The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Meng Yi returned to his mansion that night. After all, he had been busy for seven or eight days due to the emperor's time constraints and had not been able to spend time with Lu Su.

Meng Yi slowly walked into the east courtyard, which was the study of his elder brother Meng Tian.

A few days ago, Meng Tian sent a letter that made Meng Yi feel a deep sense of responsibility. The letter specifically addressed the affairs of the Meng residence in Xianyang, specifically mentioning the other jade bracelet left by his mother. They had been in such a hurry on their journey south from Jiuyuan that they hadn't had time to explain this matter to Meng Yi.

Meng Yi gently pushed open the door of the study, and a stale smell hit him. He walked to the desk and opened the box on the table.

The jade bracelet lay quietly in the box, emitting a warm luster, as if telling a story from the past.

Meng Yi carefully took out the jade bracelet and examined it carefully. This jade bracelet was exactly the same as the one his elder brother Meng Tian had, both of which were treasured by his mother.

Meng Yi thought, today is finally the time to hand over that extremely precious jade bracelet to Lu Su! This not only represents the Meng family's recognition and acceptance of her identity, but also contains endless deep meaning and expectations.

Lu Su, the clever and kindhearted woman, has become a member of the Meng family. This jade bracelet is the testimony of her entry into this big family.

Meng Yi carefully placed it in his arms and returned to the west courtyard.

Lu Su had been waiting in her room for Meng Yi's return early. Several oil lamps were lit in the room. Under the dim light, Lu Su sat quietly by the bed, looking towards the door from time to time, her eyes full of anticipation.

Seeing Meng Yi enter the room, Lu Su hurried forward to help him take off his coat. Meng Yi pulled Lu Su into his arms and hugged her tightly. Lu Su could feel Meng Yi's heartbeat and his breath, which made her feel extremely at ease.

"Brother Yi, I've missed you so much these days." Lu Su snuggled in Meng Yi's arms and whispered softly. There was a hint of coquettishness in her voice, which made Meng Yi's heart soften.

Meng Yi gently stroked Lu Su's hair and comforted her, "You've worked hard during this period." As he spoke, he took out the jade bracelets in his arms and said, "These are the two jade bracelets left by mother. My eldest brother said they were for the future wife of the Meng family. One for my eldest brother and one for me."

Lu Su held out her hand, and Meng Yi carefully placed the jade bracelet on it. The moment the bracelet landed on her wrist, it felt as if the entire world lit up. The bracelet radiated a gentle glow, complementing Lu Su's skin and accentuating her beauty and elegance. Her wrist was slender, and the bracelet fit perfectly, as if tailor-made for her.

Lu Su slowly raised her head, a hint of shyness in her eyes, and said softly: "As long as I can be with you, no matter how hard and difficult it is, I will not feel tired at all."

I saw a blush as gorgeous as the sunset gradually appearing on her beautiful face, just like a peach bud about to bloom, delicate, charming and bright.

Meng Yi quietly gazed at the beauty before him, his heart filled with deep love. He gently kissed Lu Su's smooth and delicate forehead and said firmly, "Don't worry, I will definitely stay by your side."

Lu Su nodded slightly, a touching smile blooming on her face, and responded softly: "Then you must remember to keep your promise."

Before she finished speaking, she gently raised her head and offered her soft and warm lips to kiss Meng Yi's lips. Their lips pressed tightly together, entangled with each other, passionate and inseparable.

At this moment, in this room filled with warmth, the two figures hugging each other tightly seemed so intimate, as if even time had quietly stopped passing at this moment.

The sincere and deep love between them is like this crystal clear jade bracelet, pure, flawless and beautiful. It will always accompany and protect them forever.

The next day, Meng Yi arrived at the Lieutenant's Office, and Xiao He and Ying Bu came to meet him.

After they sat down, Ying Bu said, "Sir, there are about two hundred people in the Wei Mansion, all of whom have been arrested and imprisoned. All the people in Zi Hai's residence have also been imprisoned."

Xiao He then continued, "My Lord, news has arrived from Lord Xin Qiliu that all the Confucian scholars, alchemists, and officials from the remnants of the Six Kingdoms in Xianyang City have been imprisoned. This includes a number of mid- and low-level officials in the imperial court, including those from the Ministry of Personnel, the Imperial Court, the Imperial Household Department, the Ministry of Rites, and the Imperial Household Department, as well as Doctors. The total number of people implicated in the case is over 300."

"Very good, now we just have to wait for Han Xin and Meng Xin." Meng Yi nodded.

"However..." Xiao He frowned, "This incident involves a wide range of people and may cause some unrest. We must handle it with caution to avoid affecting the stability of the court."

Meng Yi pondered for a moment, "Your Majesty attaches great importance to this matter. Time is running out. We must quickly identify all those involved and give His Majesty an explanation."

"However, most of these people are very stubborn. It may not be easy to get useful information from them," Ying Bu said.

"That's fine." A hint of determination flashed in Meng Yi's eyes. "If necessary, we can use some special means. But we must be careful not to cause too many casualties."

"Yes!" Xiao He and Ying Bu answered in unison.

"Also, send someone to secretly monitor the movements of other officials. If anything unusual is discovered, report it immediately." Meng Yi continued to order.

"Yes, sir!" Xiao He and Ying Bu took the order and left.

Meng Yi rubbed his brow, feeling immense pressure. He prepared to go to the Tongwu Marquisate to seek advice. After all, the Wang family was only responsible for leading the army and was not involved in the disputes at court.

Soon, Meng Yi arrived at the Tongwu Marquis Mansion, and the guard at the door hurried in to report.

As Meng Yi entered the palace, he heard shouts and yells. He followed the sound and arrived at the central courtyard, where he saw Wang Ben, the Marquis of Tongwu, instructing a young man in martial arts. The young man was sturdy and agile, and each move was powerful and vigorous.

Wang Ben saw Meng Yi approaching and said with a smile, "Lieutenant, how come you have time to come to my house today?"

Meng Yi stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Marquis Tongwu, please don't tease me. I've been incredibly busy since arriving in Xianyang, and recently I've been embroiled in a case. I've come to seek your advice."

The two men then sat opposite each other. Wang Ben looked at the young man and introduced him, "This is my son—Wang Li. Li'er, come and call me uncle."

Wang Li glanced at Meng Yi with reluctance and muttered, "Father, this gentleman doesn't look much older than me, does he?"

Wang Ben's face darkened and he said seriously, "With your limited skills, your uncle Meng already led his army to sweep through the Xiongnu royal court last year. Besides, I am his brother and we are equals. What do you think is right?"

Meng Yi smiled slightly and said, "There's no need to be like this, Marquis Tongwu. Let's discuss our own matters."

However, Wang Li became interested. He approached Meng Yi and asked excitedly, "Brother Meng, you don't look much older than me. Have you really led your army to defeat the Xiongnu?"

Seeing Wang Li's rudeness, Wang Ben said in a deep voice, "Li'er, please leave first. I have something important to discuss with your uncle Meng."

Wang Li looked bitter. After bowing to the two of them, he turned around and prepared to leave.

Seeing this, Meng Yi smiled and said, "Young General, I can't do it today. I will explain it to you in detail tomorrow."

When Wang Li heard this, he immediately became happy. He bowed to Meng Yi and then walked away happily.

After Wang Li left, Meng Yi was the first to break the silence and said, "Marquis Tongwu, this case involves not only the Lü, Wei, and Prince Zihai families, but also the colluding Confucian scholars, alchemists, and officials from the remnants of the Six Kingdoms. Thousands of people have been implicated in this case, both within and outside the court. I'm afraid that in the end..."

Wang Ben looked at Meng Yi and asked, "So, Lieutenant, what exactly caused this incident? And what do you plan to do?"

Meng Yi frowned slightly, then pondered for a moment. He raised his head and said with a firm gaze, "As officials and generals, we should uphold the belief of serving the world, serving the people, and bringing peace to the world. However, these people only pursue their own selfish desires, completely disregarding the lives of the people. No matter what, I will return a peaceful and clear world to the people under my rule!"

Wang Ben couldn't help but laugh after hearing Meng Yi's words. He exclaimed in admiration, "Brother Meng, what bold words! Such courage! Your Majesty is the mighty ruler who will unify the world. All we need to do is obey his orders."

Meng Yi pondered this inwardly. He knew that Wang Jian and Wang Ben, father and son, had both made illustrious military achievements, destroying nations. Yet, they were now in a state of semi-retirement, clearly seeking self-preservation. From Wang Ben's words, Meng Yi understood his meaning: to obey orders and follow commands.

At this time, the sunlight outside the window shines through the window lattice onto the two of them, forming mottled light and shadow.

The atmosphere in the room was somewhat solemn, and both men wore serious expressions. Meng Yi stood up to say goodbye to Wang Ben, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his eyes revealing a firm and resolute look.

Wang Ben also slowly stood up. He was tall and mighty, giving people a sense of calmness. He looked at Meng Yi's departing back, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.