The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After Meng Yi had sorted out everything, he said, "Lieutenant, Prime Minister Li has sent a message to you, asking you to come to the Prime Minister's residence. He wants to discuss something with you."

Meng Yi muttered to himself, what could Li Si want from him? But he nodded and followed the guards to the Prime Minister's Mansion.

Arriving at the Prime Minister's Residence, Li Si greeted Meng Yi with a smile on his face. When both sides had finished their greetings, Li Si changed the subject and got to the point.

Li Si was smiling, but there was a hint of pride in that smile. He asked, "My dear nephew, do you know who my master is?"

Meng Yi raised the corner of his mouth slightly, revealing a look that seemed to be smiling, as if he had already seen through everything, and replied softly: "Who in this world would not know? Prime Minister Li, you are a disciple of the famous Master Xun! Moreover, your research on the law is extremely profound, and you can be said to know it like the back of your hand." His words revealed sincere admiration, and it was obvious that he admired Li Si's talent and knowledge.

After hearing this, Li Si's smile deepened. He nodded with satisfaction and continued, "If that's the case, then you and I have quite a connection. According to seniority, you should call me Uncle Master!"

Meng Yi was secretly delighted, thinking that his plan was finally halfway successful. However, he pretended to be confused and asked in confusion, "Prime Minister, what do you mean by this? I hope you can explain it clearly."

Li Si smiled and said, "Master Xun has many disciples. Besides Han Fei and I, there are Zhang Cang, Chen Xiao, Lu Jia, and Gongsun Nizi. The Gongsun Nizi you are talking about is my senior brother Gongsun Nizi. Since Master Xun passed away, my senior brother has retired to the mountains and forests and has not been seen in public since."

Seeing that Meng Yi did not respond to him, Li Si continued: "Gongsun Ni Zi is knowledgeable, has an excellent memory, is well-read and has a wide range of interests. He has studied the theories of Confucianism, Legalism, Mohism and Military Science." Then, Li Si described Gongsun Ni Zi's appearance and external features in detail.

Hearing this, Meng Yi was finally moved and bowed respectfully to Li Si: "Greetings, Uncle Master!"

Li Si showed a satisfied smile on his face and said quickly, "Nephew, please stand up quickly!"

Meng Yi doubted the historical story that Li Si slandered Han Fei to the Emperor out of jealousy. Knowing that the Emperor was seeking talented individuals to unify the country, Li Si presented Han Fei's talents to the Emperor. When the Emperor asked who was more talented, Han Fei or Li Si, Li Si humbly replied, "I am far inferior to Han Fei."

So Meng Yi asked curiously, "Uncle, there's something I can't figure out. Should I ask you for advice?"

Li Si waved his hand, motioning Meng Yi to sit down, and then replied with a smile, "You want to ask about Han Fei, right?"

Meng Yi nodded quickly in agreement, praising him, "Master, you are truly wise!"

Li Si shook his head slightly and sighed, "How can he be so wise? In the final analysis, it's my fault that I shouldn't have let him come to Qin." As he spoke, Li Si raised his hand and pointed to the sky, then continued, "Deep down in his heart, he always firmly placed his position on the side of Han." After saying this, Li Si fell into silence and no longer spoke.

Meng Yi nodded and comforted Li Si, "Master, you've been through a lot."

Li Si smiled and shook his head, saying with emotion, "The reason I called you here today is because I'm very curious about you. I still remember when we were in Jiuyuan, you uttered those bold words, 'Whoever offends the Great Qin will be punished, no matter how far away they are.' And today, outside Zhangtai Palace, you actually said, 'If an official doesn't serve the people, he might as well go home and farm rice.'"

Meng Yi was immediately surprised. He thought to himself that the news in the palace spread so quickly. Perhaps the news about the investigation of Yan Le and Lu Sheng had spread throughout the palace and outside.

Seeing Meng Yi silent, Li Si patted him on the shoulder gently and said in a soothing tone: "This sentence was conveyed by His Majesty personally to all government offices. As for the conversation between His Majesty and you in the hall, no one else knows about it except those present." There was a soothing meaning in Li Si's words, as if he wanted to reassure Meng Yi.

After hearing what Li Si said, Meng Yi felt relieved. He quickly bowed and said gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle Master, for telling me."

Li Si's lips curled up slightly, revealing a hint of a smile, but suddenly, he changed the subject and asked in a deep voice, "Meng Yi, in your opinion, what kind of situation is our Great Qin Empire in now?"

Meng Yi frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then replied calmly, "Under Your Majesty's outstanding rule, the Great Qin Empire is now prosperous and its strength is growing. The people live a stable life, with no worries about food and clothing, and the entire society is thriving."

Li Si nodded slightly in agreement, yet a hint of worry flickered in his eyes. He continued, "It's true that Qin is now incredibly powerful, but its laws are overly harsh and draconian. Furthermore, Your Majesty has been obsessed with the pursuit of immortality in recent years, expending enormous manpower, material resources, and financial resources. As your subjects, we should plan ahead and carefully consider the future of Qin."

Meng Yi's heart moved, and he immediately understood the implication of Li Si's words. This was clearly a test for him.

He lowered his head and fell into a brief moment of contemplation. After a moment, he raised his head again and responded solemnly, "Master, you are absolutely right. Qin's laws are indeed strict, but they also need to be measured appropriately. As for the path to immortality, I believe that the interests of the people should be put first."

A glint of admiration flashed in Li Si's eyes. He couldn't help but laugh heartily, saying in a resounding voice, "My dear nephew, you truly haven't disappointed me! If there's an opportunity in the future, I hope we can work together to contribute to the prosperity of the Qin Empire."

Meng Yi bowed, his attitude humble yet resolute: "Thank you for your support, Uncle Master. I will do my best."

In the spacious hall, sunlight shines through the window lattices onto the ground, forming patches of mottled light and shadow.

Meng Yi and Li Si sat opposite each other, their figures looming in the light and shadow. Li Si's eyes revealed wisdom and depth, and his voice was low and powerful, as if it could penetrate people's hearts.

The two talked for a while, and the topic gradually turned to the current situation.

Li Si frowned slightly and said seriously, "The remnants of the six kingdoms are now stirring up trouble, attempting to overthrow the rule of the Qin Dynasty. They are secretly colluding and plotting one conspiracy after another. Meng Yi, you are a pillar of the Qin Dynasty. I hope that you can use your wisdom and ability to eliminate these hidden dangers for the Qin Dynasty."

Meng Yi's expression grew solemn. He knew full well the threat posed by the remnants of the Six Kingdoms could not be underestimated. His gaze was firm and sharp, as if he could see through everything. "This matter is of great importance. Let me consider it," he said slowly, a tone of calmness in his voice.

Li Si smiled, a smile that revealed understanding and trust. "Of course, my dear nephew, please take your time to consider this. However, time is of the essence, and His Majesty is eagerly awaiting your request." His voice echoed through the hall, weighing heavily on the audience.

Meng Yi said goodbye, his steps heavy. He knew the complexity of political struggles, how every step could involve countless interests and even life and death. At this moment, he had to act cautiously, weighing the pros and cons, before making the right decision.

Outside the prime minister's residence, the wind gently blew, ruffling Meng Yi's sleeves. He stood there, his mind racing. He gazed into the distance, his eyes revealing a resolute determination. For the sake of his wife, family, and brothers, and for the well-being of the people, he must forge ahead, no matter how difficult or perilous the road ahead.