Chapter 102: The Six Ministers of Jin

Monti had seen many beautiful women before, but never one like Nanzi. Her face was like an apricot blossom with peachy cheeks, her brows and eyes exquisitely shaped like a painting. When her lips were sealed, she resembled a demure young lady from a respectable family; but when she smiled, she radiated countless charms.

Indeed, she was the kind of woman who could drive Duke Ling of Wei utterly besotted—a true earthly enchantress. For a moment, Monti found himself momentarily dazed.

However, he quickly realized his lapse in decorum, bowed his head respectfully to avoid any impropriety, and intended to take his leave.

Unexpectedly, Nanzi stepped directly in front of him, her voice light and playful.

“Monti, why the rush to leave? Is it because I am not beautiful? Besides, I am no tiger to fear devouring you. Such conduct is unbecoming of a hero under heaven. Why not lift your eyes and look at me?”

Truly a femme fatale, Monti’s palms began to sweat. This was the royal palace of Wei, yet this woman dared to act with such boldness, unmindful of place or propriety. Taking a deep breath, he regained his composure.

“Madam, it is improper to meet with an outsider like me in this manner. I shall take my leave.”

With that, Monti turned and departed. Nanzi did not stop him but watched his retreating figure intently, her eyes gleaming with curiosity and a faint, enigmatic smile playing on her lips.

Once outside the Wei palace, Monti finally exhaled deeply, forcing a wry smile as he muttered to himself, “I never thought a woman could drive me to such lengths.”

He dared not linger longer in Chaoge and swiftly set off toward Jin. Su’er, somewhat puzzled, asked, “Husband, why did we leave in such haste? Did something happen?”

Monti shook his head with a look of helplessness.

“Nothing particular. We left quickly only to avoid trouble.”

Curious, Su’er pressed further, “Avoid trouble? What happened? Could it be that Wei intends harm upon Lu?”

Monti could only recount his encounter with Nanzi. After hearing it, Su’er snorted indignantly.

“How shameless that Nanzi is! Leaving is best, so no trouble arises.”

Women were indeed sensitive to such matters. Monti could only smile bitterly.

In the newly established fields of Jin, Fan Yang looked over the list of gifts with a smile and said to his son Fan Jishe, “It seems this newly appointed Lu official is not only a capable warrior but also astute—a man of potential. He has sent no light gifts. Go and meet him.”

Understanding the implication—that if Monti’s request wasn’t too burdensome, he could approve it—Fan Jishe rose and went.

Led to the main hall, Monti saw a young man seated in the principal position. Instantly, he recognized him as Fan Jishe, son of Fan Yang, and bowed respectfully.

“Greetings, Young Master Fan. I am Monti, newly appointed official of Lu. I come on behalf of the Marquis of Lu to pay respects to the Marquis of Jin.”

Fan Jishe nodded arrogantly, raising a hand slightly.

“Monti, your name is well known. To defeat the Qi army with only a few thousand troops shows Qi’s weakness. Lu can rest easier now. What is the purpose of your visit?”

His tone resembled that of a lord speaking to a vassal, which irked Monti, but he maintained a sincere smile.

“The strife between Qi and Lu has been longstanding. The Marquis of Lu wishes to strengthen the alliance between Jin and Lu.”

Given the lavish gifts, Fan Jishe thought it only proper to acknowledge the gesture and nodded.

“I understand the Marquis of Lu’s intentions. I will report to my father so you may meet the Marquis of Jin. If you encounter difficulties, you may seek my aid. For now, wait here.”

After such a display of wealth, this was all Monti received. The man showed no inclination to inquire further. Shaking his head lightly, Monti thought Fan Jishe was greedy yet incompetent; judging by this, the Fan family was destined for decline.

Next, Monti went to pay respects to the Zhi family, where Zhi Lu personally received him; Zhi Shen was not present. Once seated, before Monti could speak, Zhi Lu said,

“I heard you had some conflict with my son in Wu territory. I apologize on his behalf.”

Unexpectedly, Zhi Lu brought up the incident first, his tone sincere, which greatly improved Monti’s impression of him.

“You are too kind, Lord Zhi. I came to apologize as well. It was my youthful temper that caused the dispute; the fault is mine.”

Zhi Lu smiled kindly. The Zhi clan had nearly been destroyed once, and under the protection of the Zhongxing family, Zhi Lu had grown safely. Having witnessed the harshness of human nature, he cultivated the character of a peacemaker. With some feeling, he said,

“You have brought generous gifts, for which I feel undeserving. But since you have come, I accept them. Is there any way I may assist you?”

With those words, it was clear relations with the Zhi family were favorable. Monti rose and bowed respectfully before speaking.

“Not to conceal from Lord Zhi, I have come seeking to purchase horses in Jin.”

Zhi Lu nodded and readily agreed, converting Monti’s gifts into money and selling him a batch of horses at a favorable price. Monti felt deeply moved; Zhi Lu was a decent man, though lacking some gravitas.

Should Fan Yang step down as central army commander and Zhi Lu succeed him, Monti feared the latter’s temperament would fail to command others, which would not bode well for Jin.

Next, Monti visited Zhongxing Yin, another avaricious man. After presenting a hefty gift, Zhongxing Yin sold him horses at prices above market value, leaving Monti thoroughly disgusted. This was hardly the conduct expected of a high minister in a great state.

He also met representatives of the Wei and Han families, but they were mediocre, offering nothing remarkable. This deepened Monti’s understanding of Jin, and he wondered what sort of man Zhao Yong, whom he was to meet next, would be.