Daming Yuanfu

Chapter 2309: Fengshan (VI) Beating Hidetada

Soon, Tokugawa Hidetada walked into Gao Youshi's study. The interior was elegantly furnished, just like the officialdom of the Ming Dynasty, with unfathomable background everywhere. When Hidetada looked up, he saw a tall man in a bright red silk dragon robe sipping tea leisurely, looking relaxed, as if he had no idea who was coming.

He was wearing a dragon robe, was eight feet tall, had a gaunt face and a slight beard... There was no doubt that the man in front of him was Gao Youshi, the Grand Tutor of the Ming Dynasty, the Grand Secretary of the Zhongji Palace, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and the Marquis of Nanning, also known as the "Gokaku" in Japan.

Hidetada was startled, knowing that the other party was deliberately putting on this look to show his superiority. He immediately stepped forward respectfully and paid homage, speaking in a steady and humble voice: "I am a small country on a deserted island in the East China Sea. I, Tokugawa Hidetada of Japan, pay my respects to the Emperor and wish him the best of health and happiness."

Gao Fusi nodded slightly, his eyes gentle but able to see through people's hearts: "Hidetada has come all the way here, thank you for your hard work. Seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed heroic and valiant, and you are worthy of your father's reputation."

Hidetada declined the offer immediately, "You are too kind, Mr. Gokaku. I am just a warrior. How can I compare to you, Mr. Gokaku, who is famous all over the world and wise as the sea. You are the best of the world. It is my great honor to meet you today."

  Speaking of which, just talking about the image, Gao Youshi's praise of Tokugawa Hidetada was just politeness. After all, his father, Tokugawa Ieyasu, was just a short and fat man. No matter how much Tokugawa Hidetada's image was "optimized" through his maternal bloodline, his foundation was still there. How strong could he be?

But Gao Youshi was different. Several generations of his family had the typical image of northern literati - tall and elegant in appearance, which was exactly the best image needed to get into officialdom. He was the kind of person who made people think at first glance that he must be a gentleman, which was extremely deceptive.

The two sat opposite each other in silence for a while, with only the breeze outside the window bringing a bit of coolness.

Soon, Gao Youshi sighed and broke the silence: "I heard that Lord Ieyasu is in good health recently. This is a blessing for the Tokugawa family and also a blessing for Japan."

Tokugawa Hidetada was moved, knowing that Gao Zhenshi's words were not without purpose, but he could not judge what he meant at the moment, so he could only answer carefully: "My father always said that the Imperial Palace has brought great benefits to Japan. Now that my Tokugawa family is able to benefit from it, it will naturally bring longevity and happiness."

"But I wonder how many people in Japan are as grateful and repaying as the Tokugawa family?" Gao Youshi raised his eyebrows slightly, his eyes as sharp as a torch, as if he could see through Tokugawa Hidetada's heart: "Hidetada, has there been any disturbance in Japan recently?"

Tokugawa Hidetada was startled, knowing that he was trying to inquire about the daimyo's movements, so he replied: "Japan is peaceful and prosperous, all thanks to the grace of the imperial palace."

"The grace of reputation"? Doesn't that mean that some people are not honest in their hearts, but are afraid to express themselves because of the great reputation of "Imperial Pavilion"?

Gao Youshi smiled slightly, as if he was not satisfied with the answer: "It is good to have a peaceful sea and a clean river, but we must also pay attention to the undercurrents. I heard that the daimyo such as Mori and Uesugi seemed quite dissatisfied with my previous visit. Does Hidetada know about this?"

Tokugawa Hidetada pondered for a moment and said, "Mori Terumoto and Uesugi Kagekatsu were severely punished after the war. There are indeed rumors that they are concerned about their territories after the war, but please rest assured, the Tokugawa family will do its best to appease them."

"Appeasement is important, but what this cabinet hopes to see more is actual results." Gao Youshi's tone gradually turned serious, and he said grimly: "The Ming Dynasty has an unshirkable responsibility for the stability of the current situation in Japan. If there are people in Japan who are dissatisfied and try to stir up trouble again, the Ming Dynasty court will never sit idly by.

Otherwise, my great Ming army will have millions of soldiers wearing armor, swords pointing together, thousands of sails covering the sea, blocking the East Ocean. Then Japan will have thousands of floating corpses, blood flowing, and people will suffer. Everything will come to an end... This is not what I want to see, and I think Lord Ieyasu does too."

This was a blatant threat. Tokugawa Hidetada could naturally sense the weight of Gao Youshi's words and immediately responded: "The Tokugawa family will do their best to fulfill the will of the Imperial Court. If necessary, the Tokugawa family is willing to step in and ensure that the Mori and Uesugi families are loyal to the Ming Dynasty by whatever means."

After the confiscation of the Mori and Uesugi families, each of them now only has more than 300,000 stones. The Tokugawa family can indeed pat their chests and guarantee that they can suppress the two families and prevent them from making rash moves. Gao Youshi had no doubts about this, he just needed Tokugawa Hidetada to express this attitude.

Gao Fusi nodded and continued, "In addition, the contributions of Fukushima Masanori and Date Masamune will not be forgotten by the Ming Dynasty, and neither will I. The contributions and rewards must match each other."

Tokugawa Hidetada's heart moved. He knew that Gao Youshi was hinting that the rewards for the two daimyo needed to be adjusted. Although Gao Youshi had no objection to his father's previous rewards for them, now that the palace had changed its mind, the Tokugawa family had no choice but to follow suit - what else could they do?

So Tokugawa Hidetada said, "Fukushima Masanori and Date Masamune are both pillars of Japan. The former's reward seems to be insufficient, and my father has been thinking hard about how to remedy it. Now that there is a clear order from the Imperial Cabinet, many things will be easier to handle. I'm sure my father will be very happy when the news reaches Edo. As for Fukushima and Date, they are valued by the Imperial Cabinet, and I believe they will be grateful and repay the kindness forever."

Repaying kindness forever? I never expect you Japanese to do this. But it doesn't matter. Since your nature is to fear power but not morality, I will just maintain my deterrence.

Gao Youshi smiled slightly. He knew that Tokugawa Hidetada had understood what he meant. "I intend to make appropriate adjustments to the positions of Fukushima Masanori and Date Masamune to show recognition of their contributions."

Tokugawa Hidetada had been carefully observing Gao Youshi's expression, and when he saw him smile, he couldn't help but feel happy. He knew that this adjustment might improve their political status, which was not a big deal, as long as the Tokugawa family didn't have to take territory out of their own pockets to reward them, it would not be a bad thing for the Tokugawa family, and it might even be a good opportunity to consolidate their power.

Hidetada immediately said, "Since the Imperial Cabinet wishes to adjust the positions of the two, please forgive me for being so bold as to ask the Imperial Cabinet for your father's explicit instructions so that the shogunate can carry out the order."

No wonder Japanese history books say that although Hidetada was not very good at fighting, he was quite capable in governing and was considered a qualified ruler of the Edo Shogunate. Judging from what he said just now, he easily gave the right to appoint Fukushima Masanori and Date Masamune to the Edo Shogunate instead of giving it to Toyotomi Kōgi in Osaka.

Tokugawa Hidetada was obviously unaware of Gao Fusi's plan to give them the titles of Okuhakanrei and Oshu Tandai, but he might have guessed something. In this case, he would grab the right to appoint them first, which shows that he is indeed politically sensitive.

Whether it is Oshu Kanrei or Oshu Tandai, they were positions established during the Muromachi shogunate period and should have been under the management of the shogunate - that is, Edo had the final say.

However, Japan is quite special nowadays. Above the Edo shogunate, there is a Toyotomi Kogi. When Toyotomi Hideyoshi was alive, this kind of power was undoubtedly in his hands. After all, the characteristic of Toyotomi Kogi is "the integration of the imperial court and the military". The "military" here refers to the military regime, in other words, the shogunate.

To be more specific, the Toyotomi family was not only a top noble like the Five Regents, but also a "pillar of the military family". This combination of civil and military is "public and military as one". Correspondingly, the Edo Shogunate of the Tokugawa family was relatively simple, and was undoubtedly a "pillar of the military family".

Gao Youshi looked at Tokugawa Hidetada, suddenly smiled and said, "Okay." Then he told him about the appointment of "kanrei" and "tantai" that he had discussed with Shimazu Tadatsune before. However, Gao Youshi did not sell out Shimazu Tadatsune, but only said that it was his decision, without mentioning the Shimazu family. After hearing this, Tokugawa Hidetada immediately expressed his position: "The Imperial Court is magnanimous and kind, and they must be ashamed to thank them. My Tokugawa family deeply agrees with this matter that will help stabilize the situation in Japan, and will definitely support it with all our strength."

Gao Fusi nodded. Now that we have finished talking about other families, it is time for the Tokugawa family to take their turn.

Gao Yuanfu stood up, walked to the window, looked at the scenery outside, and said slowly: "The Ming Dynasty and Japan are neighbors. The Ming Dynasty hopes that Japan will remain stable, and also hopes that the Japanese daimyos will be convinced and share peace. Hidetada, do you understand what I mean?"

Since he stood up, Tokugawa Hidetada naturally stood up as well and said solemnly, "Hidetada understands. The Tokugawa family will, as always, do their utmost to realize the will of the Imperial Court in Japan."

It sounds like a very reasonable approach.

Gao Youshi turned around, looked calmly into Tokugawa Hidetada's eyes, and said, "That's good. I'll leave the Ming Dynasty's expectations for Japan to the Tokugawa family."

Tokugawa Hidetada bowed deeply and said: "Hidetada will live up to the trust of the Imperial Court."

Gao Fusi smiled slightly, as if he was very satisfied with the answer, but he said casually: "Lord Ieyasu's arrangement of the 'Four Great Families' seems to have a deep meaning. Haha, Lord Ieyasu is far-sighted and foresighted, which is admirable."

Tokugawa Hidetada felt a little uneasy, and quickly responded modestly: "My father has always acted in accordance with the will of the Imperial Cabinet. As the family of the next shogun, the Four Imperial Households have the important responsibility of being a barrier. It is natural for my father to be cautious."

Gao Youshi didn't comment, but tapped the table with his fingers and changed the subject: "Japan has been called 'Eastern Japan' since ancient times. I think the land of the rising sun should have the appearance of the rising sun. Hidetada, what do you think?"

Tokugawa Hidetada was startled, then he understood the deep meaning of Gao Guoshi's words and replied cautiously: "Although Japan is small, it is willing to follow the light of the Ming Dynasty and illuminate the four seas and eight wildernesses."

Gao Fusi nodded and continued, "The Ming Dynasty and Japan are neighbors, and have had exchanges since ancient times. Today, the Ming Dynasty's fleet frequently travels between the two countries, conveying trade and friendship."

Tokugawa Hidetada heard the hidden meaning in Gao Guoshi's words, and said: "The Ming fleet is a frequent visitor to Japanese waters, and it is also the glory we look up to."

Gao Youshi's eyes flashed, and his tone was slightly deep: "However, although the sea is vast, it also needs to be orderly. Especially where the Ming Dynasty ships go, if Japanese ships do not follow the route and lose their composure, I am afraid that unnecessary storms will be stirred up."

Tokugawa Hidetada's heart tightened, knowing that Gao Youshi's words were meant to warn the Tokugawa family, and he hurriedly said, "Hidetada understands that the Tokugawa family will definitely guide the Japanese ships to follow the Ming Dynasty's route and prevent any wind and waves from rising."

Gao Youshi nodded slightly, and said in a slightly slower tone: "The Ming Dynasty has always valued peace with Japan. However, peace brings wealth, and both sides need to move towards each other."

Tokugawa Hidetada immediately stated: "The Tokugawa family's loyalty to the Ming Dynasty and the Imperial Court is like the sun in Japan, which will never change."

Gao Youshi smiled and waved his hand to signal Tokugawa Hidetada to leave: "Hidetada, you already know what the Ming Dynasty expects of the Tokugawa family. Go, and may our friendship, like the water of the East China Sea, never dry up."

Tokugawa Hidetada stood up, bowed deeply, and left the study. He knew in his heart that although there was no direct threat in the last conversation, it was full of the will and power of the Imperial Court. If the Tokugawa family wanted to continue to prosper under his protection, they had to be an obedient chess piece on his chessboard.

He took a deep breath to calm his anxious mood, only to find that his back had been soaked without him noticing.

As Tokugawa Hidetada left, Gao Yousi returned to his desk, knowing that the conversation had achieved the desired effect.

The Tokugawa family naturally had their own interests to consider. Ieyasu, the old fox, was never easy to deal with. He always acted according to the situation. In history, he used one method to deal with Hideyoshi and another method to deal with Hideyori. Now that he was dealing with me, he naturally had to change his method again.

But it doesn't matter. No matter how cunning you are, the gap in strength is ultimately an insurmountable abyss. And since you are smart, you naturally know to be careful not to cross the red line in my heart, and only dare to seek more benefits for your children and grandchildren within this red line.

Knowing the bottom line, the relationship can continue. It is not bad for the general to keep 1.2 million koku per day. Anyway, Toyotomi Hideyori's 1 million koku in the future will also be a show. Adding them together is enough to deter the daimyo in various places.

What's more, what Tokugawa Hidetada said just now was not false. At that time, the "Tokugawa Four Families" were all members of Yan'er's clan. They were all on the same boat and had no choice but to help Yan'er.

The reason is very simple. Yan'er's position is stable. As a member of the Four Imperial Families, their special status is guaranteed. They can also obtain higher political treatment than their territory Shigao through this special status.

In fact, it is not only them. The daimyo who were relatives of Ieyasu, such as the "Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa", also need to protect the interests and status of En'er. The principle is the same as that of the Imenshu.

Of course, of course, in the final analysis, Yan'er will not only inherit the Edo Shogunate in the future, he will also be able to obtain the inheritance of the Toyotomi family, as well as the crystal buildings in various places that he will give him sooner or later - that is, Jinghua's business empire in Japan.

With these, his strength will be even stronger than Toyotomi Hideyoshi's in the past. In fact, it is a bit like the combination of Hideyoshi, who was at the peak of his strength in history, and Ieyasu, who was also at the peak of his strength - he has both land and population, as well as trade routes and minerals.

  With these, Yan'er has enough strength to secure his place in this small "world" of Japan.
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