Chapter Fifty-Four: Plotting to Seize the City of Fei

Meng Manor. Three current family heads—Zhongsun Heji, Jisun Si, and Shusun Bugan—were seated together, joined by Gonglian Chufu, the steward of Meng's domain Cheng, and Zifu He, making this the inner circle of the Three Huan. Gonglian Chufu was a man without great ambition, content to serve the Meng clan, and Zhongsun Heji placed immense trust in him.

"The descendants of the Meng clan are to be appointed as lords of Meng Town, with a thousand households under their command," Zhongsun Heji mused, tapping his fingers lightly upon the table.

"It's all that hateful Yang Hu's doing, using our Jisun land as a favor," Jisun Si said through gritted teeth. Meng Town lay within the sphere of the Jisun clan, long considered theirs by right.

"Zifu, what do you think?" Zhongsun Heji turned.

"Meng Town is remote, with only a few dozen households. To reach a thousand, migration from Fei Town would be necessary," Zifu He replied.

"In that case, we would certainly offend Gongshan Bujiu," Zhongsun Heji's gaze flickered.

"Hmph," Jisun Si set his wine cup down in embarrassment and frustration. The matter concerned his own fief, yet the others pondered only the feelings of their retainers, leaving him feeling like an outsider.

Zifu He, sensing his sensitivity, quickly comforted him, "There is no need to worry, Daimatu. Once Yang Hu is toppled, Fei Town will return to the Jisun clan in due time."

"That is true," Jisun Si nodded repeatedly.

The group discussed matters for a while, but aside from voicing a few complaints, they had no practical solutions. Before long, Jisun Si and Shusun Bugan departed separately.

"Master, the Grand Minister of Works and the Grand Marshal are all talk and no action; if we are to deal with Yang Hu, we must rely on the Meng clan alone," Gonglian Chufu said, stepping forward as the two left.

"I know that well enough. But the Three Huan are one body; if the Jisun and Shusun clans fall, Meng will be left unsupported," Zhongsun Heji sighed softly.

In the State of Lu, the offices of Grand Minister of Works, Grand Marshal, and Grand Minister of Justice had been held by the Three Huan for generations, so the three, though young, occupied high positions. The Jisun clan held the Grand Minister of Works, the most honored office, but last year Jisun Si was placed under house arrest by Yang Hu and forced to relinquish the family's power, leaving him broken and full of resentment.

Shusun Bugan, the youngest, saw his clan dominated by the minor branch, Shusun Zhe, of Yang Hu's party, holding the title of Grand Marshal in name only.

Only Zhongsun Heji, inheriting the Grand Minister of Justice, with Zifu He in civil affairs and Gonglian Chufu in military, had become a banner of resistance against Yang Hu.

"I have long known the Meng clan's descendants would be enfeoffed in Meng Town," Zhongsun Heji said slowly, "He has a subordinate named Jiran, an old acquaintance of mine. Before entering Lu, we agreed he would appear to side with Yang Hu but secretly assist me."

"Could it be that the refusal at Teng City was arranged in advance?" Zifu He asked. He had found it odd that Meng Di would so bluntly reject the Three Huan, despite no prior enmity.

"I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Zifu. But this matter is extremely secret; only the three of us must know."

---

Meng Di, eager to take possession of his fief, went to bid farewell to Yang Hu early the next morning.

"No hurry, no hurry," Yang Hu ushered Meng Di into a private chamber.

"Have you made arrangements for the migration of households?"

"I know nothing of Meng Town's situation. We'll have to handle it as it comes, step by step."

"But there is one way you might try, if you're willing," Yang Hu said with a mysterious smile.

"Please, Yang Zi, speak."

"Populate Meng Town with the people of Fei Town."

"Isn't Fei Town the Jisun clan's fief?"

"Fei Town may be theirs, but its steward, Gongshan Bujiu, does not heed my orders. If you go in my name, you'll get nowhere."

That amounted to saying nothing at all. Meng Di sensed there must be more and watched Yang Hu silently.

"There is only one way: you and I join forces and seize Fei Town!"

Now Meng Di understood: this was Yang Hu's true aim. The world assumed Gongshan Bujiu was part of Yang Hu's faction, but he was, unexpectedly, the first target.

The State of Lu originally had two armies, later expanded to three by the Three Huan, each controlling one. At present, the Jisun clan's forces were under Yang Hu and Gongshan Bujiu.

"Outsiders say Zi Xie is my man, but in truth, he answers to no one," Yang Hu admitted. "Zi Xie commands half the army, his strength equal to mine. Fei Town is fortified and well supplied; it cannot be taken in less than a year or two."

"So you want me to draw Gongshan Bujiu out, so you can capture him in one stroke?"

"Exactly," Yang Hu praised. "You truly are the Meng who routed Dao Zhi; you grasp the heart of the matter at once."

Yang Hu and Gongshan Bujiu had conspired to remove Jisun Si's confidant, Zhongliang Huai, and place the young master Jisun Si under house arrest, seizing control of the clan. Per their arrangement, Yang Hu would govern the court while Gongshan Bujiu managed Fei Town.

Yet soon Yang Hu found his leverage lacking. He seemed powerful in court, but the Three Huan, like a centipede not easily killed, remained resilient. Gongshan Bujiu, after their collaboration, grew wary and would not lend support.

The situation was grim, especially as Meng made frequent moves, pressing Yang Hu. At this moment, Meng's descendant returned to honor his ancestors, sparking Yang Hu's scheme.

---

"It seems the moment I entered Lu, I was in Yang Zi's game. The attack by Dao Zhi—was that your doing as well?" Meng Di asked.

"Indeed," Yang Hu admitted freely. "I needed to see if you were a worthy ally."

Yang Hu continued, "Lu has always been closed to outsiders. It's not so easy for a stranger to gain a fief. Surely you don't think this enfeoffment is truly a reward from the Marquis of Lu for suppressing Dao Zhi?"

"This is all thanks to your efforts, Yang Zi. I am well aware and will repay you in kind," Meng Di said.

"This is your chance: take Fei Town, and we both gain what we desire—the city to you, the soldiers to me."

"What if the Jisun clan refuses?"

"Don't worry. Once Fei Town is ours, I'll confront the Three Huan directly. Then Lu will belong to us both."

Don't worry? Gongshan Bujiu is your ally, yet you would betray him without hesitation. Meng Di understood: it was all about interests, and he could just as easily become a target.

Yet attacking Fei Town suited his own plans. Following Jiran's strategy, even if Yang Hu did not suggest it, Meng Di would eventually provoke trouble himself. Only by muddying the waters could he fish in them.

He decided to play Yang Hu's pawn for now, feigning reluctance, "I'll do as you say, Yang Zi. But once this matter is settled, I wish to withdraw from court affairs and live peacefully in my ancestral land. Please do not force me further."

"Very good!" Yang Hu was delighted. An ally without ambition was far more reassuring.

"When the time comes, simply gather households en masse. Zi Xie will send men to question you."

"And how should I respond?"

"No response is needed. The migration is by the Marquis's order; what fault can Meng Di have?"

"I doubt Gongshan Bujiu will respect that order; he will surely send troops to Meng Town."

"Exactly!" Yang Hu clapped his hands and laughed. "With your strength, Meng, Zi Xie won't easily prevail. While you are locked in struggle, I'll strike from behind, and the matter will be settled."