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

The term "master" is a unique aspect of Japanese culture, reflecting a hierarchical system that is even more pronounced than the terms "master" and "servant" used in the Tang Dynasty.

Once they recognize a master, they will dedicate everything to him.

However, Li Yuanchang never believed in this.

He only trusted his own judgment; the pill wasn't actually poison at all, it was just a test.

Having passed the test, Li Yuanchang gained a psychological advantage and no longer hesitated.

He went straight to the point: "When will the operation take place?"

Tanaka Chishima was overjoyed.

"Master, anytime is fine."

"However, we must capture all the direct descendants and high-ranking members of the family, such as Jisaburo and Yamazaki, in one fell swoop. Otherwise, if we miss even one, we will be in big trouble."

"And the only one who can do that is the master."

"As for the other places, I can figure out a way to handle them."

"..."

The secret meeting between Li Yuanchang and Tanaka Chishima lasted until the early hours of the morning.

The two sides divided the tasks, finalized the detailed process of seizing power, prepared backup plans, and set a timetable.

He didn't have time to delay, and Tanaka Chishima, considering his own safety and the opportunity, also didn't want to delay.

This might be her only chance in her life; she'll never have such a powerful ally as Li Yuanchang again.

Therefore, the two of them, with one person contributing five, started the plan the very first time they met.

At dawn.

Li Yuanchang secretly summoned all his subordinates in the courtyard and revealed the upcoming mission.

Huang Tu, Cui He, and the others were all shocked to hear that Cisaburo was to be killed.

We were supposed to cooperate, so why are we killing each other now?

When they learned that Jisaburo was actually planning to betray them, the guards were filled with righteous indignation!

After daybreak.

The entire guards of the inner palace were ready, fully armored, sharpening their swords and honing their horses.

Next came the waiting for news, waiting for news from Tanaka Chishima.

This ordinary day became extraordinary because of Tanaka Chishima's appearance. Time passed by, and a tense and solemn atmosphere permeated everyone in the tent.

The setting sun was about to disappear behind the western mountains.

A furtive figure stumbled into the courtyard; it was Segawa.

This person is a close relative of Tanaka Chishima, and they share the same surname.

"Your Highness!"

Li Yuanchang, sitting in his chair, suddenly opened his eyes, reached out and took the letter from Segawa. It was from Chishima, and it contained only three words: "All settled!"

He took a deep breath. He liked working with efficient people like this. Even if Jisaburo didn't want to harm him first, Tanaka Chishima was more of an ally in comparison.

"Walk!"

He suddenly stood up, wielding his sword in one hand, with a powerful and imposing gait.

"yes!!"

The guards shouted and followed suit.

The group of people quickly walked out of the courtyard in a large group, their heavy footsteps immediately attracting the attention of Jisaburo's men.

"I have made up my mind. I wish to personally meet with the head of the Jisaburo family and discuss important matters with the higher-ups of the Ōtomo clan. Lead the way immediately!"

Li Yuanchang shouted.

"Hi!!"

The surrounding warriors clasped their fists in greeting and then quickly relayed the message.

The news quickly reached Jisaburo's ears: "Hahaha, good, good!"

"It seems the Prince of Han of the Tang Dynasty is about to agree!"

"Guards! Immediately summon all the officials for a meeting, lest the King of Han become suspicious!"

"yes!"

Half an incense stick later.

In the council hall of Wushe, Li Yuanchang and Cisaburo met for the third time.

This time, there were many people, with dozens of samurai outside the hall alone, and the entire Ōtomo clan's direct high-ranking members gathered inside.

Everyone was on high alert, displaying an extremely serious attitude. Even Jisaburo personally came to the door to greet them, showing a willingness to cooperate fully.

Who would have thought that such a facade concealed such malicious intent!

"Haha, Your Highness, I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly. I was just talking to my clansmen about it. I wonder if Your Highness would agree to this matter."

"If that's not possible, we can still provide His Highness with all the protection he needs." Jisaburo laughed heartily, appearing generous.

Li Yuanchang sneered inwardly.

Looking at this old scoundrel dressed in fine clothes, I could only think he was a smiling tiger.

He remained calm, his gaze quickly sweeping over the group of people behind him, but then his expression shifted slightly as he scanned back and forth, searching.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?"

Li Yuanchang withdrew his gaze: "Nothing, I was just curious about Yamazaki, who had been keeping me company the other day."

Yamazaki was the man who came to pick up Li Yuanchang at the beginning. According to Chishima, he was the second most powerful figure in the Ōtomo clan, controlling the military power of the Ōtomo shogunate. He was the younger brother of Jisaburo, a brave and skilled warrior, and a first-class samurai.

From some perspectives, Yamazaki is the biggest threat in terms of military strength.

"Oh, I see!"

"Your Highness, there are some family matters to attend to. Yamazaki is not here today; he is still at the military camp preparing some things," said Jisaburo.

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanchang's heart sank!

Oh no, it's only just begun and there's already such a big deviation!

Separating the leaders will add a lot of uncontrollable factors to the entire operation.

He deliberately frowned: "Master, Yamazaki is the core of your clan and the leader of the samurai. How can we discuss the next steps without him coming?"

Jisaburo smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Highness, Prince Han, rest assured."

"Besides him, everyone from the family who was supposed to come has arrived. I take this matter very seriously. Once we've reached an agreement, I can give the order at any time, and Yamazaki will carry it out strictly."

"Therefore, Your Highness need not worry so much."

Li Yuanchang shook his head: "Patriarch, I think we should call him over so we can discuss this together, just in case."

"After all, the head of the family wouldn't want this matter to go wrong, would he?"

"To be honest, I have already decided to strike first and capture Qingmu City."

He threw out the bait.

Upon hearing this, Jisaburo and his men's eyes immediately lit up.

As long as Li Yuanchang agrees, they can reap the benefits without lifting a finger!

To avoid Li Yuanchang changing his mind, Cisaburo thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll send someone to invite him right away."

He then said something to his subordinate, who then left.

Li Yuanchang glanced outside, his expression grave.

Hopefully, it's not too late.

At least let Yamazaki leave the military camp.

"Your Highness, since you have made your decision, I will not beat around the bush."

"This is a detailed map and defense layout of Aoki Castle, which my Ōtomo clan has collected over the years. I hope it will be useful to you."

"If you can take it down in one fell swoop, I, the samurai Ōtomo, will do my utmost to follow closely behind and help Your Highness defeat the Nakatomi clan and rescue the Tang crew."

Jisaburo took out a map, which was covered with dense markings, almost completely tracing the layout of Aoki Castle.

Anyone who came would only think that Jisaburo sincerely wanted to help.

Li Yuanchang was still waiting, waiting for Tanaka Chishima's signal and for Yamazaki's arrival, so he continued the conversation with the other party.

While not exposing the truth, they demonstrated a strong willingness to take action.