The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

In the blink of an eye, it is the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

As night falls, a bright moon hangs in the sky like a silver plate, casting a silver light as soft as water, enveloping the entire Xianyang city.

The streets and alleys of Xianyang City had already been decorated with new lights and colorful decorations, and the atmosphere was filled with joy. The people in the city happily walked out of their homes and joined in this sea of ​​joy.

The city square was bustling with activity, with people forming a huge circle, singing and dancing to their heart's content. Their hands danced, and the joyful singing flowed like the sounds of nature, weaving together a scene brimming with life and energy, with everyone's face brimming with smiles of happiness and satisfaction.

The vendors on the side were shouting out all kinds of mouth-watering food.

In the majestic Changle Palace in the imperial city, the First Emperor was celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival dinner with all the civil and military officials in the court.

At this moment, the palace was brightly lit, bustling with people and laughter.

The First Emperor, dressed in a dark red dragon robe, sat on a high throne, looking down at the ministers below with a kind face. Around him, palace maids moved lightly around, serving the ministers fine wine and delicacies.

"Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is one of the greatest joys in life for me to spend this beautiful time with you, my dear ministers." The First Emperor raised his glass and said with a smile.

Feng Quji was the first to stand up and said, "Your Majesty is wise and wise. It is truly an honor for us to celebrate the festival with you."

The ministers stood up and responded respectfully, "Long live Your Majesty, and long live the Great Qin."

After three rounds of wine, the First Emperor gestured for everyone to sit down and continue enjoying the food.

At this time, Fusu stood up and toasted the First Emperor: "Your Majesty, I have a favor to ask."

The First Emperor looked at him and said with a smile, "What is it? Feel free to tell me."

"Your Majesty, I heard that there have been frequent wars in southern Xinjiang recently and the people are living in hardship. I beg Your Majesty to reduce taxes so that the people can recuperate." Fusu said earnestly.

The First Emperor frowned slightly, but soon regained his smile. "My son, you are right. I will consider your suggestion."

Gan Luo also stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that we should strengthen domestic agricultural production to ensure food supply."

The First Emperor nodded and said, "This is a good policy. Agriculture is the foundation of a country and cannot be neglected."

Then, the First Emperor raised his glass and said to the crowd, "Today is Mid-Autumn Festival. I am celebrating this auspicious occasion with all of you, my beloved ministers. May our Great Qin Empire be forever strong and the world peaceful."

Hu Hai stood up and said respectfully, "My father, may your majesty be blessed with great fortune. The Qin Dynasty will surely prosper."

Zhao Gao also smiled and echoed, "Master Hu Hai is absolutely right. Under your Majesty's rule, the Qin State will surely prosper."

Li Si smiled faintly and said, "Your Majesty, the Qin Empire is now unified. Your Majesty's achievements are unparalleled. I, your subjects, wish to follow you and build your legacy for eternity."

Zhao Gao fawningly said, "Your Majesty is benevolent and virtuous, and has benefited the people. This is a blessing for the Qin Dynasty."

The First Emperor nodded in satisfaction and motioned for everyone to sit down. At the banquet, everyone was chatting and laughing, and the atmosphere was harmonious. However, behind the laughter and joy, everyone was hiding their own thoughts.

Fusu looked at the First Emperor with a worried look on his face, secretly worried about the future of the Qin Dynasty.

Hu Hai's eyes flickered like a cunning fox, as he plotted how to fight for the throne.

Feng Quji, Li Si, Zhao Gao and others each had their own ulterior motives, like jackals, tigers and leopards, thinking about how to cater to the First Emperor's wishes in order to gain more power.

The First Emperor seemed to be aware of everyone's thoughts, but he did not show it. He just smiled slightly, as if everything was under his control.

He knew that the struggle for power and the complexity of human nature were like a bottomless whirlpool, unavoidable. But he believed that as long as he remained in this position, he could control everything.

As time went on, the atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively. Ministers expressed their opinions one after another, like a hundred flowers blooming in full bloom, offering suggestions for the development of the country. The First Emperor listened attentively to each one, nodding his approval from time to time.

Amidst this joyous atmosphere, Doctor Chunyu Yue bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Lieutenant Meng is not only exceptional in martial arts, like a dragon among men, but also a brilliant writer. He once said, 'If an official does not serve the people, he might as well go home and sell rice.' On this festive occasion, why not have him recite a poem to liven up the banquet?"

Zhao Gao immediately echoed, "Lieutenant Meng once said in Jiuyuan, 'Whoever offends the Great Qin will be punished, no matter how far away they are.' With such great talent, he will surely create a masterpiece on this festive occasion."

The First Emperor looked at Meng Yi but said nothing.

Since the last case, not only most of the Confucian scholars were involved, but also some doctors and eunuchs. In addition, Yan Le never confessed Zhao Gao's involvement until his death. This led to the Confucian scholars led by Chunyu Yue and some eunuchs led by Zhao Gao to feel resentment towards Meng Yi, and they watched him like jackals.

Meng Yi heard this and became alert. Chunyu Yue and Zhao Gao certainly had bad intentions and wanted to see me look bad. "Well, then, I'll show you the breadth and depth of Chinese culture."

Then, Meng Yi stood up. He was tall and handsome, with confidence and determination in his eyes, like an unshakable mountain.

"Your Majesty." Meng Yi said loudly,

"The moon is exceptionally bright during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and families gather together to share this joy.

May our Great Qin Dynasty prosper for thousands of years and enjoy eternal peace and prosperity."

As soon as he finished speaking, the audience burst into warm applause.

"When will the bright moon come? Ask the sky for wine.

I don’t know what the palace is, but what year is it.

I want to go back by the wind, and fear Qiong Lou Yuyu,

The height is not cold.

Dancing clear shadow, like in the world.

Turn Zhuge, low tenants, and sleepless.

There should be no hatred, why is it going to other times?

People have joys and sorrows, and the moon is cloudy and sunny.

This matter is hard to come by.

May we live long and share the beauty of the moon together, even though we are thousands of miles apart.” Meng Yi spoke in a deep voice, step by step.

"Excellent! Excellent poem! 'May we live long and share the beauty of the moon, even though we are thousands of miles apart!' This is a truly remarkable line!" The First Emperor was overjoyed, his voice filled with praise and admiration. "Meng Yi is truly a talented man of the Great Qin!"

Fusu looked at Meng Yi with a smile, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. He knew Meng Yi was a man of exceptional talent, and seeing him today confirmed that his reputation was truly well-deserved.

However, Hu Hai felt unhappy. He secretly gnashed his teeth, envious of Meng Yi for receiving the Emperor's praise. He already harbored resentment towards Meng Yi, and now he felt that Meng Yi had stolen all the limelight.

Upon seeing this, Meng Yi hurriedly bowed and thanked His Majesty for the compliment. He then turned to Chunyu Yue and said with a smile, "Lord Chunyu Yue is a doctor and the foremost Confucian scholar. His poetry must be a hundred times better than that of a warrior like me. I implore Your Majesty to order Lord Chunyu to compose a poem so that we can enjoy it."

Chunyu Yue's face changed slightly when he heard Meng Yi's words. He never expected that Meng Yi would suddenly turn the tables and point the spearhead at him.

At this moment, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he felt too embarrassed to refuse. After all, as one of the representatives of Confucianism, wouldn't it be a joke if he couldn't even write a poem?

After Li Si's last encounter with Meng Yi, he knew his nephew was no ordinary talent. The fact that Meng Yi had produced such a remarkable masterpiece today only made Li Si look at him with new eyes.

Wang Ben was secretly amazed in his heart. He was amazed that Meng Yi could come up with such exquisite poems so quickly.

Chunyu Yue, however, was secretly filled with anxiety. He thought to himself, "This line, 'May we live long and share the beauty of the moon, though thousands of miles apart,' is truly exquisite! What other verses can I possibly compose that can rival it?"

He felt the pressure mount, but he had to answer the First Emperor's question, so he could only bite the bullet and say, "Your Majesty, please forgive me. My talent is limited, and it is difficult for me to write a poem that can compare with Lieutenant Meng's."

The First Emperor nodded slightly, expressing his understanding. He had no intention of blaming Chunyu Yue. He smiled and said, "During this festive occasion, there's no need to accuse me. You are truly a man of both civil and military skill, wisdom and courage."

The First Emperor's admiration for Meng Yi was so overwhelming that everyone present couldn't help but look at him with awe.

At this moment, a sly look flashed in Zhao Gao's eyes. He stood up and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, the moonlight is beautiful tonight. Why not have the dancers perform a piece to liven up the atmosphere?"

After the First Emperor agreed, a group of graceful women walked into the hall. They danced with their long sleeves, looking as beautiful as fairies descending to earth.

After the dance, the First Emperor was in a good mood and laughed loudly, "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. My dear ministers, please drink with me and don't go home until you are drunk!" Cheers rang out again in the hall, and the emperor and his ministers were immersed in this joyful atmosphere together.

In the moat outside the palace, countless exquisitely crafted and beautiful river lanterns float.

These river lanterns are like twinkling stars, shining against the bright moon in the sky. Together they illuminate the entire imperial city, making this ancient city even more mysterious and charming in the night.

There are various patterns painted on the river lanterns, some depict flowers, birds, insects and fish, some are engraved with poems and songs, and others depict scenes from myths and legends.