Chapter 145: Visiting the State Clan

The State of Wei has dispatched envoys to the State of Qi? This news sent a slight chill through Meng Di's heart. Guo Yuan was a man of great discretion in his actions; he would never speak of things that ought not to be said.

These words felt more like a warning, hinting to him that the current situation in the State of Lu was far from favorable, and hoping that he would make a wiser choice.

Once they arrived at the estate and took their seats, Guo Yuan dispensed with excessive formalities and asked directly, "I heard that Tian Chang paid you a visit last night. I am rather curious—what could the Tian clan possibly have to discuss with Master Meng at a time like this?"

This made Meng Di realize that it was not merely Guo Yuan asking out of personal curiosity, but rather the intent of Guo Xia. Given Guo Yuan's personality, he would not have been so direct. Without much hesitation, Meng Di replied on the spot.

"The Tian clan wishes to take advantage of this opportunity to sell me some grain and other goods, hoping to make a massive fortune in the process."

Guo Yuan nodded. This aligned perfectly with the usual conduct of the Tian clan. After all, hostilities between Qi and Lu had not yet broken out, and private trade was not explicitly forbidden. It was completely understandable for the Tian clan to seize the chance to turn a profit.

Even so, Guo Yuan offered his customary word of caution.

"In your dealings with the Tian clan, it is best for Master Meng to remain fully aware of what is happening. By the way, the second wave of envoys from Lu is about to arrive. As for the final outcome of the negotiations between Qi and Lu this time, it will all depend on Master Meng's capabilities."

Hearing this, Meng Di could only manage a helpless, bitter smile and voiced his true thoughts directly.

"The State of Lu is weak and fatigued at present, and under such circumstances, it will not rashly alter its allegiance. Unless something profound happens in the State of Jin that forces Lu to make a choice, a war between Qi and Lu is inevitable. As for the scale of this conflict, it will depend entirely on the wishes of the Marquis of Qi."

Guo Yuan furrowed his brows slightly, a trace of displeasure evident in his tone.

"Did Master Meng not state in your previous letters that this diplomatic mission intended to ease relations with the State of Qi? Why are you uttering such words now? Could it be that Master Meng is doing this on purpose?"

From these rhetorical questions, one could easily sense that Guo Yuan felt as though he had been deceived.

Yet, not a shred of panic appeared on Meng Di's face. Instead, he analyzed the situation logically and with sound reasoning.

"The current ruler in power in Lu is Yang Hu, while the influence of the Three Huan families is in decline. Under these conditions, does Lord Guo truly believe that with my humble prestige, I could possibly influence Yang Hu? My mission to the State of Qi this time is precisely to lay the groundwork for the future."

"If I can ascertain Qi's attitude, I will then have the confidence to persuade the internal factions of Lu to alter their perspective on Qi. When that time comes, there will naturally be a great hope for an alliance between Qi and Lu."

After he finished his explanation, Guo Yuan frowned and pondered for a moment before slowly nodding. He dropped the subject thereafter, instead inviting Meng Di to tour the estate, treating him like an old friend he had not seen in years.

Following the midday meal, Guo Yuan had someone escort Meng Di away to rest. As the daylight gradually softened, a servant arrived to invite Meng Di to a secluded courtyard. Upon entering, he saw Guo Xia sitting with his eyes closed, listening to the playing of a zither.

Meng Di chose not to disturb him. He simply offered a silent bow and took a seat to the side.

Not until the melody came to an end did Guo Xia slowly open his eyes. Upon seeing Meng Di, he asked, "Master Meng has stated that a war between Qi and Lu is inevitable this time. What, then, is the purpose of Master Meng's current mission to Qi?"

Clearly, Guo Yuan had already repeated Meng Di's words to Guo Xia. By asking this question now, Guo Xia wanted to uncover Meng Di's actual intentions.

Meng Di had already prepared his strategy long in advance. Without the slightest panic, he replied, "While the power of Jin still stands, if Qi wishes to achieve hegemony, it must inevitably engage in a direct, head-on war with Jin. I would like to ask you, my lord: has the State of Qi truly prepared itself for this?"

Guo Xia smiled faintly, straightened his posture, and countered instead of answering. "I wonder what insights lie behind these words? This old man would like to hear Master Meng's explanation."

"The saying goes that a centipede dies but never truly falls apart. If Qi were to wage war against Jin now, not only would it severely deplete Qi's national strength, but it might also leave Qi with nothing to show for it. Therefore, my humble view is that Qi should accumulate grain extensively and drill its troops diligently."

"Only by doing so, once war breaks out with Jin, it will become a total national mobilization. Only through all-out effort can Qi secure ultimate victory. Otherwise, rushing unprepared into battle will mean Qi is certainly no match for Jin."

At this, a look of grave seriousness appeared on Guo Xia's face, and the gaze he directed at Meng Di changed noticeably. Guo Yuan had previously described Meng Di as a fiercely courageous man who was nevertheless humble and courteous.

However, these words made Guo Xia realize that Meng Di's capabilities went far beyond that—possessing, at the very least, a unique and visionary perspective on governance and grand strategy. To be capable of both leading troops in battle and administering a state: such a person could truly be called a man of all-around talent.

With this thought, Guo Xia slowly nodded and steered the conversation elsewhere.

"Master Meng has been walking quite closely with the Tian clan of late. No doubt there must be some private agreements between you. May I ask, Master Meng, whether you have already made preparations to subjugate the State of Ju?"

First touching upon the Tian clan, and then bringing up the matter of Ju—the two seemed unrelated on the surface, yet Meng Di felt his heart skip a beat. It was clear that Guo Xia had already roughly guessed the contents of the agreement between him and the Tian clan.

With a person of this caliber, speaking empty falsehoods was of little use. After a brief moment of thought, Meng Di answered, "It is nothing more than mutual utilization. Meng Yi is currently recovering from devastation and needs the financial backing of the Tian clan. As for the State of Ju, it is merely a pretext. Even if I lead troops to conquer Ju in the future, I will not draw near the borders of Qi."

"To offend a great state for the sake of petty gains would be unwise, and I would certainly never do such a thing. When that time comes, with Ju powerless to resist, it will inevitably submit to the administration of Qi."

Since both parties were sensible men, there was no need for veiled language. Meng Di simply expressed his intentions clearly: he would attack Ju, and Qi could take the opportunity to annex it, allowing both sides to profit mutually.

As for the future division of territories, they could sit down and negotiate slowly when the time came. Admiration flickered in Guo Xia's eyes.

"To accomplish such great deeds at such a young age—Master Meng truly differs from ordinary men. The Marquis of Qi has already decided to grant you an audience tomorrow. No doubt you will receive the official notice upon returning to the guesthouse."

"This old man sincerely hopes that the future unfolds just as you have described, and that Lu can form an alliance with Qi. Should that come to pass, if Master Meng wishes to dispatch troops to subjugate Ju, the Guo clan will persuade Prime Minister Gao not to deploy troops against you. Furthermore, let me offer you a word of warning: do not grow too close to the Tian clan."