Chapter Forty-Six: The Fisherman and Ji Ran

Yin Hu was appointed as the head of the Yin clan, inheriting the title of Earl of Yin.

Xiaowu, accompanied by Youqu, escorted Zhong Ying to the Yin clan’s domain, while the other three clans followed as well.

Any who refused to comply were executed on the spot. With Ji Chao’s strong backing, Yin Hu quickly solidified his position.

At this time, Han Land was undergoing a massive land reclamation campaign. Over ten thousand indigenous Shanyue, more than ten thousand Han people, and others—a total of twenty thousand—embarked on large-scale cultivation after the autumn harvest.

During this period, Meng Di spent much time in contemplation; he was no longer just a general who only knew how to charge into battle. By the time Ji Chao returned with his men, Meng Di’s jurisdiction would encompass nearly thirty thousand people. Yet, the military texts never taught how to govern a fief.

After a morning of private discussion with Old Jing, Meng Di developed an initial vision for Han Land’s future.

The most pressing issue was how to deal with the captives—over ten thousand, with three to four thousand able-bodied men. It was simply unrealistic to rely solely on soldiers to guard them.

Gathering the tribes together, Meng Di announced that any prisoner of war who served Han Land for three years would be pardoned and become a commoner or could be transferred into the ranks of the soldiers. Those who performed well could even be released earlier.

The Li tribe set an example: over a thousand able-bodied men were all pardoned, most became soldiers, some became farmers, and a few, willing to become craftsmen, remained in the valley in service.

However, they were forbidden from identifying as the Li tribe. Anyone who claimed such would be executed.

The same applied to the other tribes: in Han Land, only family clans based on blood ties were permitted.

Soon, Xiaoliu brought back news that black stone had been found by the great river.

With the first batch of black stone delivered, Meng Di restored the smelting workforce to a thousand. Gan Jiang did not disappoint; within a short time, they were producing a hundred iron swords per month.

Ji Chao returned to Han Land at year’s end. After a long and arduous journey, only three to four thousand remained, all travel-worn and weather-beaten.

Upon arrival, Ji Chao was astonished. In just a few months, Han Land had completely transformed.

There were now one hundred thousand mu of fertile fields and two thousand elite soldiers, all heavily armed.

Originally, he thought with the strength of the four clans, they could at least match Han Land, or perhaps even seize control. Now, it seemed that if Meng Di turned against him, there was nothing he could do.

Fortunately, Meng Di was a man of his word—he still respected Ji Chao as the legitimate ruler, even yielding the city lord’s residence to him. Yet he also made it clear that Han Land’s power was not yet ready to be revealed, and Ji Chao could not interfere in its affairs.

Meng Di treated the four clans with courtesy, granting them the same status as the original people of Han Land. Each household received ten mu of good land, and only the following year would they be taxed at one-tenth, with encouragement to open up more land.

Any with special skills could register and receive a salary. This delighted Meng Di the most; Ji Chao, when heading to Chu, had taken with him nearly all the artisans, some of whom were the best in their trades.

Winter passed into spring, spring gave way to summer, summer faded into autumn, and autumn succumbed to winter—so time marched on.

Now was the best opportunity for Han Land’s development. Among the three neighboring states, Wu and Chu were preoccupied with their own affairs, while Yue was, in name, its suzerain.

“In name” meant that although Han Land respected Yue as its overlord, it did not heed its edicts nor pay tribute. This had been Yue’s promise to Meng Di. If the Yue court knew Han Land’s current situation, one wonders if they would regret that decision.

Another year drew to a close. The City Lord’s Mansion in Han City was brightly decorated and filled with joy.

The mansion in Gumei City had already been handed over to Ji Chao, along with ritual vessels and classical texts.

Meng Di had also built a city in Han Valley, naming it Han City. Built against the mountains, the city was tall and imposing, firmly guarding the valley’s entrance and now serving as Han Land’s center.

Meng Di was in the city lord’s mansion, listening to reports from his subordinates.

Han Land differed from other regions; clan influence was weak.

Though the Han and the four new clans were numerous, the division of land and the policy of opening up new fields meant many gradually left their ancestral homes to form new households. This made Meng Di’s governance much easier, as he did not have to contend with powerful families.

Meng Di was very satisfied with the year’s progress, especially the unprecedented grain harvest—no one in his fief would need to fear starvation again.

At that moment, a report came: someone calling himself Fisherman requested an audience.

Fisherman—Meng Di recalled how, over a year ago, he and Su’er had sought him out without success. Now, unexpectedly, the man had come of his own accord.

“Quick, invite him in.” Meng Di knew such recluses were often eccentric and must not be slighted.

With a hearty laugh, a medium-built, unremarkable elderly man strode in, his face cheerful, displaying none of the aloofness typical of a hermit.

“Ji Ran greets the lord of Han Land.” The old man cupped his hands, very affable.

Meng Di hurriedly invited Ji Ran to be seated and courteously inquired, “Sir, do you have any advice for me?”

“This is not our first meeting, my lord,” Ji Ran replied.

“Oh?” Meng Di was surprised.

“That day, you displayed divine might, rescuing King Zhou, Ji Chao, most impressive.”

“You were there?”

“Indeed. Ji Chao had come seeking me, but acted carelessly and was hunted by the Zhi clan. I, being powerless, dared not get involved. Heaven did not abandon Ji Chao, and he was fortunate enough to be saved by you.”

Meng Di smiled—this man was certainly honest, openly admitting to standing by and doing nothing.

“I have heard of your wisdom, sir. Is there any guidance you would offer me?”

“Indeed, I have come to give advice.” Ji Ran appeared kindly but spoke with astonishing bluntness.

“Please.”

“Are you truly so satisfied with Han Land’s development?”

“Well, yes, I am,” Meng Di replied, rubbing his nose, secretly quite proud.

“That is gravely mistaken. Han Land is but a small fief, yet you dare shelter Ji Chao and even honor him as the legitimate heir of Zhou. Do you not fear the wrath of all the lords under heaven?”

Meng Di knew this was a risky move. At the time, he was tempted by the manpower and craftsmen of the four clans and agreed rashly. In hindsight, it greatly accelerated Han Land’s development, but also planted a dangerous seed.

“That is the first mistake.” Ji Ran continued at a measured pace, “Han Land encourages land reclamation, fishing, and smelting—these are the strategies of a strong state. But from top to bottom, there is not a single official; all matters are handled by the city lord personally. Already chaos is brewing, yet you remain oblivious. That is the second mistake.”

Meng Di felt embarrassed; he truly did not understand governance. The people Ji Chao brought, whether overly cautious or with ulterior motives, offered no advice.

“The third: you possess the advantages of copper and iron smelting but do not know how to trade. You have artisans of great skill but do not understand manufacture. Grain is important, but if everyone only farms, this is not the way to real strength.”

“The fourth is the true crux. To the south of Han Land are the barbarians—useless to take. To the west and north are unbroken mountains; though there are small paths to Wu and Chu, expansion is nearly impossible. To the east lies Yue, the suzerain state, presently at its peak and not to be trifled with.”

“Therefore, Han Land has no prospects. If you are content with the status quo, so be it. But if you have ambitions of hegemony, you have not the slightest chance.”