The sun never sets in America

Chapter 320 Ryukyu and Meiji

In Xijing Port, hundreds of merchant ships of all kinds, flying national flags of various countries, are crowded with this port that has been around for nearly a century and has been preserved since the Spanish era.

Most of these merchant ships were engaged in ocean-going trade, and most of them were ships affiliated to various shipping companies in the Han Dynasty.

In addition, there are those merchant ships from abroad. The most obvious difference among the merchant ships in western Zhejiang is the "Chinese character" logo.

According to the regulations of the Han Maritime Safety Administration, all Han ships, whether merchant ships or fishing boats, must be marked with Chinese characters. The most obvious mark must be painted on the left or right side of the ship to facilitate observation at sea.

Even some foreigners know that those with square characters must come from the Han Dynasty, let alone their own people. This is also a "feature" that has lasted for many years.

But when a ship flying the Japanese "plaster flag" entered the port, this situation changed. The plaster flag with a red circle in the middle was so recognizable that it attracted many people's attention. attention.

[The Japanese flag was personally selected by Liu Peng. At first, it still used the family emblem of the shogunate. However, after the Kingdom of Japan joined the Han Kingdom and became a Han vassal state, he specifically asked the Han Kingdom for their opinions. Even in the telegram, Tokugawa Jiading used the word "gift", and I don't know if it was a bad idea or something. The notorious plaster flag of the original time and space was given to the Kingdom of Japan by Liu Peng. Mian Qian's euphemistic name was in line with the Japanese saying of "The Rise of the Sun". After receiving this flag, Tokugawa Iedada immediately announced that this plaster flag would become the official national flag of the Kingdom of Japan]

Under the banner of Plaster, the eight-year-old King Muren of Japan, a vassal of the Han Dynasty, looked at the "terrible" port in front of him, and he had little knowledge. I immediately compared it with the Edo Port in my memory, and finally came to the conclusion that it was "far inferior".

This also made Mu Ren become more "submissive". Even though he was born in a "noble family" and was honored as the king of Japan, Mu Ren was just a child with little knowledge after all. Just looking at the "violent" scenery of the Pacific Ocean along the way was enough to satisfy him. It was enough to scare Mu Ren to the point of "trembling with fear" and "three souls and two souls", not to mention the Xijing Port, which looked extremely spectacular.

While Mu Ren was sitting in the carriage preparing to tour the entire Xijing city, a fierce debate was going on in the Han cabinet.
-

"I don't think there's anything wrong with annexing Ryukyu."

"In my opinion, the entire Ryukyu Kingdom was restored by us. What role did that bullshit King of Ryukyu play besides sending people over to cry a few times??"

"It is possible to help Ryukyu break away from Japan and rescue Ryukyu people, but it cannot appear as an independent country. This is simply a joke. What is the use of a small country with a population of hundreds of thousands? With their little territory, they are not as good as us. Even if a city regains its independence, it will still be bullied by the Japanese!!"

Lu Ting, who had just returned to the cabinet to report on his work, attended the cabinet meeting for the first time and went straight to the core issue "Ryukyu" with all his strength.

The surrounding cabinet ministers looked at this "arrogant" Lu Ting. Although they were very unhappy, some of them still recognized his statement. After all, as he just said, there is no point in establishing a country in Ryukyu, which is a small country. Qualifications, doesn’t this make the Japanese worried? ?

"You are full of nonsense!!"

While others were thinking about right and wrong, Minister Tang from the Ministry of Education stood up and scolded.

Then he said without mercy: "In my opinion, the king of Ryukyu sent envoys from foreign ministers to ask for help in order to restore the country, and he was willing to attach himself to the Han Dynasty. Such a country is like buying a horse bone with a thousand gold, and it is for the people of the world. A model to watch——"

"You just said you wanted to annex Ryukyu. Didn't you ruin my reputation as a great man and ruin the imperial court's plans!!"

"If I, a big man, really do what you said and do those unethical things, wouldn't it be damaging to the dignity of Han Dynasty and the benevolence of His Majesty!!"

Minister Tang spoke of great righteousness and "great truth", and the cabinet ministers he mentioned "nodding secretly". After all, sometimes hypocrisy can be an advantage.

But Lu Ting didn't care about it at all, and said directly: "Okay, as Mr. Tang just said, let Ryukyu be restored as a country, but as far as I know, Ryukyu is a small country with poor people, small domestic land, and insufficient arable land. At that time, it was also possible to make a living by doing some maritime trade business from Fujian and Zhejiang, but after Japan annexed Ryukyu, the Japanese were violent and plundered people's wealth everywhere, so that starvation and death often occurred in the local area!!"

"If, as Mr. Tang said, Ryukyu is allowed to build its own country, then I would like to ask Mr. Tang, do I need a Ryukyu who is starving and suffering from constant famines to promote the so-called benevolence, or a Ryukyu who needs aid and blood transfusions every day? "

"Or, as Mr. Tang just said, it is for all the countries in the world to see. Then, as you said, they will see two results, one is a poverty-stricken Ryukyu, and the other is a blood-sucking Ryukyu. Of course, if there are neither, then I would like to ask, how much will it cost us to change Ryukyu's appearance?"

"Please tell me, Mr. Tang??"

"Tang Budang!!"

"You——" Minister Tang's face turned red with anger at Lu Ting's words and he was speechless.

The other cabinet officials around him were also very unhappy when they saw this scene. After all, Lu Ting was just a "local official", and it was already very embarrassing for him to listen in. Now he was directly attacking the cabinet officials like this. If word spread, I'm afraid that Wouldn’t you dare to confront them like this in every place in the future? ?

Looking at Lu Ting who was "besieged", Hu Junding showed a smile.

When Lu Ting couldn't resist anymore, he came out to be a good person and dissuaded the "wolves" around him.

After persuading him, Hu Junding said with a serious expression: "Everyone is a minister of the Han Dynasty, so what's the point of attacking within one's own ranks!!"

"I see, what Lu Ting said about this Ryukyu matter actually makes sense. You said you need face and courage, but I admit that the court does want these!!"

"But please think about it, after annexing Ryukyu, use Han people to support it, or after Ryukyu is established, ask us for money, and we have to give it?"

What Hu Junding said is actually similar to what Lu Ting just said. They are all for the same reason, that is, once Ryukyu is established, it may be a drag. Since it is a drag, it is better to annex it directly. After Han takes over Ryukyu, those extra local people will The population will be directly immigrated, leaving room for development. After a few years, the economy will naturally improve based on Ryukyu's geographical conditions.

Although the ministers around him listened to the same content as what Lu Ting just said, they obviously listened more seriously. Facts have proved that what you say is not necessarily wrong, but it depends on who is saying it and whether it is correct. Portion size.

"But Prime Minister Hu, if he wants to annex Ryukyu, wouldn't he be breaking his low-key promise in the past? If word spreads, where can I put the face of the big man, where can I put the face of His Majesty??"

"Yes, Mr. Hu, this annexation is absolutely impossible. It would be embarrassing if it were done!!"

"Hu Xiang..."

As one man took the lead, other opponents of annexation joined in.

Hu Junding set his sights on Lu Ting, who immediately stood up and said:

"Everyone, of course we can't lose the face of this big man, and our Majesty's face must be preserved. Otherwise, we will be deceiving you and betraying our country!!"

“But it’s impossible not to swallow it!!”

"So in my opinion, it's better to let the Ryukyuan people take the initiative. If they take the initiative, it will be easier for us."

Lu Ting's words woke up those who were still opposing.

At this time, Hu Junding also followed up and said: "This plan is very good. If Ryukyu comes to your door, outsiders will not be able to find fault in any way!!"

"Lao Zhang, you have to handle this matter!!"

Hu Junding set his sights on Zhang Haizhong, the Minister of Rites. Only the Ministry of Rites could handle this matter, because only the Ministry of Rites could legitimately summon the vassal state.

"Don't worry, Mr. Hu. Mr. Shang is timid and cowardly. If you scare him a little and give him a little sweetness, he will definitely agree!!"

Zhang Haizhong assured Hu Junding with "full confidence".

However, Hu Junding was afraid that he would play too much, so before the meeting ended, he still said:

"Lao Zhang, everything must be based on benevolence and righteousness. It is better not to go too far. Otherwise, if word spreads, you will be labeled as bullying the vassal country!"

"Yes, Hu Xiang!!"

Although Zhang Haizhong agreed happily, he could still hear "don't care" from his tone.

When the meeting ended, Hu Junding stopped Lu Ting and said with a smile:

"How did you feel just now? How does it compare to the Philippines??"

"Everything in the Philippines is trivial, and the cabinet is a big deal. Naturally, the cabinet's affairs are difficult!!"

"Oh, since the cabinet is in trouble, why are you still involved??"

Hu Junding asked with a smile as he walked.

"Does Prime Minister Hu also find it difficult if he spends his time in this cabinet where fire and water are at odds with each other every day??"

Lu Ting turned around and answered the question Hu Junding just asked with a "taunting" look.

"It's difficult. If it's really difficult, I won't be able to stay any longer!!"

"You know, Prime Minister Hu back then didn't last as long as I did!!"

Hu Junding's tone seemed as plain as water, but Lu Ting still heard a hint of pride in it.

It is a kind of complacency after having great power.

A look of "envy" flashed across Lu Ting's face, and then he said:

"Xiang Hu has been prime minister for a long time. I'm afraid he will leave problems for future generations??"

"Oh, what's the problem??"

Hu Junding was interested and asked.

"I'm afraid I won't be half as long as Hu Xiangdong!!"

"Ha ha……"

Hu Junding laughed heartily after hearing this. After he finished laughing, he looked at the young official in front of him, as if he saw himself back then, also in the Far East and Nanyang, but he was luckier than him and caught up with the establishment of the Han Dynasty. In good times, he was the immigration envoy at the beginning, and later the immigration minister. He succeeded Yan Jun as the prime minister. It can be said that he rose to the top step by step.

Before Hu Junding left, he patted Lu Ting on the shoulder and said:

"Young man, this big man will still have to rely on you to support him in the future!!" Lu Ting looked at Hu Junding's leaving figure and said nothing, but he said everything.

.............................................

"Your Highness, please sit down first, I will report it right away!!"

"It's okay, sir please!!"

Mu Ren looked at the female official of the Han Dynasty Palace in front of him. Although he was very curious, he still resisted his desire to communicate and answered with a "pleasant" expression.

Wen Ting looked at this "King of Japan" and walked in with graceful steps.

Mu Ren, who was waiting outside the palace, carefully looked at the guards around him and the endless palaces. He felt a kind of envy that he had never experienced before. After all, no matter whether it was a prosperous port city in Han Dynasty, it was not enough. Mu Ren was envious, but in this huge palace, Mu Ren was envious.

Because this represents a kind of right, a kind of supreme right that he can't even think of.

"If I were the Emperor of the Han Dynasty..."

As soon as Mutsuhito thought of this, he broke into a cold sweat. After all, once word spread, not only would he be dead, but the whole of Japan would be implicated because of him.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty invites you!!"

After hearing this, Mu Ren immediately stood up, packed up his appearance, and followed.

Passing through the heavily guarded palaces, Mu Ren didn't even dare to take another look, he just lowered his head and followed behind.

Until I heard:

"Your Highness the Crown Prince!!"

Mu Ren raised his head curiously and saw a young man wearing a four-clawed dragon robe and a golden crown. The young man looked older than him, which could be seen from the huge difference in size.

(The prince uses four, the prince uses three)

Because there was a certain distance between them and the two people spoke not too loudly, Mu Ren only heard some news about "Father" and "Tsarist Russia".

Then he was told that he had to wait for at least an hour because of the Russian minister.

Mu Ren nodded helplessly, and then returned to the yard again.

It was not until an hour later that he continued to walk along the road he had just gone. Perhaps because of the reason just now, Mutsuhito's pace accelerated a little, obviously hoping to see the "great emperor" as soon as possible.

Finally, Wen Ting took him to a garden where many flowers he knew and didn't know were planted, as well as some fruit trees he had never seen before.

"His Majesty!!"

Wen Ting brought Mu Ren behind Liu Peng, who was still fishing. Looking at this majestic figure, Mu Ren immediately fell to his knees and shouted:

"King of Japan, meet the Emperor of Han!!"

After kneeling for a long time, there was no sound. He only heard a "swish" sound. The fishing rod was lifted up and a large carp weighing about five or six kilograms was pulled up. Liu Peng smiled and put the carp into the bamboo basket, and then looked back. Looking at the child in front of him, he asked in a calm tone:

"Are you just Mu Ren??"

"It's Your Majesty, I am Mu Ren!!"

Mu Ren knelt on the ground with his head lowered. At a young age, he already understood what patience was.

"I heard that during your reign as the Emperor, they gave you an imperial title, Meiji. Is this true??"

"Yes, it is indeed the Meiji era, but it was used during the emperor's period. Since we are now Han ministers, it is natural to use the Longwu era name..."

"Haha, you are quite naughty at such a young age!!"

Liu Peng cursed with a smile and signaled to Wen Ting, who immediately helped Mu Ren up.

“Can you play chess??”

"Father...when father is here, please pay some attention to me."

Mutsuhito was a child after all, so he spilled the beans all of a sudden. Even though Madoka was back, he was still so frightened that his little hands were shaking.

Liu Peng took a careful look at Mutsuhito, who was keeping his head down. He mentally compared it with the "all-powerful" Emperor Meiji, and finally said with a smile: "Sit down and have a plate with me."

On the chessboard, Mu Ren held black and Liu Peng held white. When it came to playing, Mu Ren was obviously unable to keep up with Liu Peng's progress because of his young age and immature development.

So much so that Liu Peng saw it clearly after he made seven or eight bets.

Liu Peng placed the white chess piece above Mu Ren with a "snap", blocking the only way out. Mu Ren on the opposite side was sweating on his forehead anxiously.

"Boy, didn't your father teach you that chess is like life? One wrong move means wrong move!!"

Liu Peng has another son, killing the suspense.

Mu Ren wiped his sweat and imitated those adults who bowed their hands to Liu Peng: "Your Majesty is an eternal sage. I am young and dare not ask for your advice!!"

After hearing this, Liu Peng waved his hands impatiently and said in an unhappy tone:

"When you are young, you just imitate those old stubborns. When you grow up, you still get it, aren't you going to become a spirit!!"

"I think you'd better stay in Han and study for a few years. If you finish your studies, everything will be fine in the future."

"Your Majesty, this..."

When he heard that he was asked to stay, Mutsuhito immediately became anxious. After all, his mother was still in Japan.

Wen Ting on the side seemed to understand something, and whispered a few words into Liu Peng's ear.

"Since your mother is in Japan, then if I have someone pick her up and study with you in Xijing, it will be considered as fulfilling your filial piety."

When Mu Ren heard this, he knew it would be bad if he refused again, so he immediately agreed:

"Thank you, Your Majesty!!"

Liu Peng looked at the Emperor Meiji who had "revived Japan" in the original time and space in front of him, and felt a strange emotion in his heart, and then arranged:

"In this way, I won't worry about you going to other schools in Xijing. I have a few princes who are about the same age as you. It's okay for you to study with them."

"what do you think??"

It seems like he is asking for advice, but in fact he is giving an order.

"I obey the decree!!"

Mu Ren agreed again.

When Mu Ren left, Liu Peng specifically asked Wen Ting to give Mu Ren a portion of his own food later in the evening.

After hearing this, Mu Ren burst into tears of gratitude again.

After everything was over, Liu Peng opened the book of Ryukyu's surrender to all peoples that had just been sent to him, looked at it for a few times, and then wrote on it:

"Female Shangtai as the Marquis of Shuntian, grant him a mansion, and reward him with a million yuan from the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

After finishing writing, I looked at the sky and suddenly remembered Concubine Jing who I hadn't visited for a long time. On a whim, I asked someone to notify Concubine Jing to wait on her.

…………

A few days later, news about the enfeoffment of the Kingdom of Japan and the Kingdom of Japan spread throughout the world. By the way, the news that Ryukyu surrendered to the Han Kingdom and became a territory under the rule of the Han Kingdom also spread out.

Compared with the surrender of Japan, no one paid attention to the small Ryukyu. After all, Ryukyu was too small at this time, and it was not at the same level as the "little tyrant" in the Far East like Japan.

In Xijing City, Mu Ren, who is not yet nine years old, is about to start a life completely different from his original time and space.

　Monthly ticket reward, rush rush

　　

　

(End of this chapter)