Chapter 113: The Tian Family and Yang Hu

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When Tian Chang heard his father’s question, he immediately understood that it was about whether the cooperation with Meng Di could continue. To him, the issue wasn’t significant, so after a moment’s thought, he replied, “Has Father noticed that every time Meng Di faces chariots in battle, he is very cautious to avoid direct confrontation? It seems he clearly understands the strengths and weaknesses between cavalry and chariots.”

“That’s exactly why he caught the armies of Ju off guard. If we pay attention in the future, victory may well be within reach. As things stand, Meng Di, in accordance with our agreement, hasn’t seized much territory from Ju.”

“He has only taken a single central hill for defense, which shows he is pragmatic. At this point, Father could meet with the Prime Minister and send envoys to Ju to win their favor. As for Meng Di’s growing dependence on us, there’s no need to worry too much.”

Upon hearing this, Tian Qi frowned slightly and shot his son a disapproving glance.

“You’ve been blinded by petty gains. If Meng Di were to seize large swaths of Ju’s land now, I wouldn’t be this worried—that would show he’s shortsighted and not worth fearing.”

“But since Meng Di is showing restraint and caution everywhere, we must be wary. This indicates he harbors grand ambitions and is no ordinary man. Also, I heard that Meng Di sent fifty chariots to Yang Hu; you should send someone to Fei Yi.”

“Tell them we want to buy the remaining chariots with money and see how Meng Di reacts. If he agrees without hesitation, it means he’s content with maintaining the status quo and cooperation can continue.”

He didn’t finish his words, but Tian Chang understood perfectly. After all, in the minds of contemporary people, a nation’s strength was measured by its chariots.

Although Meng Di had twice defeated chariot troops with cavalry through his strategy, it didn’t change the fact that chariots were still the main combat force. If Meng Di had no plans to develop chariots, there was little to worry about.

But if he took those chariots for himself and trained them day and night, then vigilance was necessary. The combination of chariots and cavalry would resemble the Wei Shu phalanx in effectiveness.

After receiving his orders, Tian Chang took his leave and sent men with funds and supplies to Meng City to purchase chariots.

In Qufu City, Yang Hu was feeling quite pleased these days, having received fifty chariots along with their drivers, spearmen, and archers in full. This greatly improved his opinion of Meng Di.

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Although these were officially gifts to the Marquis of Lu, that didn’t matter much; the important thing was the outcome.

At this moment, Ji Mi took the opportunity to propose a suggestion.

“Yang Zi, now that Meng Di has achieved such a great victory and his military prestige is soaring, why not take this chance to strike directly at the San Huan? That way, you wouldn’t have to guard against them day and night.”

His keen interest stemmed from Yang Hu’s promise to make him head of the Ji Sun clan in the future, so he was somewhat obsessed with eliminating the San Huan early to secure his own position.

Hearing this, Yang Hu frowned, his tone filled with displeasure.

“Though Meng Di won a decisive victory, he suffered considerable losses and must also ensure the security of Lu’s borders. Naturally, he needs time to regroup. Launching an attack now would mean fighting with exhausted troops.”

Having received benefits, Yang Hu had accepted the reasoning in Meng Di’s letter, so he found Ji Mi’s suggestion somewhat reckless.

However, since Ji Mi had loyally served him for many years, Yang Hu patiently explained.

Ji Mi’s expression fell slightly, but he flattered with a smile, “Yang Zi is always so prudent. There is one more matter: I’ve heard that Zheng is considering breaking away from Jin and has already made contact with Qi. Should we prepare for that?”

This was indeed a concern. Yang Hu frowned and pondered for a moment before replying, “Though Jin’s prestige has waned, its strength remains. Qi’s army, numbering only a few tens of thousands, cannot even deal with Meng Di alone. Should we now go and rely on Qi?”

His tone carried a hint of rebuke, but Ji Mi was unfazed and hastily clarified, “Yang Zi, you’ve misunderstood me. Along with Zheng’s envoys to Qi, there are also those from Cao. I was thinking we might seize this opportunity to attack Cao. Gaining some territory would certainly be beneficial.”

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This immediately piqued Yang Hu’s interest, and he began to scheme. Now that he was determined to follow Jin, Cao sending envoys to Qi clearly had its reasons.

The story was rather amusing. Years ago, when Duke Wen of Jin, Chong’er, was exiled and passing through Cao, Duke Gong of Cao was curious about a rumor that Chong’er’s ribs were unusually fused.

Duke Gong planned to secretly observe Chong’er as he bathed, but this incident left a lifelong impression on Chong’er, who later seized the opportunity to act.

At the time, Chu was attacking Song, a Jin ally. Chong’er promptly led troops to attack the disrespectful Wei and declared his intent to punish the licentious Duke Gong of Cao.

Jin ultimately destroyed Cao and captured Duke Gong. Later, out of gratitude for Cao’s shelter during Chong’er’s exile, Jin released Duke Gong and restored Cao, though it ceded part of Cao’s territory to Lu.

The tangled grievances were now difficult to untangle. Since Cao was now involved with Zheng, Yang Hu felt no psychological burden. If he could conquer them, so much the better. If not, it would still send a message to Jin.

He said, “Your idea is sound. This way, we can mobilize troops other than Meng Di’s. If they shirk their duties this time, it will give me a chance to act. It’s killing two birds with one stone.”

Pleased by the praise, Ji Mi’s eyes gleamed as he suggested, “Since Yang Zi sympathizes with Meng Di’s difficulties, they need not send troops this time. However, we can ask them to contribute another hundred chariots, thereby reducing their strength to prevent Meng Di from growing too powerful while you campaign.”

Yang Hu nodded repeatedly, laughing heartily with pride as if he had already won.