Chapter 118: The Recluse of the State of Lu

Upon hearing this, Yan He’s face lit up with approval. He clapped his hands and praised, "Master Meng, your words are truly excellent. Everyone performing their own duties is ideal, but your approach differs significantly from that of other grand masters. Do you not worry that such unconventional behavior might attract criticism from others?"

Hearing this, Meng Di laughed. He understood why the man asked; in this era, people cherished their reputations deeply and would go to great lengths to enhance their prestige. For Meng Di, however, practicality was what mattered most. Seeing that Yan He was clearly a man of status—otherwise, he would not have posed the question so solemnly—Meng Di replied without hesitation:

"If one were to act irrationally simply to avoid criticism, causing the people of one's territory to suffer unnecessary calamity, would you, Master Yan, consider that a virtuous act?"

Yan He frowned at this, pondered for a moment, and then a smile appeared on his face.

"I have one last question. It is said that you gifted a portion of the war chariots seized in the State of Ju to Master Yang and sold others to the Tian clan of the State of Qi. Is this true?"

Though he did not know why the man was asking these things, Meng Di did not hide the truth and admitted it directly.

"That is indeed true. The population of Mengyi is currently too small. To maintain a force of war chariots would require significant manpower and excessive expense. Given the current strength of Mengyi, I have no intention of training chariot troops."

When Meng Di finished, Yan He burst into laughter, then bowed and said, "Hearing your explanation, Master Meng, I find myself drawn to Mengyi. I wish to serve as an official here. Would you be willing to take me in?"

This was unexpected for Meng Di. The man had asked only a few questions before offering his services, catching him off guard. With a slightly embarrassed smile, he quickly replied, "To have the assistance of a master like you is something I would certainly welcome. Please, return with me to the estate. All affairs in Mengyi are currently managed by Master Ji; I shall introduce you to him so that you may display your talents."

Yan He merely smiled and, without another word, followed Meng Di back.

When Ji Ran arrived and they exchanged names, his expression shifted slightly. He hurriedly asked, "Are you the hermit of the State of Lu, Master Yan He?"

Yan He was quite famous in Lu. Meng Di had been there for a short time and, while he had heard the name, he had no deep impression of the man. It was said that once, Duke Ai of Lu asked Yan He if he should employ Confucius to govern the state. Yan He immediately opposed it, arguing that the rituals Confucius insisted upon were impractical and lacked substance, and he had refused to serve as an official in Lu.

Later, Yan He traveled through various states. When he arrived in the State of Wei, Duke Ling of Wei, knowing of his wisdom, wanted him to tutor the Crown Prince. Yan He, being a cautious man, knew that the Crown Prince, Kuai Kui, was a cruel individual and feared for his own safety. He sought the advice of the wise official Qu Boyu, who warned him: "If you truly intend to tutor the Prince, you must be extremely careful to protect yourself from harm. If you attempt to use your wit and wisdom to remonstrate with him, it will be like a mantis trying to block a speeding carriage—you will only meet a tragic end." Upon hearing this, Yan He left the State of Wei immediately.

Seeing that Ji Ran had recognized him, Yan He smiled and said, "Upon arriving in Mengyi today, I immediately felt a sense of renewal. Although the faces of the common people still carry traces of hunger, they are full of vigor; they walk with a brisk, purposeful stride, unlike the people in other places."

"That is why I became curious and wished to stay and contribute. Does Master Ji have any arrangements in mind? If there is nothing suitable for the moment, that is fine as well; I can wander about."

At this, Meng Di tapped his forehead, feeling a bit sheepish. "So you are the hermit of Lu. Forgive my memory; although the name sounded familiar, I failed to recognize you at once."

Yan He waved his hand dismissively, his expression earnest. "Remembering or not is of no importance. What matters is that I feel a burgeoning vitality in Mengyi today. That is what is truly significant. The world today already bears the signs of a chaotic age, yet it is laughable that so many remain oblivious."

"The nature of the world is that what has long been divided must eventually unite, and what has long been united must eventually divide; this is the natural way. The so-called 'reverence for rituals' is no longer appropriate for the times. In this era, we must reshape the land. Once the world is settled, we shall guide it according to the flow of events, and only then shall we establish new laws and rituals."

Upon hearing this, Meng Di understood why Yan He had not served as an official in Lu. Had he spoken these words there, he would not only have lost his position but ruined his reputation as well. After all, the current lords, regardless of their true intentions, ostensibly upheld the banner of the Zhou rituals. Ever since Zichan of the State of Zheng took power, cast the penal codes, published laws nationwide, and reformed the system to restrain the nobility and bolster the ruler's power, the strength of the State of Zheng had grown immensely.

Such successful reforms gave hope to many, as the power of the nobility was expanding while the power of the sovereign diminished. It was in this climate that the farce of Zhao Yang casting the penal tripod occurred. In truth, figures like Zhao Yang also wished to make changes, though they were exploited by Fan Yang. This set a precedent for reforms across the vassal states; although those initial changes were not thorough, the effects were significant.

Yet, Yan He’s vision was even more far-reaching; he was already contemplating the unification of the world. Such a notion would give any ruler a headache, but Meng Di was different. He had originally intended to do the same. Seeing Yan He stand with a calm face, his body slightly tense as if prepared to be cast out, Meng Di smiled.

"Master Yan speaks well. However, this must be done step by step. It is unrealistic to achieve national unification in a short time. If you believe I am worthy of your service, please, share your advice."

Yan He’s face brightened, and he bowed low. "I, Yan He, greet my Lord. In these times, the State of Qi is ambitious and seeks hegemony. Fan Yang of the State of Jin is old and failing, and his successor, Zhi Li, is incompetent—a man of mere mediocrity. Meanwhile, the State of Chu has suffered a grievous blow to its vitality."