Rule over Ming Dynasty

Chapter 153 Envoys from Five Kingdoms, Emperor Favors North Korea

The capital ushered in a pattering spring rain, and the faces of the people sheltering from the rain were filled with smiles.

Although they have to change their clothes when the rain falls on them, the rain will also fall on the crops in the field, which is the guarantee for their harvest in the first half of the year.

A young man wearing an official uniform of the eighth grade walked through the Xiaoyongfang in a daze, and knocked on the doors of many officials. These official houses that did not need to be reported, but now they turned him away one after another. outside.

Yang Tinghe was originally the true pride of heaven, but now he was suddenly relegated to a remote place by the emperor to serve as the emissary of the Ninth Rank Fucang. This was a result he could not accept no matter what.

Not to mention that his official career has already been paved, and now he has been demoted from a highly respected Hanlin official to a Jiuliu Cang official, which is already the difference between heaven and quagmire.

He can't figure it out!
She's just an insignificant official prostitute!

I don't even bother to kill such lowly people!
It turned out that he was relegated like this, the way of heaven is really unfair.

It's just that the mansions that treated him well in the past now treat him like a plague god, but no mansion is willing to receive him.

"Catch him!"

It was at this time that Wang Xiang brought a group of guards in brocade clothes over to find him. When he saw Yang Tinghe, his eyes flashed and he ordered.

When Yang Tinghe saw Wang Xiang chasing him, he wanted to run away, but he fell to the ground as if he couldn't control his feet.

"Execution!"

Although Wang Xiang knew that Yang Tinghe was behind the three important officials of the court, but behind him was the current emperor, and even the law of upholding justice, so he even gave an order.

Faced with this person who wanted to escape the punishment of the stick, he was naturally not polite. According to the laws of Ming Dynasty, this villain who despised the imperial power and ignored human life was punished with the stick and slapped.

The rain was still falling, but the punishment did not stop.

The beatings made Yang Tinghe's mouth swell up, and he punished this person for the dead soul.

On the second day after being punished, Yang Tinghe left the capital with his servants because the imperial decree forbade him to stay. No one knew whether Yang Tinghe, who was always able to walk in the home of important ministers in a graceful manner, realized the mistakes he had made. .

Yang Tinghe left, history changed.

Although one Yang Tinghe is gone, the Civil Service Group will train another Yang Tinghe to continue their power of officials and gentry, but the person on the dragon chair has finally seen through the small tricks of the Civil Service Group.

Regardless of whether it is the civil official group or the Wuxun group, they are no longer the dragon-slaying youths when the country was founded, but have evolved into evil dragons.

Zhu Youtang knew that he couldn't manage it, but he would not sit back and ignore it, and always believed that Huaxia would eventually see the sun.

This spring rain unexpectedly lasted for three consecutive days, but when it finally cleared up, the whole capital became peaceful and bright again a few days later.

Today ushered in a grand event. Envoys from North Korea and other five countries went to Fengtian Hall to pay tribute.

At the beginning of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the kingdom of the Korean Peninsula was called Koryo. Later, the Koryo general Li Chenggui successfully won the throne, and the new king asked Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang for a canonization and seal.

Because the Li family in North Korea was a military general who conquered the world, they are now following the example of the Ming Dynasty, emphasizing civility and despising military affairs. In addition, they were broken in the Yuan Dynasty, and now they are firmly hugging Ming's thighs.

The rulers of all dynasties of Korea did not dare to claim the title of emperor. He was granted the title of "King of Korea" by the Ming Dynasty as usual, so he could only call himself "Yu" or "Widow", while the courtiers of Joseon could only call themselves "Great King" or "His Royal Highness".

North Korea was not only completely surrendered to Ming Dynasty, but also the vassal state with the closest relationship with Ming Dynasty.

Originally, Taejo stipulated that North Korea would pay a tribute every three years, but North Korea would come as long as it could find an excuse, and it was often a one-year tribute.

In addition to their longing for the political culture of the capital, it is also related to the tribute from the Ming Dynasty. In addition, they can also take advantage of the opportunity to do business.

Now that Ming Dynasty is taking the road of strengthening the army again, it can be said that it is easy to destroy a rotten North Korea.

In addition to the North Korean envoys, the Ryukyu, Luzon, Houli, and Champa envoys have already arrived at the Huitong Hall, and today they will have a face-to-face meeting together.

When the bells and drums of the Meridian Gate Tower were ringing, Liu Jian, the new left servant of the Ministry of Rites, brought five envoys in. The group passed through the Meridian Gate, and saw the Jinshui Bridge and Fengtian Gate in front of them.

Li Shi had already been here last time, but it was the first time for the Ryukyu Kingdom, Luzon, Houli, and Zhancheng. The capital had already shocked them, but now they couldn't believe their eyes when they saw the Forbidden City.

Relatively speaking, North Korea is relatively better. Both Ryukyu and Luzon are island countries. In essence, they are chiefs of several tribes. How have you seen this situation?

"This is... Daming Palace?"

"My God, there are such majestic palaces in this world!"

"How is it possible, is this something human can do?"

……

When the five people passed through the Fengtian Gate and saw the Fengtian Hall on the platform, even Li Shi was greatly shocked, while the other four envoys who had just met were already stunned.

At this moment, they felt that there was an insurmountable gap between themselves and this empire, and the national power was not at the same level at all.Once they fight against this dynasty, then they will definitely seek their own death.

Today is Wangchao, civil and military officials have already stood inside and outside the hall.

Following the summons in the hall, Zuo Shilang of the Ministry of Rites led the five envoys to the magnificent Fengtian Hall.

Li Shi is very proficient in Chinese. Although the other four countries understand more or less, they don't need the help of officials from the Siyi Pavilion to translate. When Li Shi moves in front of him, he follows.

Zhu Youtang, who was wearing a dragon robe, did not confine his vision to the country, but had already collected information on the surrounding vassal states, and was just looking at the five envoys who entered the palace.

If the arrival of the Ryukyu Kingdom, Luzon, North Korea, and Champa was expected, then the envoys of the Li Dynasty were unexpected.

Le Dynasty is the name of the country they founded, but they still call themselves Annan to the outside world.Due to the strategic abandonment of Annan by the Ming Dynasty, Li Loi took the opportunity to rise up and proclaimed himself emperor in 1428, known as the Hou Li Dynasty in history, and established a three-year one-tribute rule with the Ming Dynasty.

Now the fifth emperor of the Hou Li Dynasty is called Li Sicheng, who is the grandson of Li Li. He was proclaimed emperor when he was only young, and he has been in power for 18 years now.

It's just that during Li Sicheng's reign, there were diplomatic frictions with the Ming Dynasty. He once sent troops to occupy Pingxiang County and other places in Guangdong.

The relationship between the two countries has already cracked, but for some unknown reason, Li Sicheng still sent officials to pay tribute under the banner of Annan's envoy this time.

"Foreign ministers came to congratulate the new emperor on his ascension to the throne. They presented twenty large beads, ten pairs of ivory, ten pieces of silverware, ten bolts of white cloth, and ten pieces of porcelain as tribute. I wish His Majesty a long and boundless life."

Liu Jin stepped forward to inspect the tributes, and these tributes would be put into the internal warehouse after being registered.

Guo Yong already knew the tribute presented by the other party, so he unfolded the imperial decree: "Annan envoy Minister Li Xin listened to the decree!"

The Annan Li Dynasty continued to use the Ming system such as Liubu and Liuke, but only set up the left and right ministers, which can be regarded as retaining the ministerial system, and the whole is more like borrowing from the official system of the Song Dynasty.

"Foreign minister welcomes the decree, long live my emperor!" Li Xin, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, did not dare to violate the slightest taboo, and knelt down to welcome the imperial decree.

This kind of tribute already had a fixed process: envoys from various countries brought a batch of tribute, and the emperor of Ming Dynasty gave titles, silver seals or conferments, as well as some valuable rewards.

According to Da Ming's principle of "those come more often than others", no matter how many valuable tributes the other party brings, Da Ming will not let the other party suffer.

Zhu Youtang did not make any major changes, but facing Annan who was becoming more and more presumptuous, he reprimanded him while giving gifts: "I heard that Annan was training soldiers, and sometimes he sailed eastward by boat, wanting to stain the bright realm. I shouldn’t believe such rumors. However, if there are too many words, there will be more people crossing the border to make troubles. I am young and irritable, so I can’t avoid following Da Zong’s story. Therefore, I hope the king will control his subjects and avoid wars!”

Although I don't think that a few threatening words can make Annan King Li Sicheng, who also enjoys the worship of thousands of people, restrain himself, but now that he has warned, if there is any friction next, he will be famous.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, Long live, long live my emperor!" Li Xin, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, felt the bloodiness of the Ming emperor, knelt down and thanked him anxiously.

The other four envoys paid tribute one by one, completing the tribute process.

In addition to the tribute, there is the next banquet, which is responsible for receiving the envoys of the five countries.

Zhu Youtang asked Xu Qiong, Minister of the Ministry of Rites, to entertain him as usual, while he summoned the Korean envoy Li Shi alone in the Imperial Study Room of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Li Shi had made meritorious service in his last mission, and just after returning to North Korea, he had been promoted from a second-rank soldier Cao Canpan to a second-rank soldier Cao Panshu, so he seemed more energetic.

"Li Qing, I've heard that you are a good book reader. How about I allow you to pick two books here?" Zhu Youtang was reading in the attic, and said to Li Shi who was summoned to come in.

Li Shi came in with his entourage, wondering why the dragon chair in front of the desk was empty, and then raised his head in surprise after hearing the sound.

Seeing Zhu Youtang in the attic, he hastily expressed his opinion: "This is the place where His Majesty's books are collected, foreign ministers dare not take love!"

"There is an old saying in China: A precious sword is given to a hero, and red powder is given to a beautiful woman. You are neither a beautiful woman nor a hero. It is just right to give you two books, so don't refuse!" Zhu Youtang had a good impression of Li Shi, so he Put down the book in your hand.

Li Shi knew that this might be His Majesty's intention, and also proved that the matter of buying back a lot of books to return to the country last time was under the control of the emperor, so he said gratefully: "Foreign Minister Li Shi thank Your Majesty Long En!"

"Li Qing, apart from the consent of your king, what is the attitude of the princes and ministers in your country?" Zhu Youtang asked seriously as he came down the stairs.

Now that he has decided to build Daming into the world's textile center, he must not only overcome the technical difficulties of looms, but also open up markets in various countries.

Although North Korea appears to be very backward, even if the African market of later generations is dug deep, it can also contain huge economic value.

Just like this, the first stop in the overseas market is on the neighboring North Korea, intending to deepen economic exchanges with North Korea, and embrace this country that yearns for China more closely.

Li Shi has always been grateful for the generous servant of the Ming emperor, so he said honestly: "Your Majesty, our king and princes and ministers all wish for it, but they are all worried about the inconvenience of going to and from the sea?"

"Don't you often come and go to Tamra Island?" Zhu Youtang noticed that one of Li Shi's attendants looked like a woman, but he was puzzled.

Although intending to promote mutual trade between the two countries, they did not intend to follow the example of the later dynasty and open the market in Uiju by land. Instead, they chose Tamna Island, which is later known as Jeju Island.

There was originally a country on Tamna Island. "New Book of Tang Dongyi Biography" records that in Lindezhong, the chieftain came to court, from the emperor to Mount Tai.

In 1105, the Goryeo Kingdom fell to Tamna, and Tamna County was established there, and soon Tamna was renamed Jeju.

In 1273, the Yuan Dynasty classified Tamna Island as its own territory, and established a general management office here, with 700 frontier troops stationed in the town.

In 1374, the Yuan Dynasty had already fallen, and King Gongmin of Koryo sent Cui Ying to crusade against Jeju, pacified Muhu, and Jeju was returned to the territory of Koryo.

It’s just that the Ming Dynasty didn’t give up here completely. At the beginning of the country, it followed the old system of the Yuan Dynasty and used Tamna as a place of exile for prisoners. island.

In 1388, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty exiled the last batch of Mongolian princes and nobles here, and this was regarded as completely letting go of Tamna Island.

In 1392, Goryeo was finally able to flex its muscles and dispatched troops to defeat the Mongolian forces on the island, gaining the right to rule Jeju Island, and then set up Dajing and Jingui counties in Munai, Jeju.

Zhu Youtang chose to place the exchange market here, not only to occupy a large area of ​​Jeju Island, but also to create a springboard for his future expedition to Japan.

Li Shi found that his statement was not clear enough, so he hastily corrected it and said: "Your Majesty, the foreign ministers were not clear enough just now. Our king and ministers are worried about Daming's side and the inconvenience for merchants from your country to travel by boat!"

The reason why North Korea's tribute is so active is that apart from Daming's generous rewards, it has something to do with the fact that they can take the opportunity to go to the capital to conduct "mutual markets".

Although they are considered a land regime, their production technology is relatively backward, and many commodities cannot be produced at all, so they can always make a lot of money by bringing commodities back from the capital.

That's why, when they learned that Emperor Ming wanted to build a mutual city between the two countries on Tamna Island, they were very excited from top to bottom, but soon worried that the joy would be in vain.

They really paid too much attention to Daming, so they naturally knew that Daming's ancestral system was not allowed to go to sea, but how dare the merchants of Daming take a boat to Tamna Island?

"Your king is thinking of me, but there is no need to worry about this, and I will definitely solve it properly! Next, you North Korean side only need to cooperate with the Ministry of Industry to prepare for the construction of the mutual city, and I will not treat you badly!" Zhu Youzhang learned It was they who were worried that they would change their minds, and Dang even expressed their stance.

In fact, North Korea's worries are not unreasonable. If he wants to promote the opening of the sea now, he will definitely encounter certain resistance in this matter. After all, some so-called good ministers even burn treasure maps as soon as they say it.

He is the Emperor of Ming after all, no matter how great the domestic resistance is, since he has mastered the Beijing Camp and the Nanjing Shenji Camp.If the previous rounds of blood were not enough, then they could only kill another batch.

North Korea's market, he is going to order!
(End of this chapter)