Chapter 131: Probing Yang Hu

The problem, however, was that Yang Hu currently controlled the government of Lu. He was locked in a bitter struggle with the Three Huan clans and remained deeply suspicious of Meng Di. Under such circumstances, if Meng Di were to expand his military forces, Yang Hu would likely be the first to strike against him.

After much deliberation, Meng Di finally reached a decision and slammed his hand heavily on the table.

"In that case, I have no choice but to follow Master Ji's advice. Once I arrive in the State of Qi, I will first make contact with the Tian clan to express my intention of persuading Lu to rebel against the State of Jin, and then I will seek an audience with Guo Yuan. I hope to achieve some results."

Ji Ran, however, was deeply troubled by this. He sighed heavily and offered a warning.

"My Lord, your journey to Qi is intended to demonstrate your sincerity. But the problem is that Gao Zhang must still harbor deep resentment over his previous defeat. If he takes this opportunity to detain you in Qi, things will become very difficult."

Such an outcome was certainly possible, especially at a time like this, yet Meng Di did not hesitate in the slightest.

"We have reached a point where time is what we need most. If I do not go, the cunning Tian clan will never believe that I am serious. Regardless of the risks, I must make this trip."

Seeing his resolve, Ji Ran frowned and pondered for a moment before an idea struck him.

"The Marquis of Qi is fond of grand achievements. If you can find a way to secure an audience with him, you might be able to return safely. After all, for the State of Qi, hegemony is paramount. If they were to exhaust too many troops in Lu because of this, the cost would outweigh the gain."

Meng Di’s eyes lit up at these words. This was indeed a sound strategy. The situation in Qi differed from that in Lu; Duke Jing of Qi still maintained significant control over his state. As for the outcome, it would depend on how well he could present his case when the time came.

However, he needed a contingency plan. After considering the matter, he added, "Since the situation is as it is, we shall employ a ruse to deceive everyone. We will select one thousand veteran soldiers from the army and send them to various regions under the guise of training, where they will identify and drill the most capable men."

"This way, if the war reaches its worst possible stage, these men will be ready for the battlefield at a moment's notice. Besides, Master Bai brought back over ten thousand warhorses; we cannot simply let them grow fat in the stables."

"Furthermore, before I depart for Qi, I must first visit Qufu to meet with Yang Hu. This will serve two purposes: to show him my helplessness and to gauge his attitude. If he also harbors thoughts of rebelling against Jin, then I will have some certainty in my heart."

Ji Ran had no objections to this, though he added a reminder: "Ji Mei, who is by Yang Hu's side, is not only incompetent but also extremely greedy. You must prepare a lavish gift for him when you go; it might just produce an unexpected effect."

Meng Di nodded. He held nothing but contempt for someone like Ji Mei, who had turned his back on his own ancestors, but such a person could cause great trouble at critical moments, so it would not do to offend him at this juncture.

Once the plans were finalized, Meng Di began preparing gifts for his visit to Qufu and set out immediately.

In Qufu, Yang Hu was surprised to receive news of Meng Di’s arrival. Given the evasive messages Meng Di had sent previously, he had not expected him to appear in Qufu at such a time. He immediately ordered that Meng Di be brought in.

After Meng Di performed the proper salutations, Yang Hu gestured for him to take a seat and asked with a smile, "Is Master Meng here today because he intends to assist me?"

"You misunderstand, Master Yang. I have come today for the sake of the future of Lu. The State of Zheng has already annexed the State of Xu and has sent envoys to Qi once again. I have heard that when they passed through the State of Wei, Duke Ling of Wei even held a banquet in their honor."

"Given these circumstances, it seems that Zheng and Qi have already reached an alliance. If the State of Wei also tilts toward Qi at this time, our State of Lu will be in great danger."

Yang Hu was well aware of this situation, but he did not quite understand Meng Di’s intent. He leaned back, squinting at him, and asked, "In your opinion, Master Meng, how should Lu act in the face of this to ensure our safety?"

"This matter does not lie with Lu, but with Jin. All this time, Lu has followed the lead of Jin. If Jin could send troops to support us, then even if Qi, Zheng, and Wei were to join forces, Lu would be as steady as Mount Tai."

Yang Hu clearly sensed that there was more to these words than what had been spoken. His heart stirred, and his expression shifted. He sat up straight, staring intensely at Meng Di, and after a long silence, he spoke.

"Are you saying that Jin may not necessarily send troops to help Lu resist Qi in the future?"

"The Fan clan now holds power in Jin. My concern is that Fan Xianzi is now aged. If he were in his prime, Jin would certainly send troops to assist Lu—of that there is no doubt, for Fan Xianzi is a man of great wisdom who understands the crux of the matter."

After saying this, Meng Di did not look away but held Yang Hu’s gaze.

For a moment, the air in the room felt heavy. Yang Hu pondered the situation repeatedly. Having governed Lu for so many years, he was no fool and understood the implications perfectly.

Ever since Fan Yang took power, the entire State of Jin had shown signs of decline, and there was intense dissatisfaction within the state toward him. In particular, the detention of Le Qi had struck Yang Hu as truly baffling.

Le Qi was, after all, a high official of the State of Song, not a mere retainer of the Fan clan. Yet simply because he had grown close to Zhao Yang, he had suffered this undeserved calamity. Fan Yang did not seem to care at all about the feelings of the State of Song.

How could someone who acted this way possess the bearing of a high minister of a great power? He had disregarded even the most basic sense of propriety. Were it not for the fierce opposition from both the State of Song and factions within Jin, Le Qi likely would not have survived.

Having heard Meng Di’s analysis, Yang Hu pondered it carefully. He felt that what Meng Di said made a great deal of sense, though it was not necessarily the absolute truth. After a moment of contemplation, Yang Hu said, "Since Fan Xianzi is still in power, we need not worry too much for now. If, in the future, Jin truly cannot come to our aid, we shall make other plans then. Upon your return, Master Meng, you would do well to focus on preparing for war."

There was a hint of hesitation in his words, and Meng Di seized upon it immediately.

"Master Yang, given the current situation, I still believe we should work to improve our relationship with Qi. It is always wise to prepare for a rainy day. If the situation truly changes, Lu will at least have a glimmer of hope for survival."