Cutting 1719

Chapter 381
For Ning Yu, Zhu Shunshui is not a very unfamiliar name. When he traveled to Japan in his previous life, he once saw Zhu Shunshui's cemetery in Hitachi Ota City, Ibaraki Prefecture. So I became interested in this person, and after checking the information, I found out that this person's integrity is enough to shine through the ages.

Twenty years ago, where is the country now?He also reported to Donghu to set up false officials.

Looking at the Han family's temperament, the night is long.

Ning Yu recited this poem softly, which was written by Zhu Shunshui more than [-] years after he went to Japan.The meaning of grief in the poem is beyond words.

Ning Luoyuan, the person in charge of the shadow standing on the side, kept his head down. Although he didn't quite understand the meaning of this person's existence, the emperor's exclamation was enough to illustrate its importance.

"Your Majesty, the Japanese came to our court this time and brought the descendants of Zhu Zi with them. But for some reason, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs only has the records of Japanese envoys, but no descendants of Zhu Zi. According to the report from the shadow, the descendants of Zhu Zi are already in Nanjing."

Ning Yu thought about it for a while, and soon understood, and sighed: "I'm afraid this is 'more timid near the hometown', I, Da Chu, is not Da Ming after all, so it is inevitable that I will feel a little uncomfortable, let him see it more among the people. Look, if you see it, you will come to see me, let the spies disperse."

"Yes."

After sending Ning Luoyuan away, Ning Yu put aside the matter of Zhu Shunshui in his heart. No matter how popular this festival is, it is over after all. It's a bit of a mystery.

Nowadays, the espionage forces of the Military Intelligence Department and the Shadow are only concentrated in the country after all, and there is not much involvement in foreign countries. Therefore, after receiving the news of the Japanese envoy's visit to China, Ning Yu was also somewhat unable to react—according to the current information Look, the Edo shogunate is undergoing the reform of entitlement insurance, and it is at a critical time.

The so-called enjoyment reform is a series of reform measures being carried out by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth generation general of the Edo shogunate, including streamlining the organization, abolishing the banner official position and hereditary salary, and also targeting the shogunate's military equipment. Falcon hunting, which was banned in the Tokugawa Tsunayoshi era, was restored and its training was strengthened.

Of course, in terms of economy, Tokugawa Yoshimune also made great achievements. He stabilized the long-term turbulent rice price in Japan and restored the stability of Japanese society. Therefore, in these aspects, Ning Yu also paid more or less attention to it. a bit.

According to the current limited information, the great general Tokugawa Yoshimune, who set off the reform of enjoying insurance, has been in office for more than eight years. He succeeded to the throne in the sixth year of Zhengde, and the general's family died at that time, so he was also a virtuous prince. In terms of qualifications, the successor's general position is relatively insufficient, so the reform itself can explain some problems.

For Ning Yu, the relationship with Japan will affect the overall plan in the future, so it is very important, and this time the Japanese envoy also attaches great importance to it.

"Foreign Minister Matsudaira Tsunayoshi leads the order!"

In the Posthouse area of ​​the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Matsudaira Tsunayoshi knelt on the ground, holding a yellow imperial decree in his hand, the meaning in it was very simple, let Matsudaira Tsunayoshi go to see the emperor tomorrow, and behind him, still kneeling Several Japanese samurai, everyone is humble and respectful.

Song Enming, Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stood in front of Matsudaira Tsunakichi, with a very appropriate smile on his face, "Your envoy is invited, this imperial decree has been delivered, and I also invite your envoy to meet the emperor tomorrow and present the letter of credence."

Naturally, Matsudaira Tsunayoshi would not feel unfamiliar with this set. He stood up, but his head was still slightly lowered, and he said humbly: "Your Majesty has an edict, and foreign ministers should be careful, and never dare to exceed half a point. I also ask Master Shangshu to give advice."

Song Enming laughed loudly. He stroked his long beard and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty knows you very well. You just need to follow the rules for this audience. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take care of all the follow-up matters. Your envoys don't need to be overly concerned. worry."

Before Matsudaira Tsunayoshi came to Nanjing, he also heard about some changes in the current Dachu. This so-called Ministry of Foreign Affairs is nothing more than the old Honglu Temple. Care, after all, it is the adults of the Kingdom of Heaven
"Master Shangshu's kindness, Matsudaira Tsunakichi is very grateful!"

Song Enming saw that he was talking about this topic, so he asked in a low voice: "The person who came with you. Was he in the posthouse area?"

Matsudaira Tsunakichi showed a bit of surprise on his face, but he had been separated from Zhu Yuyan since he disembarked, but unexpectedly, his every move was in the eyes of Shang Guo, which made Matsudaira Tsunakichi a little panicked, and quickly knelt down again.

"Reporting to Lord Shangshu, this person is indeed on the same boat as me, but just happened to be on the same road, and separated from the foreign ministers after getting off the boat. Please let me know."

Song Enming didn't get too entangled in this issue, and didn't have any doubts about Matsudaira Tsunakichi's words, so he left.On the contrary, Matsudaira Tsunayoshi himself fell into doubt. Could it be that the Celestial Dynasty didn't know Zhu Yuyan's identity?

However, whether he knew it or not, Matsudaira Tsunayoshi didn't take this matter too seriously, but went to prepare wholeheartedly, planning to deal with tomorrow's audience. For the emperor Ning Yu, he still did some homework. Get ready, I'm afraid it will be difficult to complete the task assigned by the general
The next day, Matsudaira Tsunakichi confidently brought him to the Forbidden City Palace, and after going through numerous inspections, he brought Fengtian Hall to meet the emperor.

"Foreign Minister Matsudaira Tsunayoshi, this time, under the orders of General Tokugawa Yoshimune, came here to pay homage to His Majesty."

Ning Yu glanced at the guy dressed as a warrior, and said softly: "Your envoy, please, come from a long way this time, do you have something important to do?"

Matsudaira Tsunakichi did not dare to raise his head to look at Ning Yu, and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, this time the foreign ministers came to the Celestial Dynasty in the name of General Yi, please allow me to restore the tribute relationship between the Edo Shogunate and the Great Chu with your Majesty." , to strengthen trade ties, and to reduce and exempt tariffs in order to realize the good of the two countries.”

At present, there is actually a certain path of trade between Ningchu and Japan, but because of the relevant policies of Ningyu and Chongqing, the tariffs levied on foreign countries have increased a lot compared to previous years, so some businessmen began to hope that It is possible to use the shogunate diplomacy to realize the possibility of reducing or exempting tariffs.

Ning Yu took a deep look at Matsudaira Tsunakichi, "The matter of tariffs can be discussed, but I have one thing, but I hope that the envoy can give you some answers."

"Please speak frankly, Your Majesty."

Matsudaira Tsunayoshi faintly felt something was wrong, so he had no choice but to answer boldly.

Ning Yu said softly: "Where is the Ryukyu King Shangjing today?"

Ryukyu King!
Tsunakichi Matsudaira understood in an instant, and said bravely: "The foreign minister is an envoy of the Edo Shogunate in Japan, and he really doesn't know anything about other countries."

"Other country?"

Ning Yu sneered, "If my guess is correct, the Ryukyu Kingdom is still in your Japanese hands, it's just that your country's Shimadzu Fan presumed that the Ryukyu Kingdom would stand on its own to the Qing court every two years for the benefit of the tribute. Confession, but don’t think that I don’t understand that all the benefits of the tribute trade have been swallowed up by Japan, and the Ryukyu Kingdom is nothing but a puppet.”

As soon as this remark came out, it caused an uproar among the officials in the palace. They stared at Matsudaira Tsunakichi who was silent, and there was a bit of murderous look in their eyes. The seriousness of the matter can be seen.

At this time, Matsudaira Tsunayoshi could only choose to keep silent, because after this matter was exposed, he had no reason to quibble at all, and Japan's wolfish ambitions had long been exposed in this matter.

Speaking of this matter, we have to mention the special status of Ryukyu itself.In the history of China, Ryukyu has always occupied a very important position. From the beginning of Ming Dynasty, after Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict to Chadu, the king of Zhongshan in Ryukyu, the three kings of Beishan, Zhongshan and Nanshan began to ask The Ming government paid tribute, and since then Ryukyu has become a vassal of the Ming Dynasty.

At that time, in order to solve the difficulties of sea navigation when Ryukyu came to China, Zhu Yuanzhang specially granted 36 people with surnames who were skilled in shipbuilding and navigation to the Fujian people to move to Ryukyu. General affairs are always prepared as a guide', and then Ryukyu became a model representative of the Ming vassal system.

Later, in the fourth year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty, a strong conflict broke out between the Ming Dynasty and Japan over the issue of tribute, so that Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty kicked Japan out of the tribute system in a fit of anger. At that time, the tribute system was essentially a trade relationship. Therefore, Japan, which has no qualifications for paying tribute, has had its economic development severely affected.

Especially later, with the outbreak of the Imjin Japanese Invasion, the relationship between Japan and Ming Dynasty became worse and worse, which made Japan start to have the idea of ​​Ryukyu, preparing to invade and occupy Ryukyu, and then use the skin of Ryukyu to pay tribute to Ming Dynasty , to obtain the benefits of tribute trade.

Therefore, shortly after the end of the Imjin Japanese Invasion, the Satsuma Domain, with the support of the Tokugawa shogunate, sent General Kawayama Kudaka to lead [-] elite soldiers to launch a surprise attack on Ryukyu, but the Ryukyu Kingdom did not make relevant preparations, so soon He was beaten by the Satsuma army, and even Shuri Castle was breached, causing the Ryukyu king Shang Ning to be captured by the Satsuma army. There is even a record that "it is like a family diary, a document from generation to generation, and all treasures are lost."

Later, at the end of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty was unable to intervene, and the Ryukyu King Shang Ning was forced to sign the "Fifteen Articles" in Japan, which humiliated the country. In this treaty, Ryukyu became a vassal state of the Satsuma Fan, even Matters such as succession to the throne and appointment of officials must be reported to the Satsuma Domain.

Although Ryukyu ushered in independence on the surface after the Qing court entered the customs, it still existed as a vassal state of the Satsuma clan in order to seek the benefits of tribute trade.

For the ministers of Ningchu, they are not very clear about the twists and turns, but for the emperor Ningyu Ning who came from later generations, he knows the intentions of these Japanese well, and now the shogunate sent envoys to restore the tribute The trade is essentially testing Ning Chu. It would be best if Ning Chu agrees. Even if he disagrees, he can use the shell of Ryukyu to seek benefits.

Under Ning Yu's persecution, Matsudaira Tsunayoshi's face broke out in a trace of cold sweat. He wanted to explain something, but he was speechless when the words came to his lips, so he could only whisper: "These things are all caused by Satsuma. What the vassal did has nothing to do with the general, and now the general's admiration for the Celestial Dynasty can be learned from the sun and the moon, and I hope your majesty will know."

Ning Yu snorted coldly, "I know, and my people will also know that if you want to resume the tribute trade, please show some sincerity from your country. If you don't clarify the issue of Ryukyu, this matter will not be over." .”

"Your Majesty, now the Ryukyu Kingdom belongs to the Satsuma Domain, and the General is powerless to repay Your Majesty's discernment."

Matsudaira Tsunayoshi was eager to throw the pot away, and hurriedly threw out the real winners. Anyway, the relationship between the general and the Satsuma clan has always been bad. In this reform, it was the Satsuma clan who rushed to the forefront to oppose .

Seeing what Matsudaira Tsunayoshi said, it fell right into Ning Yu's arms. He chuckled: "Since your envoy said that this incident was done by the Satsuma clan, it has nothing to do with the general who conquered the barbarians. Can you explain that I, the Great Chu, sent troops?" Satsuma Fan, the Great General Zhengyi will not intervene?"

Seeing Ning Yu's interpretation in this way, Matsudaira Tsunakichi was a little panicked. No matter how many grievances and enmities there are between the Edo shogunate and the Satsuma clan, it is an internal conflict after all. Once a behemoth like Dachu is brought in, I am afraid All Japanese people will punish the country's traitors!Tsunakichi Matsudaira couldn't bear this scapegoat!

"Your Majesty, this matter still needs to be properly discussed. Why do you need to fight each other? The foreign ministers came to the Heavenly Dynasty with sincerity, and hope to gain His Majesty's size!"

Matsudaira Tsunayoshi stammered and said that his originally not very fluent Chinese was broken into fragments, but it made the officials in the palace frown. I have some understanding, this matter is plain, it is purely that the thief ran to the owner's house to discuss cooperation!

Ning Yu did not intend to fight against Japan. Firstly, the current enemy was still the Qing court, and secondly, the timing was not mature enough. Therefore, his idea was to plant a dark thorn between the Tokugawa shogunate and the Satsuma clan. Moreover, compared with the Satsuma clan who will dominate the Meiji Restoration in the future, the Tokugawa shogunate, which is now tending to decay, is a better partner for Ning Yu.

Thinking of this, the expression on Ning Yu's face softened a bit, "Your envoy came here with sincerity, and I naturally know it clearly in my heart, it's just one yard for one yard, if the general Zhengyi wants to pay tribute to our country, he will Need to solve the thorn in the side of the Satsuma clan, the thorn in the flesh, this is not only the need of my great Chu, but also the top priority of the general conquering barbarians."

Hearing what Ning Yu said, Matsudaira Tsunayoshi felt a little moved. He was only worried about bringing the power of Chu into Japan, so he made excuses, but he didn't have any good feelings for Satsuma, because in Japan, It has always been the Satsuma clan who secretly led the collapse, and is also the general's greatest enemy!
It can be said that in dealing with Satsuma, the cooperation between General Zhengyi and the Celestial Dynasty has a basis, but Matsudaira Tsunayoshi is worried about whether the Celestial Dynasty will continue to extend its hand to the Satsuma. develop?This is a responsibility he cannot afford.

"Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. Please allow the foreign ministers to revise the letter and return to Edo and General Zhengyi before you can reply to Your Majesty!"

(End of this chapter)