Chapter 101: Wei Guo Nanzi

Having received a definitive answer from Ji Sun Si, Meng Di left the Ji family residence and returned to his own quarters to contemplate how he would handle his meeting with the Marquis of Lu the following day.

That evening, strategist Zi Fu He from Zhong Sun He Ji’s retinue paid a visit, bearing many gifts. Throughout the visit, he spoke little of substance, only offering vague and evasive remarks before taking his leave.

Once he had gone, Meng Di sneered inwardly. It was clear that Zi Fu He’s visit was merely a façade, intended to sow suspicion in Yang Hu’s mind. This indicated that Zhong Sun He Ji had no intention of allying with him.

Without hesitation, Meng Di arranged for someone to report on the day's meetings with Ji Sun Si and Zi Fu He. Yet he was mindful not to reveal the meeting with Zi Fu He directly. Instead, he tailored the report to suit Yang Hu’s expectations: claiming he had persuaded Ji Sun Si to behave loyally, while Zi Fu He had come to urge an alliance with Zhong Sun He Ji, which Meng Di politely declined, also warning Yang Hu to keep an eye on the Meng Sun family.

After sending off the report, Meng Di finally exhaled in relief. The Three Huan clans were truly indecisive—they hesitated to confront Yang Hu directly, yet were deeply embroiled in internal strife.

The next morning, Meng Di dressed with care and went to the royal palace to see the Marquis of Lu. Ji Song wore a face heavy with grievance, while beside him sat a triumphant-looking Yang Hu. After Meng Di paid his respects, the Marquis gestured for him to sit and spoke:

“This time, you, Lord Meng, have led the Qi army valiantly, elevating the prestige of our Lu state. I am very pleased. Since you have shown such bravery and achieved great merit, I intend to grant you control over Yuncheng. I hope you will continue your efforts.”

Meng Di bowed deeply, gratitude shining on his face.

“Thank you for your trust, Your Lordship. I shall dedicate myself fully to safeguarding Lu’s borders. Having just captured Qufu, I was considering a visit to Jin to strengthen ties between Jin and Lu, thereby deterring Qi.”

The Marquis said nothing but turned to Yang Hu. After pondering, Yang Hu nodded and said:

“Lord Meng’s proposal is wise. Since you are so determined, proceed with the journey.”

So far, Yang Hu was very pleased with Meng Di’s conduct. The letter Meng Di had sent the previous night delighted him—it was a matter of attitude. As long as Meng Di showed submission, it was a good sign.

With the official envoy banner in hand, Meng Di left Qufu without delay. Since Jin and Lu did not share a border, he had to pass through the state of Wei.

At present, Wei was ruled by Duke Ling, Ji Yuan, a capable sovereign who relied on three wise ministers—Kong Xu, Zhu Tuo, and Wang Sun Jia—to govern, maintaining relative stability and peace throughout the land.

As Meng Di traveled, witnessing the contented lives of the people, he remarked to Han Zhan beside him:

“It seems the ruler of Wei is also a wise leader, though not widely known. Judging from the well-being of the people, Wei’s strength is considerable. Along the way, we may learn much from them.”

Near the city of Chaoge, a group of riders approached. Leading them was a man dressed as a noble official. Meng Di ordered the carriage stopped and dismounted, holding the envoy banner as he waited to greet them.

The official hurried forward, smiling as he bowed to Meng Di.

“I am Zhu Tuo, sent by the Duke of Wei to welcome Lord Meng.”

Meng Di returned the bow promptly.

“I did not expect Minister Zhu himself. I thank the Duke of Wei for his kindness.”

Zhu Tuo invited Meng Di to follow behind his carriage toward Chaoge.

Upon arrival, Meng Di was struck by the city’s prosperity—more bustling even than Qufu. Wei’s favorable geography, bordering both Qi and Jin, and its alliance with Jin, made it secure against Qi.

As a result, merchants from both Jin and Qi passed through Chaoge, further boosting the local economy.

Meng Di had expected the Duke of Wei would meet him immediately, but instead, Zhu Tuo led him to an inn for lodging, which puzzled him but he asked no questions.

The next day, Meng Di received word to go to the palace. Upon leaving, he saw a magnificent carriage and boarded it.

Unexpectedly, upon arrival at the palace, he was not led to the main hall but instead to a secluded chamber. He felt uncertain as to the meaning of this.

Entering, he saw a curtain and was motioned by palace attendants to wait outside. They then all withdrew, leaving Meng Di more perplexed.

At that moment, a woman’s voice came from behind the curtain.

“So you are Meng of Lu? Remarkably young and quite handsome. Truly surprising.”

Meng Di was startled. He immediately realized the woman’s identity: Lady Nan, wife of Duke Ling. He had heard rumors about her on the road but had not imagined they were true.

Duke Ling clearly favored Lady Nan greatly. Thinking of her reputation, Meng Di felt uneasy. He cleared his throat awkwardly before replying:

“I am Meng Di of Lu. May I ask where the Duke of Wei is?”

“Why such haste? I am quite curious about you. Why don’t you tell me more?”

Though he could not see her face beyond the curtain, her voice was soft and enchanting. Meng Di thought wryly that she must be a dangerous temptress capable of bringing ruin to a nation—what ordinary woman could replace a ruler in receiving foreign envoys?

Reluctantly, Meng Di recounted the details of his campaign against the Qi army. Lady Nan listened with admiration.

“Alas, Lord Meng, if only you were a minister of Wei, we would have another pillar of state.”

Meng Di sensed danger instinctively. Her voice carried a teasing tone. He knew he must not linger here to avoid trouble.

Rising, he said:

“Madam, I am here on behalf of the Marquis of Lu to journey to Jin, so I cannot stay long in Wei. Since I have not met the Duke, I will take my leave now. Should I have been discourteous, I will apologize upon my return.”

Suddenly, the sound of jingling bells came. Before Meng Di could rise fully, a woman lifted the curtain and stepped out, leaving Meng Di dumbfounded, frozen in place.