The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After the two men left the Xianyang Imperial Palace, Meng Yi bowed and said goodbye to Xin Qiliu, then jumped on his horse, shook the reins, and rushed towards the Lieutenant's Office like an arrow.

The horses galloped at full speed, their hooves clattering like thunder, and soon they arrived in front of the Lieutenant's Office. Before he dismounted, Meng Yi saw Ying Bu and his four companions, along with a group of government officials, already standing respectfully at the entrance, having obviously been waiting for a long time.

Meng Yi dismounted quickly, and everyone rushed forward to greet him. Meng Yi smiled and nodded in return, then strode into the government office.

The gate of the government office is simple and heavy, like an old man who has experienced many vicissitudes of life. The dark red gate is inlaid with a copper door knocker, and a pair of majestic stone lions stand on both sides of the door.

When you enter the yamen, the first thing that catches your eye is a spacious courtyard with neatly paved stone slabs arranged in an orderly manner like a chessboard, and surrounded by corridors.

The main hall, the core area of ​​the government office, is solemn and awe-inspiring. Several desks are placed in the hall, with the lieutenant's desk at the top, upon which are placed the four treasures of the study and a command arrow.

After passing the corridor, you will see the office area of ​​Zhongcheng, the four marquises on the left and right, the front and back, the Qianniu and other officials of the yamen. The room is filled with books and official documents.

In a corner of the government office, there is a torture room filled with various torture instruments that make people shudder.

After entering the mansion, Meng Yi went straight to the lobby, followed closely by the officials.

After Meng Yi sat down in the lobby, Ying Bu and others stood on both sides.

Meng Yi looked around and said loudly, "Everyone, please don't be shy. I've called you all here today to discuss an important matter." He paused briefly before continuing, "The capital has been quite unstable recently. Bandits are rampant, and the people are in a state of panic. As a lieutenant, it is my duty to ensure peace. You are all my capable subordinates, and we must work together to maintain public order in the capital. Anyone who violates this rule will be severely punished!"

Everyone responded in unison: "We will follow your instructions!"

Then, Meng Yi's eyes were as sharp as torches, and his expression was serious. He said in a deep voice: "Except for the Zhongcheng, the four marquises, the Qianniu, and the lieutenant commander, everyone else should withdraw!"

As these words fell, the rest of the people bowed respectfully and then quietly left the room.

Only a handful of people remained. A middle-aged man stood up first. He stood tall and straight, his movements smooth and swift. He bowed to Meng Yi and introduced himself, "Lieutenant, I am Guan Wen, currently serving as the Minister of Justice."

Then, he pointed to the people beside him one by one and introduced them in detail: "This is the Left Marquis Zhao Ping, that is the Right Marquis Qian An, this side is the Front Marquis Sun Xi, and the back is the Back Marquis Li Le and the Qianniu Zhou Wu, and finally the Lieutenant Commander Li Tong."

Everyone saluted Meng Yi in unison and said in unison: "Lieutenant."

The corners of Meng Yi's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. He said in a calm tone, "My lords, please stand. I have summoned you all here today for two main reasons. First, I want to meet you all and get to know each other. Second, I have several brothers I brought back from the Jiuyuan Northland Camp. Each of them is a brave and skilled warrior." After saying this, Meng Yi turned around and waved behind him, shouting, "Quick, brothers, come and meet the lords."

Ying Bu and the other four responded, walking steadily in front of Meng Yi. They saluted Guan Wen and the others in unison, saying in unison, "Greetings, gentlemen."

Upon seeing this, Guan Wen and the other seven people hurriedly bowed in response.

Meng Yi sat at his desk, clutching the roster of key personnel from the Lieutenant's Office. His eyes, sharp as a hawk's, exuded authority and wisdom. He slowly shifted his gaze to Guan Wen, and in a steady and forceful voice, he asked, "Central Minister Guan, I would like to transfer the command of one of your officers to Xiao He. What are your thoughts?"

When Guan Wen heard this, his expression became even more respectful. He quickly stood up and replied with his head down, "Your Excellency is wise. I will follow your orders." After saying that, Guan Wen secretly glanced at Meng Yi. He already knew Meng Yi's identity and was secretly glad that he did not offend this powerful figure.

Meng Yi nodded slightly to show his satisfaction.

Then, he turned his gaze to Zhao Ping and said slowly, "Zhao Zuo Hou, I would like to appoint Ying Bu as one of your patrol captains. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ping hurriedly bowed and replied firmly, "I have no complaints about your arrangement. I believe Ying Bu is a brave and skilled warrior, and he will surely live up to your trust."

Meng Yi's gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on Zhou Wu. He said expressionlessly, "Zhou Qianniu, I believe this man is capable. I have decided to appoint him as one of your patrol officers. How do you think?"

Zhou Wu did not dare to neglect it and immediately bowed and responded, "As you command."

Meng Yi coughed lightly and said in a low voice, "General Li, I believe Han Xin is qualified to take on the important position of 100-captain of the First Guard under your command. What do you think?"

Li Tong bowed and replied, "I obey your command."

Seeing that no one objected, Meng Yi stood up, his lips curled up slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. He said loudly, "Since that's the case, today's matter is settled for now. Everyone, please go about your business!" With that, Meng Yi waved his hand, signaling everyone to leave.

Guan Wen, Zhao Ping and the other seven bowed and saluted, then left the hall one after another. As they left, each of them had their own thoughts in their minds.

After they left, Qian An lowered his voice carefully and said to the others, "What exactly does this lieutenant want to do? Is he trying to arrange his own manpower openly?"

He lowered his voice to a whisper, as if afraid of being overheard. Guan Wen, who was standing nearby, quickly made a hushed gesture and lowered his voice, responding, "Don't you all know? This lieutenant was transferred back from the northern border by order of His Majesty himself!"

The others shook their heads with puzzled expressions, indicating that they knew nothing about this matter.

Guan Wen continued, "Have you ever read the book 'On National Defense Security' lying on our desk? It was written by the Lieutenant!"

When everyone heard this, they all showed expressions of surprise and admiration on their faces.

"I didn't expect that this book was actually written by the Lieutenant. He is really well-known!" someone whispered.

Guan Wen continued, "Besides, the lieutenant's surname is Meng. I heard that he is the younger brother of General Meng Tian!"

After hearing this, everyone's faces were filled with even greater surprise. General Meng Tian's reputation was known to everyone in the army. Now that they knew the Lieutenant was actually his brother, they couldn't help but feel even more respect for him.

"It seems that we have to be more cautious in the future and must obey the orders of the lieutenant." Someone said.

"Yes, we must not offend the Lieutenant." Another person echoed.

After saying these words, everyone dispersed. Their figures gradually disappeared at the end of the street, leaving only silence.

After Guan Wen and the others left, Meng Yi looked at Ying Bu and the other three with a smile, saying, "Brothers, this is just the beginning. We will surely achieve great success in the future!"

Ying Bu and his three companions responded in unison: "We will follow your orders, sir." Their voices were in unison, revealing their firm determination.

Meng Yi continued, "Currently, His Majesty has decreed that the case of Yan Le and Lu Sheng be fully handled by me and the Xianyang Magistrate. We have fifteen days to investigate whether there are still such ruthless alchemists in Xianyang City, and which princes and nobles are colluding with them! The four of you must quickly familiarize yourself with the matter and take charge of your duties."

"This case involves a wide range of people. We must tread carefully and be cautious." Meng Yi said solemnly.

At this time, the atmosphere in the room became a little tense. Ying Bu and others were silent. They knew the importance and danger of this mission.

Meng Yi took a deep breath and broke the silence. "Tomorrow, Xiao He and Meng Xin, you two will accompany me to the Supreme Court to review the relevant files."

"Yes, sir!" Ying Bu and others answered in unison, their voices full of determination.

A gleam of determination flashed in Meng Yi's eyes. "We must not let these treacherous villains get away with it like rats crossing the street!"