The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The lieutenant was a military officer in charge of public security in the capital, and was tasked with patrolling, suppressing thieves, and investigating criminal cases.

In the Lieutenant's Office, the Zhongcheng was responsible for correspondence, seals, and material transportation. The four marquises on the left, right, front, and back were responsible for patrolling and guarding the security of Xianyang City and its surrounding areas, with a total of 4,000 troops under their command. The Qianniu was responsible for investigating various criminal cases and other types of cases, with a total of 2,000 troops under their command.

In addition, there was a Lieutenant Corps, an elite force protecting Xianyang City, numbering approximately 8,000. The movement of troops larger than a battalion (300 men) required a tiger talisman as proof. They were stationed north of Xianyang City, on the banks of the Jing River.

In addition, there is a Duwei army outside Xianyang City, stationed in the Lantian camp, mainly responsible for defending the outer areas around Xianyang City. It has a scale of about 100,000 people, and the chief general is the guard Duwei Wang Ben.

The Xianyang Imperial Palace also housed the Imperial Guards, a 10,000-strong elite force responsible for the palace's inner circle. Li Ze, nineteen years old and highly trusted by the First Emperor, was in charge. His father was Li Xin, a renowned Qin general who, after his defeat in the war against Chu, retired to the countryside and now lived in seclusion at home.

At today's court session, Meng Yi was dressed in his military uniform, looking heroic and energetic. He got up early in the morning and rode his horse to the Xianyang Palace at full speed.

The Qin Dynasty held a small court session every three days and a large court session every five days.

A small court is attended by the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, while a large court is attended by the heads of all departments except the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.

In the early morning, while the sun was still shining brightly above the clouds, the ministers, dressed in dark red and navy robes, gathered in front of the magnificent Xianyang Palace. Their steps were solemn and steady, as if they were carrying the weight of the entire country.

At the palace gate, two tall and imposing guards, holding long spears and solemn expressions, stood tall and majestic in the morning light. Officials entered the palace in order of rank and position.

Inside the palace, the lights were brightly lit. The First Emperor sat high on the dragon throne, his eyes stern and sharp, his majesty evident even without anger.

As the eunuchs chanted loudly, the officials knelt on the ground, saluted the First Emperor, and shouted in unison: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!"

After the worship, the officials stood up and began to report on their affairs. Their voices were loud or low, passionate or calm, reporting on the government affairs and people's sentiments in various places.

The First Emperor would occasionally interject and ask questions, offering his own opinions and requests. The atmosphere in the hall was serious and tense, as every decision could affect the future of the country.

Because today was a grand court session and there were many people and affairs to attend to, it took two hours to finish.

After the court session, the ministers filed out according to their official rank.

Walking at the front of the queue were the three ministers, Feng Jie, Li Si and Feng Quji.

At the same time, the state commander Tu Sui had been ordered to go to the Nanyue region to take charge of the huge army of 400,000 soldiers marching south.

Langzhongling Ren Xiao was entrusted with the heavy responsibility of managing the First Emperor's security affairs and ensuring the Emperor's safety.

Weiwei Li Ze was responsible for safeguarding the peace of Xianyang Palace and ensuring the order of the palace.

Tingwei Wei Liao was responsible for handling judicial cases and maintaining social justice and the rule of law.

Gan Luo, the Minister of Grain, was in charge of the country's finances and taxation, ensuring the stable operation of the national economy.

As for the other nine officials, such as Shaofu, Dianke, Fengchang, Zongzheng, Taipu, etc., Meng Yi was not familiar with them and had never even heard of their origins.

When Li Si passed by Meng Yi, he smiled warmly and said, "My dear nephew, you are finally back. Please come to my house when you have time."

Prince Fusu, Imperial Censor Feng Quji, Marquis Tongwu Wang Ben, and Internal Secretary Gan Luo all greeted Meng Yi when they saw him.

However, the other ministers looked at each other in confusion. Who could this stranger be? Meng Yi's uniform, a military officer's uniform, struck them as unfamiliar. They wondered where he came from, and why they had no memory of him.

The Xianyang official looked curiously at the doctors beside him and asked, "Excuse me, doctors, who is this person?"

The Confucian scholars all showed disdain on their faces, snorted contemptuously, and answered in unison: "I don't know him."

Minister Zhou Qingchen smiled faintly, his smile as amiable as that of Maitreya Buddha, and said softly, "Xianyang Magistrate, have you ever read the volume of 'On the National Defense and Security' that is on your desk?"

The Xianyang magistrate nodded quickly and replied, "I have read it. The words 'Whoever offends the Great Qin will be punished, even though they are far away' are like the sound of a great bell, shaking my soul and giving me a clear enlightenment."

Zhou Qingchen smiled and nodded, then turned his gaze towards Meng Yi's direction, his eyes as sharp as torches, and at the same time winked at the Xianyang Order.

Upon seeing this, the Xianyang magistrate was immediately astonished and exclaimed, "Could it be that this book was written by this person? He is truly a man of great talent!"

Zhou Qingchen's expression straightened, and he said in a deep voice, "His Majesty has ordered Meng Yi to come to the capital and appoint him as Lieutenant."

The Xianyang magistrate suddenly realized what was going on and said hastily, "If that's the case, I will definitely pay you a visit. I'll need Lieutenant Meng's assistance in future work. Your Excellency, I will take my leave now."

Zhou Qingchen nodded and said, "Have a good time, Xianyang Commander."

Meng Yi arrived at the Zhangtai Palace and was about to ask for an audience with the First Emperor when the Xianyang Commander followed him. He patted Meng Yi on the shoulder from behind, smiled, bowed, and said, "Lieutenant!"

Meng Yi was startled when a man suddenly appeared from behind him. He was dressed in dark red court robes and smiled broadly, his wrinkles smoothed out. He was of medium build, with slightly plump cheeks. His eyes revealed a shrewdness that reminded him of a clever black bear.

Meng Yi asked doubtfully, "Sir, who are you?"

The Xianyang Magistrate bowed and chuckled, "My Lord Lieutenant, I am Xin Qiliu, the Xianyang Magistrate."

Meng Yi couldn't help but blurt out, "Saturday? Haha."

Xin Qiliu asked in confusion, "Xin is the Xin of hard work, Qi is the Qi of following the natural course, and Liu is the Liu of willow. May I ask, sir, what is 'Saturday'?"

Meng Yi held his forehead and endured it for a while before his emotions slowly calmed down.

Meng Yi smiled and bowed, saying, "Lord Xin is the Imperial Magistrate, a third-rank civil servant. How can you call yourself a humble official? If others hear this, wouldn't they say I, Meng Yi, am arrogant and disrespectful to my superiors?"

He paused, then continued, "Besides, my lord, you are in charge of the order of the capital, and you hold a heavy responsibility and a high position. From now on, please do not refer to yourself as your subordinate. It seems strange."

After hearing Meng Yi's words, Xin Qiliu's smile grew even brighter. He nodded repeatedly and said, "Master Meng is absolutely right. I appreciate your guidance."

Meng Yi looked at Xin Qiliu and laughed in his heart. Although Xin Qiliu held a low official position, he was smooth and eloquent, and he was an interesting person.

After hearing Meng Yi's words, Xin Qiliu muttered to himself: This Meng Yi is really an interesting person, and his words are quite interesting. However, what he said does make some sense. So, he nodded and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Lieutenant. I will learn from you."

Xin Qiliu quickly scanned the surroundings, making sure no one else was around. Then, lowering his voice, he addressed Meng Yi, "Lord Meng has received a personal decree from His Majesty, rising from the remote northern frontier to fame and fortune! Furthermore, his astounding masterpiece, 'On the Security of National Defense,' has been circulated throughout the world. With General Meng Tian as your brother, your future is truly immeasurable! I am a disciple of Prime Minister Li."

Meng Yi smiled slightly, bowed and said in return, "Master Xin, thank you for the compliment. Actually, I am not very familiar with Prime Minister Li."

"However, Lord Xin serves as the magistrate of Xianyang, so he must have made the acquaintance of many dignitaries and dignitaries, right?" Meng Yi raised the corner of his mouth slightly, looking at Xin Qiliu with a half-smile.

Xin Qiliu smiled innocently and replied, "Master Xiao Meng, you may not know this, but Prime Minister Li just said to you, 'My dear nephew, please come visit me when you have time.'"

Meng Yi secretly made up his mind, but he still replied politely, "It's all right, it's all right." Then he turned and bowed to the guards of Zhangtai Palace, saying, "General, please inform His Majesty that Meng Yi and Xin Qiliu are here to see you."

Before Xin Qiliu could come to his senses, the guards had already walked towards the gate of Zhangtai Palace to prepare to pass on the message.

Xin Qiliu was completely bewildered at the moment, completely lost for words. He could only mutter, "Master Xiao Meng, what on earth does this mean?"

Meng Yi smiled and said, "It's okay. I have a case that I want to report to His Majesty with Lord Xin." There was a hint of cunning in his eyes.

At this time, in the square in front of Zhangtai Palace, the soldiers stood in a neat row, holding long spears, looking majestic.

The palace walls are tall and majestic, with exquisite carvings on them, showing the majesty of the royal family. The sunlight shines on the square, casting a golden light, adding a solemnity and awe to the whole scene.