Chapter Fifty-Five: Encountering Confucius at the City Gate

Yang Hu insisted on escorting Meng Di out of the city to show his respect. Whether they were noble youths or ordinary citizens, all who saw Yang Hu’s war chariot hurriedly stepped aside. At the city gate, Yang Hu uttered a soft “hm” and had his driver stop.

“Zhongni, how did you find the taste of the piglet?” Yang Hu called out to an ox cart parked by the roadside. Piglet referred to a young pig.

A tall, plainly dressed middle-aged man rose and bowed lightly, saying, “It was exceptionally delicious. I thank you, Master Yang.”

Zhongni? That must be Kong Qiu—Confucius. Meng Di looked on curiously. In both his past and present lives, he had heard of this illustrious figure, and he had hoped to visit him during this trip to the State of Lu.

At first glance, his physique even bore some resemblance to Yang Hu. Meng Di recalled Yang Hu mentioning the matter of gifting a piglet—it was nothing more than Yang Hu’s eagerness to recruit talented men. Kong Qiu was now gathering disciples, his reputation spreading among the feudal lords—a man Yang Hu urgently needed.

Yet there was a barrier: when Kong Qiu was young, he had been mocked by Yang Hu, and the two had never gotten along. No matter how Yang Hu invited him, Kong Qiu would not respond.

So Yang Hu devised a plan. While Kong Qiu was away, he had someone deliver a roasted piglet to his house. According to the customs of Lu, a minister could not accept gifts at home from a nobleman; he must personally visit the noble’s residence to express thanks.

Yang Hu waited in his mansion, but Kong Qiu never appeared. Later, he learned that Kong Qiu had come to express his thanks while he himself was absent. Thus, the matter was left unresolved.

Now, by chance, they met on the road, and Yang Hu’s desire to recruit him was rekindled. He waved to Kong Qiu and called out, “Come, let me ask you a few questions. You have the talent, yet you allow the state to fall into chaos—do you call this benevolence?”

Kong Qiu understood Yang Hu’s intentions. Yet, when a superior questioned him publicly, to ignore it would violate the propriety he taught his disciples. He sighed and replied, “No, it is not.”

Yang Hu continued, “You delight in political affairs, but repeatedly miss opportunities. Can this be called wisdom?”

“No, it cannot.”

Yang Hu laughed, speaking leisurely, “Time slips by day after day; the years wait for no one.”

Kong Qiu sighed again. Throughout his life, he wandered among the feudal lords, seeking the attention of rulers so he might display his talents, yet the right opportunity had never come. For now, he could only teach disciples and edit poetry and records.

Had the Lord of Lu summoned him, he would gladly respond. But Yang Hu—who was he? A courtier who wielded authority, but whose power and status meant little in Kong Qiu’s eyes. If persuaded to serve, the world would surely see him as aligned with Yang Hu’s faction.

Yet propriety and benevolence formed the foundation of his life. To decline would violate his own principles. Powerless, he could only say, “Very well, I will serve.”

Yang Hu laughed triumphantly. No matter what, Kong Qiu had been persuaded to enter public service; in the eyes of the world, he was now part of Yang Hu’s party.

“Meng Di greets the Master.” Seeing Kong Qiu in a difficult position, Meng Di felt pity and seized the chance to step forward and change the subject.

“Are you Meng Di, the nobleman who rid us of the bandit Zhi?” Kong Qiu’s eyes brightened, and he hurried to return the greeting.

“I am indeed. I have long heard of your virtue, Master. To meet you today is a blessing beyond measure.”

“Where, where. Meng Di rid Lu of a scourge; all the people rejoice at the news. Zhongni, being a native of Lu, offers his thanks.” Kong Qiu bowed deeply, then continued, “I hear you have been granted Meng Town. I, unworthy as I am, wish to assist you in governing your territory.”

Meng Di was taken aback. Was eliminating the bandit Zhi such a great achievement that even Kong Qiu would offer his support?

But he understood that Kong Qiu had just been cornered by Yang Hu’s words and forced to accept public office, though he did not want to be seen as part of Yang Hu’s faction. Meng Di, as the hero who destroyed the bandit, was blameless in reputation. If Kong Qiu served him, not only would his name remain untarnished, but he might even win public praise.

Rumors held that Kong Qiu was somewhat rigid and upright, but now it seemed he understood how to adapt.

Meng Di glanced at Yang Hu. For now, the two were allies, and a gentleman does not deprive another of what he desires.

Yang Hu felt somewhat awkward. He had intended to recommend Kong Qiu as the administrator of Zhongdu, thereby drawing him and his disciples into his faction. If he refused, there was no suitable reason, so he could only go along, laughing and saying, “Indeed, Meng Di has rendered great service to Lu, and Zhongni’s willingness to assist is a fine thing.”

Now it was Meng Di’s turn to have a headache. Kong Qiu’s fame and numerous disciples would surely help him establish himself in Lu. Yet deep down, Meng Di did not agree with Kong Qiu’s methods of governance by virtue or ritual. If he followed Kong Qiu’s strict hierarchies of lord and vassal, father and son, noble and commoner, what was the point of coming to Lu at all?

If Kong Qiu really went to Meng Town, whether he could govern well was uncertain; in any case, Meng Di’s own actions would become constrained.

Ji Ran, seeing Meng Di’s thoughts, stepped forward and said, “My lord, there is no rush. Why not wait until you return from Meng Town, then visit Zhongni for guidance?”

All three nodded in agreement. As long as the appointment was not settled on the spot, there would be room to maneuver later.

Fei Town, City Lord’s Mansion.

Gongshan Bu Niu sat upright in his residence, surrounded by trusted aides.

“So, the descendants of the Meng clan have joined Yang Hu’s faction?”

“My lord, not necessarily. Yang Hu has always used the bandit Zhi to restrain the Meng clan. Now that Zhi has been destroyed by Meng, Yang Hu may have suffered a silent loss.”

“So, they may appear friendly but are not truly allied? Hmph, Yang Hu nurtured bandits to bolster his own importance, but now the world mocks Lu as a land without men!” Gongshan Bu Niu angrily slapped the table.

“But the Meng clan managed to destroy the bandit Zhi in one stroke; they have real strength and cannot be underestimated.”

“To wipe out a few petty bandits and let a youth make a name for himself—” Gongshan Bu Niu scoffed. “If he knows his place, so be it. Otherwise, I’ll take them both down together.”

After a moment of silence, he asked, “What else did Ji Sun Si say?”

“He asked my lord to join forces to rid us of Yang Hu. Then, my lord would be steward of the Ji clan.”

“Hmph, the Three Huan are but corpses in their graves. They cannot see tomorrow, yet they have the leisure to make such promises. We shall focus on managing Fei Town and let them fight to the death.” Gongshan Bu Niu sneered.

“Wise words, my lord,” his aides chimed in.

Qufu, Grand Minister’s Mansion.

“Meng Di has already left the city?”

“Yes—Yang Hu personally escorted him out. On the way, they met Kong Qiu and invited him to serve.”

“My lord, since you have honored Kong Qiu as your teacher, why not recommend him to the court? If he sides with Yang Hu, it would reflect poorly on us.”

“You do not understand. Though I have sought instruction from the Master, he values the rites of Zhou. If he enters service, all his loyalty rests with the Lord of Lu. Yang Hu sees only his reputation and numerous disciples, unaware this is a trap of his own making.”

“I see.” Zi Fu He nodded slightly.

“The Grand Minister has sent people to Fei Town?” Zhong Sun He Ji asked.

“Yes, the message has been sent to Gongshan Bu Niu, saying that past grievances can be forgotten. We need only join forces against Yang Hu.”

“Ah, still too young. Where in the Ji clan does he have room to speak?”

“My lord, the Meng clan has covert dealings with us, but their true intentions remain unclear. Why not send him a grand gift and stir the waters even more?” Zi Fu He pondered and suggested.

“A grand gift? What do you have in mind?”

“Fei Town. Have the Grand Minister request the Lord of Lu to grant Fei Town to the Meng clan.”

“How could that be? Fei Town is the Ji clan’s core; the Grand Minister would never give it away.”

“But even if he does not, what does Fei Town mean to the Grand Minister now? It’s merely an empty title.”

“That is true.” Zhong Sun He Ji nodded, murmuring, “Fei Town, Fei Town…”

“My lord, grant Fei Town to the Meng clan—Yang Hu and Gongshan Bu Niu will surely oppose it. If conflict arises, the Meng clan will have no choice but to side with us completely.”

“That makes sense.” Zhong Sun He Ji stroked his beard and nodded. “If the three quarrel, they will have no time to bother with the Three Huan. It will be the perfect opportunity to make our move.”