Rule over Ming Dynasty

East China Sea, Honshu Island.

The sky is as blue as a wash, and occasionally a few white clouds float leisurely by, like embellishments in the sky, adding a bit of tranquility and poetry. The green leaves on the island intertwined with the golden sunshine, forming a beautiful picture.

A breeze blew by, and the leaves swayed gently, making a rustling sound, as if telling a summer story.

It's July, and rural areas in Japan are also in the planting season. The rice fields are swaying gently in the wind, and the grains on the rice ears are getting fuller and fuller.

But war is the main theme here. More and more rice fields are left unattended or simply deserted.

As the internal strife between the shoguns intensified, daimyo from various places now stood up for themselves and attacked each other, and even the war between the Eastern Army and the Western Army started again.

The matter has to start from last year. In order to support his allies, the shogun Ashikaga Yoshisai sent troops to the Kingdom of Kawachi to support the mayor of Hatakeyama and crusade against Hatakeyama Yoshitoyo.

As soon as Shogun Ashikaga Yoshisai left, Hosokawa Masamoto took the opportunity to join forces with Hino Tomiko and Ise Sadamune to lead an army to invade Kyoto and support the former shogun candidate Ashikaga Yoshiumi as the eleventh shogun of the Muromachi shogunate.

This apparent change occurred as scheduled, but history went awry. The shogun Ashikaga Yoshiki had already taken precautions in advance, resulting in the emergence of two shoguns at the same time in Japanese history.

In this coup, the shogun Ashikaga Yosumi was just a puppet, and the real driving force was Masamoto Hosokawa, one of the three leaders known as a semi-general.

The Hosokawa clan is a famous and noble family in Japan. When the Ashikaga clan was prosperous, they assisted the Ashikaga clan in conquering the world. When it comes to Hosokawa Katsumoto, because the Hosokawa family has been transferred to the position of leader of the shogunate several times, their reputation is superior to that of the generals.

Hosokawa Masamoto was born in the second year of Chenghua. He was the eldest son of Hosokawa Katsumoto and was naturally the heir to the Hosokawa family governor.

In May of the 10th year of Seika, Hosokawa Katsumoto died suddenly, and Hosokawa Masamoto, who was only eight years old, succeeded to the position of governor of the family and guardian of Tanba Kingdom, Settsu Kingdom, and Tosa Kingdom.

In the second year of Hongji's reign, General Yoshinaga died of illness while he was attacking the southern half of Minami Omi, guarding Rokkaku Takayori, and had no children.

Hosokawa Masamoto elected Ashikaga Yosumi, the son of Lord Ashikaga Masaichi of Kanto Horikoshi, as the general. However, with the support of Hino Tomiko, the real power holder of Oku, and the mayor of Hatakeyama who alternated with Masamoto, Ashikaga Yoshiki's son Ashikaga Yoshisai Inaugurated as the tenth shogun of the Muromachi shogunate.

Hosokawa Masamoto has long since grown up and has become an important and powerful minister in Japanese politics. He was dissatisfied with this result, so he quickly planned a change in response to the change and promoted Ashikaga Yoshicheng to the throne.

Everything was planned well, he was about to invade Kyoto, but Ashikaga Yoshisai actually killed the carbine, which put Hosokawa Masamoto in a dilemma.

However, there is no turning back when the bow is fired. In order to correct the puppet general Ashikaga Yosumi, he must kill or capture Ashikaga Yoshisai, who is keen on military affairs, and then recruit troops from his own vassal countries.

"Oh no!"

"what happen?"

"Tosa Country...a rescue letter came from Tosa Country!"

……

Just when Hosokawa Masamoto's side had just gained a greater advantage on the battlefield, he did not expect that there would be a fire in the backyard and something would happen to Tosa Country under his jurisdiction.

"Who dares to touch my Tosa?"

"Even the Ouchi family dare not touch our Hosokawa territory!"

"Is the information wrong? No one in the west is so open-minded, right?"

……

Facing Tosa Country's request for help, the retainers of the Hosokawa family were angry at first, and then began to doubt the authenticity of the letter for help. After all, no one in the Hosokawa family dared to provoke them in the Western Kingdom.

Faced with the doubts of the retainers, the messenger said with a sad face: "This is absolutely true, and Tosa is probably in serious danger now!"

"Could it be...could it be that the Ming Dynasty raided Tosa?" Hosokawa Masamoto's heart moved slightly, and then he asked with sharp eyes.

I thought that no one in the world dared to openly challenge me, but when I saw the retainer's hesitant appearance, a terrible thought immediately came to my mind.

If the Ming Dynasty raided his Tosa Kingdom at this time, not to mention that he would not be able to provide assistance at all, even the entire Shikoku Island would probably fall into the hands of the East China Sea Governor's Palace.

what?
When the retainers who were extremely arrogant just heard this speculation, they looked at the messenger in shock.

In fact, as early as when the Ming Dynasty occupied Kyushu Island, they also began to be wary of the East China Sea Governor's Mansion. It’s just that the latest news I got is that Ming Dynasty is going to attack Ryukyu, and Ming Dynasty’s fleet only passes through Kyushu Island. Who would have thought that this turned out to be a smoke screen.

The believers saw the shock of the retainers present and could only nod with tears in their eyes.

"Da Ming, how scary!" When his guess came true, Hosokawa Masamoto felt dizzy.

Although the Ming Dynasty wanted to take care of Ryukyu Island, it was clear that it had already been eyeing Shikoku Island. This time, while he was dispatching troops from Tosa Country, he wanted to swallow Tosa Country and even the entire Shikoku Island in one fell swoop.

Once Shikoku Island falls into the hands of the Ming Dynasty, there will be no obstacle for them to go to Kyoto. Maybe one day the fleet will enter Tokyo Bay and plant the Ming Dynasty's flag on the city of Kyoto.

With such a strategy and such wisdom, who in Japan can stop Ming's ambition?

We pull the timeline back a few days ago, and a war started with the Ming fleet.

Under the sunlight, the giant ships of the Ming fleet looked like black monsters on the sea, their canvas bulging like huge white wings, suddenly breaking into Tosa Bay.

It was originally thought that the first foreign war in the seventh year of Hongzhi was started by Zhendong Bo Wang Zhendong. On the Shikoku Island that no one paid attention to, Xu Shiying, the governor of the East China Sea, suddenly ignited the war.

The names of Shikoku Island and Kyushu are derived from Japan's administrative division of the islands. The Shikoku Islands are Awa, Sanuki, Iyo and Tosa.

Shikoku Island is located in the southwest of Honshu, south of Chugoku, and northeast of Kyushu. It is separated from Honshu by the Seto Inland Sea. The terrain of the island is mountainous, with mountains accounting for about 80% of the entire territory.

Tosa Country is located in the south. It also has a natural sheltered bay, Tosa Bay, which is suitable for fishing and rice cultivation. It is the economic and cultural center of the entire Shikoku Island.

It's just that the Ming fleet is like a sharp sword, piercing the heart of Shikoku Island, but it wants to capture this island across the strait like Kyushu Island in one fell swoop.

"Hosokawa must have never imagined that our target is Shikoku Island, and the first target is their Tosa Country!" Chen Shan looked at the empty bay and looked proud.

This time, the Ming Dynasty fleet did not come from across the strait, but chose to circle around the deep sea, piercing Tosa Bay in the southern part of Shikoku Island like a sharp sword.

The reason why we started with Tosa Country first was that it could quickly cut off the connection between Shikoku Island and Honshu Island, and secondly it was natural for the Hosokawa clan to move their troops away.

Although the current military strength of the Ming Dynasty can almost overwhelm the entire Japan, the Ming Dynasty has always lived a careful life, but never fought an uncertain battle.

"A arrogant soldier will be defeated! This first battle must be fought beautifully, so that His Majesty's cultivation of us for so many years will be in vain. Whoever can take the first to capture Qiu Shan City in this battle, I will personally request a knighthood from Your Majesty on his behalf!" Xu Shiying, the governor of the East China Sea, stood on the deck of the flagship, his eyes blazing, staring at the Shikoku Island that was vaguely visible in front of him, and he made a promise to his three generals. Although his military merits are enough to make him a knight, if he can capture Shikoku Island, even a life-long marquis would be more than enough. It's just that he is the eldest son of Duke Dingguo after all. What marquis can compare with the future Duke of Dingguo?

However, these people have followed him for so many years, and not only have they made great military exploits for the Ming Dynasty, but each of them is also a very outstanding general.

If they could make great contributions in this battle, then he would not mind writing a letter to recommend their merits to the emperor, and he believed that the emperor would not be stingy with a title.

"Thank you, President Chengquan!" Liu Quan and other generals' eyes flashed with excitement, and they immediately expressed their stance together.

Now born in a prosperous age, they meet a rare Mingjun who is rare in a hundred years. Not only do they want to open up territories for the Ming Dynasty, but they also want to obtain a title.

They all knew that there was a constant exchange of letters between the governor and the emperor. If the governor came forward to ask for credit in person, then their title would be almost certain.

However, there is only one leader, and now the three of them have begun to compete secretly.

This time is not only the title, but also the last competition between the three of them for so many years. Whoever can capture Qiu Shan City will be the most powerful general in the East China Sea Governor's Mansion.

"Take this place, and whoever blocks the East China Sea Governor's Mansion will die!"

Xu Shiying naturally knew what his three generals were thinking. Feeling the salty smell in the sea breeze and the upcoming smoke, he immediately ordered the entire army to prepare for war.

The East China Sea Governor's Mansion has always been known as the strongest navy in the Ming Dynasty. It has grown from a mere three thousand people at the beginning. It has not suffered a defeat since its establishment. It is a well-deserved invincible king.

This invasion of Shikoku Island will be another important battle for the East China Sea Governor's Mansion.

"Prepare for war! Prepare for war!"

When the news reached Qiu Shan City, chaos broke out in the city.

Japan's Lingzhi Kingdom is actually equivalent to a county in the Ming Dynasty, but it is more considerate to call it "guo" because many forces often exist in this small area at the same time.

Taking the Toi Kingdom as an example, in addition to the Hosokawa clan who is the guardian of the Tosa Kingdom, there are also traditional forces such as Chosogabu, Yamada, Motoyama, Tenzhu, Kira, Ichijo, Tsuno, Taihei and Anyun, who will unify Tosa in the future. The Chosogabe is just one of the Seven Heroes of Tosa.

So many forces, but their troops were taken away, it was like a piece of loose sand.

"You, the Hosokawa clan, please inform this family immediately. If the Ito Kingdom is lost, not only will Shikoku Island be in danger, but Kyoto will be in danger!" Although there was chaos in the city, representatives of each family encouraged the Hosokawa clan.

They naturally have selfish motives, not to mention that they are not the guardians of Yi Tu Kingdom. Once they fight against the Ming army regardless of losses, their clan will eventually perish for hundreds of years.

The best result now is that Hosokawa Masamoto leads his troops to return reinforcements, and the Hosokawa family fights with the Ming army.

The head of the Hosokawa clan in Tui saw through the thoughts of this group of people and said unceremoniously: "There is an old saying in China that the lips are dead and the teeth are cold. If you all sit back and do nothing, then I, the Hosokawa clan, will be destroyed, and all of your families will be fine." Where to go!"

The heads of the clan, Yamada and others exchanged silent glances, but they knew that it was indeed time to unite with the outside world, but... who was at the forefront?
The most important thing is that now that each of their families has been mobilized to withdraw their troops, once the remaining capital is consumed, what will they do to protect themselves in this troubled time?

kill!

When the Ming Dynasty fleet approached the Tuyi harbor, a dozen Japanese warships suddenly appeared in sight.

Although these warships are small, they already belong to Japan's elite and represent the country's highest maritime combat power. They appeared to be menacing, as if they wanted to overwhelm the Ming Dynasty's invincible fleet.

Facing the Japanese warships that suddenly came to block the fleet, the Ming Dynasty quickly adjusted its muzzle. The heavy artillery seemed like an awakened lion, and the muzzle shone with a cold metallic luster.

"preparation--"

There is a commander in front of each heavy artillery, holding a small flag in his hand.

The gunners loaded the shells and adjusted the angle quickly and orderly, as if they had practiced it thousands of times.

"Let go!" The commander waved the small flag in his hand, his voice firm and decisive.

Boom!

The roar of heavy artillery was deafening.

Lead bullets rose into the air, piercing the calmness of the sea, and shot straight at the Japanese warship. These shells were like having eyes, hitting Japanese warships accurately.

Help!

When the Japanese sailors saw the shells dropped, their faces turned pale.

It's just that the Japanese warship has no keel, and looks like it is assembled from dozens of wooden boards. Under the attack of lead bullets weighing fifteen kilograms, it immediately fell apart.

The Japanese samurai on the ship fell into the sea like dumplings. Many Japanese samurai could not swim at all. They struggled on the surface of the sea for a few times and then sank to the bottom of the sea forever.

Boom!

The Ming Dynasty's artillery shells kept coming, and there were sharp whistling sounds. Along with the sound of the hull breaking and the screams of the crew, a tragic war picture unfolded before our eyes.

The soldiers of the Ming fleet turned into gods of death at this moment. They continued to load artillery shells in an orderly manner, adjusting the angle of the muzzle, and preparing for the next round of bombardment.

At sea, their East China Sea Governor's Mansion is the absolute king, representing the Ming Dynasty's strongest maritime power.

The war gradually subsided, leaving only the majestic silhouette of the Ming Dynasty fleet on the sea and the Japanese warships that gradually sank to the bottom of the sea.

Tosa Harbor has a unique geographical location. After walking through an S-shaped waterway, it entered an inland sea and arrived in front of the most important port in Tosa Country.

The Tosa Pier was already in chaos. The warships or fishing boats moored at the dock were all in trouble, while the people and businessmen on the dock fled in all directions.

Although a small number of Japanese samurai remained to promote the so-called bushido spirit, as the trigger was gently pulled, those samurai holding Japanese swords and claws fell into a pool of blood.

This is a battle without suspense. After all, Tosa Kingdom has long been empty. Even if they unite, it will be difficult to stop the Ming army.

After gaining control of Tui Port, it was only ten miles away from Qiu Shan City.

The Ming fleet landed and attacked Qiu Shan City as originally planned. Xu Shiying led the main army to attack from the center, while Chen Shan and Huo Guangming were responsible for the left and right. (End of chapter)