Chapter 119: Making Good Use of It

At this point, Yan He took a deep breath, his face slightly flushed with excitement.

"This is the perfect moment for you, my lord, to rise. While the states of the Central Plains are powerful, the south is different. Wu and Yue are but minor, peripheral states; their strength cannot be compared to that of the Central Plains."

"At such a time, we could first seize the state of Ju, then strike straight south, conquering Wu and swallowing Yue before breaking Chu. By then, the territory under your control would rival that of any northern state. With diligent governance, in ten years, you would surely command a force of over a million men in armor."

"From there, we could advance steadily, first against the small states, then the large ones. I believe that within your lifetime, you would certainly achieve total unification."

Meng Di had hoped to hear a practical, effective strategy, but Yan He’s plan was far too generalized and differed from his own. To attack the south first would be a monumental task; the state of Chu alone could not be defeated in a short time.

The state of Wu was even more formidable, bolstered by the presence of legendary figures like Wu Zixu and Sun Wu. To take Wu would be to pay a devastating price, even in victory. Most importantly, the south was a labyrinth of rivers and lakes.

Such terrain was unsuitable for cavalry, rendering the strategy fundamentally flawed. Furthermore, it was evident from Yan He’s words that he held a certain disdain for the southern states of Wu, Yue, and Chu.

This was understandable; after all, Yan He had never been south, and the political center of gravity remained in the north. His insights were, at the very least, a sign of considerable talent.

Since he had been addressed as "my lord," Meng Di did not hide his thoughts. He pondered for a moment before speaking.

"What you say, Master Yan, sounds reasonable, but it would not be so smooth in practice. The state of Wu is currently at its zenith, having just sacked Ying, the capital of Chu; its power is evident."

"Moreover, they possess master strategists like Wu Zixu and Sun Wu. To attack Wu would likely exhaust the bulk of our strength, which is why I will not adopt such a strategy."

Seeing the embarrassment on Yan He’s face, Ji Ran smiled and intervened.

"My lord has always favored direct speech. This discussion is merely an exchange of strategies, and having come from the south himself, my lord is well-acquainted with the situation there."

"Master Yan’s points are not without merit, but knowledge is easy, while action is difficult. There are always many variables, and the situation in the Central Plains changes by the day. Thus, we must prioritize stability."

"We must judge the movements of the Central Plains while simultaneously seeking opportunities in the south. Although the state of Lu possesses natural defensive advantages, Yang Hu is currently at the height of his power. If we act too rashly, we will invite unnecessary trouble."

This explanation provided Yan He with a graceful way out. His complexion darkened slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. After reflecting, he said, "Knowledge is easy, action is difficult—that is well said. It seems I have been a frog in a well. I recently saw the notice issued in Mengyi regarding free education for the families of soldiers. Was that in preparation for these plans?"

Speaking with a clever man was indeed effortless. Meng Di nodded with a smile. Having observed Yan He closely, he saw that the man possessed a firm will and the capacity to listen to others—a rare trait. He replied:

"Zheng has already dispatched troops against Xu. I suspect the state of Jin will likely not intervene, or at most, will only send an envoy. If that happens, Qi will surely conclude that the internal crisis within Jin has become severe."

"In such a situation, war between Qi and Jin is inevitable. Therefore, the result of my consultations with Master Ji is to take advantage of this interval to send men into the Huaiyi region and bring it under our administration."

"However, we shall not take control in our own name, but in the name of the Son of Heaven. This will avoid much trouble and allow us to attend to both fronts while keeping them mutually supportive."

Yan He’s expression shifted instantly. To take control in the name of the Son of Heaven? Was that a joke? Did they intend to send someone to Luoyang? Even if they did, nothing would come of it.

The current Son of Heaven was, to put it bluntly, a mere figurehead. Yet, Meng Di spoke with such conviction that he must have a plan. Yan He frowned in deep thought, until his eyes suddenly lit up, and he looked up sharply.

"Master Meng, are you saying you know the whereabouts of Prince Chao?"

Ji Ran and Meng Di exchanged a knowing smile. It was Ji Ran who then explained:

"Prince Chao is currently in the south, and he is quite safe. The state of Jin, as a vassal, disregarded the King’s command and sent troops to attack Luoyang to install Prince Gai as the new ruler. Upon encountering Prince Chao, our lord treated him with the honors due to the Son of Heaven and has provided him with secure sanctuary."

Hearing this, a look of great joy appeared on Yan He’s face as he clapped his hands in praise.

"Brilliant! If we take the Huaiyi region under these circumstances, it will not attract the notice of other states. When the time is right, my lord can honor Prince Chao as the rightful King. This will provide a righteous pretext for conquering the world. What a magnificent plan!"

He then frowned, thinking carefully, and said with some hesitation:

"I am not well-versed in the affairs of the southern states, but could we utilize Prince Chao to establish contact with Wu and Yue? If we could form an alliance with them, we would have a much better chance of dealing with Chu in the future."

This was a sound suggestion. Meng Di thought for a moment before nodding.

"The strategy is viable, but the time is not yet ripe. The most important thing is to bolster our own strength as quickly as possible. Only then will Wu or Yue be willing to form an alliance with us."

After all, the identity of Ji Chao was far too sensitive. Until he held sufficient power, Meng Di did not intend to reveal Ji Chao’s presence, at least not until the Huaiyi region had been quietly brought under his control.

Yan He lacked a full understanding of the current state of Mengyi. Though he wondered why Meng Di was so cautious, he did not ask, for through today’s conversation, he clearly sensed that Meng Di was a man of great ambition, both methodical and purposeful. He was not an impulsive man. Since everything that needed to be said had been said, Yan He smiled.

"It is truly my own lack of understanding regarding your affairs, my lord. After hearing so much from Master Ji, I wonder—have you considered what position you might grant me, so that I may put my skills to good use?"