Chapter Ninety-Nine: Journey to Qufu
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Upon hearing this, Meng Di’s face showed confusion, and he asked, “Why go to the Jin State at this time? That Fan Yang is a greedy and unrestrained man, and with people like Zhong Xingyin involved, this trip will cost quite a bit, and I doubt it will yield any good results.”
Ji Ran gently shook his head, speaking with solemnity. “Now that Jin has allied with Lu and has dominated for over a century, its strength cannot be underestimated. Even if it is beginning to decline, in the short term, Jin remains the strongest state in the land.”
“Our lord has analyzed Jin’s situation before, and I find his analysis quite reasonable. If that is the case, why not establish ties with Zhao Yang ahead of time? Should he truly become the central general of Jin in the future, he will surely be of great help to our lord.”
These words stirred something in Meng Di’s heart, but he sighed soon after. “This plan is good, but it may be difficult to carry out. After all, our strength is too weak now. To befriend someone like Zhao Yang, one of Jin’s six ministers, we simply lack the qualifications.”
“Besides, Ji, you know I have some friction with Zhi Shen. I fear that once in Jin, unforeseen troubles may arise.”
Ji Ran smiled and began to analyze carefully. “Our lord must understand that times change. Now, by defeating the Qi army with a weaker force, our lord’s deed has surely spread to Jin. Moreover, this time, our lord travels directly from Qufu to Jin, allowing him to petition the Duke of Lu to foster goodwill with Jin.”
“In this way, even if Zhi Shen harbors resentment against you, he would not risk offending the state of Lu to act against our lord. Furthermore, this journey will allow a clear assessment of Jin’s internal state, preparing us for the future.”
“Today, the world’s tides have shifted. The northern Jin is declining; the southern Chu is faltering; Wu and Yue harbor mutual suspicion. If we do not grasp the situation early, how can we stand out?”
Such foresight made Meng Di nod repeatedly, and he immediately agreed. “Ji, you are right. Then I shall set out for Qufu at once and leave Meng City in your care.”
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In the city of Qufu.
Yang Hu finally awaited Meng Di’s arrival. Though somewhat late, he felt a measure of comfort, for Meng Di’s first visit upon arriving in Qufu was to see him, showing a degree of respect.
After taking a seat, Yang Hu’s tone turned somewhat displeased. “Meng, why have you come so late? I have been waiting here in Qufu for quite some time.”
Meng Di understood well that Yang Hu’s words stemmed from resentment—last time he failed to show up for a summons. Bowing slightly, he sighed before explaining, “Young Master Yang, please excuse me. The reason I did not come last time was that I had prior intelligence that the Qi army was about to invade. To better understand their movements, I used an excuse to stay away.”
Though the two events were close in time, Yang Hu was unaware of the details, so Meng Di spoke freely. Frankly, even if Yang Hu knew the truth, what of it?
At least there was now an explanation, a way to save face. Yang Hu’s expression softened. “I see. By the way, this time your fame has soared. With only three thousand troops, you defeated tens of thousands of Qi soldiers. I am deeply humbled. Qi has always held grudges against Lu, often sending troops to Fan, which is a constant headache.”
“Now that Lu has you, we need not fear Chu’s invasion. Therefore, I have petitioned the Duke of Lu to grant you Yuncheng as part of your fief. With this, Lu will have no worries of war.”
After speaking, Yang Hu fixed Meng Di with a burning gaze—his meaning clear: the benefit is offered. Now it depends on you. If you want Yuncheng, you must show your stance here.
Meng Di naturally caught the implied meaning. Hesitating, he said helplessly, “To be honest, Young Master Yang, I hope for internal stability within Lu. Only then can I focus on training troops to resist Qi. If Lu falls into chaos now, and Qi sends a large army to invade, without domestic support, I alone cannot withstand it. That would disappoint both your goodwill and the Duke’s hopes.”
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Though unspoken, Meng Di gently conveyed that he wished to avoid entanglement in Lu’s internal strife, preferring to quietly develop his own domain and guard Lu’s gates.
Such an answer did not please Yang Hu. His face darkened as he pressed, “Lu is indeed unsettled. Many are secretly in contact with each other. To ensure stability, I am determined to eliminate these troublemakers—and may need your assistance in doing so.”
This was a clear push for Meng Di to take a stand. His expression turned troubled. After much thought, he looked up and said, “If anyone truly attempts rebellion, I have an undeniable duty to act. However, after the recent battle, my forces suffered heavy losses and require time to recuperate.”
On the surface, Meng Di agreed, but in truth, he was delaying, seeking to soothe Yang Hu’s anxieties and buy time.
Yang Hu’s expression flickered unpredictably as he studied Meng Di for a long while. In fact, he believed some of what was said. After all, how could a few thousand soldiers face tens of thousands without casualties? The words were unassailable.
Most importantly, he now had Meng Di’s stance. Though it might be a polite falsehood, at least there was an attitude. What happens next depended on Meng Di’s actions, which would require time.
The atmosphere grew heavy. After a moment, Yang Hu smiled. “When I first met you, Meng, I knew you were destined for greatness. Once we have dealt with those who refuse to obey, the Lu government will be under our joint control—your leadership outwardly, and mine within. Lu will then be as solid as a rock.”
His words sounded as if they spoke of a partnership like a married couple. Meng Di did not believe such nonsense. Likely, once Yang Hu removes his enemies, Meng Di himself will be next. Yet, for now, he smiled and replied, “If that is so, I am at ease. By the way, the Jisun clan recently sent much grain and supplies. I must pay them a visit soon to express my gratitude.”