Emperor Ming's grandson

Chapter 296 Northern and Southern Dynasties

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu personally welcomed Michiyan's arrival in the meeting hall of Hana no Gosho.

He was dressed in fine clothes and spoke with a warm smile.

"Master Daoyan, I have heard of your great name for a long time. It is a great honor to have you here in person today." Ashikaga Yoshimitsu bowed and spoke sincerely.

Daoyan smiled back.

Ever since Zhu Xiongying sent him to Jeju Island to assist Chang Mao, and then he came to Japan from Jeju Island, he knew that this moment was destined to come.

Daoyan was also well aware of the importance of this meeting, which not only concerned the future relationship between Ming Dynasty and Japan, but was also likely to affect the regional situation.

After all, the Korean Peninsula is the springboard between the Ming Dynasty and Japan.

Whoever gains the upper hand will dominate the Korean Peninsula and then use this springboard to attack the other side.

This is what was done in the Yuan Dynasty.

Therefore, the Japanese side, especially the Northern Dynasty Muromachi shogunate as the main ruling force, naturally had sufficient reason to believe that once the Ming Dynasty controlled Goryeo, it might attack Japan next.

And this is indeed the case.

However, the reason why the Ming Dynasty attacked Japan was not for the land and population. It was a barren land with volcanic eruptions and tsunamis at any time. If there were no mountains of gold and silver, the Ming Dynasty would not have launched an expedition across the sea. After all, the Ming Dynasty was different from the Mongols who had endless expansion ambitions.

Paralyzing the Japanese is also one of Daoyan's tasks.

"General, you are too polite. I am just a wandering monk. I feel honored that you value me so much." Daoyan responded humbly, while trying to figure out Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's intention.

After the two sat down, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu couldn't wait to get to the point: "Master, I heard that when you were in the Ming Dynasty, you had some contact with Wu Wang Zhu Xiongying and knew him quite well. Wu Wang was also the deputy commander of the expedition to Goryeo. Now the situation in Goryeo has suddenly changed. Although Japan is far away across the ocean, we have to prepare for the rainy day. I wonder if you can explain to me what the Ming Dynasty is trying to do?"

Daoyan heard this and thought to himself.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was not a stupid man. This kind of contemporary hero, who could stand at the pinnacle of a country, was definitely not someone who would trust others easily, and it was even more impossible for him to be fooled by a few words.

Daoyan did not think that his identity was flawless. The other party would definitely be able to detect his connection with the top leaders of the Ming Dynasty, so "there must be something wrong when things are abnormal." Ashikaga Yoshimitsu called him over so eagerly and respectfully, it was definitely not that he came to listen to Daoyan's profound ideas.

On the contrary, if Daoyan intended to fool Ashikaga Yoshimitsu unilaterally and said that the Ming Dynasty had no intention of attacking Japan, it would make Ashikaga Yoshimitsu confirm the opposite judgment. After all, all the previous diplomatic moves have shown that the Ming Dynasty has actually been more supportive of the Southern Dynasty in recent years, even though Prince Huailiang has retired behind the scenes and the Southern Dynasty has even been on the verge of collapse.

Daoyan was well aware of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's concerns and also understood that his words might affect the future of the two countries. Therefore, he chose a way of answering that would not reveal the Ming Dynasty's intentions too much while giving Ashikaga Yoshimitsu some guidance.

"General, although I serve under the King of Wu, I dare not speak rashly about the Ming Dynasty. However, what I can tell you is that the Ming Dynasty is now strong and has the ambition to expand its territory."

"As for Wu Wang Zhu Xiongying, he is a wise and brave grandson of the emperor who cares about the world. He has made outstanding contributions to Goryeo, and his prestige in the court and the public will increase further. When the crown prince ascends the throne, he will surely become the next generation heir to the throne in the future."

After hearing this, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu pondered for a moment and said, "Master, I agree with you. So, how do you think Japan should deal with the possible expansion of the Ming Dynasty?"

This problem is both embarrassing and tricky.

In other words, as a Ming Dynasty man, Daoyan would have no good answer at all.

He couldn't have said that the Ming Dynasty would not expand into Japan. How could he say that he would never attack Japan after having fought against Annan and Goryeo? And he couldn't have given advice to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu from the perspective of Japan. That would have been unreasonable.

"Things should be done in harmony with each other."

Daoyan thought for a moment and smiled, saying, "General, the solution lies in mutual trust between the two sides. I sincerely hope that there will be no more wars in the world and everyone will convert to Buddhism. Therefore, I hope that the general can send an envoy to the Ming Dynasty to establish a closer relationship with the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty has always practiced the kingly way and practiced benevolence and justice. It will never raise troops without reason. If the general is respectful enough, and there is no attempt by Hu Jinyi and Li Chenggui to usurp the throne, the Ming Dynasty will naturally not start a war easily."

After hearing this, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu nodded in agreement, but he didn't know that the monk never spoke a word of truth, but only sarcasm. Daoyan was the one who wished for chaos in the world.

When facing the Ming Dynasty, Japan needs to remain vigilant and seek cooperation.

In any case, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not want to go to war with the Ming Dynasty easily.

"Master, you are absolutely right. Japan will send envoys to the Ming Dynasty to express its friendly intentions. I hope that you can build a bridge for friendly relations between Japan and the Ming Dynasty." Ashikaga Yoshimitsu said sincerely.

Daoyan heard this and thought to himself.

He understood that his identity and words might influence Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's judgment to some extent, so he could not say anything final. He chose a way of answering that neither made excessive promises nor gave Ashikaga Yoshimitsu a certain hope.

"General, although I am just a wandering monk, I am willing to do my part for the friendship between our two countries. If there is an opportunity, I will convey your sincerity to the King of Wu of the Ming Dynasty." Daoyan said.

After hearing this, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu showed joy on his face.

"Thank you, Master. The future of Japan may depend on your words. If it is convenient for you, please write a letter and send it to the messenger."

"Of course it's convenient."

Daoyan smiled and said, "General, you are too polite. I am just a wandering monk. I feel honored to be valued by you."

"Someone is coming."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu clapped his hands, and his servants carried in several heavy boxes.

"Clang~"

The box was opened, and it was filled with dazzling gold, silver and jewelry.

"Master, this is just a small gift, not a token of respect. Please accept it." There was a hint of calculation in Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's smile.

In this game of power, the value of every chess piece must be measured by interests.

Daoyan's eyes lightly swept over the treasures that were shining with tempting light, but his heart was indifferent. He knew very well that behind these seemingly generous gifts was Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's test of him, and even more so his deep worry about the Ming Dynasty's intentions.

To accept or not to accept?

If he didn't accept it and there was no exchange of benefits, it would be impossible for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu to believe that he had any intention of helping him.

But if you want to accept it, you can't just agree to it right away. That would be stupid.

"I appreciate the general's generosity. However, as a monk, I should stay away from the worldly prosperity. These material possessions are nothing but passing clouds to me."

"I heard there's an ancient Chinese poem that goes, 'I'm not afraid of the clouds blocking my view, because I'm at the highest level.'"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu smiled and said, "A few clouds are no obstacle to the master."

Daoyan couldn't refuse any more, so he said: "However, since this is the general's good intention, I am willing to keep it temporarily and use it to do good deeds for Buddhist affairs in the future."

When Ashikaga Yoshimitsu heard this, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

“I hope the two countries can be good neighbors and friendly.”

Daoyan nodded slightly, but he had already started to think about the next move of the chess game in his mind. Although he knew that he was just a chess piece, how to play his role in the overall game and even influence the direction of the situation was what he really cared about.

"I will definitely live up to the general's trust. I hope our two countries will always be friends."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu stood up and bowed deeply to Daoyan.

At the same time, in Yoshino's Southern Palace.

Compared with Ashikaga Yoshimitsu of the Muromachi shogunate of the Northern Dynasty, Emperor Go-Kameyama of the Southern Dynasty received news from the north almost at the same time - Lee Seong-gye of Goryeo had been defeated.

Emperor Go-Kameyama summoned his close ministers, Ano Sanehiro and Rokujo Tokihiro, as well as Ano Sanehiro's son Ano Kimitario, who had visited the Ming capital on behalf of the Southern Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, the matter of Goryeo has been settled, and the strength of the Ming Dynasty is evident." Aye Shiwei broke the silence, "Our Southern Dynasty is now facing an unprecedented predicament. If we do not seek change in time, I am afraid we will not be able to escape the fate of destruction."

Rokujo Tokihiro took over the conversation, his tone somewhat cautious: "That's true, but we must act with caution. Although the Ming Dynasty is strong, its intentions are unpredictable. If we ask for help, it would be like seeking the skin of a tiger. Once the Ming Dynasty really intervenes in the situation, the consequences will be unpredictable."

"Do we still have a choice?" Emperor Go-Kameyama sighed, his eyes sweeping over everyone present. "The Northern Dynasty is growing stronger day by day. If our Southern Dynasty does not have any more external support, I am afraid it will be difficult to hold on."

This sentence is true.

If it weren't for the Ming Dynasty's previous diplomatic support, which made the Muromachi shogunate somewhat fearful, the Southern Dynasty would not have survived until this year.

Unlike China's Northern and Southern Dynasties, Japan's Northern and Southern Dynasties were not divided along a certain front line, but were named according to the relative positions of their capitals, and had nothing to do with their power distribution. The forces of the Southern Dynasty and the Northern Dynasty can be said to be intertwined on the map, and the ruling core of the Southern Dynasty was in the Shikoku region, but at the same time it also had many supporters in the Kyushu region. On the contrary, its power in the Honshu region was very weak, and the Southern Dynasty was only able to compete with the Northern Dynasty at the beginning. With the death of Emperor Go-Daigo, the power of the Southern Dynasty declined rapidly, and the Southern Dynasty general Kusunoki Masayuki was defeated in the Battle of Kawachi Shijonawate, and the Northern Dynasty general Takānosuke took advantage of the situation to capture Yoshino, and the Southern Dynasty was almost destroyed.

However, the sudden outbreak of the "Kan'o Rebellion" stopped the Northern Court from unifying. This civil war in the Northern Court was actually the "Conflict between the Imperial Court and the Military Court". The samurai supported Ashikaga Takauji in overthrowing the Kenmu Restoration in order to seize land and power from the imperial court and establish a new military regime that was even more powerful than the Kamakura shogunate. The radicals who held this idea were led by the brothers Takauji and Takauji Yasu, two of Ashikaga Takauji's generals. In order to divide and win over the nobles and temples and shrines that supported the Southern Court, Ashikaga Takauji's younger brother Ashikaga Tadayoshi, who was in charge of government affairs, was forced to make partial compromises. He restricted the expansion of power of local powerful families and protected the land owned by the nobles and temples and shrines. This practice led to the outbreak of the "Kan'o Rebellion".

Therefore, the Southern Dynasty took advantage of the situation to counterattack, and the two sides were once again tied.

It was Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who broke the tie again.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu promulgated the "Oan Hanji Order", which was developed based on the "Hanji Order". That is, in the form of a decree, it gave the local shugo daimyo the power to collect half a year's tribute from the public, nobles and temple estates in the name of supplementing "military food and rice". This move made the local shugo daimyo who supported the Northern Dynasty continuously strengthened their strength, and also severely hit the public power of the Southern Dynasty. With the emergence of Imagawa Ryotoshi, who was known as the "Kyushu God of War", as the Kyushu Tanti, he almost pacified the Kyushu region, the most powerful force of the Southern Dynasty, in one fell swoop. From then on, the Southern Dynasty completely declined.

However, the "Oan Hanji Order" is also a double-edged sword. Although it gave local daimyo the power to legally levy taxes and won the hearts of the daimyo, it also led to the local daimyo gradually becoming more powerful and threatening the Muromachi shogunate. To put it bluntly, the shogun of the shogunate is just the strongest warlord. If you, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, can be worthy of it, why can't I?
Therefore, after the Northern Court completely overwhelmed the Southern Court again, it fell into civil strife again. Shugo daimyo constantly threatened the rule of the Muromachi shogunate, and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the shogun, was unable to concentrate all his efforts on the final general offensive against the Southern Court.

It was not until the "Toki Rebellion" and "Meitoku Rebellion" a few years ago that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu completely divided and suppressed the strongest guardian daimyo in these places, and the power of the Muromachi shogunate reached its peak. The end of the internal strife in the Northern Dynasty also meant that the Southern Dynasty, which only had half of Shikoku and the tiny area around Yoshino on Honshu Island, was about to perish.

Lord Ano, who had been an envoy to the Ming Dynasty, stood up at this time. He was young, courageous, and very responsible: "I am willing to go to the Ming Dynasty as an envoy to personally explain the predicament of our Southern Dynasty to the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and ask for his help! Since the Ming Dynasty has intervened in Goryeo, it may also lend a helping hand to our Southern Dynasty."

"Your courage is commendable, but this journey is extremely dangerous. It is still unknown whether the Ming Dynasty will lend a helping hand." Emperor Go-Kameyama looked at Ano Gongwei, feeling both relieved and worried.

"I am willing to guarantee with my life that I will not fail in my mission." Aye Gongwei spoke sincerely and in a firm tone.

Emperor Go-Kameyama pondered for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, in that case, I will order you to be a special envoy to the Ming Dynasty, but remember, you must act with caution."

In order to accept the order, Lord Aye secretly swore in his heart that he would fulfill his mission and fight for a glimmer of hope for the Southern Dynasty.

In the following days, Aye Gongwei began to prepare for the diplomatic mission in full swing. He knew very well that this mission not only concerned the fate of the Southern Dynasty, but also his personal honor and disgrace and the future of the country. Therefore, Aye Gongwei took care of every detail personally, from selecting the entourage to preparing gifts, and strived for perfection in every task.

At the same time, the remaining guardian daimyo of the Southern Dynasty were also closely following the progress of the mission to the Ming Dynasty.

Their psychology can be said to be very complicated. On the one hand, they expect the Ming Dynasty to lend a helping hand and help the Southern Dynasty overcome difficulties, but on the other hand, they are worried that the Ming Dynasty will take this opportunity to control Japan and put the Southern Dynasty into a deeper predicament.

However, no matter what, the Southern Dynasty had reached a critical juncture of life and death. They had no way out and could only pin their hopes on this mission to the Ming Dynasty, expecting a turnaround and reviving the glory of the Southern Dynasty.

The delegation sent by the Muromachi shogunate of the Northern Dynasty was headed by the wealthy merchant Fei Fu and the monk Zu'a.

The delegation sent by the Southern Dynasty was the same old team, with Lord Ano as the chief envoy and Takeuchi Yoshiaki and Yamamoto Tomohito as deputy envoys.

As a result, both parties arrived in Ningbo almost at the same time and were taken to the capital almost at the same time.

Fengtian Temple.

"Father, it is very strange that the Southern and Northern Dynasties of Japan sent envoys here at the same time." Zhu Biao was the first to break the silence, with a hint of confusion in his voice.

Zhu Yuanzhang gently put down the red brush and said, "Indeed, the two sides are fighting fiercely, but they chose to send an envoy at this time. Perhaps they want to borrow the power of the Ming Dynasty to solve the urgent problem."

"Since its founding, the Ming Dynasty has been mostly conciliatory towards neighboring countries. It has only taken action against Annan and Goryeo in the past two years. The situation in Japan is even more complicated. If we intervene in the dispute between the Southern and Northern Dynasties easily, there may be unpredictable consequences."

However, Zhu Biao changed the subject: "But the Ming Dynasty is a superior country. Although Japan is not a vassal state, we cannot ignore it. I think we should listen to their intentions first and then make a decision."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said, "Biao'er's words make sense. Send an order to summon the envoys of the two countries to the emperor. We want to hear their opinions in person."

This is very interesting.

After all, the two sides are incompatible with each other. Now that the two sides come together, I don’t know what kind of quarrel will happen.

Soon, the envoys from the Southern and Northern Dynasties of Japan were led to the Fengtian Hall.

The chief envoy of the Southern Dynasty delegation, Ano Gongwei, seemed very calm because he had been here once. The Northern Dynasty delegation was headed by the big merchant Fei Fu, who was dressed gorgeously and his manners revealed the shrewdness and tact of a businessman.

The envoys from both sides came forward one by one to pay their respects. Zhu Yuanzhang sat majestically on the dragon throne, examining the guests below.

"Why have you come all the way here?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was like an old lion waking up from sleep; it was loud and majestic, echoing in the hall.

Ano Gongwei was the first to step forward and bowed respectfully, then slowly said: "Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Ming, our Southern Dynasty has been the orthodox of Japan since ancient times. However, in recent years, it has been invaded by the Northern Dynasty, and the country has been shrinking, and the people have been displaced. I heard that your Majesty is benevolent and kind, so I sent my ministers here to beg your Majesty to remember the old friendship between the two countries since Prince Huailiang, and lend a hand to help our orthodox Southern Dynasty return to Kyoto and eliminate the traitors."

As soon as Ano Gongwei finished speaking, Fei Fu, the leader of the Northern Dynasty's envoys, stepped forward and responded in his unique businessman-like smooth tone: "Your Majesty, although our Northern Dynasty has disputes with the Southern Dynasty, we always respect and are loyal to the Ming Dynasty. We sent an envoy this time to show the Ming Dynasty our peaceful intentions and to promote closer relations between the two countries."

There was a moment of silence in the Fengtian Hall, with only the voices of the two envoys echoing, and the atmosphere seemed a little subtle.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes moved between the two of them.

"I understand what you said." Zhu Yuanzhang said slowly, "However, family affairs, national affairs and world affairs all have their own destiny, and outsiders cannot easily interfere."

He paused, turned his gaze to Ano Gongwei, and continued: "We deeply sympathize with the predicament of the Southern Dynasty. But as the envoys of the Northern Dynasty said, this is Japan's internal affairs, and it is not convenient for the Ming Dynasty to intervene directly. However, we can promise that if the Southern Dynasty can uphold justice and follow the will of the people, the Ming Dynasty is willing to give moral support and encourage both sides to resolve the dispute through peaceful negotiations."

Zhu Yuanzhang then turned his gaze to Fei Fu, with a hint of warning in his tone: "The Northern Dynasty Shogunate should also understand that force is not a long-term solution. I hope that the Shogun can take this opportunity to show sincerity and seek reconciliation with the Southern Dynasty."

Asking the Northern Dynasty, which had a great advantage, to reconcile with the Southern Dynasty, which was about to perish, was like asking a dog to spit out the meat that had fallen into its mouth. What was the difference?
When Fei Fu heard this, his face changed slightly, but he quickly returned to normal, bowed and said, "Your Majesty's teachings, I will remember them in my heart."

However, this superficial calm did not last long. Zu'a, a monk in the Northern Dynasty delegation, suddenly took a step forward and said in a somewhat angry voice: "Your Majesty, the Southern Dynasty's words are pure fallacy! Our Northern Dynasty is following the will of heaven and inheriting the orthodoxy. The Southern Dynasty is just a group of traitors. How can they call themselves orthodox? If the Ming Dynasty is truly based on benevolence and righteousness, it should help our Northern Dynasty to wipe out the Southern Dynasty and set things right!"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in Fengtian Hall suddenly changed. The deputy envoy of the Southern Dynasty, Takeuchi Yoshiaki, immediately refuted: "Absurd! The Southern Dynasty has been the foundation of Japan since ancient times. The Northern Dynasty is just a usurper of power. How can we talk about obeying the will of heaven? Your Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty, please understand and do not be deceived by the sweet words of the Northern Dynasty!"

Members of the two delegations stood up one after another, and the sound of arguments arose one after another, and the Fengtian Hall was full of noise.

To be honest, this matter is really a case of "each person has his own reasons".

Because these two emperors do have legal legitimacy.

More than a hundred years ago, although Emperor Go-Saga gave the throne to his eldest son Emperor Go-Fukakusa, he loved his youngest son Tsunehito very much, so he forced Emperor Go-Fukakusa to abdicate, and then helped Tsunehito ascend the throne to become Emperor Kameyama. However, Emperor Go-Saga did not make clear who should ascend the throne after Emperor Kameyama's abdication, and things went wrong.

Now it's embarrassing.

In the second year after Emperor Go-Saga died of illness, Emperor Kameyama abdicated the throne to his son Shihito, who became Emperor Go-Uda, which caused dissatisfaction among Emperor Go-Fukakusa.

Logically speaking, the two sides should have gone to war at this time, and Japan's Northern and Southern Dynasties period should have begun early.

However, at this time, the rule of the Kamakura shogunate was still very stable, and the emperor was just a puppet. What to do specifically depended on the mood of the shogun.

The Kamakura parents decided to come up with a compromise plan, which was to make Emperor Go-Fukakusa's son Hirohito the crown prince of Emperor Go-Uda, and Go-Uda's son Kuniharu the crown prince of Emperor Fushimi. From then on, the descendants of the two brothers Emperor Go-Fukakusa and Emperor Kameyama took turns to become each other's heirs and emperor-in-waiting. They were called the "Jimyoin line" and the "Daikakuji line" respectively in history.

After abdicating the throne, the emperor can only handle national affairs, namely, Insei, in the name of the retired emperor when his son becomes the emperor. However, this plan also limits the right to establish Insei to only when his own bloodline becomes the emperor. When the other party's descendants become the emperor, only their father or grandfather can establish Insei.

At that time, Emperor Go-Daigo, who was born in the "Daikaku-ji lineage", conspired to eradicate the Kamakura shogunate and seize the highest power in Japan from the Minamoto clan. Then Emperor Go-Daigo united with the most powerful vassal Ashikaga clan and issued the "Revelation to Overthrow the Shogunate" in the name of clearing the court of evildoers. He did overthrow the Kamakura shogunate. However, after gaining real power, Emperor Go-Daigo began to implement the "Kenmu Restoration", which can be said to be a plan to destroy the Ashikaga clan as well. The Ashikaga clan could not sit idly by, so Ashikaga no Takashimura declared independence. The samurai who were dissatisfied with the "Kenmu Restoration" soon occupied the entire Mutsu Province. Then, after three major battles, the Battle of Hakone, the Battle of Takenoshita, and the Battle of Tatarahama, the Ashikaga clan completely gained a foothold and supported Emperor Go-Daigo of the Jimyōin lineage, expelled the army of Emperor Go-Daigo and entered Kyoto to ascend the throne. Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Yoshino in the south, forming a situation of confrontation between the Yoshino court in the south, or the Southern Court, and the Kyoto court in the north, or the so-called Northern Court.

Therefore, whether it was the Southern Dynasty or the Northern Dynasty, both sides actually had emperors with legal rights of succession.

Aye Gongwei and Fei Fu each tried to appease their own members, but the emotions of the crowd were difficult to control and their words were full of gunpowder.

In other words, they were not allowed to bring any weapons into the palace, otherwise, a fight would have broken out by now.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked solemn as he glanced at the messy delegation members below and said, "Enough! This is the imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty. How can we tolerate your noise and disrespect!"

Following Zhu Yuanzhang's angry shout, the hall instantly became quiet. Everyone was silent and dared not utter a word.

"The Ming Dynasty is a country of etiquette." Zhu Biao said unhappily, "You are all Japanese envoys, representing the face of Japan. How can you lose your composure here?"

Aye Gongwei and Fei Fu looked at each other and saw unwillingness in each other's eyes, but facing the majesty of the Ming Emperor, they had to bow their heads and express their apologies.

"Your Majesty is teaching us that we have lost our composure." Aye Gongwei spoke first, with some sincerity in his voice.

Fei Fu followed closely behind, bowed and said, "We know we are wrong, and we are willing to listen to your majesty's instructions."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, and said in a slower tone: "It is a great virtue to admit one's mistakes and correct them. The Ming Dynasty is willing to act as a mediator and assist the two Japanese dynasties in peace talks. All the Ming Dynasty can do is to allow both sides to sit down and talk calmly."

Upon hearing this, members of the diplomatic corps from both sides looked thoughtful.

Although they had their own plans in mind, they had to temporarily put aside their prejudices under the majesty of the Ming Emperor.

After leaving the Fengtian Hall, the two returned to the Qianqing Palace.

"Biao'er, you need to pay close attention to the two countries' embassies and don't take it lightly."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the edge of the couch, obviously a little tired. With each year he grew older, his energy began to decline.

"The way of diplomacy lies in checks and balances. Although the Southern Dynasty and the Northern Dynasty are enemies, they are also opportunities for our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, secretly pondering his father's teachings in his heart. In dealing with the Japanese issue, it is necessary not only to consider how to maintain the balance of power, but also to consider the interests of the Ming Dynasty.

"I will obey your order and act prudently, neither letting the Southern Dynasty despair nor letting the Northern Dynasty get too far." Zhu Biao replied respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Empress Ma who had just entered, with a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

"Sister, although you are not involved in politics, what do you think about the affairs of Japan?"

Empress Ma came to Zhu Yuanzhang, pinched his shoulders, and answered gently: "When dealing with the Japanese issue, the Ming Dynasty should be fair and just. It may send special envoys to Japan to gain a deeper understanding of the situation on both sides. It can ease the situation for a while. After all, we have just sent troops to Goryeo and will not be able to continue the war in a short period of time. Japan is much more difficult to fight than Goryeo. We should always be prepared."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes. He knew very well that Empress Ma was wise, unlike those women with long hair and short knowledge, so he always attached great importance to her suggestions.

"That's a good suggestion." He said after a moment's silence, "We should immediately issue an order to select capable officials to go to Japan and accompany the delegation back to mediate."

(End of this chapter)