Chapter Forty-Seven: Treating the Lords as Fish

Meng Di rose from his seat and gave Ji Ran a deep bow.

Eminent figures of the era always liked to utter astonishing words; if there truly was nothing of value in the Han lands, Ji Ran would not have made the effort to visit. Yet the four points he raised indeed gave Meng Di much to ponder.

“Sir, I am but a man of martial background and know little of formalities. Would you be willing to stay and aid me?”

“If one thing can be accomplished, I am willing to serve you.”

“Please speak.”

“Head north to the Central Plains and start anew.”

The Central Plains? Meng Di mused. Since arriving in this world, he had been to Chu, Wu, and Yue, all regions south of the Yangtze. The Central Plains were a patchwork of feudal lords—he had no notion from where to begin.

Seeing Meng Di’s silent contemplation, Ji Ran shook his head and said, “If you wish to remain and dominate this remote land, then it’s as if I never came.” With that, he stood up.

“Wait, sir. Where in the Central Plains do you propose we go?”

“Lu.”

“Lu?”

“Since the turmoil of the Three Huan, the state of Lu has weakened, royal authority is diminished. Yet as the keeper of Zhou rites, if one can seize it, one enters the ranks of the lords with rightful claim.”

Seize it! Ji Ran’s appetite was certainly not small. Meng Di’s spirits lifted and he clasped his hands in respect. “Please instruct me, sir.”

Ji Ran smiled faintly, but shifted the subject. “Is your surname Meng?”

“It is.”

“Where are you from?”

Meng Di did not know why the topic had turned to himself, but he truly had no idea of his origins.

“The Meng surname originates from the Gao Yang clan, descendants of the Yellow Emperor’s grandson, Zhuanxu, who was later enfeoffed at Meng. Thus the surname was taken from the land.”

“Truly!” Meng Di was greatly moved. Two lifetimes, and finally he knew his lineage. In his previous life, Li Ling had said that when he took Meng Di in, he found a jade pendant inscribed with the character ‘Meng’, which seemed to indicate a distinguished origin, so he did not change Meng’s surname to Li.

“Meng lies a hundred li east of Qufu, near the Yi River. There are still people with the Meng surname living there.”

Meng Di again rose and gave a proper bow. “I wandered into Chu, and today finally learned my origins. Sir, your kindness is immense, please accept my salute.”

Ji Ran smiled and remained seated, accepting the bow, then stood and returned the gesture respectfully. “Ji Ran is willing to serve, if my lord will accept me.”

“Wonderful! With your help, what worries can’t be solved?” Meng Di hurried to help Ji Ran up, thinking to himself that things were indeed as he hoped.

With their roles established, the two sat as lord and minister. Meng Di asked curiously, “I have heard you wander among mountains and waters, live in seclusion, and delight in fishing. How is it that you know so much of the affairs of the world?”

“I take the world as my lake, and the lords as my fish—naturally, I know how to fish them.”

Both broke into hearty laughter.

Though Ji Ran had just shown disdain for the Han lands, his earlier words were merely to pique Meng Di’s interest. Now, with plans to head north to Lu, it was necessary first to secure the rear.

Ji Ran’s first suggestion was: take concubines.

Meng Di could not help but laugh. Wasn’t this a discussion of serious matters? How had it turned to himself again?

“This is indeed a serious matter, and one vital to the stability of the Han lands.”

“Sir, surely you exaggerate! How could my taking concubines affect the peace of Han?”

“Precisely. You have no family here, and the safety of Han rests on your shoulders. How can the people feel secure? You must not only take concubines, but have heirs as soon as possible. This is the most important issue facing Han right now.”

Meng Di was speechless. A red silhouette flashed in his mind—Bi’er, how are you now?

“If you have someone you favor, there’s no need to worry. This is only for concubines; the position of primary wife remains reserved.”

“Is there a suitable candidate?”

“The daughter of the Han clan.”

“Qiu’er? Absolutely not.” Meng Di shook his hand urgently. “She is far too young.”

Ji Ran added, “Han Qu has only one daughter. Even if she’s eight or nine, she must be the one.”

In the end, Meng Di was persuaded, but did not expect that Ji Ran would also suggest Su’er as a concubine.

“Why?”

“Miss Su’er is highly skilled; she will be a great help on our journey to the Central Plains. Besides, you and she spend your days together—without an official status, it will be inconvenient.”

“How long have you been in Han, sir? Why does it seem you know everything?”

Ji Ran smiled. “As long as my lord doesn’t mind my meddling.”

The Han clan was overjoyed, celebrating as if it were a festival. Han Lei led the clan in ancestral rites at once.

Normally fearless, Qiu’er was so shy she hid herself and dared not meet anyone.

The lord’s taking concubines was a grand event. All of Han was abuzz, even more jubilant than at a bountiful harvest, and Meng Di realized Ji Ran’s words were true.

During the ceremony, Ji Chao said to Zhong Ying at his side, “The people of Han are now stable; prosperity can be expected. If the four clans do not know their place, they may bring trouble upon themselves.”

On the wedding night, Meng Di was troubled. According to the rites, Qiu’er was first, but in his heart, she was still a child.

After hesitating for a long time under the maids’ curious gazes, he grit his teeth and entered.

Inside, the red candles flickered, and a slender figure sat with her head bowed.

Meng Di gently lifted the veil, feeling dazed. Was this woman, lightly adorned and gazing affectionately, truly the dark, thin mountain girl he met years ago?

“Husband,” came a shy voice, bringing Meng Di back to himself.

Her next words changed the mood entirely: “Husband, I’m hungry.” She stuck out her tongue, embarrassed.

This was the Qiu’er he knew. Meng Di breathed a sigh of relief and smiled. She hadn’t eaten all day—no wonder she was famished.

He called for the maids to bring food and watched Qiu’er eat with gusto, feeling much joy. Qiu’er was, after all, the first person he met in Han.

“Husband, am I being rude?” Qiu’er said worriedly, mouth full. Her mother had repeatedly told her to behave like a lady before the marriage.

“It’s fine; I like Qiu’er just as she is.”

They smiled at each other.

In the end, Meng Di simply held Qiu’er as they slept.

For the naive Qiu’er, sleeping together meant they were truly wed, and she could proudly announce she was Meng’s woman.

Su’er had her ceremony the next day; regardless of rank, she came after Qiu’er.

Su’er’s surname was Tian, which she revealed only before the ceremony. As usual, she faced everything with calm.

But Meng Di knew she was happy. Traveling and fighting side by side had forged a deep understanding between them.

Qiu’er still called Su’er “sister,” not yet grasping the distinctions of rank.

Han Qu naturally became the magistrate of Han, and the Han clan the foremost family, becoming Meng Di’s representative in Han after he headed north.

Ji Ran greatly approved of Meng Di’s efforts to weaken the clan’s power, though he felt it might be excessive. With the Han clan now dominant, it was imperative to support other families to maintain balance.