In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

But this makes the operation much more complicated.

Li Yuanchang's objective was to target Dayuan Port and rescue the treasure ship and its crew.

His initial plan was for the Ōtomo clan to send troops to attack the Nakatomi shogunate, so that both sides could attack simultaneously, making it difficult for the shogunate to attend to both ends.

But if the Imperial Household Department were to make the first move now, it would not only be more difficult, but the other side would also become more alert.

"Master, could you please elaborate on your specific thoughts?"

Jisaburo was delighted.

"Your Highness, our plan is simple: Your Highness will lead your troops to conquer Aoki Castle, kill its lord, and offer Nakatomi Suzuki's head as a sacrifice to the heavens, thus demonstrating our irreconcilable enmity with the Nakatomi family. Then we will send troops!"

"I, Jisaburo, can promise in the name of the head of the family that as long as Your Highness shows sincerity, we will definitely give our full support! We will send troops to attack the Nakatomi no Shogunate and help Your Highness rescue your crew."

"Moreover, this city is located between the Nakatomi no Shogunate and the port of Ogen. If Your Highness can capture it in advance, it will also help Your Highness rescue those people."

Li Yuanchang smiled and said, "It seems your department has done quite a bit of investigation these past two days?"

Jisaburo gave an awkward smile: "Your Highness, such a momentous matter requires utmost caution!"

"What do you think?"

His questioning gaze was inquiring.

Li Yuanchang did not express a direct opinion, but he also did not show any sign of resistance.

The reality is that without the addition of Ōtomo's troops, the 100 men of the Chōnai-bū (Imperial Household Department) would have been unable to rescue the people on their own.

Moreover, even if they are rescued, they still need to go to Penglai Island, and the round trip requires them to dock for supplies, which is also a hassle.

The best solution is cooperation.

"Master, are there any other conditions? Please state them all at once."

Jisaburo shook his head: "No, that's all. That's the only condition."

"Just this one?"

"Just this one."

Li Yuanchang remained silent, staring into Cisaburo's eyes for a long time.

"Give me some time to consider."

Jisaburo smiled and said, "No problem, Your Highness can take your time to consider it."

"I've already gathered a clear picture of the situation over there these past two days. As long as Your Highness has made up your mind, we can act at any time."

Goodbye.

Goodbye.

"..."

The second round of negotiations between the two also ended quickly.

However, the ball ended up at Li Yuanchang's feet.

"Your Highness, there don't seem to be many Japanese pirates in Aoki City. Most of them are concentrated at Dayuan Wharf. If we really have to fight, it won't be a big problem."

"Yeah, why don't we give it a try!"

Upon hearing of Ōtomo's terms, Cui He and others volunteered for the battle.

Li Yuanchang sat in the main seat, looking thoughtful.

"Aoki Castle is not difficult to take."

"I don't mind if you want me to state my position."

"But I find something strange."

"What's so strange?" everyone asked curiously.

"Logically speaking, with such cooperation, the Ōtomo clan should demand benefits from the military and manpower they provide. Even if they don't want them, they should at least demand a promise from the Tang Dynasty."

"In case the Emperor or the Nakatomi clan retaliates, the Tang Dynasty would have to send troops or provide diplomatic protection, but Jisaburo didn't even mention these conditions." Li Yuanchang muttered to himself, this didn't make logical sense.

"Maybe they're not afraid?" someone said.

"If they weren't afraid, they wouldn't be so timid and hesitant, making us fire the first shot, and they wouldn't be gradually weakening," Li Yuanchang said.

Even Ji'an, who had been silent all along, couldn't help but say, "Your Highness is right. If things continue like this, there will be certain risks."

"What if Jisaburo is planning to sit back and watch the two tigers fight, hoping to profit from the chaos?"

After Ji'an finished speaking, Huang Tu and the others cast hostile glances at him. If it weren't for him, the team would have set off long ago, and none of this would have happened.

Ji'an felt awkward, so he retreated and stopped talking.

But Li Yuanchang knew that what Ji'an said made sense.

You can't see into someone's heart. No matter how polite they are on the surface, they all have their own self-interest to calculate.

"I will consider it. You may all leave now."

"yes!"

After everyone left, Li Yuanchang stayed alone in the room until nightfall.

Time is running out; there's a ten-day window left, but after deducting travel time, we only have four or five days left.

After much deliberation, Li Yuanchang finally decided to have another talk with Cisaburo.

creak!

As soon as he opened the door, he bumped into Huang Tu.

"Your Highness, Segawa has come to request an audience."

"Segawa?"

Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow; he hadn't seen this person since arriving in Wushe.

He never appeared during the many meetings with Mr. Ōtomo.

"Yes, he seemed a bit sneaky."

Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow again, looking furtive?

He looked up at the sky; it was a dark and windy night.

A moment later, in the southwest corner of the courtyard.

"The Segawa Tokei".

Segawa, who was waiting there, was startled and quickly turned around: "Greetings, Your Highness, the Prince of Han!"

Li Yuanchang chuckled and said, "Why are you so frightened, Segawa Dong-ye, on your own turf?"

"Did you do something wrong?"

Segawa gave an awkward smile and wiped away his sweat.

"Your Highness is too kind. It's getting late. I came here because I was afraid of disturbing Your Highness's rest."

"Then why don't you come during the day?" Li Yuanchang asked with a smile.

Segawa was exposed and was extremely embarrassed.

"Alright, just get to the point, what is it?" Li Yuanchang cut to the chase. As the saying goes, no one comes to the temple without a reason, and it was obvious that Segawa had something to say.

Segawa took a deep breath, then looked around and lowered his voice, saying, "Your Highness, to be honest, I've come to deliver a message."

"Someone wants to meet with you."

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanchang's expression immediately became interesting.

anyone?

First of all, it couldn't be Jisaburo; he wouldn't need to be so secretive.

Who could it be?

Logically speaking, there shouldn't be a third party involved in my negotiations with Jisaburo; this would be considered a transgression in any family or country.

"Your master?"

Segawa nodded.

"Who?"

"Your Highness, my master said that he will explain everything to you after you arrive."

"My master also said that as long as His Highness is willing to go, he will definitely not disappoint you, and will save His Highness from great danger!" Segawa said in a serious and measured tone, as if Li Yuanchang was about to die.

Li Yuanchang's eyes narrowed.

They gradually realized that things were not so simple!

"Lead the way." He didn't ask any more questions.

Segawa hesitated for a moment, then tentatively said, "Your Highness, however, this matter must be carried out in secret. I may have to trouble you to change your clothes, and you cannot bring anyone with you."

"I've already made all the arrangements for the journey."

Li Yuanchang asked meaningfully, "Who is it, and what is it that requires such secrecy?"

"Your Highness, please rest assured, we have absolutely no ill intentions!"

"You know, if someone harbors ill intentions towards you here, it's like wishing for an early death." Segawa promised repeatedly, almost to the point of kowtowing and swearing an oath, as if afraid that Li Yuanchang would not go.

"Why doesn't your master come directly?" Li Yuanchang asked.

"Master...can't come."

"There are many family spies watching you here," Segawa said cryptically.

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanchang's eyes instantly changed, even flashing with murderous intent.

Is Jisaburo still spying on him?

"..."