Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

Cao Song looked at Kong Xilu with a gloomy face and said: "We are ordered to investigate the case of the remnants of the pseudo-emperor Jianwen's rebellion. Now the Jin Yiwei suspects that you are closely related to this case. Please come with us to Beizhen." Fu Si!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole lecture hall of the Imperial College was in an uproar.

"What? How is this possible! Who told him the news!"

"Nonsense! How could Mr. Kong do such a thing!"

"That's right, it must be fake news. You should stop spouting nonsense!"

"Yes! We never believe it!"

The students were excited.

Xi Zhan, on the other hand, looked happy.

Jiang Xinghuo made a bad move!

Arresting Kong Xilu under any pretext at this time will not bring good results. It will only completely ignite the already turbulent public opinion. By then, the boiling anger of the scholars will engulf Jiang Xinghuo and his reform faction from the beginning. To the end.

"Jiang Xinghuo, Jiang Xinghuo, you have been smart all your life, but you didn't expect to be so confused now."

Xun Zhan racked his brains and couldn't figure it out. Jiang Xinghuo was a very smart person, but he was so oppressed when he dealt with him before. How could he make such a low-level mistake?

Kong Xilu was still sitting steadily. He smiled lightly and said, "I wonder how you can conclude that I am related to this so-called conspiracy and rebellion?"

Cao Song snorted coldly: "Last night, the Jin Yiwei captured a group of people outside the city who were smuggling salted fish filled with salt grains and did not meet the requirements of the 'Opening of China Law'. Some of the smuggled salt dealers still gritted their teeth and resisted. But some people have admitted that these private goods were ordered by one person, and that the sale of salted fish was to raise money for the remnants of Jianwen, and according to their account, this person is none other than Kong Xilu."

At this time, Kong Anbang, the disciple and bookboy beside Kong Xilu, angrily shouted: "How outrageous! Duke Kong's prestige is so great in the country, how can it be that you, the Jin Yiwei, will judge him at your request!"

Cao Song said coldly: "You are right to say that Kong Xilu's prestige is outstanding in the country, but in the final analysis, he is still a white man. The duty of the Jin Yiwei is to arrest imperial prisoners, and the rebellion involving the remnants of the pseudo-emperor Jianwen is the long-established imperial rule. I, Jin Yiwei, can naturally try the case, and no one has the right to interfere with Jin Yiwei's handling of the case!"

Kong Xilu was a civilian, which meant that he could freely accept the invitation of the Imperial College to give lectures and express the views he wanted to express, but the price was that the Jin Yiwei could arrest him within his authority and did not need a specific imperial edict.

"you"

Kong Anbang was furious and was about to refute, but Kong Xilu waved his hand to stop him, then turned around to face everyone, and said slowly but firmly: ""Mencius: Chapter 1 of the Heart" says: There is a way in the world, and you will die for the way; If you are innocent, you will die as a martyr. It is useless to say more, I will just go with you."

"Master!"

"gentlemen!"

"Kong Gong!"

Kong Xilu stood up and let the Jinyi guards hold him hostage. He said loudly to the students in the Imperial College: "Since you have come to study in the Imperial College, you should know that we Confucian students uphold the spirit of 'benevolence, morality, fraternity, and forgiveness of others.' , rather than only knowing benefits and not distinguishing between good and evil. As disciples of saints, we should lead by example!"

"Master Kong said it well!"

"Mr. Kong is right. How can we, the scholars, be like Jiang Xinghuo, who ignores the suffering of the people and disregards the well-being of the people for the sake of personal gain!"

The students in the Imperial College all agreed, and some even fanned the flames, attracting attention from all around.

Only one elegant young man in blue shirt hidden in the crowd did not make any move.

He looked at Kong Xilu quietly, his eyes straight, as if he wanted to remember everything about this man.

"The ability to nourish one's energy and adapt to situations is very strong. He can build momentum and incite public opinion to turn against him. He can maximize his positive image in crisis situations. Only then can he give lectures. It can be seen in just a few sentences that this person's Confucian skills are truly world-class. It’s rare to see him, he’s a really tough opponent.”

Jiang Xinghuo quietly left the scene.

"But this is just the beginning. Don't you like to make things bigger? Then I'll accompany you. It's better to poke a hole in the sky."

The monstrous storm in the city of Nanjing is getting bigger and bigger, and the first official confrontation between New Learning, or science, and Neo-Confucianism is about to begin.

In May of the first year of Yongle, the internal and external history of the Ming Dynasty and the entire world were pushed in another direction by Jiang Xinghuo in some rough way.

Li's Korea has surrendered, and several plans for Annan and even Southeast Asia have been completed. Zheng He has already floated to the sea, and now he is afraid that he will reach the Champa Kingdom.

And Li Jinglong, who has been in Japan for a long time, is finally completing his final mission and returning to the country. This means that the new cotton textile industry in the Ming Dynasty is about to obtain another long-prepared commodity dumping market.

The reform has entered a deeper and unknown realm on both the ideological and material levels.

——————

On the other side of the sea.

Japan, Kyoto Luen-in.

Compared with last year, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu has aged even better. He is wearing a monk's robe, dragging his clogs, and walking in the peach blossom forest.

The peach blossoms are colorful and falling in the sky, dancing in the wind, like a fairyland.

Behind this beautiful scenery, most of the peach blossoms have withered, and the ground is covered with a layer of pink as thin as cicada wings. It is soft and soft when you step on it, as if you can sink into it.

"The beauty of April in the world is over, and the peach blossoms in mountain temples are beginning to bloom. It's a pity that I didn't have the opportunity to go to Ming Dynasty to see Dalin Temple with my own eyes."

Gu Jian Miao Kuai followed behind him step by step without saying anything.

For an old man in his twilight years, it is inevitable to be emotionally moved by the scenery, especially in Japan, where flowers wither and the withering of life are regarded as beautiful.

"Is there any news from Ninagawa Shinemon?" Ashikaga Yoshimitsu suddenly asked.

Gu Jian Miao quickly said without leaving any trace:

"Zongchun practiced very well at Anguo Temple, and there was nothing abnormal."

"That's good."

Zongjun is Ikkyu Zongjun, who is also the prototype of the protagonist in Jiang Xinghuo's previous cartoon "Smart Ikkyu". His childhood name is Qianju Maru. Ikkyu was born in Kyoto in the first month of the fifth year of Meitoku (1394) in Japan. His father is Emperor Komatsu of the Northern Dynasty, whose mother was Teruko Fujiwara, was from the Fujiwara clan. She was 7 years old and was arranged by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu to practice at Ankokuji Temple.

There may be a strange point here, that is, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu clearly supported the Northern Dynasty, so why did he send the son of the current emperor to become a monk, and even sent people to monitor him?

This is because Fujiwara Teruko plotted to assassinate Emperor Gomatsu. After being discovered, Fujiwara Teruko escaped from the palace and sneaked to Sagano. On the first day of the first lunar month, she gave birth to Ikkyu Sojun. Fujiwara Teruko was inclined to the Southern Dynasty, and was equivalent to the Southern Dynasty Daikakuji Temple. If the government has Ikkyu Munejun, the son of Emperor Komatsu of the Northern Dynasty, then he will have a trump card to occupy the magpie's nest.

In fact, the dispute between the Jimei-in line of the Northern Dynasties and the Daikaku-ji line of the Southern Dynasty has never ceased. Since Ashikaga Yoshimitsu cannot pave the way for his descendants to become emperors like Sima Yi did, then naturally he has to consider the Chimei-in line and the Daikaku-ji line. balance between systems.

Among the children of Emperor Go-Kameyama of the Southern Dynasty, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not care much about sending the monk Yukibakura (Prince Yasukouchi) to the Ming Dynasty. After all, the inheritance was male rather than female. As long as Emperor Go-Kameyama's son Ogura Miyazaki was Atsushi (theoretically the next emperor after the North and South unified the country) is also under control, so naturally nothing else is a concern.

As for Emperor Gogameyama, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not regard him as a rival at all.

The peaceful reunification of the Northern and Southern Dynasties was accomplished in the hands of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, but this was the general trend of history and the aspiration of the Japanese people. It was not a balance of power between the Northern and Southern Dynasties, which was kneaded together by the shogunate through tyrannical force.

In fact, during the reign of Emperor Go-Kameyama, the power of the Southern Dynasties was limited to the mountains of Hanoi and Yamato, and there were only a few monks and samurai who supported the Southern Dynasty. Compared with the period of the previous Emperor Chokei, the basic structure of the Southern Dynasty was It weakens rapidly, like a candle in the wind, and is destroyed in just a matter of seconds.

Due to the decline of the power of the Southern Dynasties, it was an impossible task to seize Kyoto and fight against the Northern Dynasties supported by the Muromachi Shogunate. The collegial forces that advocated peaceful integration with the Northern Dynasties gradually dominated the mainstream of the Southern Dynasty temples, and the integration of the Southern and Northern Dynasties has become a thing of the past. To put it bluntly, the essence is that the powerful people of the Southern Dynasty surrendered to the samurai regime of the Muromachi shogunate and were absorbed by the northern dynasty controlled by the samurai family.

At the end of the 30th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty/the fourth year of Yingyong in Japan (1397), Hou Guishan resigned from his title and military service, became a monk with the name of Kongxin, and lived a secluded life, with only Ano as his side. , father and son, and close ministers such as Tokihiro Rokujo served, and Kaneki Yoshida, father and son Atsushi Yoshida entered Shinto by his side.

Once the Meitoku Peace Treaty was signed, it was no longer possible for the Southern Dynasty to revive in the hands of Emperor Gogameyama. As long as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu controlled Tsuneton Oguramiya, nothing would be a concern.

In fact, this was also the case in the history of Jiang Xinghuo's previous life. If there was no intervention from the Ming Dynasty, then in seven years, in the eighth year of Yongle in the Ming Dynasty/the 17th year of Onei in Japan (1410), the Muromachi shogunate presided over by Ashikaga Yoshi violated the " The conditions for the establishment of two successive dynasties in the Meitoku Peace Treaty (the Daikakuji line of the Southern Dynasty and the Jimeiin line of the Northern Dynasty alternately succeeded to the throne) prepared to establish Prince Kohito, the son of Emperor Gokomatsu of the Northern Dynasty, as the crown prince instead of Emperor Gogeyama of the Southern Dynasty. His son, Ogura Miya Tsuneton, Go-Kameyama Emperor suddenly left Saga, secretly visited the Yoshino Mountains, and summoned the forces of the old Southern Dynasty to establish the Go-Nan Dynasty, but it was quickly destroyed.

It can be seen that when Japan's political situation is stable, Prince Kohito will definitely stand on the side of the Muromachi Shogunate. The remaining heirs with inheritance rights, ranked according to the strength of their inheritance rights, are the Southern Dynasty clan's Kokura Miya Tsune Atsushi, Ikkyu Munejun from the Northern Dynasty clan, and Yukibu Sakura (Prince Yasukouchi) from the Southern Dynasty clan.

Yukibu Sakura's inheritance ranking is basically at the bottom, and many of Japan's rules are different from those in China. Japan rarely uses physical methods to eliminate politicians who have left power. They basically use expulsion, monasticism, and imprisonment. Once Yukibu Sakura became a monk, she would automatically give up her right to inherit the throne of the Emperor.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu expressed enough goodwill to a woman who gave up her inheritance rights.

"Your Mightiness."

A girl ran from the depths of the peach forest. She was wearing a kimono and wooden geta on her feet. She had long black hair and delicate and beautiful facial features.

Seeing this girl, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had a kind look in his eyes.

"Thank you for your preparation."

"no."

Yukima Sakura smiled sweetly, and she held Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's arm.

After sitting down in the pavilion on the top of the mountain, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu explained his purpose——

"Today I will have a meeting with His Excellency Li Jinglong, the great general of the Ming Dynasty."

"Oh, do you need me to do anything?" Xuewuying wanted to ask what they were talking about, but she stopped immediately.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu smiled, tilted his head slightly and looked at the car frame parked at the entrance of Deer Garden in the distance, and said.

"No need, just listen and listen."

Xuewuying silently prepared cakes, snacks, tea and soup, etc., and knelt down in a corner.

She looked at the large pot set up outside the pavilion on the top of the mountain, guessing the purpose of this incongruous thing.

This place with beautiful scenery originally belonged to the Saionji family. Later, they dedicated this "Kitayama Land" in Kyoto's Kitayama Mountains to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu built a villa here with the Relic Hall as the center, which was called "Kitayama Hall". ", and later it was transformed into Luyuan Courtyard with Beishan Hall as the main body.

The buildings and utensils here are a fusion of public, samurai, and Zen culture, but no matter which culture it is, Xue Wuying can be sure that there is absolutely no such thing as a "cauldron."

In fact, Japanese food has been developing in the direction of small portions. In the current era of the Muromachi Shogunate, one plate of food is not much. Even the savages in Ezo (Hokkaido) who eat raw hair and drink blood will not use such a big pot. To cook.

Of course Ashikaga Yoshimitsu knew what this cauldron was used for, and there was a look of expectation in his eyes.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is the de facto ruler of Japan. He has accomplished many things so far, including the unification of the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the complete rise of the shogunate, and the elimination of many domestic opposition vassal states.

To call him a great man is an understatement.

But there is only one thing that Ashikaga Yoshi has been dreaming about for thirty years but has not yet accomplished.

That is the prospecting trade with Ming Dynasty.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu has been very eager to trade with the Ming Dynasty since he inherited the position of general of the Muromachi Shogunate. Since the seventh year of Hongwu, he has sent envoys to the Ming Dynasty several times.

From the seventh year to the thirteenth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu paid tribute to the Ming Dynasty in the name of "Japanese Conquering General Minamoto Yoshimitsu" and requested trade with the Ming Dynasty. However, Lao Zhu refused the request of the Muromachi Shogunate for a simple reason. Zhu had been dealing with Prince Huaira of the Southern Dynasty, and believed that the "Japanese King Huairang" of the Daikaku clique in the Southern Dynasty was the orthodox monarch of Japan, while the Michiyo clique of the Northern Dynasty was a rebellious minister, and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was a general of the Michimei clique of the Northern Dynasty, not to mention You should communicate with them.

Therefore, during the reign of Lao Zhu, the Ming Dynasty always refused to trade with the shogunate.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu waited and waited until Lao Zhu was finally killed, and it was Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yunwen's turn to take the throne.

After learning that the Ming Dynasty had changed its emperor, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the first year of Jianbun immediately sent Hakata businessman Fat Fu and monk Zua to the Ming Dynasty in the name of "Japanese National Standard Sanhou Gendaoyi". This time due to the decline of the power of the Southern Dynasty, Jianwen Emperor Wen was not as stubborn as Lao Zhu. He simply gave Yoshimitsu the title of "King of Japan" as a sweetener, and asked Ashikaga Yoshimitsu to ban Japanese pirates. After banning Japanese pirates, he would discuss exploration and joint trade.

However, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was not happy for a few days. Zhu Di raised an army to suppress the rebellion. The Ming Dynasty wanted to do its best to suppress the rebellion and had no time to engage in exploration and trade with him.

In this way, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had been looking forward to it for another four years. The news that Emperor Jianwen succeeded in reducing the vassal family did not come, but he got the news that Zhu Di proclaimed himself emperor and was named "Yongle".

So Ashikaga Yoshimitsu wrote again, asking whether a large-scale mission could be sent to congratulate him. However, because Japan was not a tribute trading country, it needed to confirm the vassal relationship before paying tribute, so Li Jinglong came with the Ming Dynasty's mission.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had extremely high expectations for this "super-standard" Ming Dynasty mission.

And Li Jinglong did not disappoint him. After several months of negotiations, today, Ming Dynasty has given out the final conditions for the joint trade. As long as the negotiations go smoothly, Li Jinglong can return home with Japanese documents.

Li Jinglong and several officials selected by the Ministry of Rites climbed up the steps and walked slowly along the mountain path to the outside of the pavilion.

As soon as they came up, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu greeted them personally with a smile: "Welcome, Your Excellency, General!"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu raised his right hand to signal everyone to excuse themselves, and then said: "Please."

"Master of Luyuan Courtyard, please."

The two looked at each other and smiled, walking side by side towards the pavilion.

Behind Li Jinglong, several officials from the Ministry of Rites followed closely, not daring to leave even half a step.

As Li Jinglong walked, he looked around at the surrounding environment. He looked at the low table in the pavilion and the white porcelain tea bowl containing tea soup on the table, and sighed softly.

Japanese tea soup contains both salt, sweet and vinegar. In order to show his sincerity, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu bought a small jar of Shanxi mature vinegar at a high price and persuaded him to drink it every time. However, such a strong taste was really unbearable for Li Jinglong. ah.

"Your Excellency, General, I feel a little reluctant to leave you when I think about your return to the country."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu picked up the tea bowl and said with a smile. He completely lost the senility he had when climbing the mountain just now. His face was rosy and he looked refreshed.

Li Jinglong smiled and nodded, and said meaningfully: "Master of Luyuan Courtyard, you don't have to be like this, I will come again."

But at this time, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu suddenly put down the tea bowl, and Yukibu Sakura stepped forward and picked up the jug next to her and poured two glasses of wine.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu said:

"This is the son of our Dajue Temple. His current name is Xue Wuying. He will soon return to the country with His Majesty the General and go to practice with Master Dao Yan, a friend of the ancient sword master Miao Kuai."

With that said, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu personally handed the wine glass to Li Jinglong.

"Thank you."

Li Jinglong stretched out his hands to catch the wine glass handed over by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

Li Jinglong picked it up and took a sip. He suddenly felt a burning sensation, followed by a slight sweetness, and couldn't help nodding in praise.

"This is a cistanche wine purchased from North Korea." Ashikaga Yoshimitsu introduced. "The wine pulp is brewed using special techniques. It is not only delicious, but also has the effect of nourishing yin and nourishing the kidneys. For men, especially It has good effects on elderly and frail men."

"That's it." After hearing this, Li Jinglong immediately took another sip.

"This is what I usually drink for maintenance. If the General likes to drink it, I can ask someone to send you a few more bottles?" Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked enthusiastically.

"No need." Li Jinglong shook his head and said, "I'm too drunk."

Although Li Jinglong had never heard of this kind of medicinal material, he thought that since it was available in North Korea, it must be available in Ming Dynasty as well.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu raised his glass of wine and drank with Li Jinglong.

The two chatted for a while, and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu suddenly said: "General, as you know, I am not young anymore. In Chinese terms, half of my neck is buried in the ground. My only wish is to be able to complete it in my lifetime. The exploration and trade between Japan and Ming Dynasty."

Li Jinglong's heart skipped a beat and he responded with a smile: "This is also my purpose today."

The "Relevant Requirements for Adjusting the Tribute Trade Contract of the Surrounding Vassal Countries of the Ming Dynasty" written by Jiang Xinghuo and issued by the President's Reform Affairs Office has been sent to Li Jinglong, and the same copy has also been sent to the King of North Korea.

What Jiang Xinghuo showed Chen Tianping not long ago was an enhanced version.

"I know your Excellency the General's temperament, and I am not a long-winded person. Let's talk quickly to avoid wasting the time of both parties."

"readily."

The two complimented each other for a few words, and logically it was time for them to get straight to the point and talk about business.

"correct."

However, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu suddenly raised his hand and said, "There are still gifts for His Majesty the General."

"what gift?"

Li Jinglong was slightly startled. Could it be a box of cistanche wine?

"His Majesty the General will know soon."

With that said, he ordered to the warrior beside him: "Send it up."

Soon, a shirtless man was hung upside down and his limbs were tied to a pole, and he was carried over like a pig being slaughtered during the New Year.

Li Jinglong was stunned when he saw this. What is going on?

I saw the leading warrior kneeling on the ground respectfully and said: "The leader of the pirates (Japanese pirates) has been brought here, please give me instructions."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu explained with a smile: "Pirates in the Tsushima and Iki areas harassed the coast of Ming Dynasty. I sent the coastal guardian daimyo to capture the leader of them. There are more than 20 people in total. Will I blow up one for you first?"

Li Jinglong vaguely remembered what Imagawa Ryojun said to him.

"No!"

"You're welcome, one comes first."

The screams came, but Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not feel soft at all, but was excited.

Li Jinglong frowned even more as he looked at the uncomfortable scene in front of him.

Not long after, the Japanese pirate leader who had broken his hand tendons, hamstrings, and lumbar vertebrae was burned alive.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu picked up the wine glass and watched the Japanese pirate leader being swallowed up by the boiling oil and rising flames, letting out bursts of joyful laughter.

"It's really wonderful, don't you think? Your Excellency, General!"

Li Jinglong looked at the Japanese opposite him and pondered secretly in his heart.

This Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is more perverted than he imagined.

"Your Majesty, General, are you satisfied with this gift? If not, there are still twenty others below."

Li Jinglong put down his wine glass and shook his head: "To be honest, this is not what Daming needs."

"oh?"

A trace of confusion flashed in Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's eyes.

Daming, doesn’t what you need most is face?

Li Jinglong said solemnly: "The Ming Dynasty has taken back Jeju Island from the hands of the Korean King Li Fangyuan. You must be aware of this matter."

Jeju Island!

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not expect that Li Jinglong would mention this. He originally thought that Li Jinglong would not talk about it until he returned to China.

He was also prepared to act as if nothing had happened.

Otherwise, once the lid of this topic is lifted, in Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's view, it will not end well.

The reason is also very simple. Jeju Island is like a dagger, stabbing between North Korea and Japan. Its geographical location is too sensitive.

Although from a legal perspective, it is natural for Daming to return to Jeju Island.

And Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is also very clear that Jeju Island is one of the most important horse breeding areas in North Korea. The Ming Dynasty is determined to win whether it is supplying itself or restricting North Korea. This lawsuit has been drawn from the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty to the present. North Korea I have been trying to shirk the blame, but now I can no longer shirk the blame, so it is only natural that it should be returned to the Ming Dynasty.

Japan has no reason, ability or motive to prevent this from happening.

But no matter what, for Japan, Jeju Island is a threat in the hands of Ming Dynasty.

This is not conducive to the negotiations between the two parties on joint exploration and trade. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is really puzzled as to why Li Jinglong mentioned this matter at this time.

"Our Ming Dynasty's Imperial Master, Jiang Xinghuo, whom I often mention, is currently presiding over affairs related to the Ming Dynasty's reform."

Li Jinglong spoke slowly: "The Imperial Master intends to adjust the tribute trade system to help me complete the trade exploration negotiations between the Ming Dynasty and Japan, but..."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was a little surprised. He did not expect that Li Jinglong would get the support of the reformist standard-bearer in the Ming Dynasty. In the past, the civil servants in the Ming Dynasty generally paid little attention to the exploration and trade with Japan. As the reformists come to power, if nothing else happens, the situation will obviously change.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu may not understand the Ming Dynasty, but he understands temples.

What the enemy supports, I oppose; what the enemy opposes, I support.

This principle is basically applicable to temple struggles in any time and space.

"So how does Master Jiang plan to adjust?"

"Ahem."

Li Jinglong cleared his throat, adjusted his posture, and then said: "The resistance in the DPRK is huge."

"You should know that conservative civil servants strongly resist the opening of Kanhe trade that exceeds the limit of tribute trade. And to be honest, Japan has not left a good impression on them. After all, Japanese pirates often raid our coastal areas of the Ming Dynasty."

"this"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is full of hardships.

He knew very well that Li Jinglong did not say anything exaggerated. On the contrary, these situations that prevented Japan from exploring joint trade with Ming Dynasty were all true, and they had existed not for a year or two, but for decades.

But the problem is that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu cannot ban Japanese pirates at all, because the current three islands in Japan, the areas actually controlled by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu are the central and western parts of Honshu Island, Shikoku Island and Kyushu Island, which are actually the local vassals far away from the Yellow Emperor The country was ruled by the Daimyo, and they had always been in a state of obedience to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu but not the propaganda.

These more than ten vassal states will obey Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's call on most matters, but if it really touches their fundamental interests, they will not listen.

This is why Ashikaga Yoshimitsu dismantled the Ouchi family and deposed Imagawa Ryotoshi, the "King of Kyushu", but Shikoku Island and Kyushu Island are still full of princes.

Maritime trade and the accompanying Japanese pirate gangs were the core interests of these local vassals.

Why did Ashikaga Yoshimitsu always think about the prospecting trade?

It's because the exploration and cooperation trade is an absolutely profitable thing for him.

If nothing else, there are two immediate results.

First, solve the shogunate's tight financial situation.

Second, completely block the smuggling wealth channels of the vassal states of Shikoku Island and Kyushu Island and weaken their strength.

In this way, the shogunate will be strong and the vassals will be weakened. Within a few generations, the shogunate will completely complete its rule over the entire Japan.

But the problem is that Japan has a very bad impression on the Ming Dynasty, so the Ming Dynasty has never agreed to open the exploration and cooperation trade, and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu cannot completely ban it.

"The navy of the shogunate is not strong enough."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu considered the words: "Moreover, the pirates have a very wide range and are difficult to completely eradicate. Of course, the fundamental reason is that the Southern and Northern Dynasties produced a large number of bankrupt wandering samurai, and the local vassals were also very concerned about this problem. Sensitivity, piracy and smuggling brought them great wealth."

"Of course the Imperial Master has considered the shogunate's issues."

Li Jinglong smiled and said in a tone of "We are all thinking about you": "The navy of the Ming Dynasty can help the shogunate to eliminate pirates."

After hearing this, although Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not fall out, he immediately became alert.

This is not good news. Although Daming is good-looking, he does not believe that Daming is a good person. Daming has taken back Jeju Island from North Korea, and now he is coming to the coast of Japan to exterminate Japanese pirates. What exactly does he want to do?

He had heard Gu Jian Miao Kuai tell the story of the false Taoist attack on Guo.

"I'm afraid this is inappropriate." Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's smile was a little stiff.

When Li Jinglong saw his look, he didn't know what he was worried about, so he laughed and waved his hand: "No, no, no, I know what you are thinking, but I want to tell you, you are mistaken, Ming Dynasty will never Malice.”

Seeing Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's doubtful look, Li Jinglong took out a map of the map from his sleeve.

This is a map of the sea area around Jeju Island drawn by North Korea. As archival material, it was delivered when the entire island was returned to the Ming Dynasty, and was sent to Li Jinglong by officials of the Ming Dynasty.

"What the Imperial Master means is that the tribute trade cannot meet the needs of Japan, and the resistance of Kanhe trade in the Ming Dynasty is too great, so why not make some small innovations between tribute trade and Kanhe trade?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu stared at the map intently, obviously not understanding what Li Jinglong meant by "small innovations."

"You also mentioned just now that Tsushima and Iki Island are the nests of pirates. Behind these pirates, there are local vassal forces. It is inconvenient for the Japanese shogunate to send troops, so Ming Dynasty can help Don't worry until the shogunate sends troops to clear out these two islands. The Ming Dynasty certainly does not want to occupy these two 'insignificant' islands. After clearing out the pirates, they will still be returned to Japan, and they will be returned to the direct control of the shogunate."

Li Jinglong paused and continued: "It is worth noting that Tsushima and Iki Islands, in this small innovation, will become unarmed free trade zones between the Ming Dynasty and Japan. In order to protect free trade, both countries cannot station troops. of."

"Unarmed Free Trade Zone?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu chewed on this new word.

"Yes, Ming Dynasty and Japan negotiate a list of trade goods every year, as well as relevant tariffs adjusted according to price fluctuations. After Ming Dynasty's goods arrive at Jeju Island from the mainland, they go to Tsushima and Iki Island for trade, while Japan's mainland The same goes for products.”

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu wanted to say, wouldn't that mean that there were Ming garrison troops on Jeju Island, but there were no Japanese garrisons on Tsushima Island and Iki Island? What if the Ming Dynasty sent troops to Japan?

But when he thought about it, he realized that this was not the case, because if that was the case, then the Japanese mainland was behind the two islands. Once the Ming Dynasty showed the idea of ​​hoarding troops and planning to cross the strait through Jeju Island, Japan wanted to send troops Wouldn't it be faster to strike first?

In the final analysis, this is just to build a free trade area between tribute trade and joint trade.

"What does Jiang Guoshi mean by using Jeju Island to circumvent the resistance caused by Japanese caravans heading to the Ming Dynasty for exploration and trade?" Ashikaga Yoshimitsu understood.

Li Jinglong nodded: "Yes, Ming Dynasty still implements the maritime ban policy, and has never supported the trade form of exploration and cooperation. Only tribute trade is in line with the ideas of civil servants, and what you need is obviously not tribute trade, so you must Only through transshipment on Ming Dynasty lands overseas and then free trade can most of the disputes in the court be avoided."

In fact, of course Jiang Xinghuo was not kindly meeting Japan's requirements for trade exploration and taking the initiative to find alternatives for them, but was paving the way for a cross-sea conquest with Japan.

At present, the main contradiction faced by Ming Dynasty externally is that there is a sequence of conquests, while domestic cotton textiles are in urgent need of more product dumping markets.

Therefore, the best way is to first promote free trade in neighboring Japan, North Korea, Annan and other countries, and at the same time conquer them one by one by force.

The first one to be beaten must be Annan, and he will be beaten soon, there is no doubt about it.

The next step is to let the Japanese army set off from Shandong, cross the sea and transit through Jeju Island to conquer Japan, or let the Jurchens be destroyed first, and then push back the Lee family's Joseon Ping with weaker combat effectiveness, and finally use the North Korea's cross-sea conquest of Japan as a springboard still needs to be considered.

But in any case, free trade with Japan must be launched as soon as possible. This is in line with Japan's urgent wishes and the interests of Ming Dynasty.

Li Jinglong took out a document from his arms and handed it to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

——"Tomorrow's Free Trade Agreement (Draft)".

"First, the Ming Dynasty regarded Japan as a special tributary country. It should follow the old example of Korea and set up an embassy in Kyoto, Japan, and consulates in Tsushima, Iki, Hirado, and Nagasaki, and subsequently set up consulates in other places in Japan as appropriate."

"Second, the Ming Dynasty regards the Muromachi Shogunate as the only official target of negotiation. At the same time, the Muromachi Shogunate must ensure that the Ming Dynasty's angels, consuls and relevant officials in the embassy are not bound by Japanese laws and customs. If there are any disputes, they will be handed over to the Ming Dynasty court in accordance with the "Daming Law" Japan has no right to interfere."

"Third, whenever the Japanese people sue someone, the Japanese side will first investigate who is right and then try their best to dissuade them, so that the lawsuit will not be filed and a small matter will not turn into a big case. If there is a negotiation or lawsuit, the Japanese side will not be able to dissuade them. , and couldn't make do with it, they asked the Ming consul to find out the matter. Once the truth was found, it would be a fair decision and avoid litigation. As for how the Ming people were convicted, it was decided by the Ming side in accordance with the regulations agreed upon in the "Ming Law", and Escort him back to his country for trial and punishment.”

“4. The unarmed free trade zone is limited to the two islands of Tsushima and Iki and the surrounding 50-mile sea area, and the armed free trade zone is limited to the two ports of Hirado and Nagasaki and the surrounding 50-mile sea area. Whenever a Ming merchant cargo ship arrives in Hu, Nagasaki, etc., pilots are allowed to take it in immediately. If Ming merchants have completed their trade duties and taxes and want to return to Jeju Island, pilots are allowed to take them out at any time to avoid delays at the port. As for the price of recruiting pilots, the amount should be determined according to the distance and danger of each mouth, and the relevant consuls of the Ming Dynasty will decide the price impartially."

"Fifth, in each of the four trading ports, a Ming Dynasty official ship (warship) is allowed to dock for emergency repairs or to replenish fresh water, fruits, vegetables, grain and oil, etc., so that the stewards and subordinates can strictly restrain the sailors and others to avoid causing trouble. However, Official ships are not comparable to cargo ships, that is, they do not carry cargo and are not for trade, so their banknotes, taxes and other fees should be exempted. When the official ships are at emergency berth, the Ming Dynasty Consulate will notify Japan in advance of the import and export."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu hurriedly read the first five articles and had no opinions.

Articles 3 and 4 In his opinion, the Ming Dynasty is a celestial country, and it wants to save face, so it is normal that Japan cannot deal with the officials and businessmen of the Ming Dynasty when they commit crimes. Otherwise, you will kill the people of the Ming Dynasty. Where to put your face?

Moreover, it was not that the Ming Dynasty did not give him face. He regarded the shogunate as the only object of negotiation and directly bypassed the Emperor of Japan. In fact, he had recognized his right to rule Japan.

With both sides exchanging faces, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu doesn't feel that he is embarrassed or has lost anything.

As for the first article, it is obviously for the establishment of long-term free trade. The fourth and fifth articles are not even a big deal. Ming Dynasty’s merchant ships need someone to divert water into the port, or if the official ship is damaged or needs to be replenished, the Japanese four What can happen if one port is allowed to dock at each port? Can a bow and arrow shoot out of a harbor, or can a ship disembark 10,000 people?

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu felt that the contract drafted by Jiang Xinghuo was too detailed.

However, this also showed the sincerity and attention of the other party. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was still very happy. He then looked down, his eyes passing through a bunch of miscellaneous terms and came to the most important part.

——Business tax.

Everything else is just a cloud. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu only cares about making money.

As long as they have money, the shogunate does not have to bow to businessmen to borrow money to raise military expenses. The shogunate can do whatever they want, and money is their backbone.

Well, yes, Japan is different from the Ming Dynasty. In the eyes of Lao Zhu's family, businessmen are just leeks, but this is not the case in Japan. The status and energy of businessmen are still quite amazing.

"Eighteen, Japan needs to regard Ming Dynasty as the only most favored trading country. Under any trade conditions such as armed trade area and unarmed trade area, the overall tariff shall not exceed 5%. As for different commodities, they will be negotiated at a fixed time every year based on price fluctuations. The tax rate shall not fluctuate beyond 3% (with an overall cap of 5%).”

"Nineteen, if the Ming Dynasty commercial goods are imported, it will be on the day of unloading; if the goods are exported, it will be the day of unloading. The relevant officials of the Ming Dynasty Consulate must be notified in advance, and the Ming Dynasty Consulate will forward it to the Japanese Customs for joint inspection. No loss to each other.”

"Twenty, in the case of special commodities that exceed the current year's trade commodity list, the Daming Consulate and Japan will temporarily negotiate the tax rate. The temporary tax rate shall not exceed 4%. If the Japanese customs inspection personnel and the Daming Consulate cannot negotiate and assess the price, that is, each Invite five to seven merchants from Ming and Japan to come and inspect the goods. If any of the merchants is willing to pay a certain price to buy the goods, the price of the goods will be set at the highest price offered, so as to avoid any loss in tax collection."

"Twenty-one, the two sides can draft the "Regulations on Tomorrow Commodity Insurance" for the import and export of goods. If the goods are damaged in the unarmed free trade zone and the armed free trade zone and comply with the "Regulations," the caravan can receive full compensation, such as Daming For the import of merchant ships, the insurance company must subscribe to the insurance company, and all import and export taxes can be paid by the insurance company.”

"Twenty-two, if the goods are not insured, it has been agreed that Ming merchants will find merchants to trade after unloading the goods. No matter who they deal with, they will obey them. However, if Ming merchants encounter fraud, the goods will escape and those who default on the price cannot return the goods. , once the charges are brought to the official level, Japanese officials will immediately investigate and pursue them and punish them severely."

The three tariff-related contracts and the two insurance-related contracts were basically relatively fair. There was no bias in favor of Ming Dynasty in terms of free trade, but there were some clauses to protect Ming Dynasty merchants in some details.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu didn't think it was important.

Well, what he doesn't know is that fair free trade is actually quite unfair sometimes.

The same piece of cotton fabric produced by the Japanese handicraft industry needs to be sold for 1.7-2 yuan/piece to recover the cost.

After the Ming Dynasty went through large water-powered spinning wheels and concentrated labor in factories, the cost price was 1 cent, including the 5% tariff, which was 1.05 cents. Dumping in could directly bankrupt Japan's cotton textile industry.

The "insurance industry" was actually the first piece of watermelon Jiang Xinghuo prepared for the businessmen of the Ming Dynasty.

Businessmen in the Ming Dynasty did not have the ability to engage in large-scale light industry in the country, and they would go and buy land after making money. Therefore, they simply brought the money overseas to work in the insurance industry. In this way, the money flowing out would not only alleviate the domestic problems in the Ming Dynasty The pressure of devaluation of treasure banknotes will help complete the currency reform and incubate the first batch of mature maritime merchants outside.

As for whether Ming businessmen would take their money and go abroad?

You run, and see who is faster, or Ming's fleet conquers faster.

Even if you really run away, when you conquer Japan's gold and silver mountains and sit on eight million taels of silver a year, will you still need your wealth?

The reason why Jiang Xinghuo opened up the "insurance industry" was simply to cultivate a mature business system. There is really no shortage of money from businessmen.

"I don't know Daming's conditions. Have you thought about it clearly?"

Li Jinglong took a sip of the wine in his glass, put down the glass, raised his head, and stared directly at Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu also put down the paper he was holding tightly in his hand, and a fingerprint suddenly appeared on it.

"The conditions given by Ming Dynasty are very fair. Some details may need to be discussed, but the main body is fine."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu said calmly: "It's just that before we negotiate the specific contract, I still have a question to ask, Your Excellency, the General."

"Oh? You might as well just say it."

"Reform has always been very difficult. What I am worried about is, if we have negotiated and signed this contract, how long will it last? If the reform within the Ming Dynasty fails, will this contract be invalidated?"

Hearing Ashikaga Yoshimitsu mention this matter, Li Jinglong was stunned for a moment, and then laughed: "You are worrying too much."

"What kind of outstanding person is Jiang Xinghuo? Although he is far inferior to me in military affairs, he is still half better than me in terms of strategy and talent! Reform is the general trend, and His Majesty is extremely supportive. Success is only a matter of time. You Just relax."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu hesitated after hearing the words, and then said tentatively: "As far as I know, the temple struggle within the Ming Dynasty is also very fierce at the moment. Your Majesty does not seem to have extra energy to pay attention to tomorrow's trade, right?"

Seeing that he could not be fooled, Li Jinglong nodded slightly and said: "You are right. There are indeed many contradictions within the Ming Dynasty Temple. His Majesty has also been considering whether to carry out free trade with Japan as proposed by the Imperial Master. Generally speaking, he still supports it. It’s just that the internal situation in the Ming Dynasty is too complex and difficult to control. If we sign a free trade contract with you rashly, it is likely to lead to a fight between the reformers and the conservatives over this issue, so I have been hesitant, but so on."

Li Jinglong said pointedly: "If Japan can let the Ming Dynasty court see the effectiveness of the reform, you need to note that this effectiveness not only refers to how much customs revenue it brings to Jeju Island, but also includes If the effectiveness of external etiquette can be achieved, then the reformists have made achievements and won face for Ming Dynasty, and of course His Majesty will more readily agree to sign the "Contract."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu nodded in understanding and said, "Thank you, General, for your advice. I understand."

"But now... to show my sincerity, I have decided that I am willing to take out a hundred large ships of Japanese specialty goods as gifts and give them to His Majesty as tribute."

Li Jinglong was elated when he heard this, stood up and bowed his hands to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

"Bold!"

If Ashikaga Yoshimitsu gave Li Jinglong a gift, Li Jinglong would not dare to accept it. He was greedy for money, but he chose life between money and life.

But you don’t care what the gift of a hundred ships is. If it is given to Emperor Yongle as a tribute, wouldn’t it mean losing face?

Emperor Yongle was happy to see Li Jinglong's role. Li Jinglong's precarious life in the temple was successfully saved through this trip to Japan, and the reform faction also accomplished a major event.

Not to mention it is not a big deal, among the neighboring countries, Japan is still a very important country. It can make Japan pay tribute sincerely, instead of just sending a mission to discuss exploration and trade. This is a very meaningful thing in terms of etiquette. big event.

This incident is enough to prove that after the reform, Ming Dynasty was still the center of cognitive world, and its status in the minds of surrounding countries was higher than before.

"Hahahaha, Your Majesty the General has given you too much praise. Sit down and say it."

"good."

Li Jinglong sat back in his seat and continued to ask: "So do you still have any doubts now?"

"There really is one last one."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu said: "How many troops does the Ming Dynasty plan to station on Jeju Island?"

This issue is what Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is most concerned about.

"The land division has two guards (approximately 11,200 people) and the navy ships are not certain, but they will not exceed a hundred ships."

Hearing the scale, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu breathed a sigh of relief.

In the past, when the Mongols crossed the sea to conquer Japan, they had thousands of warships.

Of course, Li Jinglong secretly changed a concept here, that is, the size of a ship. Our Ming Dynasty did not say that.

"Then there are no other doubts about the main issue. As for the details, we can slowly finalize them later."

Li Jinglong said without hesitation: "No matter whether the unarmed free trade zone on Tsushima and Iki islands can be negotiated or not, the navy of the Ming Dynasty will kill all the Japanese pirates."

Li Jinglong took it for granted, and he no longer used "pirates" or "pirates", but "Japanese pirates". Some people did not take Japan seriously, which also made Ashikaga Yoshimitsu quite unhappy.

But Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not show it, and still said with a smile: "Your Majesty the General, there is a lot of support from the Shikoku and Kyushu vassals. Even if I agree, I am afraid they will not agree."

"Then let them go to the emperor to plead for mercy!"

After hearing this, Li Jinglong snorted in his heart. On the one hand, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was afraid that the Ming Dynasty would intervene in Japan's affairs, but on the other hand, he planned to sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight to weaken the power of the local vassals. This coquettish attitude really made people feel stingy.

Seeing that Li Jinglong was a little angry, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu softened.

"It would be better to wait for Imagawa Ryotoshi to return to the Ming Dynasty with His Excellency the General, and then negotiate the "Contract". Tomorrow, both parties will jointly send troops to completely wipe out the pirates. At that time, the shogunate will go all out to create a free trade Good environment, how about it?”

Li Jinglong nodded and raised his glass: "For free trade!"

"For free trade!"