The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After Meng Yi left Tongwuhou Mansion, he felt as if he was being pressed down by a huge mountain, extremely heavy.

He understood deeply that this case was like a fuse. If it was not handled carefully, it might cause the entire court situation to be turned upside down.

On the way back to the Lieutenant's Office, Meng Yi passed by the market and witnessed the people living and working in peace and contentment. This made him more determined to eradicate the treacherous officials and bring a bright and sunny sky to the people.

After returning to the office, Meng Yi summoned Xiao He, Ying Bu, and others to discuss countermeasures. They all agreed that the most important thing at the moment was to speed up the interrogation and at the same time, to collect more conclusive evidence.

A few days later, Han Xin and Meng Xin successfully escorted more than a thousand members of the Lu family back to the capital.

Now, the truth of the case has gradually surfaced and the people involved have become clear.

Tomorrow is the day of the grand court session. Meng Yi has made up his mind to report the matter to the First Emperor and then wait for the emperor's decision.

That night, Meng Yi didn't sleep a wink all night.

The next morning, the sun was shining brightly. He was neatly dressed in his official uniform, looking particularly solemn and dignified. He walked into the court with firm and powerful steps.

In the court, ministers were whispering, their eyes focused on Meng Yi like a spotlight.

Meng Yi held his head high and chest puffed out, speaking in a loud voice, "Your Majesty, after a thorough investigation, I have uncovered a case of rebellion and treason involving the remnants of the Six Kingdoms, alchemists, collusion with the Wei clan, the Lü clan, current Confucian scholars, and officials, as well as the incitement of Prince Zihai. The evidence is irrefutable. Over eight thousand individuals have been apprehended and brought to justice. Your Majesty, I beg for your wise judgment."

At this time, the discussions of the ministers in the court were like thunder and deafening.

Seeing this, Feng Quji quickly stepped out of the queue, bowed respectfully to the emperor, and said, "Your Majesty, this case involves a wide range of issues and is extremely complex. It requires careful consideration and prudent handling!"

Before he could finish his words, Li Si stepped forward. His face was righteous, his eyes gleaming with determination. He spoke in a steady and powerful voice, "Your Majesty is feared throughout the world, unified the lands, and brought peace to the world. Yet, these people are ungrateful and, with evil intentions, are attempting to murder Your Majesty. Their crimes are so heinous that they deserve death!"

Fusu's heart tightened upon hearing this, but he still spoke, "Father, I believe that the empire is just beginning to settle, and the people in distant lands have yet to return. Many Confucian scholars have read Confucius' teachings, and they represent the will of the people. Imposing harsh laws now might cause unrest in the world. I hope your Majesty will understand."

The First Emperor snorted coldly. His gaze swept across the place like thunder, finally stopping at Meng Yi. He asked gravely, "Mr. Meng, what do you think?"

Meng Yi immediately bowed, his body trembling slightly, but his voice resolute. "Your humble servants, the Lieutenant's Office is the sharp sword in Your Majesty's hand. Wherever Your Majesty's flag points, that is when we unsheathe our swords. No matter how many difficulties and obstacles lie ahead, we will charge forward without hesitation and clear all obstacles for Your Majesty!"

After hearing these words, the First Emperor's tense expression finally relaxed, a subtle smile flickering across his lips, but he quickly returned to his usual stern demeanor. His voice resounded like a bell throughout the palace, filling everyone present with awe. "Well done! Wherever the flag points, the sword shall be unsheathed. The Meng family is truly a family of loyal warriors. Today, I grant you the highest honor. May you continue to serve me and protect this beautiful land!"

Then, the First Emperor's gaze grew sharp, as if piercing everything. He declared in a cold voice, "These remnants of the six kingdoms are truly ruthless and audacious. The Wei and Lu clans dare to covet my throne. Their crimes are truly heinous and unforgivable!" His voice grew louder and louder, imbued with an irresistible authority. He paused briefly, then added, "Also, regarding those Confucian scholars and alchemists implicated in the case, I have made up my mind..." At this point, the First Emperor paused, a flicker of determination in his eyes, as if he were contemplating something important.

Meng Yi's heart was suddenly shaken. He knew the meaning behind these words. As a minister, he was powerless and could not disobey the emperor's will, but at the same time, he was deeply worried about what was about to happen.

The First Emperor paused, a look of determination flashed in his eyes, "Kill him in a pit!"

After a moment's silence, he spoke again: "As for Zi Hai, he cannot distinguish between good and evil, which is unworthy of the royal family. He will be demoted to a commoner and imprisoned in Yongcheng. This matter will be hosted by the Supreme Court, assisted by the Censorate and the Lieutenant's Office. It must be thoroughly investigated without any omissions!" His voice was firm and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation.

Everyone said in unison, "We obey your orders."

Then, the First Emperor turned and walked towards the rear hall of the palace. He was upright and steady, and every step he took exuded an unparalleled majesty and confidence.

The court officials shouted in unison: "Long live Your Majesty, long live the Great Qin!" The sound resounded through the sky, as if it would shake down this magnificent palace.

After the court session, Meng Yi walked slowly toward the imperial city gates with heavy steps. His heart was heavy, as if a thousand-pound burden weighed on him, making it almost impossible to breathe. Each step seemed difficult, as if the ground beneath his feet had suddenly become incredibly heavy.

Li Si noticed Meng Yi's distraught look and felt a surge of sympathy. He quickly stepped forward, gently patted Meng Yi on the shoulder, and said with concern, "My dear nephew, these people are suspected of treason. Their crimes are extremely serious. This is unnecessary."

Meng Yi bowed and said, "Prime Minister Li, I understand," and then revealed a resolute look, "I will definitely restore order."

Li Si smiled and left.

Back at the Lieutenant's Office, he understood that although the storm had calmed down temporarily, the shadow it left was difficult to dissipate.

That afternoon, outside Xianyang City, Wei Liao, Feng Jie, and Meng Yi stood on a barren patch of land. Their eyes were firm and cold, as if devoid of any emotion.

Behind them was a group of Confucian scholars and alchemists tied up with ropes, as well as members of the Wei and Lu families and officials involved in the case from the six countries. They looked haggard, and their eyes revealed despair and fear.

Meng Yi shouted orders, and the soldiers pushed the Confucian scholars and alchemists toward a huge pit. The pit was filled with the smell of death, as if it were a bottomless abyss.

Everyone cried out in pain and begged for mercy, but Wei Liao remained unmoved. His expression was serious, without a trace of mercy.

The soldiers threw the Confucian scholars and alchemists into the deep pit one by one. Their bodies struggled in the air and then fell heavily to the bottom of the pit. Some tried to climb out of the pit, but were quickly stabbed to death by the soldiers with spears.

The pit gradually filled with corpses, blood dyed the ground red, and the air was filled with a strong smell of blood, which made people sick.

Meng Yi watched all this quietly, perhaps feeling a little helpless in his heart.

When the last Confucian official was thrown into the pit, Meng Yi waved his hand and the soldiers began to fill it with earth. The earth gradually covered the pit.

Meng Yi and others turned and left, their figures reflected in the afterglow of the setting sun.

At night, Meng Yi sat alone in his study, lost in thought. He recalled the arguments in the court that day and pondered Qin Shi Huang's decision. The massacre of Confucian scholars and alchemists was undoubtedly a bloody purge.

However, he secretly made up his mind to protect the peace of this land.

Outside the window, the bright moon hung high in the sky. Meng Yi gazed into the distance, feeling a sense of mission surge in his heart.

Lu Su walked over slowly with light steps, and there was a hint of worry and concern on her beautiful face.

She gently reached out her hand, grasped Meng Yi's strong and powerful palm, and said softly: "Husband, since things have developed to this point, don't worry too much."

Her voice was melodious, like the sound of nature, filled with comfort and counsel. Lü Su knew Meng Yi's deep pain and helplessness, but she hoped to ease his sorrow with her tenderness. Her bright eyes gleamed with a resolute light, as if to tell Meng Yi that no matter what difficulties they encountered, they would face them together and shoulder them together.

Meng Yi felt the warmth and strength of Lü Su's hand, and his trembling fingers gradually relaxed. He gazed at Lü Su, gratitude in his eyes. He knew that in this difficult time, having Lü Su by his side was his greatest comfort.