Black Heart

Shiraishi Yoshijo had to admit that Yang Zi had seen right through him.

"Yang Zi, it seems you really have grown over these years. No wonder they say hardship best tempers a person's will. Among all your brothers and sisters, you have already taken the lead. Even Nianze is no match for you. I am very pleased."

"Father, does that mean you agree?"

Shiraishi Yoshijo gave a slight nod. "Yes, I agree. But it is not as simple as you think. If you want to become the Daimyo of the Land of Water, you must first stabilize its political situation. In other words, you must first put your son on the throne."

"Once your son takes the throne, you can naturally take control of power in the Land of Water. After that, you must find a way to throw the Land of Water into chaos, then let everyone there see what you are capable of—what they call pacifying the turmoil. Finally, have your son yield the position of Daimyo to you. This is the only, and safest, way."

"Why does the Land of Water have to fall into chaos?" Yang Zi was baffled. "Even if I took the throne now, I am confident I could stabilize its political situation."

Shiraishi Yoshijo raised a brow. "This is not a question of whether you have confidence. A small lack of restraint can ruin a great plan. The system of hereditary rule has endured for thousands of years. Do you think a few bribes and petty favors are enough to overthrow the Daimyo's rule and steal a country? You are underestimating the Daimyo class far too much."

"If you do not handle it this way, someone in the Land of Water might betray their own side and collude with other countries, or plot