King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Zhu Tan put down the list in his hand and tapped the table lightly with his slender fingers, making a rhythmic sound.

Lan Yu stood aside, not daring to utter a word. He knew that His Highness was planning something again.

"This Ashikaga Yoshimochi is quite a character."

After a while, Zhu Tan spoke slowly, with a hint of appreciation in his tone.

"Your Highness, what is there to admire about this Japanese barbarian?"

Lan Yu was somewhat unconvinced. In his opinion, these Japanese people were uncivilized barbarians who only knew how to scheme and plot.

Zhu Tan smiled and pointed to the name on the list and said:

"Although this man is young, he has already held the position of Shogun, which shows that he is very capable. Moreover, according to the spies' reports, this man is very ambitious and wants to replace the King of Japan, but he just has no chance."

Lan Yu suddenly realized: "Your Highness means..."

"The King of Japan is incompetent and has long lost the support of the people. Ashikaga Yoshimochi is the best candidate to replace him."

Zhu Tan's eyes flashed with a gleam of light, "As long as we use it a little, we can make it a sharp blade in our hands and open the door to the capital of Japan for us!"

Lan Yu couldn't help but exclaimed: "Your Highness is wise!"

Zhu Tan then called a trusted guard and whispered a few words in his ear. The guard took the order and left, disappearing into the night.

A few days later, a secret letter was delivered to Ashikaga Yoshimochi.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi opened the envelope and read the contents of the letter carefully in the dim candlelight.

As he read deeper, his breathing became faster and his hand holding the letter trembled slightly.

The letter was written by Zhu Dan, which stated directly that he was willing to support Ashikaga Yoshimochi in overthrowing the King of Japan and helping him ascend the throne of ruler, but the condition was that Ashikaga Yoshimochi must open the city gates and welcome the Ming army into the city.

"How dare you!" Ashikaga Yoshimochi slammed the table, causing the teacup in his hand to fall to the ground and break into pieces.

"General, calm down!" Upon seeing this, the servant beside him knelt down on the ground, trembling.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi took a deep breath and tried to calm the anger in his heart.

He knew very well that this was a divisive tactic of the Ming army, but the prospects described in the letter were like a huge magnet, deeply attracting him and making him unable to resist.

"Become the king of all Japan..." Ashikaga Yoshimochi muttered to himself, with a dangerous light flashing in his eyes.

The Ming army's proposal undoubtedly planted a seed in his heart, a seed that was full of temptation but extremely dangerous.

Should we nip it in the bud, or allow it to take root and sprout, eventually growing into a towering tree?
Ashikaga Yoshimochi paced back and forth in the study, the letter paper in his hand was soaked with sweat.

The Ming army's proposal was undoubtedly a huge temptation for him, but it also posed a fatal danger.

He knew better than anyone that these troops from the Central Plains were not good guys and girls. They had huge appetites. If they were allowed to succeed easily, the whole of Japan would probably fall into their pocket.

"General, you don't have to worry so much."

A feminine voice came from the corner, and a man in black quietly appeared in the study.

"The Ming army has come from afar, they are unfamiliar with the land, and they must have insufficient food and supplies. They want to use us, so why can't we use them in return?"

The man in black was named Fujita Shingen, a close adviser to Ashikaga Yoshimochi. He was known for his viciousness, cruelty and scheming, and was the person Ashikaga Yoshimochi trusted the most.

"Shingen, do you have any good ideas?" Ashikaga Yoshimochi stopped and stared at Fujita Shingen with burning eyes.

"General, we can agree to the Ming army's conditions on the surface and pretend to surrender, but secretly gather troops and strengthen defenses."

Shingen Fujita smiled sinisterly, with a cold light flashing in his eyes.

"At the same time, we can use the same tactics against them and make more demands on the Ming army, saying that we need them to provide more powerful weapons and equipment and manpower support, so as to paralyze them and delay time."

Ashikaga Yoshimochi's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands and smiled:

"Okay! Shingen, let's do as you say! I want to let these Ming people know that we Japanese samurai are not to be trifled with!"

A few days later, a reply letter was delivered to Zhu Tan.

Zhu Tan unfolded the letter and read every word on it carefully, with a playful arc gradually appearing at the corners of his mouth.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi really took the bait. In his letter, he expressed his willingness to accept the "help" of the Ming army, but at the same time he also put forward a condition that made Zhu Tan laugh and cry:

It is hoped that the Ming army can provide support in the production of artillery.

"This Japanese barbarian has quite an appetite." Lan Yu laughed at the sidelines, "Your Highness, this guy is clearly playing tricks on us!"

Zhu Tan smiled and shook his head: "If he wants it, just give it to him."

Lan Yu was stunned when he heard this, and asked in confusion: "Your Highness, what are you doing..."

"I will ask Ashikaga Yoshimochi to make a golden coffin for me with his own hands!"

Lan Yu was even more puzzled: "Your Highness, this cannon is extremely powerful. If these Japanese barbarians master the production method, wouldn't it be like raising a tiger to cause trouble?"

Zhu Tan laughed loudly, walked down the steps, patted Lan Yu on the shoulder, and said:

"Lan Yu, you are still too young! This cannon is not a simple thing. Can they make it with just a blueprint and a few formulas? Besides, I will show him a clear way. Whether he can make it or not is another matter. Even if he really makes it, what can we do?"

Lan Yu was confused and was about to ask again, but he saw a cold light flash in Zhu Tan's eyes and said in a stern tone:
"When I conquer the capital, the whole land of Japan will be under my control. By then, whether Ashikaga Yoshimochi lives or dies will be decided by a word from me."

Lan Yu suddenly realized that this was Zhu Tan's idea!

He was deliberately trying to play the long game to hook the big fish. He wanted to stabilize Ashikaga Yoshimochi first, and when the army captured the royal capital, that would be the death of this Japanese barbarian!

"Your Highness is wise!" Lan Yu was immediately convinced and bowed deeply to Zhu Tan.

A few days later, Zhu Tan received a reply from Ashikaga Yoshimochi, which was sincere and expressed his willingness to open the city gates in three days to welcome the Ming army into the city. He also prepared fine wine and delicious food and was waiting for the emperor's visit.

Zhu Tan looked at the words "fine wine and delicious food" in the letter, and couldn't help but sneer. This Japanese barbarian, at this time, still wanted to use these things to fool him? How ridiculous!

"Pass the order down, the entire army will rest for three days, and after three days, follow me to attack the capital!"

Three days later, the Ming army, with flags covering the sky and drums roaring, marched towards the gate of Wangjing in a mighty force.

The Ming army soldiers poured in like a tide, the shouts of killing shook the earth, and the metallic clanging of weapons was like the death knell.

Rushing in the front was Lan Yu, who was wearing heavy armor. He brandished the long sword in his hand like a tiger among a flock of sheep. Wherever he passed, the Japanese soldiers were covered in blood and flesh, and wailing was everywhere.

"Kill! Build a career for the Ming Dynasty!"

"Charge! Kill all these Japanese barbarians!"

The morale of the Ming army soldiers was high. They had long hated the Japanese pirates who dared to invade the Ming Dynasty.
Now was the time for revenge, so naturally everyone was brave enough to take the lead and not fear death. However, the Japanese soldiers were also experienced in the battlefield. Although they were defeated step by step under the fierce attack of the Ming army, they still resisted tenaciously and refused to retreat.

"For the Yamato people!"

"Kill! Kill! Kill!"

Both sides were blood-thirsty, the ground was dyed red with blood, broken limbs were scattered all over the ground, and the air was filled with a strong smell of blood, which was nauseating.

Just when the battle was at its most intense, the gate of Wangjing City suddenly opened from the inside!

Lan Yu led the Ming army into the capital city like a torrent of steel. The city gates were wide open, and both sides were filled with Japanese warriors kneeling, with their heads down and their hands clasped behind their backs, as if they had given up resistance.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi was wearing plain clothes, with a long sword hanging from his waist. He stood in the middle of the city gate with a seemingly humble smile on his face, and bowed deeply to Lan Yu:

"General Lan, I have long heard of your great name! I have been waiting for your presence for a long time!"

Lan Yu snorted coldly and ignored Ashikaga Yoshimochi's politeness. He just waved his hand and signaled the army to continue advancing.

The Ming army soldiers marched in neat steps with heavy footsteps as they passed by the kneeling Japanese warriors.

These Japanese warriors lowered their heads even lower, their bodies trembling slightly, obviously feeling deeply frightened by the might of the Ming army.

Zhu Tan, wearing golden armor and riding a tall horse, slowly entered the royal capital surrounded by generals.

He scanned the foreign city with his hawk-like eyes, a cold arc appearing at the corner of his mouth.

The streets were crowded with onlookers, their eyes filled with complicated expressions, including fear, curiosity, and deep hatred.

"Your Highness, this Wang Jing looks like nothing special!"

Lan Yu rode his horse to Zhu Tan's side, laughed and said, "These Japanese barbarians are so bold that they dare to invade our Ming Dynasty! Today, let them see the power of our Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Tan smiled slightly, said nothing, and just patted Lan Yu's shoulder gently.

His eyes fell on a tall building in front of him. It was the palace where the King of Japan lived.

At this moment, the gates of the palace were closed and the surrounding area was heavily guarded. It was obvious that Ashikaga Yoshimochi had not completely relaxed his vigilance.

The army marched forward and finally arrived at the square in front of the palace.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi dismounted and bowed deeply to Zhu Dan: "Your Highness, please forgive my rudeness. The royal palace is the emperor's bedroom. According to our country's etiquette, foreign officials are not allowed to enter without permission."

Zhu Tan heard this and smiled playfully: "General Ashikaga, what do you mean? Since our armies have formed an alliance, I am your honored guest. Why can't I even enter the palace?"

Ashikaga Yoshimochi's expression changed slightly, and he quickly explained: "Your Highness has misunderstood, I have absolutely no such intention! It's just..."

"Just what?" Zhu Tan's tone suddenly turned cold, with a cold light flashing in his eyes, "Could it be that General Ashikaga is worried that I will harm you in the palace?"

"I dare not! I am loyal to Your Highness and have no second thoughts!"

Ashikaga Yoshimochi's forehead was covered with cold sweat and he quickly knelt on the ground.

"In that case, please ask General Ashikaga to open the palace gate and let me in for a look!"

Zhu Tan's tone left no room for doubt and his eyes were as sharp as a knife.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi was complaining in his heart, he knew that he was in a difficult situation.

He originally thought that as long as he welcomed the Ming army into Wangjing, he could use the power of the Ming army to eliminate dissidents and reap the benefits himself.

However, he did not expect that the Ming army commander Zhu Tan was not an easy person to deal with, and his every move was within his calculations.

"Your Highness, this..." Ashikaga Yoshimochi wanted to fight for it again, but when he saw Zhu Tan's cold eyes, he knew he had no choice.

"What? Does General Ashikaga want to disobey orders?"

Lan Yu took a step forward and drew the long sword in his hand, which was shining with cold light and filled with murderous aura.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi trembled all over. He knew that he had no other options left. He gritted his teeth and said, "Someone! Open the palace gate and welcome His Royal Highness the Prince of Ming!"

The heavy palace gate slowly opened. Zhu Tan raised his lips into an icy arc. He kicked his horse and led the Ming army into the palace in a mighty manner.

Just after all the Ming troops entered the palace, Zhu Tan suddenly stopped his horse and turned to look at Ashikaga Yoshimochi, murderous intent in his eyes:
"Ashikaga Yoshimochi, who do you think you are? Are you qualified to negotiate with me?"

"You...what do you mean?" Ashikaga Yoshimochi's face suddenly changed, and an ominous premonition arose in his heart.

Zhu Tan sneered, slowly drew out the long sword from his waist, pointed the tip of the sword directly at Ashikaga Yoshimochi, and said word by word:

"Today, I will enforce justice on behalf of heaven and destroy you, the Japanese traitor!"

Ashikaga Yoshimochi felt as if he had fallen into an icy cave, with a chill running from the soles of his feet straight up to his head.

He looked at Zhu Tan's cold eyes, as if he saw a raging fire burning in them, which was about to devour him and the entire Japan.

"You...what do you mean?"

Ashikaga Yoshimochi's voice trembled, as if he was asking a question that he already knew the answer to.

Zhu Tan raised his lips in a mocking arc, as if looking at a clown, and said slowly:
"General Ashikaga, you don't really think that I came all the way to Japan just to help you put down the rebellion and help you ascend to the throne, do you?"

"You...you promised me! You said that as long as I open the city gate, you will help me become the king of Japan!"

Ashikaga Yoshimochi's voice grew louder and louder, filled with anger and despair.

He was like a wild beast that was forced into a desperate situation and could only roar helplessly.

“Hahaha!” Zhu Tan laughed loudly, his laughter full of disdain and contempt, “I did promise you, but so what?”

He suddenly put away his smile, and a cold light flashed in his eyes:

"The Japanese have repeatedly invaded our Ming seas, killed our people, and robbed our property. This hatred is irreconcilable! Today, I will enforce justice on behalf of heaven and wipe out the Japanese barbarians!"

"You...you are a shameless villain! Despicable!"

Ashikaga Yoshimochi was so angry that he was shaking all over. He pointed at Zhu Dan's nose and cursed, "You are treacherous, aren't you afraid of being punished by God?!"

Zhu Tan looked at him coldly, as if he was looking at a dead man. "Heavenly punishment? The Ming Dynasty is heaven, the Ming Dynasty is Taoism!"

After saying that, he swung the sword in his hand violently. With a flash of sword light, Ashikaga Yoshimochi felt a flash before his eyes, and then he felt a chill on his neck and a sharp pain in his throat.

His eyes widened in disbelief and he looked down at his chest, only to see a sharp sword flashing with cold light having pierced his chest. Blood gushed out like a fountain, staining his armor red.

"You..." Ashikaga Yoshimochi opened his mouth with difficulty, but could not utter any more words.

His legs went limp and he fell straight to the ground, his eyes filled with resentment and despair. (End of this chapter)