Minister Ren spoke. "No. If he does that, everyone, especially Ichiro will have a clear reason to usurp him" he glanced meaningfully at the others, before dropping his gaze to the shriveled king.
"My king, if I may suggest.... I think you can go with the plan of taking her here" he points the location on the map that Chang earlier showed them. But it most be done wisely. We can transfer her at done as planned. We would take the normal routes to the border of the city."
"We can send back the men we fit unfaithful to your course and half of your trusted men and continue the journey with some of your trusted men so as not to draw too much attention. Once we reach there , a place can be arranged for her at the outskirts of the villages to stay for the mean time. "
" Food, guards and other resources will be made available for her , to reduce her visit into the village, to avoid getting noticed by Lord Takashi Then maybe after a month or so, we can transfer the Lord to another province and place some one who is loyal to you, like that Shogun Daikin from the south, who shows promising fighting and leadership skills and has made his loyalty clear to you."
"You can then transfer her into the village fully and put her under his care and protection ". Minister Ren concluded wisely.
Chang Hao listened intently, his breathing slowly evening out as Minister Ren's detailed plan began to make sense. The trembling in his hands subsided as he leaned forward, studying the map with renewed focus.
"You're suggesting we use the original route to create a false trail, then split off under the cover of night? This requires perfect timing and absolute discretion from everyone involved."
Sergeant Hiroki nodded sharply. "My men can handle the diversionary tactics. We'll spread rumors of Lady Bella being sent to the Northern Islands while our trusted team secretly transports her southward."
Minister Minato added, "And once Shogun Daikin takes over Lord Takashi's territory, he can establish Lady Bella's new identity quietly. Perhaps as a widowed merchant's daughter who lost her family to illness?"
The Emperor stood slowly, regaining some of his former authority. "This plan requires absolute secrecy. General Kenji must be informed immediately to prepare the escort teams."
Sergeant Hiroki cleared his throat. " With all respect your majesty... I earnestly believe that General Kenji , should not be informed of this plan or sent with us. It is obvious he hates Lady Bella and is on Empress Mei's side. "
Chang eyes darts at the faces of the other men who confirmed sergeant Hiroki 's words with solemn nods.
The weight of the men's collective agreement hung heavy in the candlelit chamber. Minister Ren adjusted his glasses, meeting Chang Hao's gaze directly.
"I share Sergeant Hiroki's reservations about involving General Kenji," he admitted quietly. "His loyalty to Empress Mei is... questionable. We cannot afford leaks, especially with lives at stake."
Minister Minato nodded in agreement. "Kenji has been vocal in supporting the execution decree. His presence would raise suspicions among the other guards tasked with escort duty."
Chang Hao's expression darkened as reality settled in—the man he'd trusted implicitly with military affairs was now deemed too dangerous to entrust with his beloved's safety. He ran a hand through his damp hair, frustration warring with resignation.
"So be it," he said finally, his voice regaining some of its familiar command.
"Choose your men wisely." He ordered them.
Minister Ren bowed deeply. "Understood, Your Majesty. I will personally oversee the selection process. Only those with unwavering loyalty and proven discretion will be chosen."
Sergeant Hiroki straightened his posture proudly. "Leave that to me as well. No one I choose will breathe a word of this mission to anyone outside our inner circle."
Minister Minato added thoughtfully, "We'll need to identify individuals who can blend seamlessly into common travel groups - merchants, farmers, perhaps even pilgrims. Their appearances must be convincing."
Chang Hao walked over to his wardrobe, pulling out a plain traveling cloak typically worn by nobility on incognito journeys. "I will accompany you myself under disguise. My presence is needed to ensure smooth passage through checkpoints."
"No. Your majesty!" Minister Minato objected. " Your presence will only raise suspicion from the palace. You have to keep looking devasted but steadfast on your banishment decree."
"Nothing should be traced back to you. We need to convince everyone that you won't intervene. Besides if you leave the Empress to rule , even for a day, who knows what state of Japan , you did come back to".
Chang nods thoughtfully and agrees.
Minister Ren placed his finger on the map tracing potential ambush points. "Here, near the Dragon Pass, bandits often prey on travelers heading south. We'll need to hire local guides familiar with hidden mountain trails to bypass this area entirely."
Sergeant Hiroki consulted his notes. "I've identified five men suitable for this task - all former special forces trained in covert operations. They've served under my direct command and never questioned orders."
Chang Hao's voice carried renewed authority despite his weary appearance. "Assign them immediately. Tell them this is a top-priority black-ops mission; failure is not an option."
Minister Minato suggested practicalities. "Lady Bella will require warm clothing and medical supplies for the journey. I can discreetly acquire these items from suppliers known for discretion."
"Excellent," Chang Hao approved, pouring himself more tea. "Make sure nothing links these purchases back to the palace or my personal funds."
For another hour, the men pored over maps and timelines, assigning roles and creating contingency plans. Minister Ren outlined potential obstacles along each route—river crossings, mountain passes, towns with informants known to support Empress Mei's faction.
"We'll need forged documents showing Lady Bella's new identity a daughter of a merchant,who lost her family to the sea—she asked for help, seeking refuge," Minister Minato suggested. "This provides plausible explanation for her sudden appearance in my retinue."
Sergeant Hiroki contributed practical insights about travel conditions. "The road south follows caravan routes frequented by traders. We can pose as merchants transporting goods between cities. This gives us legitimate reason to stop overnight in inns and interact naturally with locals."
Chang Hao listened intently despite his weariness, contributing details about specific landmarks and hidden trails only he knew existed from childhood hunts in those regions.