Chapter Ninety-Eight: Ji Ran’s Proposal

Mon Di still showed a hint of hesitation, wearing an expression that suggested he found it hard to make up his mind.

“This proposal is certainly a good one, but when it comes to business matters, I am not particularly skilled. I also do not know how much profit there might be to gain. Could Young Master Tian perhaps offer me some guidance?”

Tian Chang laughed softly, though inwardly he looked down on him. The people of Qi were all skilled in commerce, and the one they most revered was Guan Zhong. Among Guan Zhong’s most famous stratagems was the victory that came without battle.

In the past, the state of Hengshan, which bordered Qi and Lu, was especially adept at manufacturing weapons and armor. Guan Zhong once advised Duke Huan of Qi to spend a great sum placing orders there for military supplies, and as a result, the prices of those supplies rose severalfold almost overnight.

Thus, when the other feudal states, which had previously enjoyed good relations with Hengshan, saw the prices climb so steeply, they all hesitated and kept their distance, even scorned Hengshan’s conduct, and broke off ties with it.

At that very time, Qi took the opportunity to sell its own stockpiled weapons and armor to the other states at double the price, reaping immense profits, while also buying grain from the states at high prices. Hengshan, meanwhile, devoted all its energy to producing military equipment.

When it discovered that it lacked grain at home and tried to buy some, it found there was none to be had. Under such circumstances, Qi and Lu joined forces in attack, and Hengshan as a whole submitted to Qi.

The people of Qi were all too familiar with such matters, and Tian Chang was no exception. So long as Mon Di was willing to open his market, and relations between him and Yang Hu could be set at odds, then it would be as good as seizing Mon Di by the throat.

By then, everything would be decided by the Tian clan. Thinking of this, he could not help feeling a measure of self-satisfaction, and so he said:

“It is simple enough. Once the Tian clan has transported the goods to Mon Yi, they may sell them within the state of Lu. In this way, the profits will surely be considerable. All business matters shall be handled by my Tian clan, and Lord Mon will need only wait to take his share.”

“Also, regarding the price for redeeming the prisoners this time, it would be best if it could be set a little lower. In this way, it would count as showing some regard for Chancellor Gao. Then my father will also be in a better position to speak well of Lord Mon.”

Upon hearing this, Mon Di immediately understood the Tian clan’s intention. In this way, the supply of daily necessities to Mon Yi would have to rely on the Tian clan alone, and as time passed, it would gradually fall under their control. Indeed, a fine scheme.

He kept his expression unchanged. Since there were disadvantages, there were also benefits. Mon Yi was now in ruins and urgently in need of renewal; at such a time, the Tian clan’s caravans arriving would, in one sense, accelerate Mon Yi’s prosperity.

In that way, it would be possible to grow stronger in a short time. When that moment came, strength would speak for itself. Moreover, Mon Di could use this period to gradually build a complete commercial system within his territory.

By then, who would be the one smiling at the end, only time and ability would tell.

The matter of redeeming the prisoners thereupon became mere formality. Mon Di also displayed remarkable generosity, not only releasing the captives at a very low price, but even, as they departed, presenting them in full with the armor, weapons, and war chariots that had been captured.

Tian Chang was naturally overjoyed by this. Not only had the Tian clan gained a stable source of income, but they had also gained an ally. When he returned, he could further claim credit before Gao Zhang. It was truly a profitable bargain.

After returning to the city, Ji Ran laughed without restraint and said in a somewhat mocking tone:

“By acting this way, my lord will surely leave the men of Qi somewhat baffled, making them think that you fear retaliation from Qi, which is why you returned all those weapons and armor. They will then let down their guard.”

“However, the Tian clan’s proposal is indeed brilliant, bearing much of Master Guan’s old ingenuity. Their methods are also exceedingly covert, so that ordinary people would likely never notice them. Yet the key point still lies with Yang Hu. Judging by the current situation within Lu, I fear Yang Hu will not be able to hold out for long.”

Mon Di merely smiled and lightly tapped the tabletop.

“I would actually prefer Yang Hu to remain in Lu a while longer. Only then can we gain more benefit from the Tian clan. By then, once our cavalry has grown in scale, our chance will have come.”

This was also a matter of necessity. Without sufficient strength, he could only lie low and bide his time, first using the Tian clan’s wealth to develop his own power. Under such circumstances, it would be best if Lu remained stable; otherwise, the Tian clan would surely continue to watch and wait.

Yet only a few days later, an order came from Qu Fu summoning Mon Di to appear before the Lord of Lu.

Mon Di brought Ji Ran in to discuss Yang Hu’s intentions. Although the order was issued in the name of the Lord of Lu, the affairs of state in Lu were now firmly in Yang Hu’s hands, and that meant this was Yang Hu’s intention.

Ji Ran frowned and began to think of a response. After a moment, he said:

“Last time, my lord refused Yang Hu’s summons. This time, he has issued such an order under the name of the Lord of Lu. His purpose is plainly to test your intentions.”

“So my suggestion is this: when my lord reaches Qu Fu, you may seek out the other great families and make contact with them, so that Yang Hu will feel some measure of wariness. Under such circumstances, it would be unwise to grow too close to Yang Hu.”

The current situation was somewhat troubling for Mon Di. The main issue was that the Three Great Families had not yet made up their minds. Otherwise, Yang Hu might not dare to be so arrogant. In name, among the Three Great Families, Zhongsun Heji held the greatest power.

He also had Gonglian Chufu and Zifu He to assist him, but this man was too hesitant and preoccupied, unable to make a final decision. For Mon Di, this was both a blessing and a curse.

The advantage was that Yang Hu could continue to control the administration of Lu, buying him enough time, because once Yang Hu fell, the balance of power within Lu would certainly be reshaped.

By then, whatever benefit Mon Di could gain would depend entirely on his own strength. In addition, Qi would surely spare no effort to restrain his development, and the result would be a situation of both internal and external peril.

Thus, what best served Mon Di’s interests was to have a stalemate form within Lu, one that lasted as long as possible.

After weighing everything carefully, a thought gradually took shape in Mon Di’s mind, and a smile appeared on his face.

“When I reach Qu Fu this time, I will first pay my respects to Ji Sun Si, then go to see Yang Hu, and only at the end will I see the Lord of Lu. As for what final result there will be, that will depend on their performance. If it truly comes to it, I will support Yang Hu!”

“From the current situation, the men of Qi have already become wary of me. At a time like this, Yang Hu cannot fall. Otherwise, it would be unfavorable to me. Most importantly, our cavalry has not yet taken shape, and our numbers are too few to withstand losses.”

After hearing this, Ji Ran suddenly said:

“If my lord can keep the situation under control after reaching Qu Fu, you might as well take a detour to the state of Jin.”