Chapter 115: Envoy of Yang Hu

Sensing the atmosphere had grown heavy, Ji Ran changed the subject with a smile.

"If everyone saw things as clearly as you, my lord, no one would be seeking their own destruction. By the way, the agricultural treatise you compiled is truly excellent. If we have three years in Mengyi, we will surely be able to stand proud among all the great powers."

Meng Di felt somewhat unworthy of such praise and quickly replied, "Master Ji, please do not flatter me. Much of that knowledge came from listening to the elderly farmers. It was a matter of necessity; the population of Mengyi has surged in such a short time that if I did not find a way to increase grain production, how would I feed them all in the future?"

"Agriculture is of the utmost importance. It is a pity that those scholars only enjoy pontificating on state affairs and offering advice to kings, while so few are truly willing to settle down and do the practical work. That is why I have established the Meng Academy, in the hope of cultivating a new generation of talent."

Ji Ran fully agreed with the idea of the academy, though he noted it was a long-term solution that could not address immediate needs. As Mengyi's territory expanded, the lack of talent became apparent, mainly because Meng Di had not yet established enough of a reputation to attract capable men.

If things were left to take their natural course, it would take an age to see results. He suggested, "My lord, you seem to have overlooked a group of people. There are many youngsters in the territory, aged thirteen or fourteen. Their characters are yet unformed, and they are full of vigor. If they are properly educated, they might well become a source of talent."

"In this way, within one or two years—or at most three—you would have a group of capable people at your disposal, solving your most urgent problems. Most importantly, we live in an era of chaos; those who come seeking to serve often have ulterior motives."

"Rather than using people you must doubt, it is better to train your own. They will be easier to employ, and since they were born and raised here, they are more familiar with the rules of Mengyi and will be more proficient in their duties."

This suggestion brought a sudden clarity to Meng Di, and his face lit up with excitement. "Master Ji is truly a man of great wisdom. Had you not reminded me, I fear I would have let this golden opportunity slip through my fingers."

To his surprise, Ji Ran shook his head, his expression solemn. "It is not that I have great foresight, my lord, but that you are a practical man. Even without my reminder, you would have surely hit upon this solution in time. I am merely claiming credit for what is rightfully yours."

These were Ji Ran’s sincere thoughts. Many rulers today failed to realize the world was changing; they spent their days in drunken stupors and endless songs, devoid of any desire for progress. Meng Di, however, was someone entirely different. He did not act as a superior and was always willing to listen humbly to the advice of those around him—this was the foundation of a wise ruler.

There were so many brilliant minds in this world who, for lack of a virtuous lord, were forced to live in seclusion, spending their lives in the company of flowers and insects. Ji Ran felt fortunate; at the very least, he had found Meng Di.

Soon, the fifty chariots sold to the Tian clan were transported back to the State of Qi. Shortly thereafter, Ji Mei, an envoy of Yang Hu, arrived.

Ji Mei had volunteered for this mission because he felt that Meng Di could not be trusted. Although Meng Di claimed to support Yang Hu, he had taken no substantive action. Ji Mei was impatient to succeed as the head of the Jisun clan, but as Yang Hu remained inactive, he wanted to see if Meng Di was merely making excuses.

Meng Di had no love for Ji Mei. He despised those who betrayed their families, but since Ji Mei was a representative of Yang Hu, Meng Di felt obliged to show him some courtesy and went out to greet him personally.

After their meeting, Ji Mei asked with a cold, mocking smile, "Lord Meng, seeing your troops so strong and your horses so sturdy, it seems you suffered no losses at all this time."

Hearing this, Meng Di knew his visitor had come with ill intent. He gave a subtle signal to Han Zhan and replied with a smile, "Since I am here to welcome you, Master Ji, I must not be discourteous. In truth, there are still many wounded soldiers in the camp; you may visit and see for yourself."

Ji Mei did not give Meng Di a chance to back down. "I never would have guessed. Since I have time now, why not let you take me to the camp for a look?"

Meng Di’s expression remained unchanged as he realized his guest's intentions. Without a moment's hesitation, he said, "If you wish it, Master Ji, please follow me."

As the two rode side by side, Han Zhan gradually fell to the back of the party and, finding a moment, spurred his horse away.

Upon reaching the camp, Liu Xia Tuo immediately stepped forward and bowed to Meng Di. "My lord, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

Ji Mei narrowed his eyes at the sight of Liu Xia Tuo and remarked with a touch of irony, "I never expected the infamous Dao Tuo to have become a general. It is truly unpredictable."

Liu Xia Tuo was not a man of gentle temper, and as a noble of the State of Lu, he retorted immediately, "While I have engaged in some business of taking wealth by the roadside, I have always adhered to a code among thieves. I have never forgotten my roots, nor would I ever betray my ancestors for the sake of petty gain."

This was a slap in the face. Just as Ji Mei was about to retort, Meng Di rebuked, "Step back!"

He then turned back to his guest, his voice sincere and filled with apology. "Please forgive my lack of discipline over my subordinates, Master Ji. Do not take it to heart. Now that we are in the camp, allow me to take you to the infirmary. It is a foul place, so please take care."

Ji Mei, suppressing his anger, gave only a cold grunt in response. Meng Di did not seem to mind; his smile remained fixed as he led the way, keeping his posture as humble as possible.

Inside the infirmary, dozens of tents were packed tightly, the smell of blood heavy in the air. Ji Mei opened one tent and looked inside, but he immediately stepped back, his face pale and his chest heaving; he could clearly not stomach the sight.

Yet, unwilling to give up, he insisted on inspecting the tents one by one. After seeing the dozens of tents filled with the wounded, his skepticism began to fade, though his expression remained icy.

Afterward, Meng Di accompanied him back to Mengyi. Throughout the journey, Ji Mei maintained a sullen, unapproachable demeanor.