The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

One morning, the sun was shining brightly. Meng Yi was walking with Lu Su in the small garden when his elder brother Meng Tian sent a guard to call him over.

When Meng Yi arrived at the hall, he saw several royal guards in dark red leather armor standing on the main seat. The leading guard was holding an imperial edict in his hand.

Meng Yi walked quickly to Meng Tian's side, and Meng Tian said softly, "Your Majesty's decree has arrived."

Then Meng Tian and Meng Yi saluted in unison and shouted in unison: "We respectfully welcome your Majesty's order."

The chief guard's voice boomed like a bell: "In the thirty-second year of the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, an order was issued: Meng Tian is responsible for building a 'straight road' from Jiuyuan to Yunyang, a distance of 1,800 miles. Fifty thousand Xiongnu captives can be mobilized for construction. Meng Yi is transferred back to Xianyang to serve as a lieutenant and is to set out on a chosen day."

Meng Tian and Meng Yi bowed respectfully and answered in unison, "We will obey your command!"

Seeing this, the leader of the guards hurried forward and said to Meng Tian and Meng Yi, "General and Lieutenant, please stand up!"

Meng Tian then began to arrange the relevant matters and sent someone to lead the guards to rest.

However, when Meng Yi received this news, his mind was in turmoil. While this transfer signified the emperor's trust and respect for him, it also meant he would soon be leaving behind his brother, Meng Tian, ​​whom he had always relied on, and heading to Xianyang to take up his post. For the past six months, he had been accustomed to thriving under Meng Tian's care and protection.

Meng Tian patted Meng Yi's shoulder gently and said in a tone full of care and encouragement: "Brother Yi, this transfer is an order issued by the emperor himself. You must be careful and keep a low profile. You don't need to worry too much about things here. I am here to take care of everything." Meng Tian's words revealed a firmness and sense of responsibility, which made Meng Yi feel extremely relieved.

Meng Tian then asked his men to prepare for the banquet. He also sent someone to inform Meng Yuan to return to his residence as soon as possible to attend the banquet.

Meanwhile, Meng Yi summoned Meng Xin and instructed him, "Immediately send someone to notify Ying Bu, Han Xin, Li Ziwei, and Xiao He to pack their bags. We'll depart tomorrow!" Meng Xin hurried off to make arrangements. Meng Yi then summoned a servant and instructed him, "Go to Lü Shi and tell him to come to the General's residence tonight to see me." After the servant withdrew, Meng Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

After arranging the relevant matters, Meng Yi walked back to the west wing.

At this time, Lu Su was squatting on the steps, carefully fiddling with the delicate and gorgeous flowers and plants, as gently and carefully as if she were treating her own children.

Meng Yi couldn't help but smile when he saw this scene, and called out softly, "My lady, the decree has arrived. We are about to set off to return to Xianyang."

Upon hearing this, Lu Su slowly stood up and walked over, wrapping her arms tightly around Meng Yi's waist and pressing her face against his broad, strong chest. Her voice was gentle yet firm: "My husband, no matter where you go, I will follow you. As long as I can be by your side, even the ends of the earth will matter."

Meng Yi sensed Lü Su's deep affection and was deeply moved. He reached out his hand, gently stroking Lü Su's hair, and said softly, "Lü Shi has been performing exceptionally well in the camp recently. He's been managing the money, rations, and horses perfectly. I've sent a message to him, asking if he'd like to come with us to Xianyang."

The two of them cuddled for a while longer, their bodies tightly embracing each other, enjoying the tranquility and warmth of the moment. Time passed quietly, until Yu Shu sent someone to prepare the dinner, and then they slowly stood up and walked hand in hand to the front hall.

Upon entering the front hall, Meng Yi was surprised to find that his eldest brother Meng Tian, ​​his sister-in-law Yu Shu, his second brother Meng Yuan, his second sister-in-law, and his brother-in-law Lu Shi were all present. Only he and Lu Su had not yet arrived. A wave of apology welled up in his heart, and he quickly apologized with a smile, "I'm so sorry, everyone. Something just delayed me."

Seeing this, Meng Yuan couldn't help but joked, "Haha, I think sister-in-law is reluctant to let anyone go? You two might not even remember about the family dinner tomorrow!"

As soon as the words fell, Lu Su's face turned red instantly and she lowered her head shyly.

Seeing Lu Su so shy, Yu Shu hurriedly stepped forward to smooth things over and said, "Sister-in-law, you have to take good care of my second brother!" Her tone was a bit teasing, which made everyone laugh.

Yu Shu then pulled Lü Su over, and the three women sat together. The hall was ablaze with light, a splendid spectacle. Exquisite dishes filled the table, emitting an alluring aroma. Everyone sat around, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere harmonious.

Meng Yi also smiled and said, "Come on, big brother, second brother, and brother-in-law. I will drink three cups as punishment."

At this moment, the entire lobby was filled with a relaxed and happy atmosphere. Meng Yi and Lu Su quickly joined in and shared this warm and wonderful time with their family.

After three rounds of drinking, Meng Yi looked at Lu Shi, a complicated look flashing in his eyes. He slowly said, "Brother, Susu and I will be leaving for Xianyang tomorrow. I wonder what your plans are?"

Lu Shi frowned slightly, as if pondering something. After a moment's silence, he finally spoke, "Brother-in-law, the General and General Meng Yuan have been taking very good care of me in this camp. After this period of hard work, I've become familiar with all the administrative and logistical work, and I'm quite interested in it. I think it would be best for me to stay here. As for my younger sister... I'm afraid you'll have to keep her company for a while." He sighed softly.

Meng Yi nodded, expressing his understanding of Lu Shi's decision. He knew that Lu Shi was a man with a strong sense of responsibility, and since he had chosen to stay, it must have been a well-thought-out decision.

So, Meng Yi raised his glass, clinked it with Lu Shi's, and drank it all in one gulp. He said, "Don't worry, brother. I will take good care of Susu."

The two chatted for a while longer, and the topic gradually turned to interesting things in the past and their aspirations for the future.

After a pause, Lu Shi's eyes were filled with doting, and a faint smile hung on the corners of his mouth: "In fact, my younger sister has gradually adapted to married life. As long as she can be with you, she will feel extremely happy. Everything depends on you."

Meng Yi nodded slightly, expressing his understanding. Since Lu Shi had his own ideals and pursuits, then as a family member, it was only natural for him to support him.

Then, Meng Yi turned to Meng Tian and Meng Yuan and said, "Big Brother, Second Brother, since I have decided to stay in the army, I would like to ask you to take good care of me in the future."

Meng Tian nodded without hesitation and replied, "Don't worry about that. I've already sent word back to the Meng Mansion in Xianyang, and Uncle Zhong has already returned to Xianyang. When you return, you can move directly into the mansion."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone raised their glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

At this moment, where Yu Shu and others were, Lu Su said respectfully: "Thank you two sisters-in-law for your careful care during this period of time."

Yu Shu held Lu Su's hand and smiled gently, "We are all family, no need to be polite. If you get to Xianyang and my third brother dares to bully you, just send a message."

The second sister-in-law beside her also agreed with a smile: "Yes, sister-in-law. We are all family, and we should take care of each other."

Lu Su nodded with emotion, "Thank you, sister-in-law and sister-in-law."

At this time, Meng Yi came over, put his arm around Lu Su's shoulders, and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law and second sister-in-law, don't worry, I won't let Susu suffer any grievances." He looked at Lu Su with affection in his eyes.

Lu Su looked up and met Meng Yi's gaze, a happy smile on her face.