The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After bidding farewell to Li Si, Meng Yi decided to investigate the matter in depth and find out the real culprit hiding in the dark.

Meng Yi did not return to the Meng Mansion directly as usual, but instead went back to the Lieutenant's Office without stopping, ready to find Xiao He to discuss the matter.

Arriving at the side room of the government office, Meng Yi sent someone to fetch Xiao He, while he himself sat alone at his desk, lost in thought, like a statue...

"Is there any connection between Yan Le, Lu Sheng and Zhao Gao? Are these two people connected with some powerful people in Xianyang City? Are the remnants of the Six Kingdoms hidden in Xianyang City involved? What role do the alchemists and Confucian scholars play in this? Li Si's remarks should not be a simple reminiscing of the past. Is there any other deeper meaning besides this? Li Si said that the First Emperor is looking forward to my decision. Does it mean that the First Emperor has already seen through the filthiness of it? Or does he want to use my hand to eliminate the hidden dangers?" These thoughts kept emerging in Meng Yi's mind like a tide.

In a moment, Xiao He came to the side room. He saw Meng Yi was in deep thought. He did not say a word but stood aside like a green pine.

Meng Yi suddenly had an epiphany: "Among the Confucian scholars are the remnants of the Six Kingdoms. That's why they're acting like clowns, frequently stirring up trouble between Fusu and the First Emperor in court, frantically testing the First Emperor's limits. The alchemists, bribed by the remnants of the Six Kingdoms, are exploiting the First Emperor's obsession with immortality to bring chaos to the court. Yan Le and Lu Sheng are just the tip of the iceberg. Zhao Gao may have been deceived, realizing they were being used against each other. Perhaps Li Si and the First Emperor are the true staunch supporters of imperial unification, seeking to clean up this corrupt court..."

Meng Yi patted his head and rubbed his face to wake himself up.

Turning around, Meng Yi saw Xiao He and said with a smile, "Brother Xiao, why didn't you tell me you were here? Please take a seat."

Xiao He smiled and said, "I see that the young general has been lost in thought for a long time. He must have something important to say, so I won't interrupt him."

Meng Yi said solemnly, "Brother Xiao, I've come here to discuss something important. I'm sure you've heard about what happened recently. I believe there must be a conspiracy behind this."

Xiao He nodded, "Young General, you are right. I also think this matter is not simple."

Meng Yi continued, "I suspect this is related to the remnants of the Six Kingdoms. They are attempting to disrupt the Qin court. We must be careful and not let them succeed."

Xiao He agreed, "Don't worry, General. I will do my best to assist you. However, we still need to take a long-term view and make sure not to alert the enemy."

Meng Yi nodded slightly. "Yes, I think so too. Let's investigate secretly first, collect evidence, and then catch them all in one fell swoop when the time is right."

After some discussion, the two decided to start their investigation with Confucian scholars and alchemists. Meng Yi and Xiao He decided to start with those who had close contacts with Confucian scholars and alchemists.

After several days of secret investigation, they discovered that an official had contacts with both Confucian scholars and alchemists.

The official's name was Zi Hai, and he was the only son of the First Emperor's half-brother Cheng Jiao.

Meng Yi and Xiao He looked at each other and saw the surprise in each other's eyes.

"I didn't expect that the prince would be involved." Xiao He frowned.

Meng Yi paused for a moment. "No matter who they are, now that we've gotten this far, there's no reason to retreat. I want to continue investigating. I want to see what they're planning."

After that, the two became more cautious and continued to investigate in depth, vowing to find out the truth.

One day, Meng Yi and Xiao He learned that Zi Hai was going to host a banquet for guests in a villa outside the city.

The news came suddenly, so Meng Yi decided to go and investigate in person.

In the banquet hall, Zi Hai was happily chatting with a group of Confucian scholars and alchemists. Meng Yi and Xiao He disguised themselves as servants and mixed in with them, waiting for an opportunity to act.

After three rounds of drinks, Zi Hai's face flushed. He stood up, holding his glass high. "Everyone, it's a great honor for us to be gathered here today."

Everyone responded and drank it all in one gulp.

At this time, an alchemist stood up and said, "Sir, the Qin Dynasty is now prosperous, with strong armies and horses, and peace and prosperity. Why not take this opportunity to seek the immortals and learn the secrets of immortality?"

Zi Hai shook his head repeatedly and sighed, "After my father's rebellion failed, I no longer dared to have any unreasonable thoughts."

A Confucian scholar stroked his beard and advised, "Sir, you are mistaken. You are the grandson of King Zhuangxiang. Back then, King Zhuangxiang only had your Majesty and Young Master Chengjiao as his children. If he hadn't been defeated, you might have had a share of the throne of the Qin Dynasty. Furthermore, your Majesty also seeks immortals every day. You are merely imitating him."

Another scholar whispered in Zi Hai's ear, "Young Master, you could also offer the elixir as a pretext..." Then, wiping his neck with his palm, he continued, "The next Crown Prince of Qin hasn't been decided yet. If something were to happen to His Majesty, the other young masters would likely fight to the death, and you, Young Master, would reap the benefits."

A trace of greed flashed in Zi Hai's eyes, "This method is very good. Even if it can't make me immortal, I can still enjoy the world."

When Meng Yi heard this, he was furious: "I'm afraid this Zi Hai is the same kind of person as Hu Hai. How dare these Confucian scholars and Taoist priests instigate the prince? They deserve death."

Xiao He noticed Meng Yi's abnormality and whispered, "Young General, don't be impulsive. Now is not a good time." Meng Yi suppressed his anger and nodded.

At this moment, a Confucian scholar took the opportunity to speak up, "Sir, if you want to achieve great things, you must first eliminate those who oppose you. You can unite with people like Zhao Gao and Feng Jie in the court. People like Meng Tian and Wang Ben, who command their own troops and are powerful, must not be allowed to stay. "

Meng Yi was alarmed. It seemed they were not only planning to disrupt the court but also murder loyal officials. Meng Yi exchanged a glance with Xiao He and decided to leave first and then make further plans.

After Meng Yi and Xiao He left the villa, they felt increasingly depressed.

"These people are so bold that they even tried to murder loyal ministers." Meng Yi said indignantly.

"This matter involves a wide range of issues. We must be extremely careful." Xiao He said with a serious face, "The most important thing right now is to find out what role Zi Hai plays in this matter."

Meng Yi frowned, "If he was simply deceived, there's still room for redemption; but if he has ulterior motives, then we'll be in trouble."

"No matter what, we must gather more evidence as quickly as possible." Xiao He said firmly, as if declaring his determination to the world. "At the same time, we must protect ourselves to avoid falling into the enemy's trap."

Meng Yi took a deep breath, his eyes revealing a firmness and determination, like a tiger about to pounce on its prey. "I understand. Tomorrow I will go to the palace to meet the emperor and inform His Majesty the First Emperor of this matter."

Xiao He nodded, "That's very good. I hope Your Majesty can see clearly."

As the night deepened, Meng Yi and Xiao He left, each with their own thoughts. A storm concerning the fate of the Qin Dynasty was quietly brewing...

The next morning, Meng Yi arrived at the palace gate early and asked to see His Majesty the First Emperor.

After the guards passed the message, Meng Yi entered the hall. The First Emperor sat upright on the throne, as majestic and solemn as an unshakable mountain.

After Meng Yi paid his respects, he presented the findings of his recent investigation. Upon hearing this, the First Emperor's face darkened like the sky before a storm. "I never imagined my nephew would be involved in this, even attempting to murder me. Like father, like son."

He paused, his voice filled with unquestionable authority. "Meng Yi, this matter is now under your full authority. Make sure to investigate thoroughly. If Zi Hai truly harbors rebellious intentions, I will show no mercy."

Meng Yi took the order and went down.

After leaving the palace, Meng Yi summoned Xin Qiliu to discuss matters. Upon learning that the prince was involved in a rebellion, Xin Qiliu was horrified, as if struck by lightning. He said, "Lieutenant, I will not be involved in this matter. If you have any instructions, please give them."

Meng Yi smiled and said, "That won't do, Lord Xin. His Majesty has entrusted us two with this mission. How could you possibly run away from this battle?"

Xin Qiliu said bitterly, "Lieutenant, you are a powerful figure with deep roots. I really cannot bear the responsibility."

Meng Yi patted Xin Qiliu on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Since that's the case, Lord Xin will be responsible for monitoring whether the Confucian scholars and alchemists have close contacts with officials in the court. How about the specific people, time, and place?"

Xin Qiliu was overjoyed after hearing this and quickly bowed and said, "Okay, okay, thank you, Lieutenant. I'll do it right away."

Meng Yi then discussed the next plan with Xiao He.

"The situation is urgent now, we must speed up our actions." Meng Yi's eyes were firm. "I plan to start with the people around Zi Hai and find a breakthrough."

Xiao He nodded in agreement, "But be careful not to alert the enemy."

Therefore, Meng Yi sent people to secretly monitor Zi Hai and his followers' every move, and at the same time stepped up the collection of evidence.

However, Zi Hai and others seemed to have sensed the danger and became more cautious in their actions.