The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Gao Yao was so excited that he was shaking all over, his heart almost jumping out of his chest. He had finally found "Gao Lan", the person he had been looking for.

However, due to the strict rules of the palace, he could not easily recognize Gao Lan. He could only observe Gao Lan silently, his heart filled with longing and doubts.

In the following days, Gao Yao worked harder, hoping to attract Gao Lan's attention. He began to try to innovate recipes, incorporating his thoughts of Gao Lan into every dish.

Gao Yao would occasionally find opportunities to interact with Gao Lan, but he couldn't be too obvious about it. Whenever Gao Lan encountered difficulties or was bullied by other palace maids, Gao Yao was always the first to come forward to help her.

Days passed like this, and Gao Lan still showed no reaction. She continued to serve meals diligently as before. Gao Yao would occasionally try to get close to her, but was always disappointed.

Finally, one day, Gao Yao couldn't bear it anymore. He took the initiative to find "Gao Lan" and specially prepared a sumptuous meal.

"Gao Lan" looked at the delicious food on the table and couldn't help feeling touched and surprised at the same time.

Gao Lan cautiously walked to the table, her eyes full of confusion. She asked softly, "Chef, what are you doing..."

Gao Yao smiled and pointed at the food and said, "I made these especially for you. Come and try them!"

Gao Lan's face flashed with surprise upon hearing this, but she quickly regained her composure. She bowed respectfully to Gao Yao and said gratefully, "Thank you, Chef! How dare I, a mere palace maid, enjoy such delicious food?"

Gao Yao frowned and asked in confusion: "Xiao Lan, don't you recognize me?"

Gao Lan bowed again and said apprehensively, "Chef, I am of humble origin, how dare I meet you, Master Chef?"

Gao Yao sighed and said helplessly, "Xiao Lan, I'm your older brother! We grew up together, have you forgotten?"

Gao Lan raised her head, looked at Gao Yao blankly, shook her head and said, "Chef, I'm afraid you remembered it wrongly. My daughter has no relatives at home. She was sent to the palace by her adoptive parents when she was young. She has never seen you, Chef. And my daughter's name is Xiaoyue..."

Gao Yao felt a pang of pain in his heart when he heard Gao Lan's words. He looked at Gao Lan, his eyes filled with disappointment and helplessness. Gao Lan, however, still stood there respectfully, his eyes filled with confusion and puzzlement.

Gao Yao took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down. He looked at Gao Lan and said softly, "Xiao Lan, I know you don't remember me now, but I hope you can believe me. I really am your brother. We grew up together and have been through a lot together. I know you may not believe me now, but I will use time and actions to prove myself."

Gao Lan's confusion deepened after hearing Gao Yao's words. She looked at Gao Yao and asked softly, "Chef, I really don't understand what you're talking about. I was sent to the palace when I was little, and I've never met any brothers. Chef, did you recognize the wrong person?"

Gao Yao sighed and said helplessly: "Xiao Lan, I know you don't remember me now, but I will let you remember it slowly. I will always be with you until you remember our past."

Gao Lan was touched by Gao Yao's words. She looked at Gao Yao and said softly, "Chef, you are so kind to my daughter."

Gao Yao stared at Gao Lan, carefully examining her face, hoping to find some familiarity. However, Gao Lan's expression and tone were completely different from his sister's, which made him realize that the person in front of him might just look like her.

However, Gao Yao did not feel disappointed. Instead, a smile appeared on his face. He looked at the woman in front of him tenderly and said softly, "Miss, I'm so sorry, you look exactly like my sister."

Gao Lan's face showed a puzzled expression when she heard this, but it soon turned into curiosity. She asked, "Chef, where is your sister?"

Gao Yao was silent for a moment, then took a deep breath and said slowly: "Her name is Gao Lan, and she went to a very far place..."

After a while, Gao Yao spoke again, his tone becoming gentle but firm: "Girl, if you don't mind, I want to recognize you as my sister, is that okay?"

Gao Lan was surprised and touched after hearing this. She said in a panic, "How could I dare to marry the head chef and become his sister?"

Gao Yao chuckled softly and said comfortingly, "Don't worry, sister. If anyone dares to bully you in this palace, just tell me and I will definitely help you vent your anger!"

"Gao Lan" nodded gratefully, tears glistening in her eyes, and she was so excited that she couldn't speak.

Seeing this, Gao Yao hurriedly wiped away the tears from Xiaoyue's eyes and said softly, "Don't cry, don't cry, Xiaoyue. Eat quickly, the food is getting cold."

The two looked at each other and saw endless warmth and affection in each other's eyes. Although they had just met not long ago, this emotion made them feel extremely close to each other.

Gao Yao poured Xiaoyue a glass of water. Xiaoyue took it with both hands, took a sip, then looked up at Gao Yao, her eyes gleaming with gratitude. She said softly, "Thank you, brother."

Gao Yao smiled and said, "Xiaoyue, from now on in this palace, if you have anything you want to eat, just tell me and I'll make it for you."

Xiaoyue nodded obediently, "Okay, brother."

As they ate and chatted, the atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Xiaoyue recounted her life in the palace, while Gao Yao shared his culinary experiences. Their laughter echoed in the room, as if time had stopped for them.

Silence is better than words at this moment, and the two of them quietly enjoy this warm moment.

From then on, Gao Yao took meticulous care of Xiaoyue, just like his own sister. Not only did he meticulously arrange Xiaoyue's diet and daily life to ensure she ate healthily and slept well, he also went to Bai Li to discuss it and asked him to take good care of Xiaoyue.

Seeing Gao Yao's dedication, Bai Li readily agreed. After all, Gao Yao, with his superb cooking skills, could always make all kinds of mouth-watering delicacies, which Qin Shi Huang praised endlessly.

Therefore, the First Emperor was particularly fond of Bai Li and often bestowed generous rewards upon him. Now, Gao Yao made such a small request, how could Bai Li not agree?

Xiaoyue felt Gao Yao's genuine love and care, and the haze in her heart gradually dissipated. She began to open her heart to Gao Yao and share her joys and sorrows. The relationship between them became closer and closer, and it was as harmonious and warm as a family.

As the days passed, Xiaoyue grew stronger and stronger under Gao Yao's careful care. Her originally shy personality gradually changed, becoming more cheerful and generous. The timid and self-deprecating little girl was gone, replaced by a confident Xiaoyue.

However, as time went on, Xiaoyue's appearance changed dramatically. She looked more and more like Gao Lan of her youth, and her every move exuded a charming aura. Gao Yao noticed all of this, but he didn't think much of it, simply thinking that Xiaoyue had grown up and become more graceful.

From then on, Xiaoyue often came to the Shangshifang to share the joy of delicious food with Gaoyao. Although they could not recognize each other publicly, their hearts were closely connected.

Meanwhile, Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu demonstrated their extraordinary talents under Fusu's command. Fusu grew increasingly attached to them, treating them as his trusted confidants. Together, they plotted how to contribute to the prosperity of the Qin Empire.