After warning the North Korean envoy, Zhu Zhanzhen had just rested for a day when he received news that the Japanese envoy wanted to see him.
Zhu Zhanzhen, who was resting on a lounge chair in the house in the afternoon, grinned: "Finally I can't stand it any longer."
"Your Highness, how did you guess that the Japanese mission would come to you?" Chu'er, who was peeling fruit, asked in confusion.
"In the past few days, I asked Honglu Temple to discuss with them many times about leasing the island, urging them to give answers. I didn't show my face myself, and they were very anxious. Naturally, they had to find a way to find me."
"Then, Your Highness, will you see them?"
"See you, but not now. I'll delay him for another two days."
"Your Highness, why is this?"
"When talking about business, the more anxious he is, the better he can negotiate the price."
Zhu Zhanzhen was not prepared to talk to the Japanese delegation so early, but today Chen Xuan asked to see him.
Chen Xuanshi, who was ordered to supervise the construction of the navy, had just returned from Jinan Prefecture and had been assisting in the transportation of supplies.
Now that the number of steamships has increased, the transportation of grain and grass has become much simpler. Chen Xuan also rushed back after the New Year to prepare to supervise the construction of the navy.
I already reported the matter to Chen Xuan this morning, but I still came to talk to Zhu Zhanchen in the afternoon.
Chen Xuan smiled as he walked in. It was rare to see a person like him smiling like this.
People are in high spirits when happy events happen. After all, he was officially promoted from Chief Water Transport Officer to Marshal of the Ming Dynasty Navy. Both in terms of official position and rank, people are naturally happy.
"Congratulations to General Chen, oh no, congratulations to Marshal Chen." The Navy Marshal is below the Minister of War in terms of rank, but because the Navy will be a separate and huge department, Zhu Di also intends to separate the Navy from ordinary
Separate from the Ministry of War, this position is also a department with real power, and it has great development prospects in the future.
"Your Highness, please stop making fun of me. I can't think clearly right now, and I'm almost dying of worry lately." Chen Xuan said this with a smile.
"Marshal Chen said in the early dynasty that the navy should be built with coastal guard stations in various places as the main body. I think it is very good."
"Your Highness still calls me Chen Xuan or Chief Soldier Chen. Marshal Chen sounds weird to me. I have heard people call me Chief Soldier for so many years, but I still feel that Commander-in-Chief sounds friendly."
"You have to change your words eventually, and you have to get used to it."
Chen Xuan smiled with sweet distress: "Your Highness, to be honest, I have been on a steamship, and I have only seen a steam warship, but I have never used it in combat. This new type of navy must be built around the new type of warship.
As a marshal, I have never tried it, so I have no idea."
"There is nothing to worry about. In a few days, just go to the shipyard and drive a steam warship to try it out."
"What I mean is that Your Highness's steam battleship is your idea. You must also have ideas about the navy. I want to hear your thoughts."
Zhu Zhanyi appreciated Chen Xuan's humility in asking for advice: "Marshal Chen said that the navy must be built around new warships. I completely agree with it. In fact, there is no need to be so distressed. All you need to understand is your majesty's original intention of establishing the navy and the development direction of the navy.
Two things will do the trick.”
"Your Highness, please make it clear."
"Does Marshal Chen know His Majesty's original intention of establishing this institution?"
"Protect the coast of Ming Dynasty from being disturbed by Japanese pirates, and protect the coastal residents."
Zhu Zhanzhen shook his head and said: "Marshal Chen, if a wise man doesn't speak secretly, there is no need to say these polite things to me. Do you really not understand?"
Chen Xuan smiled bitterly: "I don't dare to speculate on the holy will, but I secretly thought that maybe your Majesty wants to form a naval force that can fight Japan, North Korea, and even Western countries, a mighty force on the sea.
.”
Zhu Zhanzhen corrected his statement: "It is a naval force that is enough to fight against these countries at the same time. You may know my grandfather's behavior better than I do. If the Tatars in the north dare to invade the border, they will conquer it personally without saying a word."
Although we have wasted people and money, the Tatars in the north have to hide when they see our large troops."
"Japanese pirates have been causing nuisance along the coast for many years. How can Grandpa Huang tolerate this? Isn't it because Taizu has ordered Japan and other places to be unconquerable countries? When our country has strong enemies in the north, it is indeed inappropriate to fight across the sea.
, wasting national power in vain, but the steam warships are beginning to show their power, so at least we don’t have to be angry anymore. According to the emperor’s temper, if the Japanese pirates dare to make trouble, they must be taught a lesson. At this time, the navy can
We can’t fall behind.”
Chen Xuan nodded, and Zhu Zhanzhen continued: "Marshal Chen, when the troops are training, they must cooperate with the warship drills in everything. In the future, the biggest reliance on the sea will be warships, as well as artillery and firearms."
"Your Highness, I heard that the new firearms are extremely powerful. They have demonstrated their power in both the northern battlefield and the Zhoushan naval battle."
"Well, new firearms have advantages that swords and other weapons cannot match. In the future, when training soldiers, we must not only focus on personal martial arts, but also select people who are capable of using these new weapons, and also specially cultivate command talents."
"I remember that Marshal Chen had reported to the emperor before that he wanted to provide the children of military families in the army with the opportunity to go to school. I think we can choose outstanding young people in the army and let the old generals teach them tactics and tactics to gain experience.
We will explain it through actual combat, and train some people who understand tactics to be assigned to each team."
Chen Xuan was a little excited: "Your Highness's idea coincides with mine, and I am going to write to Your Majesty."
The two reached a consensus, and the new naval force can be described in one sentence.
A maritime force equipped with new warships, new weapons, and capable of long-term supply across seas.
After chatting about the business, Chen Xuan hesitated for a while, and finally said with some embarrassment: "Your Highness, I heard that you handed over the purchase of cotton for the northern route to the Huzhou Cao family."
Zhu Zhanchen did not shy away and nodded: "Well, they did a good job."
"Your Highness...the person in charge of the Cao family is my sister. I supervise water transportation, and there are many people talking about it."
The underlying meaning behind the words should not be that he was using power for personal gain. After all, this matter was all Zhu Zhan's idea, but that Zhu Zhan was being discussed.
But these people are timid and dare not talk directly about Zhu Zhanxi, so they can only slander the Cao family and his daughter who gave Zhu Zhanxi the ecstasy, and said that the Cao family and her daughter used sex to serve others.
The Cao family has a monopoly on the military cotton business, which will inevitably attract red eyes from others. There are many people who deliberately spread rumors, and many of them are framed.
"Marshal Chen has always been impartial and selfless, and he should ignore the opinions of others."
Chen Xuan didn't know whether Zhu Zhanzhen really didn't understand or didn't care. His nonchalant look made him a little anxious.
"Your Highness, people's words are terrible. I'm afraid that if these comments reach His Highness the Crown Prince or His Majesty's ears will change, it is not impossible that someone will deliberately frame you."
Zhu Zhanzhen still looked unconcerned: "It's okay. My father knows that I asked the Cao family to do it. If there are any tricks to frame you, I will keep it."
Does the prince know? Chen Xuan had a question on his head, wondering what the hell the father and son were doing.
Zhu Zhanzhen personally made a cup of tea for Chen Xuan: "Marshal Chen, if you walk and sit upright, you don't have to be afraid."
There are some mistakes that men can make, and there are some that they can't.
But among the mistakes men make, greed for money and lust is a common problem, and it is best to understand.
The spring was as cold as water, a little gentler than the harsh winter. The melted snow soaked every corner of the palace. The sun still couldn't penetrate the cold. Zhu Zhanzhen yawned and stretched.
"Your Highness got up a little early today." Chu'er brought over a bowl of warm water. Zhu Zhanchen held it in his mouth and slurred before spitting it out.
The long-legged little cook prepared clear porridge. Zhu Zhanzhen liked to eat clear porridge most in the morning.
Take a sip of hot porridge in the slightly chilly spring day and feel comfortable!
Some green onions and tender seedlings have also grown in the courtyard, and everything is looking good.
Xiaosheng held a Japanese tachi in both hands: "Your Highness, someone from the Ashikaga Giichi sect sent this sword early this morning. He said it was the Hamura Zan, a precious sword from Japan, and it was specially presented to Your Highness."
Zhu Zhanzhen took the sword and unsheathed it. There was a huge difference between the Japanese sword and the Ming Dynasty sword. The Japanese sword was thin, and the blade of this sword still shone with a cold light in the sun. It was a rare and good sword.
The knife-making craftsmanship of Japan is largely influenced by Tang knives. Their basic craftsmanship is definitely incomparable with that of the Ming Dynasty, but the maker of this knife is indeed very skilled.
After all, it was a gift to the emperor's grandson, and it was not easy to give gold and silver, so he reluctantly gave away his famous sword and asked to see Zhu Zhanyi.
The sword was returned to its sheath, Zhu Zhanzhen smiled slightly: "It seems there is nothing to squeeze, so let's do it. Xiaosheng asked someone to take a message to the Japanese envoy. Tonight on the Qinhuai River, help me charter a boat and go on a serious boat.
"
Qin Huaihe has been in a bad situation recently due to the investigation of spies, business is not easy to do, and he has to be pestered from time to time.
Formal wine and meat establishments are all fine. The waiters are all registered and work with certificates, and they earn hard-earned money. Those who are less formal, or some who are not registered, are not so good.
Arresting one after another, being in jail is second only to entering the perverted master's room.
The Qing and Hong Kong people have been receiving fewer guests recently. They don't know what the court is investigating, and everyone is in danger.
The days when there is no time to pick up the slack have brought suffering to a group of devout beauties and pilgrims.
In order to entertain the Japanese envoy Zhu Zhanzhen, we chartered a cruise ship. Of course, it was not the kind that my second uncle took me to. At most, there were only musicians playing the piano.
There was a cruise ship on the Qinhuai River, and there were no less than twenty elite Jinyi guards standing on the ship, all of whom were here to protect Zhu Zhanyi.
"Come on, sit down, three of you." Zhu Zhanzhen asked the three envoys to sit down.
Ashikaga Yoshitaka and others were afraid of their hands and feet, waiting for Zhu Zhanzhen to take a seat first, and then they dared to sit down.
Someone was playing the harp behind the curtain, and the sound of the harp was like a girl whispering quietly.
"What do the three envoys want from me?" Zhu Zhanzhen asked knowingly.
Ashikaga Yoshi said with a flattering smile: "Your Highness, fifth, during the New Year's banquet, you said you would rent a small island to each other from Japan."
"Yes, if I remember correctly, it should be arranged. A few days ago, they came to me and told me that they had contacted Ashikaga-dono, but they have never met and the result has not been discussed. I don't know what the reason is?"
The old man's face turned red: "It was cold the past two days, so I was afraid of infecting other people."
"Oh, that's it. They also told me that it was rude to avoid the Japanese envoy."
"Your Highness, Fifth Highness, Ming Jian, we would never dare to do so."
Zhu Zhanchen said carelessly: "I definitely believe you. It's just that there are a lot of gossips from others, and it changes after being passed around. It would be better to discuss it early. Let's go out of Zhoushan Island. Although the place is not big, it is close to the Ming Dynasty.
Very, it will be convenient to travel by then, don’t you think?"
"Yes, yes." Ashikaga Yoshitsune had no choice but to bite the bullet and answer first.
"Your Excellency, Japan is going to lend that island?" Zhu Zhanzhen continued to ask without giving him a chance to breathe.
The three of them looked at each other awkwardly. Today they came to Zhu Zhanzhen to discuss canceling the mutual lease of the island. However, Zhu Zhanzhen's behavior would definitely offend the Fifth Highness if he spoke directly. I don't know if the five of them will go back alive. Japan
They will also become enemies with the Ming Dynasty, after all, they are responsible for the leased islands.
Ashikaga Yoshitsune thought up a plan of argument: "Your Highness, the matter of leasing the island cannot be decided until I return to Japan and report it to His Majesty the Emperor. After all, we are only envoys."
Zhu Zhanzhen put his chopsticks on the table: "What? You have the right to rent it to us, but you don't have the right to rent it to us?"
"No, no, no, don't get me wrong, Your Highness, I don't mean that. I just can't be the master, so I have to go back and report."
As expected, Zhu Zhanzhen became angry: "Well, let's go back and ask questions before you come back. Lord Ashikaga Yoshitsune, please stay with me for a while, and then go back when there is news."
The three of them expected that Zhu Zhanzhen would not let go easily. Ashikaga Yoshitaka's status was very noble in Japan. Historically, he would also be the sixth-generation general of the Muromachi shogunate and stay alone in the Ming Dynasty. This was something they absolutely could not do.
accepted.
"I'll wait for you two to stay." The other two said.
"What difference does it make who stays? He is staying as a guest in our Ming Dynasty, not as a hostage? Does Ashikaga-dono still want to go back to Japan and disown this thing? No, Ashikaga Yoshitsune-dono will leave you two tomorrow.
Let's go back." Zhu Zhanchen said firmly.
After several attempts to persuade him to no avail, Ashikaga Yoshitsune became disheartened.
It is absolutely impossible for Japan to accept the exchange of islands. If they really can't reach an agreement, the three of them will be prepared to die in Ming Dynasty.
I have to say that Japanese people are quite loyal.
Seeing that the situation was almost over, Zhu Zhanzhen sighed: "Hey."
"Why is Your Highness sighing?"
"This is not His Majesty's will for Japan."
"What's the purpose?"
"You three, do you know why we are willing to rent islands to each other from you? The road is so high and far away today that it is very troublesome to go there. It is just to fulfill His Majesty's will."
Listening to Zhu Zhanzhen's change of tone, the three of them quickly realized that there might still be room for improvement, and their thoughts that had died started to burn again.
"Fifth Highness, there is no need to worry, you can talk about the matter. Although the three of us have little talent and knowledge, we have many people trying to come up with multiple countermeasures."
"That's right." Zhu Zhanxun said after he had finished speaking: "My grandpa Huang just wants all the neighboring countries to live in harmony with us, and wants students from other countries to come to us.
The Ming Dynasty took the imperial examination, and those who passed the examination could still serve as officials in our country."
The eyes of the three people flickered, and Ashikaga Yoshitaka greeted them with a busy smile: "This is a great thing. His Majesty the Great Emperor is worthy of being the Great Emperor. He is considerate of his surroundings. There is no one before or since. He is a sage king."
"It's a good thing, but there is a precedent for North Korean candidates. They passed the Jinshi examination and could not even speak Ming dialect. Is this not in vain? So His Majesty asked me to go to neighboring countries to establish embassies, establish schools, and teach students culture.
Then I go to the Ming Dynasty to take the imperial examination. This is why we are willing to rent the island to each other."
"We also have to build schools on the islands. It takes a lot of hard work and hiring people will cost a lot."
Ashikaga Yoshitsune rolled his eyes and thought he was very smart and said: "Your Highness, if this is the case, I have a solution."