Chapter 100: The Three-Year Pact

After Meng Di left, Ji Wu stepped out from behind the folding screen, speaking with some uncertainty.

“Yangzi, Meng Di’s words clearly carry a tone of evasion. Although he was forced to take a stance, if that’s the case, you must be cautious. People who waver like this are never trustworthy.”

Yang Hu, however, remained noncommittal and said nothing further. He had his own plans. As long as Meng Di didn’t side with the Sanhuan faction, it meant he was pragmatic. For now, Yang Hu didn’t want to sever ties with Meng Di.

With such instability within the State of Lu, it was unwise to create more enemies at this moment, so he changed the subject.

“Do you have any ideas on how to deal with Sanhuan?”

Upon hearing this, Ji Wu immediately brightened, lowering his voice slightly with a smile.

“Yangzi, I have found a reliable person—Shusun Zhe, the younger half-brother of Shusun Zhouqiu. Though illegitimate and overlooked, we can win him over and thus gain insight into the Shusun family’s plans.”

At last, some good news. Yang Hu began to calculate silently: if they could remove the current heads of the Sanhuan families and replace them with loyal allies, his position in Lu would be as solid as a mountain. He smiled and said,

“Well done. If this succeeds, you will become the next head of the Jisun clan.”

Ji Wu was thrilled beyond expectation. To become head of the powerful Sanhuan Jisun clan was beyond his wildest dreams. He quickly pledged,

“Yangzi’s kindness will not be forgotten. I will do my utmost to assist you.”

At the Jisun estate, Jisun Si wore a look of deep worry. Liang Huai had been taken captive by Yang Hu, and his fate remained unknown. Yet, Jisun Si dared not send anyone to plead for him, fully aware that Yang Hu’s actions were a clear warning.

Just then, a servant hurried in and, after saluting, reported,

“Master, Mengzi waits outside to see you.”

Hearing this, Jisun Si immediately rose, puzzled. He didn’t understand why Meng Di would come at such a time, especially when he was overwhelmed with troubles—yet he found himself secretly hopeful.

After bringing Meng Di into the hall, Jisun Si dismissed the servants and then smiled as he asked,

“Mengzi, what brings you here at this hour? Is there something you wish to discuss?”

Jisun Si knew Meng Di had come to Qufu and had even seen Yang Hu immediately afterward. He found Meng Di’s actions perplexing.

If Meng Di intended to side with Yang Hu, why had he previously declined Yang Hu’s summons and used Jisun Si as a shield, placing him in this awkward situation?

Seeing Jisun Si’s demeanor, Meng Di silently admired him. Regardless of his reasons, Jisun Si’s current predicament was difficult, yet he maintained his composure, which was commendable. Meng Di smiled and said,

“I have come primarily to apologize to you, Young Master Ji. Previously, under pressure from circumstances, I was forced to reject Yang Hu’s advances in the name of the Jisun family. In truth, I only wish to develop peacefully, but the present situation leaves me no choice.”

“You have repeatedly extended your aid to me, Young Master Ji, for which I am deeply grateful. This time, I come with a warning: Yang Hu has intentions against you. You would do well to be cautious these days.”

Meng Di said this to gauge Jisun Si’s reaction. If he appeared panicked, he would be unfit as a partner, and Meng Di would abandon any plan of alliance with the Jisun family.

Upon hearing this, Jisun Si’s face clouded with bitterness. He sighed helplessly.

“I have long been prepared for this. When Yang Hu and Gongshan joined forces to imprison me, I had already thought things through. Thank you for the warning, Mengzi.”

Though he spoke calmly, there was no sense of resignation. Jisun Si had not yet given up, proving he was a deep thinker and a worthy partner. Meng Di smiled faintly.

“If Young Master Ji has any thoughts, I am willing to listen.”

Jisun Si was moved by this offer. Clearly, there was an intention to cooperate. But could he trust Meng Di? Revealing his plans would leave no way back. He hesitated.

Meng Di straightened his posture and spoke calmly.

“You have reached this point, Young Master Ji. Haven’t you realized? If you do not make a firm decision now, the chance may never come again.”

Though Meng Di wished to avoid turmoil in Lu in the short term, he also had to plan for the long run. People like Zhongsun Heji only sought to preserve themselves, and Shusun Zhouqiu was too insignificant to be of help.

His words struck Jisun Si like a blow, compelling him to make a decision.

“To be honest, for many years I have tried every means to drive Yang Hu away, but my strength is too weak. If you are willing, Young Master Meng, the Jisun family will reward you handsomely in the future.”

Meng Di did not take such promises to heart. What he sought was a temporary ally to gain influence over Lu’s internal affairs. He replied at once,

“Given the present circumstances, my strength is still insufficient to confront Yang Hu directly. Moreover, Yang Hu does not yet suspect me much. This allows me to maneuver and buy time.”

“I have also heard that Yang Hu has imprisoned Liang Huai. In my opinion, Young Master Ji, you should stay low for now. I will inform Yang Hu that I have persuaded you, which will buy us some time.”

Jisun Si was momentarily stunned, then sighed deeply before saying,

“At this point, there is no other choice. I understand. Thank you for your kindness, Mengzi. But how long do you think you will need to prepare thoroughly?”

After some thought, Meng Di held up three fingers with confidence.

“Three years will suffice. By then, I will help Young Master Ji drive out Yang Hu and restore power to the Jisun family.”

Upon hearing this, Jisun Si frowned, weighing the gains and losses while pondering what Meng Di might want in return for such help.