Chapter 120: Issuing the Decree of Agricultural Rewards

Just as Yang Hu, full of ambition, was planning to lead his troops to invade the State of Cao, news arrived that immediately made him abandon the idea: envoys from the States of Zheng and Qi had successively arrived in the State of Wei.

Although Yang Hu was somewhat arrogant, his governing abilities were quite commendable, and his political acumen was sharp. If there were any collusion between Zheng and Qi, it wouldn’t be a major issue for the State of Lu. However, if Wei were involved as well, the situation would become complicated.

The State of Cao was weak; even if the campaign into Fan failed, they could simply withdraw. But if Wei sided with Qi, Lu might face forces from Qi, Wei, and Zheng simultaneously.

Faced with such circumstances, Yang Hu immediately abandoned the plan to attack Cao and began to ease tensions with the Three Huan clans. Now that Lu was in danger, the best course was to put aside past grievances and cooperate fully to first secure Lu’s survival.

This gave Meng Di a much-needed breather. After months of hard work, he finally trained a group of relatively competent farmers. With spring planting approaching, these farmers would be sent across the land to guide the people in cultivation.

To boost the farmers’ enthusiasm, Meng Di devised a reward system. The fields were roughly divided into three grades, and those who met his standards and ranked among the top three in yield at harvest time would receive rewards.

After sharing his idea with Yan He and Ji Ran, Yan He expressed concern.

“My lord, shouldn’t we consider recruiting soldiers at this time? The situation is delicate. Should Qi’s army invade, our current forces might be insufficient to resist.”

Ji Ran, however, smiled meaningfully in response.

“Expanding the army now is not prudent. Yan, do you think if Lu is attacked by other states together, Jin would send troops to aid us?”

Yan He frowned, uncertain.

“Jin’s situation has worsened. Fan Yang, leveraging his power, benefits the Fan clan. Many vassals now either turn to Chu or Wu, while some have outright allied with Qi.”

“Meanwhile, Zheng has resumed attacking the State of Xu. Although the Marquis of Jin ordered Zheng to withdraw, they have ignored the command and continue their assault. Yet Jin has not sent troops, so I’m not optimistic.”

This was indeed the truth. The Assembly at Zhaoling had been deeply distasteful, and with Jin’s involvement in deposing the Zhou king, the Zhou rites had become hollow. Under such circumstances, it was unsurprising that the vassal states harbored other intentions.

Hearing this, Ji Ran smiled and offered his opinion.

“Xu is a small state. Even if Zheng destroys it, Jin faces no real danger. But Lu is different. I am certain that if Qi, Wei, and Zheng jointly invade, Jin will inevitably send troops.”

Yan He, hearing such conviction, quickly pressed further.

“Mr. Ji, you speak so assuredly—is there a certain basis for this?”

At this moment, Meng Di understood and smiled softly.

“There can only be one hegemon under heaven. For Qi to dominate, the first step must be to confront Lu. Due to geographical constraints, Qi has been forced to endure for years, always eager to annex Lu.”

“Only by doing so can Qi influence more vassals. Thus, Lu is a crucial barrier blocking Qi’s dominance, a shield resisting Qi. If Jin abandons Lu, Qi’s hegemonic position will surely be established.”

Ji Ran smiled knowingly, implying this very point. Yan He understood immediately.

Clearly, Yan He’s military instincts were not sharp. Meng Di noticed this and exchanged a glance with Ji Ran, who then spoke again.

“Given this, we must not expand the army now. Instead, we should appear extremely concerned and request funds and provisions from Qufu, citing the need to strengthen border defenses. Encouraging cultivation at this time is precisely proper.”

“After consideration, the rewards can be made a regular policy, called the ‘Field Reward Decree.’ Rather than ranking, rewards should be based on the amount of grain delivered. People pursue profit; if only a few benefit, enthusiasm may wane.”

“It’s best to allow most people to gain benefits. Then, if you seek change later, many will rally to your call.”

“Since the land tax is small, the lord can impose additional levies, which will be partly returned to the people in cloth, salt, money, and so forth. A granary should also be established for emergencies.”

Yan He nodded repeatedly, praising the plan.

“Mr. Ji’s proposal is excellent. I had thought too narrowly. Yang Hu is suspicious; if we ask him for funds now, he might think our strength is insufficient.”

“However, I find the Field Reward Decree lacking somewhat. The lord should consider granting special privileges—such as allowing people to pay grain donations in lieu of tax, enabling their children to study for free.”

“Moreover, the free teaching centers will become our talent bases. Since the lord aims to conquer Huaiyi and Yihu territories and establish prefectures and counties, a large number of officials will be needed.”

“In life, people pursue fame and profit—some prefer fame, others wealth. The lord must treat both fairly. This way, the treasury will fill quickly, and the people’s enthusiasm for farming will rise.”

Meng Di was very pleased with these words. Yan He appeared practical, with a broad perspective, but often focused on details and had considerable insight into human nature. Therefore, Meng Di said:

“It would be unfair to burden Yan with trivial affairs. I have been contemplating the campaign against Huaiyi, but Chuqiu cannot be left unattended. I ask you to go to Chuqiu, and let Liu Xia Tuo lead the troops to Huaiyi.”

Meng Di had few reliable subordinates. The only one capable of independent command was Liu Xia Tuo. Han Zhan lacked experience, while Liu Xia Tuo had led a band of fierce outlaws for years and possessed keen judgment and vision—an excellent choice.

Yan He heard this and bowed, saying respectfully:

“I obey your command.”