"Su Fei killed so many Japanese pirates in Yuezhou. It would be perfectly reasonable for the island nation's Kuroda Domain to send men to ambush him. No one would suspect us."
Zhao Yan walked over to the map and examined the terrain around Blackstone Ridge before nodding in satisfaction.
"Good. We'll choose this spot. You truly are learned, Grand Preceptor. With your help, it's as though I've gained another arm. Send someone to contact Daimyo Kuroda immediately. Tell him the size of Su Fei's party, his exact strength, and the terrain of Blackstone Ridge. Have them lie in ambush there ahead of time.
"Remember, make sure you tell Kuroda to pull out the grass by its roots. Leave no one alive. Above all, Zhou Bo'an and that ledger must never fall into anyone else's hands!"
"Yes, Your Highness. I'll see to it at once."
Zhang Xiucheng bowed to accept the order, then turned to leave.
"Wait."
Zhao Yan suddenly stopped him, his gaze turning cold.
"Have our covert contact tell Kuroda that if he succeeds, I can promise to let them trade with Yuezhou in the future."
Trade? Allow the island nation to trade with our Great Xuan's Yuezhou?
Zhang Xiucheng's heart tightened. This was a naked lure of profit, as well as one final safeguard. He hurriedly replied.
"I understand."
Watching Zhang Xiucheng hurry away, Zhao Yan walked to the desk and picked up the messenger pigeon. His fingers lightly gripped its neck, his gaze sinister.
"Su Fei, Earl of Martial Peace? Imperial commissioner, martial genius. Quite the intimidating titles."
"Anyone who dares stand in my way must die, no matter who they are."
Zhao Yan tightened his fingers slightly. The pigeon gave a faint, mournful cry, then fell silent.
Zhao Yan tossed the dead pigeon onto the floor