Chapter 279 Ping Japanese (Twenty-seven) Conflict and Conferment
After the founding of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang sent a mission to demand tribute from Japan and control the activities of Japanese pirates. However, Prince Huairiang of Japan at that time dismissed it and instead detained and killed the members of the mission before releasing them after a long time. The Japanese pirates continued to invade the country, and Zhu Yuanzhang
After expelling Bei Yuan, he decided to conquer Japan, but was eventually dissuaded by the ministers and gave up.
From the Jianbun period to the early Yongle period, the domestic situation in Japan had changed. The shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu took the initiative to make peace with the Ming Dynasty and sent envoys to pay tribute according to tradition, hoping to get rich rewards. So Emperor Yongle gave the imperial seal and allowed Japan to be allowed for ten years.
One tribute.
However, this system is not rigorous. Japan has never actually expressed surrender. However, the Central Plains Dynasty has always had the habit of treating foreign countries as vassals and tributaries whenever they establish diplomatic relations.
Let’s talk about China’s tribute system. Since most small countries are unable to compete with it, and since ancient times, the returns in both economic and artistic terms have been huge, and with the nominal protection of the suzerain, most of them are willing to do so. Only
Japan has never been invaded by China, and because it is an island nation, it has no need for protection, so it has never formally expressed its surrender.
After the Onin Rebellion, Japan entered the Warring States Period, with domestic chaos, interruption of tribute, and defeated samurai, merchants, and ronin. They once again came to Korea and the coastal areas of the Ming Dynasty to develop their power, burning, killing, and looting, which aroused extreme opposition to Japan in the Ming Dynasty and Korea.
hatred.
For Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had already nominally unified Japan, regaining the title enshrined in the Ming Dynasty would not be of much help to his status in Japan, but it cannot be said to be meaningless.
The reason is not complicated. Although Japan has never surrendered to China, its culture was enlightened by China, and even its official system was almost copied from the Tang Dynasty. Therefore, its domestic ruling class still highly recognized the Central Plains Dynasty.
It just so happened that Toyotomi Hideyoshi came from a humble background. If he could be recognized by the Central Plains orthodox Ming Dynasty, he could at least significantly improve his family status. In the future, you will try to say that I came from a humble background. By the way, Ashikaga Shogun was also the king of Japan canonized by the Central Plains Emperor.
He can have Ashikaga, but I, Toyotomi, can't?
So the next day, Toyotomi Hideyoshi received the Ming envoy, and the Ming envoy announced:
"The emperor is entrusted with the destiny of heaven, and he has said: "The emperor has been appointed to carry the fortune, and all the heavens and the earth have carried him, and he will not fail to respect the emperor's orders. Pu will not fail to follow the sunrise in the corner of the sea. In the past, my imperial ancestor gave birth to many things. The Turtle, New Dragon, and Dragon Seal are given from far away.
The territory of Fusang; the great seal of Zhenmin; the mountain of Rongshi Zhenguo. Then the waves were raised, and the wind occasionally occupied the area.
On this great occasion, I wish you Toyotomi Taira Hideyoshi to rise as a great nation and to know and respect China. I am traveling to the west as an envoy, and I am pleased to come with you. To the north, I am knocking at the gate thousands of miles away, begging for help. Since my love is strong in obedience, I can be kind to you.
Rouhuai. Zite made you the king of Japan and gave you a royal decree.
In the play! Long Ben Zhi sent a letter, wearing the crown and robes on the sea surface; fashionable flowers and clothes, solidifying the vassal and guarding in the celestial dynasty. You should remember the duties of the ministers, follow the essentials, and feel grateful for the emperor's kindness. There is no substitute for sincerity,
Only obey the words of Lun, and always respect the teachings. Thank you!"
The envoy read this original text, but although there are many people in Japan who understand Chinese, most of them understand the pronunciation of Wu dialect and are not familiar with the northern Mandarin. In addition, the imperial edict is written with gorgeous rhetoric and difficult language, let alone rich.
The ministers and other daimyo were confused after hearing this, and even the Japanese ministers could not immediately understand its meaning (compared to the samurai family, the Japanese ministers pride themselves on being proficient in Sinology).
Therefore, on the other side, Shen Weijing prepared overnight and came with another wave of translators. During the translation, he completely changed the content of the edict, and the basic content was completely in line with Hideyoshi's vision.
Hideyoshi was very pleased with this. After making an impromptu speech in which he hoped that the two countries could live in harmony, he asked Governor Konishi to send the envoy away to rest and wait for the canonization tomorrow.
Returning to the resting place, Shen Weijing reported to the envoy: "We have made another translation according to the instructions of Mr. Gao Ge. Toyotomi Hideyoshi said that the canonization will be done tomorrow. According to the recent discussions, there should be someone in Japan who can hear the edict between you and me. Otherwise, I will report it to him afterwards, and then it will depend on whether Toyotomi Hideyoshi will get angry and start another war."
Yang Fangheng praised Shen Weijing a few words with satisfaction, and then said: "So, you and I and the envoy's entourage will also enter the most dangerous moment tonight, and may leave your lives in the Japanese country. Do you regret it?" "
Shen Weijing said with a smile: "It is said that wealth can be gained through danger, not to mention that after this incident, I can still leave a mark in history. This business has reached this point, and I have not lost money, so why regret it?" Yang Fangheng laughed.
They really didn't make much mistake. Although the discrepancy in the edicts issued by the envoys during the day was not immediately noticed, it happened that a senior monk from the Tendai Sect was visiting Hideyoshi today. Hideyoshi knew that he was studying Chinese intensively, so he invited him to attend tomorrow. Canonization ceremony.
The next day, the ceremony was completed. Hideyoshi accepted the canonization in Osaka. The Ming Dynasty envoy stood on the golden platform and announced the canonization of Toyotomi Hideyoshi as the King of Japan. He was also awarded with clothing and seals, ten pieces each of python, brocade and other colored satin, and fox fur. In one possession, there were hundreds of mink skins and some gold and silver utensils.
At the same time, he also warned Hideyoshi that he should withdraw from the entire territory of Korea immediately, stay safe, and not raise any more troops to invade. The Ming Dynasty will decide on trade cooperation based on his performance. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, in accordance with the previous agreement with Konishi Gyōchō, thanked the emperor with Ming Dynasty etiquette, knelt down and asked Saint Ann.
However, since the senior monk of the Tendai Sect was proficient in Chinese, he checked the text of the edict with Hideyoshi one by one after the ceremony. He also said that the envoy did not seem to know that Japan had put forward many conditions, so it was not mentioned at all in the edict.
When Hideyoshi learned the truth, he became furious and threw the edict to the ground. He immediately called in Maeda Toshiie, Toyotomi Hideji, Konishi Yukinaga, Ukita Hideie and others to discuss the matter.
Hideyoshi cursed: "The imperial edict of the Ming Dynasty is arrogant. I want a king in Japan, and I don't need a beard to seal me! What I want is south of the Han River in Korea, what I want is the marriage of the Ming Dynasty princess, and what I want is a Korean prince." As a result, not only was there no such thing as ceding land, taking pledges, marriages, etc. in the imperial edict, there was not even any mention of exploration and trade!
This edict describes the Ming Dynasty as being so powerful, as if it has defeated us long ago. This is nonsense! Konishi Yukinaga! What is going on? Did you betray me?!"
Seeing that Hideyoshi was angry, Toyotomi Hidetsu was the first to persuade him: "Your Majesty, please calm down. Is there any misunderstanding about this matter? For example, is this just a common etiquette for canonization in the Ming Dynasty, and is it a way of deliberately showing oneself and hiding one's shortcomings to preserve it?" Face. Regarding this, have you confirmed it with the envoy?"
Hideyoshi said angrily: "What are you talking about? Sunshichiro, are you an idiot! Do you need to confirm this again? If they agreed to my conditions, there would be no such words in the canonization! Damn it, it's completely unacceptable People have underestimated it, it is a scam from beginning to end! President Konishi, why do you want to conspire with Mingguo? Tell me immediately and I can kill you alone!"
Governor Konishi repeatedly pleaded: "Your Highness, I have been wronged, and I have no idea what is going on. At that time, Mingguo had agreed to all the conditions, and the replies to me were the same several times!"
Hideyoshi scolded: "That's nonsense. You have been responsible for this. You were also present when the edict was first read out. You are also proficient in Chinese, not only Jiangnan dialect, but also Northern dialect! From North Korea to Osaka, you have no way of getting along with them at all.
Did you notice? This edict was read out twice, but you still don’t understand it!"
Ukita Hideie also felt that there was something wrong. He looked at President Konishi with a stern face and asked: "Konishi, what is going on? Are you really betraying His Highness Taikaku behind your back? If that is the case, I, Ukita
Xiujia will definitely not let you go!"
Governor Konishi repeatedly argued: "Your Highness Taikaku, I did not notice any falsehood when I swore to get along with them. It is true that I can answer both north and south Chinese, but Chinese can be divided into spoken and written. The spoken language is easy to understand, and I will not have any problems."
, but I was not very proficient in written language. The wording of this edict was complicated, and I could not translate it immediately.
Moreover, there was an emissary who swore the oath, and there was a Japanese translation of the edict later, so I believed it to be true. I have always been deceived by them. I never imagined that they could be so despicable...especially that Shen Weijing!
And the emperor of the Ming Dynasty also betrayed our sincerity and wanted to play tricks on us from the beginning! Playing on His Highness! I just want to kill them with a thousand swords right now!"
Governor Konishi is worthy of being a businessman, and his ability to tell lies with his eyes open is quite good. Seeing him like this, Ukita Hideie didn't bother to argue about his position. Instead, he immediately asked for war and conquered Korea again, and asked Hideyoshi to order the expulsion of the Ming Dynasty.
Mission.
Maeda Toshiie was very calm. After thinking for a while, he advised: "I think it is not appropriate to do this now. Since the Ming Dynasty has acted like this, I think it must have been prepared. I am worried that during this truce, the Ming army had previously
I am afraid that all the difficulties we face can be overcome and we are fully prepared.
Your Highness Taige, the Tang Dynasty (Ming Dynasty) had a vast territory and had millions of troops. In the previous war, only 50,000 people were dispatched. This was very unusual. I thought this might be related to the fact that they had just finished defeating Mongolia.
Once mobilized, I don't know what kind of military strength it will be.
On the other hand, we only still occupy Busan and have some troops stationed there. The rest have already returned home to disarm. If we want to recruit again, it will not only be extremely time-consuming, but also require a lot of preparations.
Therefore, I boldly suggest that it is better to pretend not to know anything about it, continue to accept the canonization, and continue to create the illusion that there is no intention to fight again to deceive Datang and Goryeo, but in fact quietly prepare for war again.
As for our purpose... Your Highness, if we stop here, the soldiers will only face fragmentation and separation between life and death when they return. More importantly, the daimyo who cannot receive compensation may deepen their dissatisfaction with Your Highness.
, will eventually lead to rebellion, so at the very least we must divide or even occupy North Korea to quell this internal hidden danger."
These words were reasonable. Toyotomi Hideji sighed with emotion: "So, you have a comprehensive idea. But I really didn't expect that the mighty Ming Dynasty would actually use such methods. When I heard about the Ming army's combat power, I still thought
It was once thought that the Korean War would drag on for a long time.
Later, a peace and truce was suddenly negotiated. Although I had doubts, I did not think much about it despite all the manifestations. Unexpectedly, the truth turned out to be like this, so it was time for us to prepare military supplies again."
Maeda Toshiie nodded and said: "Yes, Your Highness Guanbai, the people of the Tang Dynasty say that 'war never tires of deception'. They are at war with us, so naturally they will not hesitate to use any conspiracy. After thousands of years of development, the Tang Dynasty has been very capable of conspiracy.
So profound, I almost got deceived by him this time.
In addition, judging from the situation of the last battle, the two armies are each good at winning: our army has abundant troops but insufficient firepower; the Ming army has strong combat power but is afraid of losses.
In this case, we need to make secret preparations for this rematch, seize the opportunity, and strive to defeat with all our strength. For this reason, we still need to plan carefully... Your Highness Guan Bai, in terms of military preparations and mobilization arrangements, I would like you to assist Taige.
Your Highness, please take such trouble." Xiuji quickly said that this was his duty and it should be taken for granted.
Hideyoshi walked around twice, stamped his feet and said: "You are right, Toshiya, and it should be so. After this war, I no longer need peace talks. I must do my best to destroy all Korea, and then invade the Tang Dynasty one after another.
, Tianzhu, anyone who stands in my way must die without a burial place!
As for now... there will be a big banquet tomorrow, and we will all wear bright clothes to entertain the envoy. Xiaoxi, I can give you another chance. You need to let the envoy know that I am grateful for the canonization this time, but
I am not satisfied and would like to ask the Ming Emperor to reconsider, otherwise I will not withdraw from Busan.
Also, we must make them feel that we only want better canonization and trade, and we cannot let them have any awareness of us launching another attack. Do you understand?" Governor Konishi quickly accepted the order.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content! So, once again, the Ming Dynasty envoys were warmly entertained by Japan at the banquet. All Japanese ministers and daimyo attending the meeting were ordered to wear Ming Dynasty costumes.
Showing his surrender. Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Sekihaku Toyotomi Hideji personally offered toasts to the Ming envoys. Taikaku and Guanbai had done so, and the others dared not lag behind. They also toasted one after another, and the Ming envoys also followed suit.
Return the favor.
During the Noh performance session, President Konishi turned to the Ming envoys Yang Fangheng and Shen Weijing, put on a cheerful smile and said: "You have come all the way to consecrate His Highness Taikaku, and everyone in our country is grateful. But this is about conferring Japan.
King, although Your Highness Taikaku is well aware of the great kindness of the Emperor, after all, we in Japan still have His Majesty the Emperor, so this... is still a bit difficult.
Japan has its own national conditions. His Majesty the Emperor is supreme in Japan, but he does not conduct state affairs. All state affairs are handled by ministers. This has been the case for hundreds of years. His Highness Taikaku was canonized as the King of Japan. How does His Majesty the Emperor deal with himself? Not only that.
It is Your Highness Taige, everyone will be ashamed."
Shen Weijing replied: "But if Japan is not crowned king, the matter will be very difficult for the Ming Dynasty. It is against etiquette and law, and there is no precedent. For example, the Ashikaga family, the Japanese general who conquered the barbarians, was not also crowned the king of Japan by the Ming Dynasty? At that time, he
Why don't you think it's 'somewhat difficult'?
What's more, I, the Emperor of Heaven, have spoken so eloquently, how can there be any reason to change the title without authorization in a single imperial edict! The Celestial Empire has stood for thousands of years, and all the barbarians have been submissive. All nations have come to court, and etiquette and law are the most important thing in everything. Now that this is the case, it can't get any easier.
"
Governor Konishi turned to Yang Fangheng and said: "Please, Your Majesty, please reconsider the canonization issue. Of course, if it cannot be re-canonized, Japan will not force it. It is just the joint trade that is the lifeblood of Japan. Japan I will continue to plead, and please report this matter to the Holy One, please."
Since he was not forcing anything, and the matter of exploring joint trade was just "just keep pleading," Yang Fangheng was not afraid of complying, so he promised to respond again.
After the climax of the banquet, Shen Weijing met with President Konishi alone for a secret conversation and asked, "The secret hasn't been revealed yet? Why did you suddenly make such a request to the envoy during the banquet, but didn't discuss it with me before?"
President Konishi lied and said: "It was not leaked. It's just that His Highness was very surprised by this matter. It can even be said that he was at a loss. I have no choice but to do this today. Please forgive me, Mr. Shen."
Shen Weijing sighed and commented: "Your national conditions are really strange and incomprehensible. Well, it's just another performance, it doesn't matter... But when will you withdraw the troops that are still entrenched in Busan?"
President Konishi replied: "I haven't received any instructions from His Highness Taige on this matter. His Highness has been almost crazy about paying tribute recently, and I am also very embarrassed. Oh, there are many people here, and it is not suitable for you and me to stay for a long time. Please feel free to do it yourself .”
President Xiaoxi found an excuse to leave, and went back to the banquet with Shen Weijing respectively, and continued to participate in the banquet.
During the banquet, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Toyotomi Hideji sat together. Hideyoshi chatted with Hideji many times about home affairs. During this period, Hideyoshi said: "I was very poor in the past. I never dreamed that I would be able to live today, so I cherish every day and every day." I cherish every piece of food I eat, and I hope that what I do can bring benefits to the world... As Guan Bai, you must always remember this."
Xiuji said: "Yes, my nephew has always cherished his blessings. My uncle and aunt have always kept the teachings in my heart, and I dare not forget them for a moment. After a long period of war, peace has finally come to the world. Although my nephew has nothing I have great talent, but I dare not slack off even a little bit every day, and I hope to make everyone rich as soon as possible."
Hideyoshi clapped his legs and said: "If you can occupy Korea, Tang Dynasty, Tianzhu and other places, you will have unimaginable wealth. In the future, I will hand over Japan to the Ukita Hide family, let you become Guanbai of Tang Dynasty, and welcome the emperor to live in Ming Dynasty." The capital of the country, and I will stay in Ningbo. What do you think?"
Hidetoshi was noncommittal, but asked what Shaojun's plans were at that time. Hideyoshi replied: "I have my own plans for Shi's future, but you don't need to ask more. You will be a Guanbai of the Tang Dynasty in the future. How much do you know about the customs and government affairs of the Tang Dynasty now?" ?”
Naturally, he didn’t know much about it at all, so Xiuji replied that he was busy with official duties and only knew a little about part of China’s history and culture, but he hadn’t touched on the rest yet.
Hideyoshi therefore scolded Hideji: "You don't know that I want to occupy this place. Why haven't you made any preparations for the Tang Dynasty? Do you think that with me in charge of the conquest, you can just prepare some military supplies and set up a few flying stations?" Did you just pass on military information with your feet and watch from the sidelines without caring about other things about the Tang Dynasty? Didn’t your retainers also remind you?!"
Hidetsuji saw Hideyoshi's expression suddenly change, and he didn't know why, but the best reaction at this time was to apologize hastily, so he quickly said: "Your Majesty Taikaku, please calm down, my nephew will start preparations immediately. It's just that my nephew thinks that Japan has been in trouble for many years now."
Is the foreign conquest a bit too hasty? My nephew is saying... is it more advantageous to fight again when the country is richer?"
Hideyoshi said angrily: "You are talking nonsense again. I thought you understood the meaning of this matter! Didn't I make it clear before? If you forget, find someone to help you recall your memories, and then do your duty."
Hidetsu was suddenly accused, and felt trembling and uneasy again, so he had to keep silent to show that he knew he was wrong.
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PS: I remember that I had saved the imperial edict in this chapter before, but I couldn’t find it. It took me a while to find it temporarily. In addition, the final length was more than a thousand words longer than the originally planned 4K, so the update was two months late.