Chapter 121: The Submission of Yi Dun

At this moment, Meng Di suddenly sighed and spoke with a touch of helplessness.

"It is truly a pity about Master Bai. He is a man of great talent, yet he is unwilling to remain."

Hearing this lament, Ji Ran smiled. He understood, of course, that Meng Di was anxious due to the scarcity of talented individuals, so he replied, "I came here today specifically to recommend someone to you, my lord. This man is named Yi Dun, a humble scholar from the State of Lu. He is quick-witted and eager to learn, with a particular gift for the ways of commerce. I believe that if he were to oversee our mercantile affairs, he would certainly generate substantial profits."

At the mention of commerce, Meng Di’s thoughts turned to a brewing technique he had known during the Han Dynasty—the "Nine-Steeping Method." This process involved adding grain and distiller’s yeast in nine separate stages, resulting in a liquor that was exceptionally clear and refreshing. Furthermore, the yield was significant; one part of raw material could produce twice as much liquor, and it was much more potent than the spirits of the current era. In truth, Meng Di had long considered this idea, but he had been held back by a lack of sufficient grain.

If the grain issue could be resolved, he could begin brewing. At the very least, he was highly confident that he could produce the finest liquor in the world, which would mean that money would never be a concern in the future.

Because he currently employed a voluntary enlistment system, his total military force was not large, which in turn meant less grain consumption. This allowed him to free up a majority of his manpower for farming, and as long as enough experience was accumulated, crop yields would surely increase.

Meng Di understood this well. During the Han Dynasty, there was a vast disparity between northern and southern yields. If one were planting wheat or millet, the harvest per acre was not much different from the current era, totaling about three *shi*. However, he had heard of yields in the south reaching over a dozen *shi* per acre. Although he did not know the specifics of how they achieved this, Meng Di was clear that rice was more productive than wheat or millet. Currently, however, rice cultivation was concentrated in the south.

In the north, rice was a luxury food reserved for the nobility. Due to limited cultivation and the ongoing power struggle between the states of Jin and Chu, rice was rarely grown in the north, primarily because of a lack of water.

Now that the strategy to attack the Huai Yi had been set, Meng Di naturally began to consider rice cultivation. Because he lacked sufficient knowledge, he did not speak of it rashly. Now that Ji Ran had provided him with a mercantile talent, Meng Di decided to test the waters.

After establishing the specific implementation methods for the Land Reward Decree, Meng Di immediately issued an order to notify his territory and then directed Ji Ran to summon Yi Dun. He needed to question him in person to judge his character.

Yi Dun had not expected to be summoned so quickly, and he felt a flutter of nervousness in his heart. Upon entering the hall, he immediately prostrated himself.

"This humble servant, Yi Dun, pays respects to Master Meng."

Seeing that he was only about twenty years old—very young, and much like himself in age—Meng Di observed his square face and broad nose. Though his eyes were small, they were sharp and alert. His first impression was favorable, so he began, "Master Ji says you are well-versed in the ways of trade. I have summoned you to see if your expertise is genuine. If you were provided with a batch of fine liquor, how would you go about it, and what kind of profit could you expect?"

Yi Dun was momentarily taken aback that Meng Di would broach such a topic immediately. He frowned in thought for a moment before replying, "If it is *ji* (filtered) wine, I am confident I can make a hundredfold profit; if it is *zhuo* (turbid) wine, I can still make a tenfold profit."

"The *ji* wine can be offered to the lords of the north to build a reputation, ensuring a constant stream of buyers. The *zhuo* wine can be transported to the south, where it will also fetch a profit."

So-called *ji* wine was filtered, also known as *hao* wine; it was as clear as water and considered a high-grade product, typically used for sacrifices or by ministers and nobles. *Zhuo* wine was of a slightly lower quality; because it was unfiltered, it appeared somewhat cloudy when poured, hence the name.

After all, the most culturally advanced region was still the north. Compared to the south, northern liquor could fetch a good price there. Hearing this response, Meng Di knew that Yi Dun indeed possessed a keen mind for business. The strategy of offering the best wine to the lords to establish a reputation before selling at high prices felt very familiar to him. After a moment of reflection, Meng Di asked, "I am currently lacking someone to oversee my commercial affairs. Would you be willing to serve me?"

Yi Dun was overjoyed. How could he refuse? He was merely a humble scholar from the State of Lu, having spent his twenties drifting without accomplishment. It was only because his older brother had been drafted into the army that he had gained the opportunity to study. He had not expected to find a path to official service so quickly, so he bowed without hesitation.

"This humble servant is willing. Please, my lord, give your command."

Meng Di was not surprised by this result. He smiled and said, "Rise and take a seat. However, I do not have such liquor in my possession at the moment. I do, however, know a method for brewing that can produce excellent *ji* wine. If I entrust this recipe to you, are you capable of brewing it?"

Though his heart leaped, Yi Dun was a cautious man. He did not make boastful promises on the spot; instead, he thought for a moment before replying, "In reply to my lord, if there are suitable craftsmen and sufficient time, I can certainly try. I cannot guarantee success, but I will give it my utmost effort."

Unassuming, cautious, and composed in his speech and actions—he was truly a talent. Meng Di was even more satisfied.

"I have some men capable of brewing, but you must be careful: the secret of this recipe must never be leaked. If you can produce fine liquor, I will record a great merit for you. But should it be leaked, you will be punished."

Upon hearing this, Yi Dun did not hesitate. He nodded immediately and said, "Please rest assured, my lord. If the recipe is leaked, I ask that you take my head as a warning to others."

Meng Di considered this for a moment before giving his instructions. "In that case, go back and await further news. Pack your belongings and prepare to head for Zhongqiu. I will provide you with some grain to start with; use it sparingly. It is not yet time for brewing, do you understand?"

"Your subordinate understands. I will go back and prepare at once."

After speaking, Yi Dun rose, offered a bow, and withdrew.

There was a reason Meng Di sent him to Zhongqiu. The people in Mengyi were all locals of the State of Lu, and the relationships there were likely complex. Zhongqiu was different; there, he could exercise absolute control. Most importantly, Meng Di hoped that in the future, Yi Dun could traverse the world under a different identity, which would serve to minimize unnecessary trouble.