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

The sound faded into the distance, and the hall gradually quieted down.

After a moment of silence, a piercing scream rang out from outside the hall, coming from the middle-aged man from before.

Everyone shuddered and looked outside in horror, as if they could vaguely see a scene of dismembered corpses.

Some people were so frightened that they fell to the ground on the spot, their expressions blank.

Seeing that the example of making an example of someone had worked, Li Yuanchang waved his hand, and a large number of his personal guards carried in a large number of boxes.

"These boxes are the treasures of Jisaburo, Yamazaki and others, containing all kinds of rare treasures, gold and silver utensils, and countless others. I have checked them, and their homes are filled with mountains of gold and silver."

"According to Chishima, the money each tribesman receives each month is barely enough, and there is not even much meat available in winter."

"I am chilled to the bone. How can one serve under such a patriarch?"

"What future is there in following them?"

"Chishima also said that they would take out their wealth and distribute it equally among the clan elders."

Tanaka Chishima was taken aback for a moment, then reacted, stood up and bowed, saying, "His Highness the Prince of Han is right. Not only today, but if Chishima takes power, he will distribute a sum of money to each clan member every three months so that everyone in the clan can live and work in peace and no longer worry about money and food."

In reality, saying they're worried about money and food is just a pretext; they can't possibly lack those things. Their main purpose is to win them over with benefits.

In other words, when a new chairman takes office, he should first give each shareholder some incentives.

As expected, the elders' eyes changed slightly, and they glanced at the boxes from time to time, estimating their value.

"Did you hear me?"

"Qiandao has already said that these kinds of boxes will be provided regularly from now on."

"Gentlemen, what are you waiting for?"

"Take it yourself, everyone gets one," Li Yuanchang said with a smile.

The tribesmen looked at each other, their expressions hesitant.

Taking it would be beneficial, but it would be tantamount to standing with Tanaka Chishima and acknowledging her.

If I don't take it, I'll probably die.

Although Li Yuanchang didn't say anything or make any threats, that was clearly the meaning behind his words.

Uncertain crises are the most terrifying.

They were tormented under the watchful eyes of their guards.

Ultimately, some people couldn't take it anymore.

He went out and took the first box.

"Thank you, Your Highness and the Head of the Family!"

Tanaka Chishima smiled with satisfaction.

As soon as someone takes it, a second, a third...

This is like a domino effect; once one is knocked down, it's unstoppable, and the chain reaction is like a plague.

The large number of boxes were quickly divided up.

In the end, all the clan elders chose to submit and accept the benefits.

Li Yuanchang employed a simple yet effective combination of soft and hard tactics to the fullest extent.

Don't let their age and lack of real power fool you; they are highly respected and each of them is a leader of a branch with considerable influence.

They all support Tanaka Chishima, which means that most of the clansmen of the Ōtomo shogunate will stand on Tanaka Chishima's side.

"..."

In the following twelve hours, Tanaka Chishima was officially supported by Li Yuanchang to take over the throne and quickly succeeded the Ōtomo clan. In the presence of many elders and officials, he sat on the throne.

Because Li Yuanchang had eliminated all those capable of resisting, things went exceptionally smoothly, and Tanaka Chishima directly replaced Yamazaki and his men with his own trusted confidants.

It's like Mr. Ōtomo is still the same Mr. Ōtomo, only the senior management has changed.

That night.

On January 13th, the weather was cold, and the atmosphere in Wushe was eerie, as if the vengeful spirits of those who had just returned were still lingering, making the already gloomy buildings even more chilling.

Not long ago, Li Yuanchang officially received the first confidential letter from Guo Chao.

Guo Chao did not come to the Ōtomo Shogunate, but stayed behind to monitor the Ōyuan Port.

In the letter, he reported on the details of Dayuan Port, including the number of garrisoned samurai of the Nakatomi clan, their shift schedules, and a detailed map.

The preliminary preparations are basically complete; all that's left is to send out troops.

However, Li Yuanchang did not rush to have Tanaka Chishima send troops immediately, but instead allowed her to consolidate her power as quickly as possible.

He roughly estimated that, excluding travel time, he would have at least two days to plan, so there was still time.

The guards of the Imperial Guard had just finished a major battle and needed rest and healing.

As the night deepened, that familiar song began to play once again.

Li Yuanchang looked up, the image of the girl in white he had met that night flashing through his mind. He was about to go out and check on her when there was a knock at the door.

Arata walked in: "Your Highness, Tanaka Chishima has arrived."

Li Yuanchang raised an eyebrow.

"Let her in."

"yes!"

Shortly after, Tanaka Chishima entered the attic where Li Yuanchang was staying.

She brought several maids with her, and served a large amount of wine, meat and other delicacies.

"Didn't I tell you to go and handle family matters and not come to me for the time being?" Li Yuanchang said.

Tanaka Chishima, now the head of the Ōtomo family, dressed completely differently, exuding the aura of a mistress of the house, yet she still knelt and bowed.

"Your Highness, the family affairs have been almost resolved. Thanks to Your Highness's help, the clan officials and the warriors in the military camp have submitted, and everything is going smoothly."

"I just went to the military camp and returned to the shogunate. Upon learning that Your Highness had not yet rested, I came immediately."

A hint of appreciation appeared in Li Yuanchang's eyes.

That's what he said, but in reality, all he provided was deterrence and force. In fact, Tanaka Chishima took over the entire clan all by himself.

It would be impossible to take it down in such a short time without some ability. Even if it's just a family, it's one of the four great families of Japan.

"good."

"Since you have no problems on your side, let's start working on the deployment of troops tomorrow."

"I have obtained detailed intelligence. This time, I will help you take down the Zhongchen clan, at least depriving them of any chance to contend with you in the south."

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy, rather than fear, appeared in Tanaka Chishima's beautiful eyes.

"Hi!"

"Chishima, I obey Your Highness's wishes!"

Li Yuanchang smiled and asked, "Speak a few words of Japanese for me?"

"Japanese?" Tanaka Chishima looked up, his island-style face illuminated by the lamplight carrying a hint of confusion.

"Oh, it's Japanese!"

"You son of a bitch!" Tanaka Chishima immediately shouted.

Li Yuanchang suddenly felt energetic, exuding a genuine Japanese vibe!

"Hahaha!"

Say it again.

"Kongnijiwa".

"Private Marseille"

"..."

Tanaka Chishima repeated this several times, while Li Yuanchang laughed heartily, as if he had encountered something happy.

This left Tanaka Chishima at a loss for what to do.

"Alright, alright, come sit here."

Li Yuanchang patted the bamboo mat next to him.

"Hi."

Tanaka Chishima nodded in acknowledgment, and then with a glance, the maid who had delivered the wine and meat left.

She stood up, tied her long hair back, and then took off the black and gold robe that symbolized her position as the head of the family. Instantly, the aura of a superior was halved, and she exuded more of the true nature of a beautiful woman.