Chapter Ninety-Six: Receiving Visitors

At this moment, Pan Yi felt a certain unease in his heart. After being captured, Meng Di had not mistreated him; instead, he left several of Pan Yi’s personal guards with him, though all their weapons were confiscated. It was said that Meng Di had even sent people specifically to tend to the wounded with utmost care. Although Meng Di had not seen him during this time, Pan Yi’s treatment still corresponded to his status, except that he was not allowed to move about freely.

By noon, someone came to summon him, saying that envoys from the State of Qi had arrived. Pan Yi felt deeply ashamed. Before departing, Gao Zhang had instructed him that this battle was not meant to seize the city by force, but rather to proceed cautiously, testing the State of Jin’s reaction. Yet, unexpectedly, he had become a prisoner right at the outset. With conflicting emotions, he followed the messenger to the main hall.

By then, everyone was already seated. Meng Di gestured for him to sit, speaking with a humble tone. “General Pan, please take your seat. Today, the young lords of our states, Lord Guo and Lord Tian, have come, hoping that our two nations might turn their swords into jade tablets.”

His words were courteous, deliberately avoiding mention of the recent battle, instead clearly expressing the hope that Qi and Lu could maintain a degree of stability for some time to come.

Pan Yi bowed to Guo Yuan, Tian Chang, and Meng Di, then fell silent as he took his seat. At this moment, Tian Chang exchanged a glance with Guo Yuan before smiling and speaking.

“Qi and Lu were once connected by marriage and are neighboring states, meant to watch over one another. Yet, now that Lu relies on Jin’s aid, it treats Qi with suspicion, hence the frequent clashes.”

“If Lord Meng could persuade the Duke of Lu to maintain peaceful relations with Qi for generations, then the troubles between our states would cease.”

Though elegantly phrased, it was clear that the truth was being twisted. Qi was strong while Lu was weak. Although the Battle of Changshao had once been fought between them, Lu’s armies later followed Duke Huan of Qi in his quest for hegemony.

However, as Qi repeatedly invaded Lu, the latter had no choice but to seek help from Jin, the dominant power at the time. This was how the current state of affairs came to be.

Meng Di understood this well but said nothing in rebuttal, only sighing deeply.

“Now, the governance of Lu rests with the Jisun clan, and the real power lies with Yang Hu. As I have only just established myself in Lu, how could the Duke listen to my counsel? Nevertheless, I sincerely wish to foster good relations with Qi, and I hope Lord Tian will convey this to the Chancellor.”

In such formal meetings, words were always polished and dignified. The real negotiations had yet to begin; the main concern was to avoid leaving any grounds for criticism.

Thus, the conversation did not delve further. After the banquet, Meng Di escorted them back to the inn to rest, then returned to his residence to await further visitors.

Two hours later, Guo Yuan arrived first. Meng Di went out to meet him. Once alone, the two dropped formalities, becoming more relaxed. Meng Di smiled and grasped Guo Yuan’s hand, offering a direct apology.

“I did not reveal my true name that day, as a precaution. I hope Lord Guo can forgive me.”

Guo Yuan replied, “Meng, you made it hard for me to discern your true identity. At Eagle Beak Cliff, I felt you were no ordinary man—decisive, calm in crisis, and you saved my life. I realize now it was my own short-sightedness not to recognize your standing.”

Guo Yuan’s visit had two main aims: to gauge Meng Di’s character and to ascertain his ambitions. This would help the Guo family decide how to treat him.

Though Qi was powerful, Lu had the advantage of terrain. To the north lay the Taiyi Mountains; to the east flowed the Yi River. Thus, the city of Yuyi became the focal point of contention between the two states.

If Meng Di was truly an extraordinary figure, Qi’s aggressive advances might well end in failure. The only variable was that Meng Di had just become a minister in Lu and was not yet firmly established, so there was still room for negotiation.

Guo Yuan, therefore, pondered how best to cultivate goodwill.

Meng Di smiled, recalling the events of that day with deep emotion.

“Come to think of it, I went to Qi initially to secure trade routes to Yan. I never expected so many twists and turns. But overall, it was a close call without disaster—and I was fortunate to make the acquaintance of Lord Guo.”

He then gestured invitingly as they entered a room and took their seats. Guo Yuan asked with curiosity.

“Isn’t Lu allied with Jin? Meng, if you wish to engage in commerce, why not go to Jin—or at least trade through Qi? Why venture further to Yan? Is there some unspeakable reason behind this?”

Meng Di naturally could not reveal the real cause. Since Qi now sought to exploit the rift between him and Yang Hu for their own gain, he was prepared to go along with it, wearing a faint wry smile.

“Currently, Jin is governed by Fan Yang, a man of insatiable greed. At the Zhao Ling conference, he brazenly demanded bribes from smaller states. As a newly appointed minister of Lu, I scarcely have the means to conduct trade. Venturing into Jin’s market would be fraught with difficulty.”

“Moreover, Jin cast the Punishment Cauldron, openly trampling on the rites of Zhou. This is a rebellious act. Thus, I believe that as long as Fan Yang holds power in Jin, its decline is inevitable. Given this, I must prepare for all eventualities.”

Guo Yuan’s spirits lifted at these words. Though Meng Di seemed his peer in age, Guo Yuan felt intellectually outmatched. Yet uncertainty lingered in his mind, and he spoke again.

“Jin has dominated the realm for over a century. It has weathered internal strife and emerged unscathed. Zhao Yang is a young man of ambition; despite his youth, he commands the vanguard and has a bright future.”

“Though Fan Yang’s wickedness has provoked the wrath of the realm, he is aged. Meanwhile, Zhi Lu, a man of prudence and maturity, serves as central military advisor. It seems Jin’s decline is not yet assured.”

Guo Yuan’s words reflected the widespread acceptance of Jin’s dominance. Many found it hard to imagine change or dared not act against the established giant.

Hearing this, Meng Di chuckled.

“Zhao Yang is indeed talented. Within his domain, he honors the worthy, employs capable ministers, frees slaves, and rewards military merit. But Lord Guo must not forget that the Punishment Cauldron was forged at Zhao Yang’s urging under Fan Yang’s influence.”

“This shows Zhao Yang is also a man of ambition. Among Jin’s six lords, each pursues personal gain, and the royal authority has waned. Has Lord Guo not seen the present state of Lu?”