Chapter 135: A Banquet at the Prime Minister’s Residence

Guo Yuan naturally understood the principle. From Meng Di’s words, two extremely important things had been revealed. First, Yang Hu was not wholeheartedly devoted to Jin; he simply did not yet understand how matters would unfold and therefore did not wish to choose sides too soon.

Second, Meng Di clearly had little faith in Jin’s future and was therefore inclined to cultivate friendly relations with Qi.

Having grasped these two points, Guo Yuan felt reassured and spoke soothingly.

“If that is the case, then once I return, I shall certainly report the matter to my father and ask him to change Chancellor Gao’s mind.”

Meng Di shook his head, his tone carrying a trace of concern.

“Although I have never met Chancellor Gao, I have heard many rumors. Ever since his last encounter with General Pan, he has harbored considerable ill will toward me. Under these circumstances, I fear Chancellor Gao may not be willing to change his mind.”

“To be frank, I came to Qi this time prepared for the worst. If Young Master Guo is willing, I would be deeply grateful if you could inform your honored father and have him recommend me to the Marquis of Qi.”

There was an air of finality in his words, giving Guo Yuan an ominous feeling. He was filled with emotion and, without a moment’s hesitation, agreed on the spot.

“Master Meng, rest assured. Once I return, I shall report this to my father. I will certainly not allow you to end up in the same predicament as Minister Yue. There is no time to lose—I shall return at once and make the necessary arrangements.”

Meng Di was deeply moved. Guo Yuan was pure of heart, spoke and acted with the bearing of a gentleman, and was truly a man worth befriending. He rose to thank him and personally escorted him all the way out of the post house.

Just as he was returning inside, a Qi cavalry unit came galloping toward the post house. The commander was none other than Pan Yi. When he reached the entrance, a complicated expression crossed his face. He dismounted and walked straight inside.

By then, Meng Di had already received word and came out to greet him, clasping his hands in salute.

“General Pan, it has been some time. May I ask what brings you here?”

Pan Yi returned the salute, his face expressionless.

“I hear that Master Meng has come as an envoy to Linzi. Chancellor Gao has ordered me to invite you to his residence for a meeting.”

Meng Di’s heart gave a sudden lurch. Gao Zhang certainly acted quickly. This visit was unlikely to be for any pleasant purpose. Yet his expression did not change, and he continued to smile.

“Since Chancellor Gao has summoned me, I shall naturally obey. General Pan, please wait here for a moment. Once I have bathed and changed, I shall accompany you.”

Bathing and changing before appearing before a superior was a matter of proper etiquette, so Pan Yi naturally had no reason to object.

After returning to his room, Meng Di beckoned one of the soldiers over and instructed him in a low voice.

“Go and summon your commander.”

Before long, a burly officer entered the room. His name was Bo Ren. He had risen through the ranks by military merit after entering Meng Di’s fief. Brave in battle and quick-witted by nature, he had been appointed Meng Di’s personal guard commander.

The situation was urgent. Meng Di raised a hand to stop him from saluting and spoke directly.

“Gao Zhang has invited me to his residence. I fear he intends me no kindness. As soon as I leave, send someone to notify the Tian and Guo clans. Then remain here at the post house and wait quietly. Whatever happens, you must respond with caution.”

“Do not give anyone a pretext to seize upon. Even if you suffer some humiliation, it will not matter. Do you understand?”

Bo Ren immediately realized how serious the matter was and gave a solemn nod.

“My lord, rest assured. I know what must be done. Even with a blade at my throat, I will not cause trouble for you.”

Meng Di reached out and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.

“As long as the people of Qi find no excuse to act against us, we still have a chance of withdrawing safely. Put your minds at ease and simply wait for my return.”

Meng Di then bathed and changed without deliberately delaying matters before setting out with Pan Yi for Gao Zhang’s residence.

As soon as he entered the estate, he saw Gao Zhang standing in the main hall with a broad smile. The chancellor extended a hand in invitation.

“I have long heard of Master Meng’s reputation, yet only now have I had the pleasure of meeting you. You are truly a man of distinguished appearance.”

Whatever Gao Zhang might have been thinking, his manner at least conveyed the impression that he valued talent and treated worthy men with courtesy. Meng Di naturally did not dare act arrogantly. He hurried forward and bowed.

“Your humble servant Meng Di pays his respects to Your Excellency. I came in some haste and have prepared only a modest gift. I hope Your Excellency will accept it.”

Gao Zhang showed no interest in the gift list. He merely indicated that Meng Di should take his seat, then clapped his hands.

A group of beautiful women entered with graceful, measured steps. Soon, the sounds of strings and bamboo instruments filled the hall, and the women began to dance.

Meng Di was just about to ask why Gao Zhang had summoned him when he noticed the chancellor’s expression of complete absorption, as though his entire mind had been captivated by the music and dancing. He could only suppress his question and sit quietly beside him.

At first, the performance seemed harmless enough. Yet as evening approached, Gao Zhang ordered wine and food to be served. He drank cup after cup with Meng Di, speaking at length of rustic anecdotes and tales of spirits and immortals, but never once mentioning the purpose for which he had summoned his guest.

At last, Meng Di understood. Gao Zhang had invited him to the residence and provided him with an extravagant feast and lavish hospitality. Though nothing appeared discourteous on the surface, the true intention was likely to keep him there—in other words, to place him under house arrest.

But Meng Di had already made his plans and therefore remained perfectly calm. He did not mention the purpose of his own visit either. Instead, he decided to turn the scheme against its author: he ate when there was food, drank when there was wine, and watched the dancing whenever he had nothing else to do.

When the banquet finally ended, Gao Zhang was showing the first signs of drunkenness. He rose and spoke.

“Master Meng, you have come from afar and are my guest. Make yourself comfortable here in the chancellor’s residence. If you require anything, simply inform the servants. I have drunk rather too much today and am in no condition to discuss affairs of state. Please settle in and rest.”

Now that he had entered the chancellor’s residence, Meng Di knew that nothing he said or did could proceed entirely according to his own wishes. He therefore made no show of impatience and followed the servants to the quarters Gao Zhang had arranged for him.

When he entered the room, he found two women waiting inside. Although Meng Di had drunk quite a bit, his mind remained clear. He studied them carefully. They appeared delicate, but judging from their bearing and the way they moved, they were clearly no ordinary women.

He immediately understood that both possessed martial skill. Gao Zhang had sent them to attend him, but their real purpose was undoubtedly to keep watch over him.

Once he had realized this, Meng Di at once put on the appearance of a drunken man.

He threw his arms around one of the women and fell onto the bed with her.

End of chapter.