Chapter Eighty-Seven: Establishing the Horse Ranch

At noon, Meng Yi specially arranged a banquet to entertain Bai Gui, hoping to deepen their acquaintance. During the meal, Bai Gui offered his advice.

“Currently, in the State of Yan, Lord Ping is on the throne, but he is gravely ill and likely does not have long to live. I have heard that Prince Ji Zai is also in Wuyang, preparing to return to Ji City. Why not take this opportunity to befriend Prince Ji Zai?”

Meng Yi had not heard this news before, and a look of delight appeared on his face. However, after a moment’s hesitation, he asked, “I am not well-versed in the affairs of Yan. Would you enlighten me?”

“It’s simple. If you pay attention to the rumors, you’ll find that Lord Ping’s health has been deteriorating over the years. Prince Ji Zai, on the other hand, has good relations with the State of Jin and will surely inherit the throne. That’s why I made this suggestion.”

Hearing this, Meng Yi was moved. If he could foster a relationship with Yan’s future ruler, it could prove advantageous, especially as Yan and Qi were not on the best of terms. When Duke Huan of Qi first became hegemon, the Mountain Rong invaded Yan. Duke Zhuang of Yan, unable to resist, sought help from Qi. Duke Huan personally led an army, defeated the invaders, and returned victorious. Out of gratitude, Duke Zhuang escorted Duke Huan back to Qi. Duke Huan, observing etiquette, refused to cross the border as he was not the Son of Heaven, so the land Duke Zhuang stepped on was ceded to Yan. At that time, Qi and Yan were like brothers in arms.

But as Jin grew stronger, Yan gradually fell under Jin’s influence, and relations between Yan and Qi became more complicated.

With this in mind, Meng Yi decided to heed Bai Gui’s advice and meet Prince Ji Zai. After preparing gifts, Meng Yi sent someone to deliver them to the prince. Prince Ji Zai, surprised by the gesture, reciprocated with courtesy and hosted a banquet for Meng Yi.

Meng Yi brought Bai Gui with him. Once they were seated, Ji Zai said, “I’ve heard that you are a merchant from Lu, here in Yan to buy horses. Have you found what you were seeking?”

At these words, Meng Yi recalled Bai Yi’s earlier proposal to establish a horse farm and decided to probe further. “Recently, I acquired several thousand horses in Wuyang and am very satisfied. Yan horses are of excellent quality and reasonable price—exactly what I need. I am considering establishing a horse farm in Yan. What does Your Highness think?”

Yan’s focus was on defending against the Mountain Rong; the lands bordering Jin and Qi were not heavily developed, so Ji Zai did not mind such matters and replied with a smile, “That would be most welcome. Yan is vast but sparsely populated. Merchants like yourself would bring benefit to our state. Where do you intend to set up your horse farm?”

Meng Yi glanced at Bai Gui, unfamiliar with Yan’s geography and wishing to hear his opinion.

Bai Gui pondered briefly before replying, “Renqiu is close to the harbor, making waterborne transport to Yan convenient, and it is a favorable place for horse breeding.”

Ji Zai agreed without hesitation. The location was near Qi but, since Qi was already wealthy, their merchants seldom came. Things went so smoothly that, after some thought, Meng Yi sent Liuxia Tuo ahead to Renqiu to begin preparations for the horse farm, while he took the remaining horses and returned to Gaotang with Bai Gui.

At this time, Meng Yi still had some funds, but there were only so many horses available for purchase in Wuyang. With the looming threat of Qi attacking Lu, he dared not delay further.

By now, Tian Chang had returned to Linzi, leaving clan members in charge. With the Tian family’s help, Meng Yi transported the horses to Lu.

Upon returning to Fei City, he found many new watchtowers, all solidly built. Inside the city, he saw Wang Bo at Ji Ran’s side and felt gratified, nodding in acknowledgment before asking, “Master Ji, how did you manage to fortify Fei City’s walls so quickly?”

“We discovered a remarkable talent, skilled in construction, named Gongshu Ban. I put him in charge of the city works, and in this short time, he’s achieved these results—truly a man of extraordinary ability.”

Gongshu Ban? Could it be the legendary Lu Ban? Meng Yi recognized the name; in Han folklore, Lu Ban was revered as a near-divine craftsman, said to have created wooden birds that could fly for days on end. Whether fact or fiction, now was not the time for stories. Meng Yi introduced Bai Gui to the others.

“This is Mr. Bai Gui, whom I met in Yan. He is highly knowledgeable in matters of business.”

Ji Ran’s face lit with surprise as he recalled something. “Bai Gui! I’ve heard that Master Guiguzi had a gifted disciple by that name, who received the ‘Golden Book.’ Could that be you, sir?”

Bai Gui smiled and did not deny it. “Indeed, I am he. May I ask your name?”

“I am Ji Ran,” he replied.

“Fisherman Ji Ran? It is an honor to meet you,” Bai Gui said, bowing deeply.

Ji Ran stroked his beard with a laugh. “Who would have thought you’d return with my lord? Are you planning to stay and keep me company?”

“I once had some doubts, but having met you, I’ll certainly remain,” Bai Gui replied, glancing at Meng Yi with an amused smile. “Forgive my blindness—I did not realize that Brother Han is in fact the lord of Meng City, Master Meng.”

With introductions complete, they made their way into the city. After the banquet, the guests departed, save for Ji Ran, who stayed behind.

He spoke, “Wang Bo came to Meng City and recounted your experiences in Qi. Now you’ve hurried back from Yan—has something happened?”

Meng Yi sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness. “To open up Yan’s trade routes, I was forced to cooperate with the Tian family. They set a condition: when Qi attacks Western Yun, I must take the initiative and join the battle. Master Ji, do you have any ingenious strategies?”

Ji Ran frowned, thinking for a while. “Qi is a powerful state, and over the years has steadily encroached on Lu’s territory. If we face them head-on now, victory is unlikely. However, your methods for training cavalry are promising. If used wisely, we may yet prevail.”

“I would be glad to hear your advice in detail.”

“Chariots have their advantages on the open plain, but also their drawbacks—they must form ranks for direct battle. If we can prevent the Qi army from assembling their chariots, our forces can win.”