Chapter Fifty-Nine: On the Brink of Conflict

"Confucius has deceived me!" Gongshan Bu Niu roared, smashing his wine goblet onto the ground.

"My lord, though Zilu is brave and fierce, the scouts report that his thousand men carry only a few spears and halberds—most wield bamboo rods and clubs. If we send more men, reclaiming the households will not be a problem."

"No, the Meng clan’s weapons have already been replaced by ours; that is no concern. What worries me is that Yang Hu may act."

"My lord, do you mean…?"

"The matter of the Ji clan ceding Fei City seems odd. It is likely a scheme of Yang Hu," Gongshan Bu Niu mused.

Though he ruled his own city, he was far from the center of power in Lu, and his supposed allies were ever rivals to be guarded against; thus, he knew little of court affairs and struggled to grasp the situation.

Yet he had his own method. If all troubles stemmed from the Meng clan, he would simply send troops to destroy them—the situation would surely become clear.

"In three days, muster the whole army, level Meng City, and drive that two-city grandee back to Qufu!" Gongshan Bu Niu drew his sword and shouted as his men thundered their assent.

Ji Wu, the marshal of the Ji clan and commander of its remaining forces, had, following Yang Hu’s orders, secretly led three thousand regulars to encamp near Fei City.

After much deliberation, he slipped away to Meng City to probe Meng Di’s intentions.

Their acquaintance began in Teng City, so Meng Di welcomed him warmly.

"Is Master Yang prepared?" Meng Di asked directly after the initial pleasantries.

"All is ready. If Gongshan Bu Niu attacks Meng City, Master Yang will personally lead the army to seize Fei City."

"Scouts have confirmed that Fei City is gathering troops and will soon march out."

"Excellent!" Ji Wu was elated, the last thread of doubt vanishing.

"However, since the Lord of Lu has already granted Fei City to me, there’s no need for Master Yang to act. Why not delay Gongshan Bu Niu while I take Fei City?" Meng Di said calmly.

This… Ji Wu was dumbfounded. He was not quick-witted, and owed his favor with Yang Hu to steadfast loyalty. Caught off guard, he stammered, unable to reply.

"What’s wrong?" Meng Di’s expression changed. "Does Master Yang intend to seize Fei City for himself?"

Hadn’t they already agreed? Why change now? Ji Wu felt wronged; such a decision was not his to make, and seeing Meng Di was serious, he could only say Yang Hu must decide.

"Then report quickly to Master Yang. If Gongshan Bu Niu learns of Yang Hu’s plans, he will retreat to Fei City and defend it, and such an opportunity may not come again," Meng Di warned.

Yang Hu had arrived with two thousand reserve troops. Hearing Ji Wu’s report, he pondered deeply.

Meng Di was indeed no easy opponent, having seen through his scheme to sit back and let tigers fight.

He had brought a large army, hoping that if things went smoothly, he might rid himself of Meng Di afterward. But now, that chance was gone.

Yang Hu sensed that if Meng Di were allowed to rise, he would prove even more formidable than the Three Huan.

Yet Meng Di was right—this might be the only chance to defeat Gongshan Bu Niu. Yang Hu, decisive by nature, knew now was not the time to quarrel with Meng Di.

"Very well, we’ll do as he says." Yang Hu, a true leader of his age, could bend and yield; he immediately led his army around to the border of Meng City.

Gongshan Bu Niu had no idea a net was closing around him, but sensed something amiss. After much thought, he resolved to cut the knot—he would sweep through Meng City first. On the third day, he marched out with five thousand elite troops.

Fei City, fortified by generations of Ji clan leaders, had towering, impregnable walls. Even the Lord of Lu, Ji Chou, had failed to take it with his own army. Thus, only a few hundred soldiers were left to guard it.

Even if Yang Hu seized the chance to attack, he could only encircle the city, never breach it. There was enough food and arrows for half a year—half a year? To Gongshan Bu Niu, Meng City would fall in an instant. Then, returning to Fei City with his army, attacking from within and without, perhaps Yang Hu would suffer a heavy loss.

Free of worries, his army marched straight for Meng City, reaching the border in less than a day.

"My lord, something is wrong," his men reported gravely.

Gongshan Bu Niu climbed his tall chariot and looked out: thousands of men were arrayed in dark lines, blocking the road.

"It’s Yang Hu’s trickery!" Years as the Ji clan’s retainer made him recognize them at a glance.

"My lord, should we return to Fei City?"

"Ha! Yang Hu thinks a few thousand men can best me?" After acquiring a thousand bronze swords, some had been forged into spears and halberds, greatly improving his soldiers’ arms. Gongshan Bu Niu’s confidence swelled.

"My lord, the Meng clan is nowhere to be seen—they may have secretly gone to Fei City."

"So what? Can the Meng clan possibly breach Fei City?" For some reason, seeing Yang Hu betray him openly, Gongshan Bu Niu’s anger flared; he would hear no counsel. Personally, he seized the wooden mallet and beat the drum.

At the drum’s sound, his troops formed ranks, war chariots advanced slowly, pressing forward.

The State of Lu was a land of a thousand war chariots; originally, the Ji clan was strongest, owning five hundred chariots.

Now, these were divided between Yang Hu and Gongshan Bu Niu, with Yang Hu holding slightly more—over three hundred.

So in terms of strength, Yang Hu had the advantage, but Fei City’s troops were well-trained, and now equipped with improved arms. The outcome was evenly matched, which was the source of Gongshan Bu Niu’s courage.

"Is Zixie present?" As the armies drew within half a mile, a war chariot rushed from the opposing lines. Yang Hu stood atop, calling loudly.

The drum in Gongshan Bu Niu’s ranks ceased; he ordered his driver to bring his chariot forward.

"Zixie, it has been a while."

"Yang Hu, you faithless villain—how dare you face me?"

"Zixie, you cannot blame me. The Lord of Lu has decreed Fei City be given to the Meng clan—why do you not obey?"

"What a joke! Does the Lord of Lu still have a say in Lu? Yang Hu, what are you truly after?"

Yang Hu shook his head, exasperated. "Zixie, the grant was made by Grand Minister Ji Sun Si—I knew nothing of it beforehand."

He paused, then continued, "Since it is settled, do you mean to oppose all of Lu alone? Why not join me? Together, we will leave no place for the Three Huan!"

"Hahaha!" Gongshan Bu Niu laughed wildly. "So, you covet my forces, setting this cunning trap. The might of the whole country? I’ll see how you take Fei City from me!"

Yang Hu sighed, "Your prejudice runs deep. If you are stubborn, do not blame me for being harsh." With that, he drove his chariot back to his lines.

Gongshan Bu Niu’s eyes blazed. He raised his bow to shoot, but saw several war chariots rush out to shield Yang Hu. Knowing he could not succeed, he returned, frustrated.

The drums sounded again; both armies advanced slowly, and the great battle was about to begin.