingly, "But this will make you suffer. You will need to be separated from your family, and the journey is long."

Lu Su smiled and replied, "My dear, I am no longer a child. How can I rely on my parents every day?"

Meng Yi smiled and said, "Okay, okay. If you miss home, I will definitely bring you back."

Lu Su nodded softly, her face as beautiful as a spring flower, filled with a happy smile.

Meng Yi continued, "By the way, I want to tell you a piece of good news, but before I tell you, you have to give me some benefits."

Lu Su said shyly, "It's still daytime. It's not good to be seen. Besides, what good will it do?"

Meng Yi said jokingly, "Don't you want to know? This matter is related to Lu Shi."

Lu Su raised her head, kissed Meng Yi gently, and then quickly buried her head in Meng Yi's chest.

Meng Yi had a sly smile on his face and whispered, "You're so good, my wife."

Since getting married, Meng Yi has been saying different words every day like magic, and Lu Su has long been accustomed to it.

"I plan to take Lu Shi back to Jiuyuan with me." Meng Yi said in a firm tone.

Lu Su looked surprised and asked worriedly, "Will others think you're being partial and perverting the law if you do this? After all, if I go with you, maybe I won't miss home so much."

Hearing Lu Su's consideration for him, Meng Yi felt a surge of emotion and warmth in his heart. He hugged Lu Su tightly, as if wanting to merge her into his body.

He said softly, "A while ago, Lu Shi came to see me and expressed his desire to travel north and broaden his horizons. During this period, through my observation, I've discovered that he has great potential in handling government and logistical affairs."

As he spoke, Meng Yi gently scratched Lu Su's cute nose and continued, "Besides, I do this to cultivate outstanding talents."

Lü Su understood Meng Yi's intention in bringing Lü Shi with him; this way, she would have family members by her side in Jiuyuan. Filled with gratitude, she said sincerely, "Thank you, my husband."

Meng Yi leaned close to Lu Su's ear and whispered softly, "If my lady insists on thanking me, then please wait until night time and thank your husband properly." After saying that, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a sly smile.

Lu Su's face instantly turned red. She said softly, "You..." But her heart was filled with sweetness. Her delicate red cheeks finally gave a soft "hmm", like a blooming peach blossom.

At the dinner that night, the lights came on and the table was filled with delicious food.

Lu Ze did not return home because he was busy with official business, while Lu Zhi and Liu Bang returned to their own homes after the New Year.

Meng Yi told Lu's father that he planned to take Lu Su and Lu Shi north with him in the near future.

Upon hearing this, Father Lu was silent for a moment, then slowly raised his head, stared at Meng Yi, nodded gently, and said, "Okay, let Lu Shi go with you to gain some experience. He is young and energetic, and needs to experience more things before he can grow. But I'll have to trouble my son-in-law to take good care of him in the future. I'm worried that he will cause some trouble over there." Father Lu's tone revealed his concern for his son.

Meng Yi smiled faintly and said comfortingly, "Father-in-law, you're worrying too much. Lu Shi is a man of integrity and composure, and he knows when to act. He will definitely not act recklessly. I believe he will gain something from this trip north."

Meng Yi's words were full of trust and expectations for Lu Shi.

At this time, Lu Shi, who was sitting aside, could no longer contain his inner excitement. He stood up excitedly, bowed to Meng Yi, and said gratefully: "Thank you, brother-in-law! I will definitely seize this opportunity and live up to everyone's expectations!" There was a determination in his eyes.

Seeing this, Meng Yi smiled and waved his hand, saying, "We are all family, why be so polite? We should support each other."

After saying that, he turned to look at Lu's father and continued, "Please rest assured, father-in-law, I will do my best to take good care of Lu Shi."

The Lu family had dinner together in a warm and pleasant atmosphere, with constant laughter and joy.

After dinner, Meng Yi took Lu Su back to the room.

The two walked side by side, and the tacit understanding and love between them became stronger in the quiet night.

In the room, the candlelight flickered, just like Lu Su's restless heart.

Lu Su leaned in Meng Yi's arms and said shyly, "Thank you, husband."

Meng Yi lowered his head and kissed Lu Su's forehead lightly, "There is no need to thank me between you and me." This kiss was like a spring breeze, which melted Lu Su's heart.

A few days later, the sun was shining brightly. Meng Yi led the Lu siblings and embarked on a journey northward under the protection of Meng Xin and others.

Along the way, Lu Shi was filled with excitement, his face beaming with smiles. He also displayed a diligent and studious nature, which greatly pleased Meng Yi. He frequently asked Meng Yi questions, and Meng Yi always patiently answered them, fostering a harmonious relationship between the two.

Meng Yi and Lü Su cuddled together, dreaming of a better life together. Their eyes met, revealing a deep love. Lü Su's face flushed with happiness, like a peach blossom in full bloom on a spring day. Meng Yi gently stroked Lü Su's hair, his eyes filled with tenderness.

They walked through green mountains and clear waters and passed through dense forests.

The wildflowers along the roadside swayed gently in the breeze, as if blessing them. The mountains in the distance rolled up and down like a winding dragon. White clouds drifted in the sky, as if beckoning them. This beautiful natural scenery captivated them.

After nearly a month of slow progress, the carriage finally arrived at the territory of Jiuyuan County. From here to Jiuyuan City, it would take about half a day's drive.

Meng Yi rode his horse, while Lü Su sat comfortably on it, nestled in his arms. Gazing into the distance, she exclaimed, "My dear, this early spring in the north is truly beautiful, though a little desolate."

Meng Yi nodded slightly in agreement. "Yes, Jiuyuan is close to Xiongnu territory. In the past, Xiongnu cavalry often came south to plunder food and property, so most people chose to migrate inland. But now we have successfully swept through the Xiongnu royal court, and with 300,000 troops on high alert, the future of the north will surely gradually improve."

Lu Su smiled brightly: "Husband, you are amazing!" Her eyes flashed with admiration and pride.

Meng Yi looked at Lu Su, his heart filled with tenderness. "Once we arrive in Jiuyuan City, we will be able to settle down." He said softly.

Lu Su smiled and nodded, her eyes full of anticipation.

So they continued on their journey towards Jiuyuan City.

In the early spring of the north, sunlight filtered through thin clouds, shimmering across the frozen earth, bringing a faint warmth. The distant mountains were still capped with snow, like giants clad in silver, guarding this vast land.

The river ice gradually melted, and the ice blocks collided with each other, making a crisp sound, as if it was nature's prelude to spring. The willow trees on the bank began to sprout new buds, and the tender green leaves swayed gently in the breeze, bringing a touch of vitality to this northern wasteland.