Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2305 Fengshan (II) Japanese Female Clothing

Osaka Castle, Japan.

As the morning light arrives, the cherry blossoms in Osaka Castle sway gently in the breeze, and the petals fall with the wind, covering the stone pavement. However, the atmosphere in the meeting hall in the castle is unusually solemn.

Narita Kai, as the "regent" that Japan had never had, actually represented the young Toyotomi Hideyori and exercised a power similar to that of a regent. At this moment, she sat in the main seat in the meeting room, and on the table in front of her was a letter from the Ming Dynasty, which carried Gao Youshi's order, requiring Japan to send an envoy to participate in the Fengshan ceremony.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, the newly appointed Shogun of the Edo Shogunate, is now in Osaka. His arrival not only continues to express his respect for Toyotomi, but also shows his high regard for Gao Youshi's personal letter.

In today's post-civil war Japan, the "unity of the imperial court and the military" of Toyotomi Kōgi still has a slightly higher status than the shogunate of the military system, so he sits below Narita Kai. At this moment, Tokugawa Ieyasu looked solemn, and he obviously realized the importance of this letter.

"You have all read the Imperial Cabinet's order carefully." Narita Kai spoke slowly, his voice revealing an unquestionable authority. "The Fengshan Ceremony is not only a grand event for the Ming Dynasty, but also a test for us in Japan - a test of our loyalty."

Tokugawa Ieyasu nodded slightly, expressing his agreement: "Godai-dono is right. We must be careful and not slack off in the slightest."

"Gokaku" is a newly coined word in Japan, specifically used to refer to Gao Yousi, just like "Taikaku" is used to refer to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

In Japanese, "御" (ご/go) is often used to show respect and can be added before a noun as a honorific. In the honorific "御阁", "御" shows the highest respect for Gao Youshi.

In Japanese, "閣" (かく/kaku) can refer to a part of a building or a government cabinet. As for the "閣" in "御阁", it comes from Gao Youshi's position as the chief minister of the cabinet in the Ming Dynasty, representing his political status.

In terms of the overall meaning, "御閣 (御閣, simplified Chinese is used hereafter)" expresses respect for Gao Youshi as the chief minister of the Ming Dynasty cabinet and the actual controller of Japan.

It is worth mentioning that "御阁" is neither an original Japanese word nor completely in line with Japanese habits. Its appearance more reflects the habit of the Japanese upper class to curry favor with Chinese words under the dominance of Beijing.

But then again, the word "御" in Chinese cannot be used indiscriminately. I wonder if they know this?

As for Tokugawa Ieyasu's name for Narita Kai, it is a relatively common abbreviation in Japanese, that is, "Goryo" is shortened to "Goyo". The difference between "Goyo" and "Gokaku" is that "Gokaku" is a special name similar to "Taikoku" and is not a specific position in itself.

However, "Goyo", as the abbreviation of "Goryoyo", is a position. Therefore, Tokugawa Ieyasu added a respectful term "den" after "Goyo", that is, "Goyoden", which is similar to "Regent-sama" - regent is a position and sama is a respectful title.

Narita Kai hesitated for a moment, then continued, "Kumō-dono, I think we should immediately form an envoy group, and you and I will jointly select suitable candidates to serve as the head and deputy head of the group. The envoy group must not only showcase Japan's culture and etiquette, but more importantly, it must reflect our respect and sincerity for the Ming Dynasty."

Tokugawa Ieyasu nodded and said, "I totally agree. I will select the most outstanding warriors and scholars from my retainers to ensure the quality of the diplomatic corps. In addition, I suggest that my son Tokugawa Hidetada be appointed as the deputy head of the diplomatic corps to show that our Edo Shogunate attaches great importance to this trip."

Narita Kai nodded happily and replied, "This is a wise move. Then, I also propose that the head of the Shimazu family, Shimazu Tadatsune, be appointed as the chief leader. The Shimazu family has a long history of relationship with the Imperial Court, and his presence as the head of the delegation to the Ming Dynasty will help demonstrate our loyalty."

Shimazu Tadatsune, the new head of the Shimazu family, was under house arrest for some reason before the civil war. However, it is necessary to point out that although he has taken over the position of head of the family, there is a habit of "retiring but not resting" in Japan, so the real power of the Shimazu family is still in the hands of the "two princes" - the brothers Shimazu Yoshihisa and Shimazu Yoshihiro.

This situation is similar to the situation when Toyotomi Hideyoshi retired but did not retire to become the "Taikoku", and gave the position of "Kanpaku" to his nephew and adopted son Toyotomi Hidetsugu. As we all know, although Kanpaku is theoretically the highest position in the court, in reality, Taiko Hideyoshi could force Hidetsugu to death with just one order.

In this case, why did Princess Kai still let Shimazu Tadatsune go as the head of the diplomatic envoys? Because Shimazu Yoshihisa and Shimazu Yoshihiro were both old, especially Shimazu Yoshihisa, the former head of the family, who had been in poor health. Although the two brothers were now retired, they would eventually die. Instead of letting them go to see Gao Youshi, it would be better to let the young Shimazu Tadatsune go. After all, Tadatsune still had a long way to go and they would have more time to deal with each other in the future.

Tokugawa Hidetada, the third son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, was originally trained by Ieyasu as his heir. If Gao Yousi had not intervened and used Gao Yan to usurp the throne, Hidetada would have been the future Shogun.

Why was the third son trained as the heir? This requires a brief explanation of Ieyasu's eldest and second sons: Tokugawa Ieyasu's eldest son was Matsudaira Nobuyasu, and his second son was Yuki Hideyasu.

Matsudaira Nobuyasu was born in 1559, the son of Tokugawa Ieyasu and his wife, Tsukizamondon. He was originally called Takechiyo, but later changed his name to Nobuyasu. At a young age, Nobuyasu was sent to Oda Nobunaga as a hostage to consolidate the alliance between the Tokugawa and Oda families. However, due to a series of complicated political events, including the fact that Nobuyasu's mother Tsukizamondon was accused of colluding with the Takeda family, Nobuyasu was ordered to commit seppuku in 1579 at the age of 21.

Yuki Hideyasu was born in 1574, the son of Tokugawa Ieyasu and his concubine Umanokata. Hideyasu was originally called Uyoshimaru, and was later sent to Toyotomi Hideyoshi as an adopted son and hostage. Under the protection of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Hideyasu changed his surname to Toyotomi and was named the daimyo of Fukui Domain in Echizen Province.

Hideyasu had a certain influence in the Toyotomi regime. Not long ago, after Tokugawa Ieyasu became the shogun, Hideyasu was given the surname Yuki again and was named the daimyo of Shimokyujo Domain.

Why did he do this? In fact, the reason is the same as Gao Fusi's decision to let Gao Yan become Tokugawa Ieyasu's adopted son - to take the other party's inheritance for free. Gao Yan made a lot of money, and Yuki Hideyasu was not bad either. The entire Yuki family was inherited by him.

  Ieyasu's idea must be similar to Gao Youshi's: What if I let my illegitimate son worship an adoptive father? Isn't he still my son? But the other party's family property is real. If I give the other party's family property to my illegitimate son, I will not lose any of my own family property. It's pure profit! Isn't this a good deal?

In short, the joining of Shimazu Tadatsune and Tokugawa Hidetada undoubtedly greatly improved the level of the diplomatic mission, which was much more sincere than just sending some magistrates.

After receiving the order, Shimazu Tadatsune immediately sailed from Satsuma to Osaka. Tokugawa Hidetada also set out from Edo and rode his horse as fast as he could to Osaka.

Not long after, the two leaders finally met in Osaka Castle. In a quiet courtyard, the spring afternoon sun shone through the treetops and shone on Shimazu Tadatsune and Tokugawa Hidetada. The two walked slowly along the mossy path, and their conversation began in the quietness of falling cherry blossoms.

Shimazu Tadatsune looked at a blossoming cherry tree with a gentle gaze and said softly, "Mr. Hidetada, you see these cherry blossoms are beautiful, but they are also ephemeral. Aren't we Japanese, just like these cherry blossoms, seeking that eternal moment in the long river of history?"

Tokugawa Hidetada followed Shimazu Tadatsune's gaze and said thoughtfully, "Your Excellency Tadatsune is right. The beauty of cherry blossoms lies in their splendor when they are in full bloom, and even more in their majesty when they wither. The spirit of Japan is the same."

Shimazu Tadatsune smiled slightly, his words carrying deep meaning: "That is true. But if the cherry blossoms could choose where to bloom, perhaps they would choose a place where their beauty could be eternal."

Tokugawa Hidetada responded calmly: "The reason why cherry blossoms are praised is that they can bloom with their unique beauty anywhere. Even if the environment changes, they still maintain their own colors."

Shimazu Tadatsune nodded slightly, as if in agreement, but also as if he had other intentions: "Your Excellency Hidetada's words are thought-provoking. However, sometimes, cherry blossoms also need the careful cultivation of gardeners to show their beauty in the best environment."

Tokugawa Hidetada stopped and looked determined: "The cultivation of the gardeners is important, but the roots of the cherry blossoms still need to be deeply planted in their own land. If the roots are lost, no matter how beautiful the cherry blossoms are, they will be difficult to sustain."

The two were obviously making a witty remark. The cherry blossoms undoubtedly refer to Japan. Shimazu Tadatsune said that the cherry blossoms could bloom in the "place of eternity", which meant that Japan should accept the rule of the Ming Dynasty, just like the news I heard not long ago - Korea was annexed and became a province of the Ming Dynasty. Obviously, Shimazu Tadatsune did not rule out Japan becoming one or more provinces of the Ming Dynasty.

Although Tokugawa Hidetada heard the hidden meaning of Shimazu Tadatsune's words, he obviously disagreed. He kept emphasizing that cherry blossoms should bloom in the place where they take root, which means that he still hopes to maintain Japan's autonomy - even if it is a bit self-deception from the current situation in Japan, Hidetada believes that as long as the name is still there, Japan will still be Japan.

Shimazu Tadatsune turned to look at the clear water in the courtyard and said softly, "The carp in this pond are free, but they are also restricted by the boundaries of the pond. Sometimes, I think that if the carp can swim to the sea, they may be able to see a wider world."

Tokugawa Hidetada then looked towards the pond and said slowly: "Carp can grow safely in the pond, but if they want to swim to the sea, they must first have enough strength and wisdom to cope with the wind and waves on the sea."

Shimazu Tadatsune nodded slightly, with a hint of playfulness in his words: "Your Excellency Hidetada's words reminded me of our mission. Aren't the diplomatic envoys who are about to set off just like those carps, about to swim to the sea of ​​the Ming Dynasty?" Tokugawa Hidetada looked Shimazu Tadatsune in the face, his tone revealing a firmness: "Indeed. But the mission of the diplomatic envoys is not only to swim to the sea, but also to show the uniqueness and beauty of our pond. Our goal is to let the imperial court see the true colors of Japan, rather than lose ourselves. I think that with the imperial court's mind, it should be able to accommodate different kinds of beauty - just as the countries in the southern border did not annex the Ming Dynasty."

Shimazu Tadatsune's pupils suddenly shrank, he looked deeply at Tokugawa Hidetada, and said softly: "I heard a story from the Tang Dynasty that a carp must jump over the Dragon Gate before it can turn into a dragon and ascend to heaven."

Tokugawa Hidetada smiled and replied, "I have also heard that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

The two men's discussion continued under the cherry tree. Every word they said seemed to be full of deep meaning, including considerations for Japan's future and weighing the interests of their respective families.

The Shimazu family had been built into a part of the Jinghua trading empire by Gao Youshi, so Shimazu Tadatsune was eager for Japan to be completely integrated with the Ming Dynasty and Jinghua, because this would bring a larger market for the Shimazu family's products and even eliminate tariff barriers, thus gaining greater benefits.

However, the Tokugawa family was very traditional. The land and the people attached to the land were the source of the Tokugawa family's wealth and power. Now that the Tokugawa family had the title of shogun, they could theoretically issue orders to all of Japan. So how could Japan become one or several provinces of the Ming Dynasty? Once Japan surrendered, what was the need to keep the shogun?

Moreover, Tokugawa Hidetada had also listened to his father Ieyasu's analysis of the current political situation in Japan. The latter believed that Takayasu's original intention of retaining Hideyori and Toyotomi Munigi was not to really support the Toyotomi family to continue to rule Japan, but just to retain a nominal lord for Tokugawa Ieyasu before Takayasu succeeded as the shogun.

The advantage of doing this is that if Tokugawa Ieyasu has any second thoughts or changes, Gao Youshi can launch a legitimate attack on him in the name of Toyotomi Hideyori, because Hideyori is the lord and Ieyasu is the minister. Hideyori's attack on Ieyasu is a rebellion and is justified.

However, as long as Ieyasu does not take any action and enjoys his old age in peace, when Takase succeeds the position of Shogun in the future, Toyotomi Munegi and even Hideyori may no longer be necessary.

By that time, everything in the Tokugawa family would belong to Gao Yan. Would Gao Yan be willing to submit to the Ming Dynasty and let all this disappear? Would Gao Fusi be willing to take away everything that belonged to his son and give it to the Ming emperor in the Forbidden City? Ieyasu did not think so.

As for why Tokugawa Hidetada cared about these things that would inevitably belong to Gao Yan, an outsider, in the future, the reason was very simple: even if Gao Yan became the shogun, since the legal source of his becoming the shogun was that he was the adopted son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the other sons of Tokugawa Ieyasu - including Hidetada himself - would still be legitimate "one-son clan", and the territories they had already obtained would not change, and they might even be rewarded with some extra things to demonstrate the magnanimity of the new shogun.

In this case, he would certainly strive for "future benefits" for Gao Yan, after all, he, Xiu Zhong, also had a share in those benefits. This is what it means to be a man who does not work for himself, and to be punished by heaven and earth.

Over the next few days, Osaka Castle was extremely busy. Narita Kai and Tokugawa Ieyasu personally participated in the selection of the members of the diplomatic envoys. They summoned the best samurai, scholars, artists and craftsmen from all over Japan to ensure that the diplomatic envoys could fully showcase the charm of Japan.

Shimazu Tadatsune and Tokugawa Hidetada also began to perform their duties. Shimazu Tadatsune was responsible for coordinating the tribute contributions of the daimyo, ensuring that each tribute reflected Japan's sincerity and respect. Tokugawa Hidetada was responsible for supervising the daily training and preparation of the envoys, ensuring that every detail was impeccable.

In order to prepare tribute, the craftsmen of Osaka Castle also put in intensive work. They carefully made exquisite lacquerware, porcelain, brocade, gold, silver and glass crafts, each of which was the crystallization of Japan's highest craftsmanship. At the same time, Japanese tea ceremony and flower arrangement masters also began to prepare to display Japan's traditional art.

During the selection and preparation process, Narita Kai and Tokugawa Ieyasu also emphasized the etiquette training of the envoys. Through their connections in Beijing, they urgently hired some literati and scholars from the Ming Dynasty to conduct strict etiquette education for the members of the envoys to ensure that they could behave properly and without losing etiquette at the Ming Dynasty's Fengshan ceremony.

The members of the diplomatic corps underwent intensive training at the parade grounds of Osaka Castle. They practiced various etiquette movements and became familiar with the court rules of the Ming Dynasty. Everyone was working hard for the upcoming mission.

As the delegation was gradually formed and prepared, a grand ceremony was held in Osaka Castle. Although Toyotomi Hideyori was young, as the nominal supreme ruler, he also attended the ceremony accompanied by Narita Kai to see the delegation off.

Shimazu Tadatsune and Tokugawa Hidetada stood at the front of the team, wearing formal dresses and looking solemn. Shimazu Tadatsune spoke on behalf of the diplomatic corps: "Thank you for your trust, young master, the imperial concubine, and the imperial minister. We are about to embark on a journey to the Great Ming. This is a great opportunity to showcase Japan and an extraordinary mission to deepen the friendship with the Great Ming. We will live up to everyone's expectations and complete the mission successfully."

Tokugawa Hidetada also said immediately: "We represent not only our family, but also the whole of Japan. Please rest assured, young master, the royal family and the imperial court, we will show our respect and sincerity in Ming Dynasty and win the trust and praise of Japan."

The members of the envoys also promised in unison, their eyes full of determination. Then, under the gaze of everyone, the envoys went to the port and prepared to board the ship.

At the port of Osaka, a number of beautifully decorated ships were ready. The flags on the ships fluttered in the sea breeze, symbolizing Japan's loyalty and sincerity. Members of the diplomatic corps boarded the ships one after another and waved goodbye.

Narita Kai stood on the dock, watching the diplomatic corps' ship slowly leave the port. She knew that this mission was not only about whether Japan's image in the eyes of the Ming Dynasty could be improved, but also about her personal honor and responsibility. She took a deep breath and prayed silently in her heart: "May this mission go smoothly, and the friendship between Japan and the Ming Dynasty last forever, and there will be no more war."

Her feelings were naturally complicated, after all, she was both Gao Youshi's concubine and the biological mother of the "future general". For her, Japan should neither compete with the Ming Dynasty nor dissolve.

In the fight against the Ming Dynasty, she could only stand by her husband's side and watch Japan's defeat and fall; if Japan disappeared, then everything her son should have would also disappear with it, which is something no mother could bear to see.

Tokugawa Ieyasu was also silently watching the fleet's departure. He knew in his heart that the success or failure of this diplomatic mission would directly affect his authority and status, as well as everything about the future of the Tokugawa family.

He turned to Narita Kai and said, "Goshiro-dono, I believe that our delegation will be able to fulfill its mission, demonstrate Japan's loyalty, and put a final end to the Bunroku-Keicho Campaign."

Narita Kai nodded slightly, with a determined light in her eyes: "Kumono-dono, we all look forward to their safe return... with a farewell to the past and the friendship of Ming Dynasty."

Tokugawa Ieyasu nodded slightly, but smiled bitterly in his heart: Friendship? The Ming Dynasty is in its heyday, why does it need the so-called friendship of Japan! I only hope that the emperor in the Forbidden City can give up pursuing Japan's responsibility in the Bunroku-Keicho War in view of Japan's humble attitude and the promise of persuasion in the letter from the emperor, and I will be thankful.

Shimazu Tadatsune and Tokugawa Hidetada held a brief ceremony on the ship, praying to the sea god for safety, hoping that their voyage would be smooth and they would arrive safely in Ming Dynasty. They checked the supplies and equipment on the ship to make sure everything was ready.

At the moment the fleet set sail, most of the residents of Osaka City came to the port, waving goodbye, many with tears in their eyes. This was an important mission, and everyone knew it would be a historic moment.

It is reasonable for the defeated to submit to the victor, but it is also humble and helpless to ask the victor to exempt them from punishment.

The fleet slowly sailed out of the port and headed towards the Ming Dynasty. Shimazu Tadatsune and Tokugawa Hidetada stood on the deck, looking at the Osaka Castle gradually receding, their hearts filled with complicated emotions.

This was not their first time leaving Japan - Shimazu Tadatsune had fought in the Korean battlefield, and Tokugawa Hidetada had also delivered supplies to Korea - but it was their first time to go to Ming. However, the two were not afraid, but instead had some irrepressible expectations.

  What does the Celestial Empire look like?

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PS: The main text of this chapter is more than 5700 words, and as usual, I don’t deliberately make it up to 6K to increase the charge for a single chapter.