Jingtai: Making the Ming Dynasty Great Again

The North Korean mission's residence is located in one of the highest-ranking courtyards within the Huitongguan complex.

The layout features a three-entrance, three-exit design, with blue bricks, gray tiles, and vermilion doors and windows.

Although it cannot compare to the grandeur of the Prince's Mansion, it is still a top choice among the dozens of courtyards in the Huitongguan.

The Korean envoy, Lee Sa-cheol, resided in the main room.

The deputy envoy, scribe, and interpreter were housed in the east and west wing rooms respectively.

The attendants lived in several other courtyards.

At this moment, Li Sizhe was sitting at his desk in the main room, holding a volume of "The Great Ming Code" and studying it carefully.

Li Sizhe was about forty years old, with a thin face and three long wisps of beard under his chin.

He was wearing a dark blue brocade robe with a round collar and gold embroidery, with a rhinoceros horn belt around his waist.

This is the dress code bestowed by the Ming Dynasty upon Korean officials.

His chest badge was embroidered with wild geese and clouds, a mark of a fourth-rank official.

As the tributary state with the closest ties to China.

The attire of the Korean envoys was the closest to that of Ming Dynasty officials among all the envoys from various countries.

Li Sizhe turned the pages of the book with gentle movements, exuding an air of refined elegance in every gesture.

That is the demeanor that can only be cultivated through decades of immersion in Zhu Xi's teachings.

Besides the "Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty," there were several other books spread out on the desk.

Each book had a slip of paper tucked inside, covered with annotations.

Li Sizhe also carries a heavy responsibility on this trip.

North Korea knew nothing about the temperament, likes and dislikes, or governing strategies of this new Ming emperor.

He wanted to piece together a true picture of Zhu Qiyu from these regulations and systems, from the casual remarks of officials of the Court of State Ceremonies, and from what he saw and heard at the Hall of Reunification.

The interpreter Hong Guitong gently pushed open the door and entered: "The registrar of the Court of State Ceremonial has come to deliver a message."

This indicates that His Majesty will summon the official to the Wenhua Hall at the exact hour of Chen (7-9 AM) on the following day.

Have the adults prepare a copy of the official letter and a list of tribute items.

An official will then lead the way.

Li Sizhe put down his book and nodded slightly: "Understood."

Hong Guitong hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice, "My lord, I heard that there are many envoys coming this time."

Two Oirat tribes came, and they almost got into a fight at the meeting place.

People from the Uriyangkhad Three Guards also arrived.

There's also Ryukyu, Annam, Champa, Siam, Japan...

Li Sizhe smiled slightly: "The more talented, the better. The more talented, the more it shows the might of the Ming Dynasty throughout the land."

Hong Guitong lowered his head: "Your Excellency is right. I only saw the excitement, not the substance."

However, I am somewhat worried. This new emperor has only recently ascended the throne and has just fought a major war. Will he have any opinion of our Korea?

Li Sizhe glanced at him: "Opinion? What opinion?"

Hong Guitong lowered his head: "This humble official...this humble official is just worried."

Li Sizhe looked at him: "Hong, how many years have you been with the Korean Interpreter's Office?"

Hong Guitong replied, "Your Excellency, I joined the Interpreter's Office in the seventh year of the Zhengtong era, and it has been almost eight years since then."

Li Sizhe nodded: "Eight years is not a short time."

You are fluent in Chinese, know Chinese characters, and have read the Analects and Mencius.

But do you know how the relationship between Joseon and the Ming Dynasty differed from that of other vassal states?

Hong Guitong replied, "Korea is a land of etiquette, and serves great matters with sincerity, unlike other countries."

Li Sizhe nodded, then shook his head: "You're right, but it's not just that."

In the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, my great king Taizu was granted investiture by the Ming Dynasty and the country was named Joseon. It has been fifty-eight years since then.

During these fifty-eight years, all the kings of Joseon were conferred titles by the Ming Dynasty, used the Ming Dynasty's reign title, and followed the Ming Dynasty's rites and systems.

Every year on New Year's Day, Winter Solstice, and Holy Day, envoys are sent to pay tribute.

Whenever the Ming Dynasty had a major event, it would always send envoys to inquire about its well-being.

The Tumu Crisis shook the entire court.

King Sejong ordered his men to prepare troops, and if the Oirat continued to advance south, he would send troops to defend the king.

This is not just about being sincere in important matters, but also about sharing weal and woe.

The fates of Korea and the Ming Dynasty had long been intertwined.

When the Ming Dynasty is strong, Korea will be at peace.

When the Ming Dynasty is weak, Korea is in danger.

Therefore, who the emperor of the Ming Dynasty was and what the political situation in the Ming Dynasty was like were of paramount importance to Joseon.

Hong Guitong listened silently, not daring to interrupt.

Li Sizhe continued, "This new emperor defended Beijing, repelled the Oirat Mongols, and stabilized the court as soon as he ascended the throne."

I heard that he also reorganized the Ministry of Revenue, repatriated displaced people, and resettled the homeless.

What do you think someone like that would think about North Korea?

Hong Guitong lowered his head: "Your Excellency is right to reprimand me; I was too shallow."

Li Sizhe waved his hand: "You will come with me to the audience tomorrow. Remember, do not be impolite, and maintain the demeanor of a Korean envoy."

Hong Guitong bowed: "Yes."

The next day, Zhu Qiyu sat behind his desk, looking at the Korean envoy before him.

Li Sizhe walked to the center of the hall, knelt down and performed the ritual of three kowtows and nine prostrations.

Hong Guitong knelt half a step behind him, silently reciting the etiquette and rules, afraid of making the slightest mistake.

After the ceremony, he knelt on the ground and presented the official letter with both hands: "This is a letter from the Korean envoy, Li Sizhe."

By order of His Majesty, I offer my congratulations to the Emperor of the Great Ming on his ascension to the throne. May His Majesty live ten thousand years!

Cheng Jing accepted the letter of state and presented it to Zhu Qiyu.

Zhu Qiyu unfolded it and took a look.

The national script is written in ornate language, and every word is filled with respect.

At the end, King Yi Do of Joseon wrote in his own hand: "Your subject has received the great favor of the Ming Dynasty for generations, and I am deeply grateful."

"Upon hearing of Your Majesty's ascension to the throne, I am overjoyed and have respectfully dispatched an envoy to present this congratulatory memorial and tribute, humbly requesting Your Majesty's consideration."

Zhu Qiyu closed the official letter and said, "Envoy Li, please rise and take a seat."

Li Sizhe expressed his gratitude and then sat down on one side of the brocade stool.

Zhu Qiyu looked at him and suddenly asked, "Envoy Li, how is your king's health?"

Li Sizhe replied, "Your Majesty, the King is not in good health. He caught a cold last winter..."

Zhu Qiyu nodded: "Your Majesty, please take good care of your health."

Li Sizhe felt a warmth in his heart, stood up, bowed, and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Zhu Qiyu then asked, "After the Tumu Crisis, what actions did your king take?"

Li Sizhe was prepared and immediately replied, "Your Majesty, when Tuotuo Buhua attacked Liaodong, Your Majesty prepared your army and awaited your summons."

They were just waiting for the Ming emperor's order to go to the border to defend against the enemy.

Later, news of the defeat at Tumu Fortress reached Pyongyang, and His Majesty was deeply saddened upon hearing it.

Upon hearing that Your Majesty had steadfastly defended the capital and repelled the Oirat Mongols, Your Majesty was overjoyed and led your court officials to offer your congratulations from afar.

Zhu Qiyu smiled slightly: "Good, your king is very thoughtful."

He paused, then said, "I have heard that all the kings of Joseon throughout history have been granted investiture by the Ming Dynasty, used the Ming Dynasty's reign title, and followed the Ming Dynasty's rites and customs. Is this true?"

Li Sizhe said, "That's right. Since King Taejo of Joseon received investiture from the Ming Dynasty, all the kings of Joseon have strictly adhered to the etiquette of a vassal state and dared not disobey."

Zhu Qiyu nodded: "If one day the Ming Dynasty needs Joseon's military assistance, would your king still be willing to send troops?"

Li Sizhe answered without hesitation, "Yes! Korea and the Ming Dynasty share weal and woe!"

Zhu Qiyu looked at him.

After a long silence, Zhu Qiyu chuckled softly: "Alright, I'll remember your words."

Envoy Li, go back and tell your king.

As long as I am on the throne, the Ming Dynasty will be the elder brother of Korea.

If Korea is in trouble, the Ming Dynasty will not stand idly by.

Li Sizhe rose and knelt down: "Your Majesty's words will be remembered by Your Majesty. I will convey them to Your Majesty without missing a single word after returning to the country."

Zhu Qiyu raised his hand to help you up: "Yes, get up. After the New Year's Day court ceremony, I will have someone show you around the capital."

Li Si bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you."