Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 450 Officialdom PUA
"How could things have turned out like this... cough cough!"

Fu Yu Bi Liu touched his neck, where faint red marks were still visible.

"Are you alright?" The maid at the villa asked gently, reassuring the distinguished guest in fluent Buyeo language.

"Just as I was about to go inside to sweep, I saw that you had accidentally stuck your head into a knot."

"The situation was urgent at the time, and I was in a hurry to get you out of trouble. I may have hurt you. Please forgive me."

Really? I don't believe it... Buyeo Biru glanced at the maid who had barged in, but ultimately said nothing.

As far as he knew, the events that had just occurred differed slightly from what the maid had said.

Having just been rejected for treason, he was disheartened and pulled out a foot-long white silk ribbon, hanging himself from a tree in the southeast corner of his room.

Before he could even kick the chair over, a group of burly men rushed in from outside and carried him off the chair.

When he came to his senses, he was already back in his seat, receiving gentle therapy from the maid.

It was obvious that he was being closely monitored.

"call……"

Fuyu Biru let out a soft sigh and said apologetically to the maid:
"I apologize for involving you all and disrupting your work."

He was aware that he was being watched by Ming Dynasty spies at the villa.

After all, he himself was a secret agent of the Ming Dynasty.

The spies disguised as servants and maids at the villa were actually his colleagues.

It was precisely because he knew that his peers were watching him closely that he dared to risk staging this farcical "suicide attempt."

The purpose was to escalate the situation and force the higher-ups to make a statement.

The "maid's" expression immediately turned amused.

Oh no, it seems we've met someone who knows what they're doing.

"Aren't you afraid we won't be able to rescue you in time?"

She lowered her voice.

"Hehe, I'm not afraid." Buyeo Biru shook his head with a wry smile.

As a seasoned professional in this field, he had no doubt about the expertise of the Ming Dynasty's spies.

There's no such thing as being unable to save someone, only not wanting to save them.

If the other party truly refuses to help someone in distress, it actually represents a statement from higher authorities.

If that's the case, then he might as well just die.

He's the prime minister of a country, after all. If he can't even handle something as simple as selling out the country... no, "giving away the country for free," then he should really find a block of tofu and smash his head against it.

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a servant announced that the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial had come to visit.

Fuyu Biliu breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems that my actions have had an effect.

If we could secure an audience with the Emperor...

"His Majesty has some words he wants me to convey directly to you."

Tang Jian, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, didn't stand on ceremony with him and went straight to the point.

Fuyu Biliu's eyelids twitched slightly.

His plan failed, leaving him somewhat disappointed. He slowly rose and bowed.

"My lord, accept the order."

"Since it didn't go through the Secretariat, it can't be called an imperial edict; it's merely a set of admonitions," Tang Jian rigidly corrected the other person's mistake, saying:

His Majesty said: 'You all wish to join my Celestial Empire, your intentions are unfathomable. Are you trying to free-ride and earn financial subsidies? Or are you trying to curry favor and gain the protection of the Celestial Empire?'
"'When you're poor, no one cares even in the bustling city; when you're rich, distant relatives come to visit.' Now that the Ming Dynasty is strong, all the surrounding barbarians come to submit, and the Central Secretariat can't even keep up with the review process. But true friendship is revealed in times of trouble. How many barbarians will truly share the hardships with our Chinese people?"

The gist is: You stinking foreigners, you've come to our Great Ming Dynasty to beg for food?

"No, I didn't..." Buyeo Biru hadn't expected things to develop this way. He opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't express his objection.

How brave!
Just kidding, those are His Majesty's golden words!

You dare say no? Who do you think you are?

But, but...

The old envoy suddenly fell to his knees and began to wail.

"Although the Koreans are from the Eastern Barbarians, their filial piety towards the Chinese is evident..."

"Where can I find a proof?" Tang Jian coldly interrupted the other person's chanting.

"When the Ming Dynasty conquered Goguryeo, did you all contribute to China?"

This……

Just as Buyeo Biru was about to express his feelings by bursting into tears, he got stuck.

Ming... no, at that time it was just the Red Turban Pingzhou, a rebellious separatist regime in Liaodong. When it swallowed up Goguryeo, it was not so much a silent and subtle process, but it was more like something that happened without anyone noticing.

While the two Koreas were still urinating and muddying up at the southern tip of the peninsula, suddenly, the other "Korea" in the north disappeared and became "Ming".

"Hmph, you didn't do anything, did you?"

Tang Jian sneered.

No, we don't know anything. Goguryeo is gone. We didn't even have time to show our loyalty... Buyeo Biru was about to cry out.

Tang Jian didn't give him that chance, and continued to ask seriously with a stern face:

“Going back several decades, the Sui Dynasty launched three campaigns against Goguryeo. Did you contribute to those campaigns?”

"Oh, you did exert your strength, but you helped your Fuyu relatives and turned against China."

“Our historians have recorded every single one of these accounts!”

These words silenced Old Fuyu's rebuttal.

I was drenched in cold sweat.

The Chinese really hold grudges...

"Going back three hundred years, during the War of the Eight Princes in the Jin Dynasty, you took the opportunity to attack Lelang County..."

"Going back two thousand years, the Zhou king enfeoffed Duke Shao of Yan in Liaodong, establishing the State of Yan, which was then harassed by barbarians..."

Tang Jian recounted the dark history of the Koreans and other local people in that area, one by one.

"Please rest for a while, Mr. Tang."

Fu Yu Bi Liu wiped away her tears and asked directly:

"His Majesty needs us Han barbarians. How can we show our loyalty to His Majesty, to the Ming Dynasty, and to China?"

All are not fools.

Since the other party is willing to talk to him at length, it means that this is not a pure rejection.

They were negotiating terms.

"Ask me? I'm just His Majesty's mouthpiece," Tang Jian said seriously, then changed the subject.

"However, Your Majesty is merciful. Since the Koreans have the desire to convert, we cannot allow you to continue wandering in the darkness beyond the reach of civilization for another thousand years."

"The key lies in yourselves; it depends on your performance."

Fuyu Biliu pricked up his ears:

"Appreciate further details!"

"I have a few suggestions," Tang Jian said in a low voice.
"You must know that His Majesty is about to launch a campaign against Japan."

"But Japan is far away from the Ming Dynasty and is separated by a vast sea."

"Even the strongest heavenly soldiers need to eat. The logistical supply problem is..."

Fu Yu Bi Liu keenly realized that this was a good opportunity to pledge his allegiance.

He immediately patted his chest confidently:

"Silla and Baekje must use the manpower and resources of a small country to win the favor of a large country!"
"Whatever Your Majesty desires, the Koreans will do their utmost to satisfy you!"

Yes, yes, that's it... Tang Jian looked down at the Korean envoy, feeling both pleased and pity.

To his delight, he had finally fulfilled his mission and completed the task assigned by His Majesty, turning around the diplomatic affairs that had almost been botched.

Sadly, the Koreans have been tricked by His Majesty.

Next, they'll be caught and used to death...

…………

Having received a hint from the Ming Dynasty, Buyeo Biru dared not slacken his efforts and set off overnight, taking a boat back to Sabi City to deliver the Emperor's decree.

"What? His Majesty doesn't want us?"

King Uija jumped up from his seat.

No, Your Majesty... This is territory given away for free!
Your great-uncle and predecessor, Emperor Yang of Sui, destroyed the entire country in his campaign against the Three Hans!
How can you just say you don't want it anymore?
"His Majesty dislikes the fickle nature of the Han people and has reservations, therefore he is unwilling to accept us."

Fuyu Biliu spoke frankly.

“Oh…” King Yi-ja sat back down.

Although my family name is Nu (奴), and although I have paid tribute to the Tang Dynasty, Goguryeo, and Japan at the same time.

But I know I'm still a good dog...

Forget it, even I wouldn't believe that if I said it out loud.

"so what should I do now?"

King Uija then asked.

Originally, he wasn't particularly enthusiastic about "sacrificing the country," after all, he preferred to be the head of a chicken rather than the tail of an ox. He was pushed to this point by his own prime minister.

But now, the nature of the matter has changed.

Even selling out one's country is unwanted; wouldn't one be laughed at to death by future generations?
We must sell! We must sell successfully!
"The Ming Dynasty is about to launch an expedition against the Japanese pirates, but it is currently facing logistical difficulties."

Fu Yu Biliu relayed Tang Jian's message verbatim.

"How can we prove our sincere loyalty? It's right here!"

…………

The following day, news of the Ming Dynasty's "polite refusal" spread throughout Silla and Baekje.

Upon hearing this, the Koreans embraced their heads and wept bitterly.

Oh, Ming Dynasty, my homeland I've never seen!
In order to gain the status of an honorary citizen of the Ming Dynasty, the Koreans displayed tremendous enthusiasm for their work.

A comprehensive registration of the male population was conducted, a large workforce was organized in advance, and relevant skills training was carried out.

For example, carrying sandbags, catching a bus, and learning simple, quick Chinese.

To avoid being completely clueless on the front lines, unable to understand even Lord Ming's orders, and thus missing crucial opportunities.

In addition, taking advantage of the current winter off-season, both countries have mobilized all their personnel to concentrate in Kinjo, the closest port to Japan, to dredge waterways and expand the port.

They prepared a logistical base for the Ming army in advance to welcome their arrival.

In a word:

Don't keep Lord Ming waiting any longer!

…………

"Yes, Not Bad.

"The Koreans truly deserve to be called a vassal state for thousands of years; they've done a good job as dogs."

Lee Myung was very satisfied with the proactive attitude of the people of both Koreas.

"Now we have a frontline base and laborers."

"You see, the dilemma has been resolved on its own."

His Majesty's two protectors, Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji, fell silent for a moment.

Your Majesty's method is indeed excellent; it's simply astounding.

I do not wish for Koreans to curry favor with powerful families; nor do I wish for logistical difficulties after the campaign against the Japanese.

Two unpleasant things combined have turned into double the happiness. Is there any greater happiness than this?
This political manipulation is so convincing, it's hard for anyone not to be confused.

It's just that a little bit of a dirty trick.

Even the two old foxes couldn't stand it anymore, bullying such a simple and loyal sycophant.

After a long pause, Changsun Wuji whispered a suggestion:
"Wouldn't it be too hurtful to exploit and enslave Koreans by taking advantage of their fervor for conversion?"

"They're the ones who get hurt, they're enjoying it themselves," Li Ming bluntly stated.

"Only those who have worked hard for it will cherish it. If the Koreans are made citizens of the Ming Dynasty too easily, they are more likely to rebel."

"Only by making them pay a heavy price and go through countless hardships to achieve their goal can they become obedient subjects of the Ming Dynasty and refrain from rebellion—"

"If they rebel, wouldn't all the suffering they endured to gain control of the area have been for nothing?"

His Majesty does indeed have a unique understanding of human nature, and although the methods he uses are cunning, they are indeed effective.

"Then...may Your Majesty, after the war ends, do you really intend to annex the two Han states into China?" Fang Xuanling asked.

Li Ming smiled and chuckled.
"Then we'll see how they perform."

"After all, our Chinese civilization has nurtured the Koreans for so long. They are located on the edge of the continent, and they can only rely on the Ming Dynasty. Otherwise, they would have frozen and starved to death long ago."

"So it's only right that they pay us some blood tax in return. In fact, it's too good for them."

Although Fang Xuanling and Changsun Wuji did not know the concept of "PUA".

But something inexplicably felt off about Li Ming's rhetoric to these two high-level corporate slaves.

Could it be that His Majesty is also using this tactic on me, trying to make me obediently "pay blood taxes" and work overtime until I vomit blood every day?
"In short, the biggest logistical problem in the campaign against the Japanese pirates has been basically solved."

"The Ming Dynasty still needs me. If it weren't for my leadership, could you two have resolved this issue so perfectly? You two need to take a broader perspective and utilize all available resources. I look forward to your efforts."

Li Mingshun used his words to manipulate them again.

The two prime ministers: "...

"Your Majesty is wise; this country cannot do without you."

Let's play with the young master for a while.

After a short work break, Li Ming's expression immediately turned serious.

"In the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, we launched an eastern expedition against the Japanese islands."

"We must wipe out the Japanese before the spring planting season; we cannot delay."

"Time is tight and the task is heavy, is there any problem?"

The problem with Japan must be dealt with decisively and resolved swiftly.

In just a few months, they have pulled off two major operations: "assassination of the emperor" and "dike breaching".

Letting them stay for the New Year is like playing with bamboo shoots – it shows a lack of respect for their own lives and the future of the country.

Fang Xuanling reminded:
"The river diversion project is also scheduled for December."

These two events, both of which are extremely important and cannot be delayed, have collided.

"I know," Li Ming said, enunciating each word clearly.

"I don't think domestic construction will affect our overseas campaigns."

"Any further comments?"

The two shook their heads.

Since His Majesty the Emperor has decided that the Japanese people cannot live past this year.

Then we must do everything in our power to make His Majesty's decision a reality.

…………

The Ming Dynasty's war machine was running at full speed, and this time the momentum was exceptionally large.

Unlike the past love-hate relationship with the Turks, or the internal fighting among the Ming and Tang families.

This campaign against the Japanese was a war of annihilation stemming from deep-seated hatred and hatred.

Almost every household in the Central Plains was in mourning, which even hampered disaster relief efforts in the south. The instigator was the Japanese.

An irreconcilable feud.

As a result, the country has unleashed unprecedented power.

The father pushed a wheelbarrow to transport grain to the front lines, the mother sewed winter quilts for the soldiers overnight, and the younger generation eagerly signed up to join the army.

All of these are voluntary acts performed without seeking any reward.

Even the Koreans from outside the Han Chinese community, under Li Ming's direction, were mobilized and actively engaged in the construction of the seaport.

When Fang Yize did the calculations, he was surprised to find that the actual expenses of the government office were much lower than the expected costs, and the accounts looked so good that they seemed to have been falsified.

What kind of sophisticated financial technique is this?

He was afraid.

…………

Just as the Ming Dynasty began to actively prepare for war.

Beyond the Whale Sea.

The capital of Japan, Osaka Naniwa Palace.

Emperor Kōtoku was laughing triumphantly, looking up at the sky.

"I am marching from one victory to another!"

(End of this chapter)