Emperor Ming's grandson

Chapter 301 Temple Calculation
After receiving the order from his father, Ano Komichi knew that this trip was a heavy responsibility on his shoulders and was related to the life and death of the Southern Dynasty. After bidding farewell to Emperor Kameyama, Ano Komichi hurried back to his residence and began to prepare for all matters related to his mission to the Ming Dynasty.

He selected several smart and capable followers, prepared generous gifts, and brought a handwritten letter from Emperor Go-Kameyama.

On a moonless night, Ano Gongwei led the delegation quietly away from Yoshino, heading south through the endless mountains, and finally boarded a merchant ship from the southern bay and embarked on a journey to Ming Dynasty.

He did not choose to go east from the Kii Peninsula and take the narrow route of Hashimoto-Kinokawa-Wakayama because although this route was easy to travel, it was easy to be captured by forces affiliated with the Northern Court Shogunate.

But it was different in the south. Starting from the south of Honshu Island, one could travel safely almost the entire way under the protection of the remaining forces of the Southern Dynasty on Shikoku Island and Kyushu Island.

After all, the remaining forces of the Southern Dynasty are all close to the sea, and their navy is still very strong.

After a long journey, the Japanese Southern Dynasty delegation finally arrived at the Ming Dynasty's Ningbo Port.

After a short rest, under the guidance of the staff of the Ministry of Rites, they went up the Yangtze River and arrived at the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

After much effort, Lord Ano finally got the chance to meet Zhu Xiongying, who had just become the crown prince.

In fact, Zhu Xiongying knew very well the purpose of the Southern Dynasty delegation's visit, and he was also very clear about the cause and effect.

However, this kind of thing is seen through but not spoken out.

Moreover, if you want to achieve the effect of making the other party ask something of you, you have to control your attitude and not be too proactive.

Zhu Xiongying sat on the throne in Wenhua Hall, looking at the envoy from a foreign country.

He tapped the armrest of the seat with his fingers. To be honest, it felt pretty good. It wasn't that the seat was comfortable, but the feeling of being in the center of the empire made him feel relaxed.

During the past five years, although he was in Wu, Zhu Xiongying devoted all his energy to the development of the Ming Dynasty.

The Ming Dynasty had now established a preliminary industrial system. It was able to produce artillery and muskets that were hundreds of years ahead of the times, to mine and process coal and iron on a large scale, and to develop various types of industrial sectors. It could be said that it was no less capable than Russia in the Napoleonic era.

Well, the reason I say this is that in addition to the low quality of industrial products, the development level of the entire industrial system is also uneven. Moreover, the agricultural population in the Ming Dynasty still accounts for the vast majority of the population. The industrial and commercial population has only increased slightly in a few areas such as Zhili. This is similar to Russia in the Napoleonic era, which has half a foot in the ranks of primary industrial countries.

As for business, it is slightly fragmented in the current Ming Dynasty.

In terms of overseas trade, with the fifth voyage to Southeast Asia, the Ming Dynasty had basically controlled most of Southeast Asia. Because a large-scale civil strife broke out in the Majapahit Empire and the fleet was in the process of reconstruction, the Empire had never initiated a war against the Ming Dynasty in the past five years.

Moreover, the Ming fleet and merchant ships have already arrived in South India and started doing business with the various states in South India. Under the realistic pressure of the Timurid Khanate's attack on Northern India, the various states in South India were still very willing to get close to the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was famous, and all countries knew that the Ming Dynasty made money by doing business. As for land, except for important ports, there was basically no demand.

And being able to establish contact with the Ming Dynasty might make the Timurid Khanate have some concerns.

After all, the Ming Dynasty only wanted money, and it was mutually beneficial, but the Timurid Khanate, which forced them to convert due to different beliefs, would have wanted their lives.

In other domestic affairs, the arrangements left by Zhu Yuanzhang before abdicating were almost perfect.

The current officials in both the civil and military branches, as well as the future education system, are complete.

As for agriculture and population, there has been some growth compared to five years ago, but compared with previous growth, it can be said that the growth rate has been gradually slowing down.

As for other territories, the Jiaozhi Provincial Administration, which was acquired through the conquest of Annan, has now been completely stabilized, and the newly acquired ports such as Temasek Port, Old Port, and Busan Port in recent years have also been built into complete permanent fortifications.

It can be said that in all aspects, the Ming Dynasty has reached a new level.

In addition, in terms of weapons and equipment, military supplies and fleet construction, we have the foundation for fighting against Japan.

In addition, Zhu Biao had been regent for so many years, so the transition of imperial power was exceptionally smooth.

And it was only natural for Zhu Xiongying to become the crown prince.

Therefore, from top to bottom, everyone was prepared to launch another war of annihilation.

Aye Gongwei knelt on the ground and stated the current situation of the Southern Dynasty and his urgent desire to request assistance from the Ming Dynasty.

He described in detail the powerful offensive of the Muromachi shogunate army, the heroic resistance of the Southern Court army, and the brutal battle at Kofuku-ji Temple.

Zhu Xiongying was silent for a moment, as if thinking about something.

Then, he slowly said, "It is not convenient for our dynasty to interfere in your country's affairs. However, considering the sincerity of your emperor and the friendly relations between our two countries since Prince Huailiang, I would like to report this matter to my father and make a decision."

Lord Ano was delighted and quickly thanked him: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your understanding! Although our army fought bravely, the situation is still very critical, and the king (for the Ming Dynasty, Japan has two kings instead of the emperor) is also very anxious."

Zhu Xiongying nodded slightly to show his understanding.

"I am aware of your country's predicament, but this matter concerns the overall situation of both countries. You need to consider it carefully and return to the inn to wait."

Aye Gong expressed his gratitude again.

It is not yet known whether the Ming Dynasty will provide assistance, but at least the first step has been taken.

He prayed silently in his heart, hoping that the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty would help the Southern Dynasty.

After all, now it is not a question of whether to invite a wolf into the house, but if the Ming Dynasty does not take action, the Southern Dynasty, which is already on the verge of collapse, will be completely destroyed by the Muromachi shogunate of the Northern Dynasty.

In fact, if it weren't for the contract brokered by the Ming Dynasty five years ago with the power of conquering Goryeo, the Southern Dynasty would never have survived until now.

However, due to the imbalance of population, land, army, and wealth between the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the five years of recuperation actually widened the gap between the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

Why did Zhuge Liang insist on the Northern Expedition during the Three Kingdoms period? It was not because Zhuge Liang was not aware of the difference in power between the Han Dynasty and the Wei Kingdom, but because he could not let his opponent rest and recuperate in peace.

This is like saving money, but one person saves 100,000 yuan and the other saves 300,000 yuan. Even if they save for the same number of years, there will be a gap. What's more, the growth rate of national strength cannot be calculated in percentage. If they develop steadily, the dispute will soon become a state where military confrontation can no longer be maintained.

All I can say is that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s plan was correct.

However, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu ignored the speed of Ming Dynasty's development.

The Ming Dynasty's weapons and equipment, logistics, and fleet formation have been completely different in the past five years than they were five years ago.

It can be said that the Ming army, which is now equipped with large-scale standardized advanced firearms, is more capable of achieving a crushing effect than it was five years ago.

The Ming army fleet, equipped with a large number of artillery and even steam engines for auxiliary propulsion, was also unmatched in scale and quality five years ago.

The Ming Dynasty has been building ships for more than ten years. Now, with its accumulated strength, it has not only enabled the large shipyards to have sufficient shipbuilding experience, but also trained a large number of skilled industrial workers. And because there are enough large timber and financial support, shipbuilding is now as easy as making dumplings.

There are as many as twelve sailing battleships alone, which means that one battleship can be used as an artillery guard on land.

As for treasure ships of 2,000 tonnes and 1,500 tonnes, there were dozens of them.

Not to mention other small and medium-sized ships, there are simply too many to count.

Therefore, when the Ming army now crosses the sea to invade Japan, it will have absolute control of the sea. In the eyes of the Ming army, those navies of the Northern Dynasties of Japan are nothing but rotten fish and shrimps that can be sunk to the bottom of the sea at will.

As for the land division, as long as they can successfully land on the island, even if the enemy holds their ground, it will only be a matter of time before they can eliminate the strongholds one by one and annihilate the shogunate's army.

Soon, Zhu Xiongying summoned his officials in the Eastern Palace, namely Jian Yi, Lian Zining, Tie Xuan, Xie Jin, Xia Yuanji, Hu Yan and others to discuss the Southern Dynasty's request for assistance.

As for Liu Sanwu, he has retired because of his old age, which can be regarded as a successful retirement.

Everyone soon arrived at Wenhua Hall where the prince worked.

Zhu Xiongying spoke first: "The Southern Dynasty envoy, Aye Gongwei, has stated his country's predicament and requested our assistance. This matter concerns the relationship between the two countries and also the situation in the world. What do you think?"

Jian Yi, as a minister with more seniority, was the first to express his opinion: "I believe that although the Southern Dynasty is facing a crisis, our Dynasty must also act with caution. If we easily interfere in the affairs of other countries, we may bring trouble upon ourselves and be detrimental to our Dynasty."

Obviously, Jian Yi was still relatively conservative. Even though he knew that Japan had mountains of gold and silver, he was still unwilling to start a war. This was also the consistent attitude of civil officials in the court, because starting a war only helped military officials gain military merits. For civil officials, even if they worked hard to coordinate logistics, they would not have much credit. On the contrary, if military supplies were not supplied or not delivered in time, they would risk losing their heads or being demoted.

Lian Zining held a different opinion, but he was a straightforward person, so his opinion was from a moral perspective.

"I believe that the Southern Dynasty of Japan has always had friendly exchanges with our dynasty since Prince Yoshiyoshi. Now that it is facing difficulties, how can our dynasty sit idly by? Moreover, if the Southern Dynasty is destroyed, the power of the Muromachi shogunate will surely expand, which will also pose a threat to our dynasty."

As for Tie Xuan, he was even more straightforward. Although he was called a civil official, he was actually more like a military general. He had a strong character and spoke frankly: "I am willing to lead the troops to help the Southern Dynasty! Our dynasty has strong soldiers and horses, so why should we fear the Muromachi shogunate?"

Xie Jin was more rational. He glanced at Zhu Xiongying, who had become the crown prince, and said.

"War is a matter of great importance to a country. It is a matter of life and death, a matter of survival and destruction. We must check the saying in chess that 'more calculations lead to victory over less calculations, and less calculations lead to victory over no calculations'. The same is true for war. We must weigh the pros and cons. If we aid the Southern Dynasty, we must ensure that our interests are not harmed."

As a financial expert, Xia Yuanji considered it from an economic perspective: "I am worried that if our dynasty aids the Southern Dynasty, it will cost a lot of money and resources. At present, our dynasty also needs to develop the economy, and I am afraid it will be difficult to bear this burden."

Hu Yan proposed a compromise plan: "I think our dynasty can send envoys to the Southern Dynasty to understand its actual situation first, and then make a decision."

Zhu Xiongying looked at the officials of the Eastern Palace present with a deep gaze, and then he fixed his sight on Jian Yi and Lian Zining again. He slowly said, "Jian Yi, Lian Zining, do you two have any further opinions on this matter?"

Jian Yi looked solemn when he heard this. He cupped his hands and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, Hu Yan is right. I still think that before making a decision, we should have a deeper understanding of the actual situation in the Southern Dynasty and act cautiously to avoid getting involved in unnecessary disputes."

"No."

Lian Zining shook his head slightly. He looked at Zhu Xiongying firmly and said, "Mr. Jian is right, but I think that if the Southern Dynasty is really facing the crisis of collapse, then the power of the Muromachi shogunate will surely expand further, which is undoubtedly a huge threat to our country. Therefore, I think we should actively consider how to give them the necessary assistance, whether it is manpower or material resources, while understanding the situation of the Southern Dynasty. There should always be a way."

The two expressed their opinions and argued endlessly.

It is normal for subordinates to have different opinions. Zhu Xiongying just wants them to brainstorm to avoid being blinded by one-sided opinions.

After hearing this, Zhu Xiongying was silent for a moment, then slowly said: "What you said just now is reasonable, and your concerns are not wrong. This matter needs to be considered in the long run. We must consider both the predicament of the Southern Dynasty and the interests of our dynasty. If we are not sure, we will definitely not send troops."

He glanced at the officials present and said in a deep voice: "I will report to my father first and try to send an envoy to the Southern Dynasty to learn about their situation in detail." Zhu Xiongying, who had heard all the opinions, stood up and went to Wuying Hall.

Perhaps in order to distinguish it from the era of Zhu Yuanzhang, or to restore the system of "the emperor working in the Wuying Hall", after Zhu Biao succeeded to the throne, he did not choose to work in the Fengtian Hall on the central axis, but in the Wuying Hall, which was symmetrical with the Wenhua Hall, and gave the Wenhua Hall to Zhu Xiongying.

As for the Fengtian Hall, its only function was to hold court meetings.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma moved to the North Palace next to the Imperial Garden and gave up the Qianqing Palace and Kunning Palace. In fact, they didn't have to give them up, but Zhu Yuanzhang insisted. After all, he attached great importance to "legitimacy". His son had to act like an emperor when he became emperor, and he basically stopped caring about state affairs.

Otherwise, the living conditions would be a replica of those of Li Yuan and Li Shimin, which would cause awkwardness between father and son and make the court officials a laughing stock. This time, the imperial power was transferred smoothly, which was completely different from Li Shimin's Xuanwu Gate Incident to usurp the throne.

Arriving at Wuying Palace, Zhu Biao, who is 43 years old this year, is in his prime, but having taken over the burden of the empire, he does look a lot older. He hasn't gone fishing in Xuanwu Lake for a long time.

There was no other way. Even with the assistance of the Grand Council, such a huge empire still generated a huge amount of memorials. Zhu Biao was not an iron man like Zhu Yuanzhang, so naturally he could not handle it.

"Meet my father."

Zhu Xiongying entered the hall and bowed.

Zhu Biao looked up at his eldest son, with a hint of imperceptible tenderness in his eyes.

At his age, his father was already very old, and he himself had become the helmsman of the entire empire, with endless pressure on him. Even if his long-cherished wish came true, he would not be very happy. In addition, Zhu Biao's personality made him hope that his family would be healthy and that his sons would be successful.

Zhu Biao waved his hand gently, signaling Zhu Xiongying to excuse himself from the formalities, and then slowly spoke: "Ying'er, what are you doing here? Is it about the Japanese Southern Dynasty delegation?"

He had heard about this matter, and it was at Zhu Biao's instruction that Anye Gongwei, as the envoy, went to see Zhu Xiongying first.

On the one hand, he does not have enough energy to cover everything, so he serves as an information filter and asks Zhu Xiongying to help meet them first. On the other hand, it is to exercise Zhu Xiongying's abilities.

Zhu Xiongying nodded and reported in detail Ano Gongwei's request and his discussions with his officials in Wenhua Hall. He explained the urgent situation facing the Southern Dynasty and analyzed the various impacts that sending troops might bring.

After hearing this, Zhu Biao was silent for a long time, as if he was weighing the details.

Finally, he said slowly: "Ying'er, you are thoughtful and considerate, which comforts me. We cannot act rashly about the affairs of the Southern Dynasty, but we must not sit idly by. As you said, the expansion of the Muromachi shogunate is definitely not a good thing for our Ming Dynasty. In addition, the plan to conquer Japan was proposed many years ago, but there has never been an opportunity. This time may be an opportunity."

"Preach my will."

Zhu Biao ordered: "Call the Duke of Wei to come and see him."

"in addition."

Zhu Biao said to Zhu Xiongying: "Just as you said, we should send envoys to the Southern Dynasty first to find out the truth. At the same time, we should also let the Southern Dynasty know that the assistance from the Ming Dynasty is not free, and there must be corresponding conditions and rewards. After you go back, you can discuss with Jian Yi, Lian Zining and others and formulate a detailed plan to present."

Zhu Xiongying was shocked when he heard this, he knew that his father was testing his ability.

He responded respectfully, then picked a seat and waited, and began to think about how to formulate a plan that could both safeguard the interests of the Ming Dynasty and effectively assist the Southern Dynasty.

Zhu Biao ignored him and continued to review memorials in a madman.

Zhu Xiongying looked up and felt that the emperor was not always so happy. But as soon as this thought came to his mind, Zhu Xiongying felt that he seemed to have the potential to be a tyrant.

Because if one is unable to endure hardship and delegates power to the civil service group, then what was originally a secretarial and auxiliary agency will soon expand into the embodiment of the prime minister's power.

Perhaps the power of a prime minister can never be killed.

But the paradox is that not all emperors can endure the high-intensity work all year round. It's like forcing a gourd on a water tank with your hands, and it's a relay race! Once one of them is not strong enough or loses his strength, the gourd will float up. It will take more strength to press it back, and the gourd will accumulate more power.

Soon, Duke of Wei Xu Da arrived.

Xu Da is already 66 years old this year. The trauma brought to him by the war and the impact of the serious illness that year are clearly reflected in him. Now his hair and beard are all white and he looks very old.

This veritable "Ming Dynasty God of War" still has a little bit of energy left.

In order to stabilize people's hearts, after Duke Ying Fu Youde and Duke Song Feng Sheng retired from the army, Xu Da did not return to his hometown in the same way. Instead, he stayed in the capital as the only duke and continued to command the Five Military Commandery. However, the specific work was done by the marquises below.

"Duke Wei, long time no see."

Zhu Biao looked up with a bit of respect in his eyes. This veteran general was the right-hand man of his father Zhu Yuanzhang and one of the cornerstones of the stability of the Ming Dynasty.

As long as Xu Da is there, the morale of the entire Ming army will not be disturbed.

This is something that none of the dukes of the same level and seniority, such as Feng Sheng, Fu Youde and Li Wenzhong, could compare to. As for Lan Yu, the mainstay of this generation, he did not have the prestige that could intimidate the entire army. He only had it in the Ming army in some regions.

Therefore, Xu Da could not move.

Only after this difficult period was he able to pass the title to his eldest son Xu Huizu.

Xu Da bowed and saluted, this was his honor.

Although his voice sounded a little old, it was still full of energy: "Your Majesty, I am Xu Da, and I am here to see you. I wonder what is the important matter that your Majesty has summoned me to do?"

Zhu Biao motioned him to stand up and said slowly, "It's about the Southern Dynasty in Japan. The Southern Dynasty delegation came to ask for help, and mentioned the threat of the Muromachi shogunate and the difficulties they are facing. I think this matter may be possible, but we must act with caution. Duke Wei, what do you think?"

Xu Da was silent for a moment after hearing this, and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard about the situation in Japan. After several years of development, the Ming Dynasty has been equipped with new firearms and its combat power has doubled. We are confident that we can do it. As for cross-sea logistics, although there are challenges, they are not insurmountable. What I am worried about is whether it will cause a chain reaction once we intervene, and whether the Southern Dynasty is really worth our efforts."

"Duke Wei is absolutely right."

Zhu Biao nodded. Xu Da's concerns were exactly what he was thinking about.

"I am also considering that if we send troops to help, our dynasty needs to ensure the stability of the logistics supply line and estimate the true value of the Southern Dynasty. Furthermore, I want to send an envoy first to find out the truth, and at the same time let the Japanese Southern Dynasty understand that assistance is not free and requires rewards. Duke Wei, do you think that the current state of our navy is capable of such a task?"

Xu Da's eyes flashed with confidence: "Your Majesty, although I am old, I am quite confident in the strength of our Ming navy. After being equipped with new firearms, the power of our warships has doubled. It is more than enough to deal with the Japanese navy. As long as we ensure the supply of ammunition, our navy will be able to meet the needs of cross-sea operations."

"As for the storage of supplies in Jeju Island and Busan Port," Xu Da continued, "In recent years, the imperial court has repeatedly ordered the strengthening of the defenses of the two places and the storage of sufficient supplies in case of emergency. If we really decide to send troops, these two places can be used as frontline bases to support our military operations."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao felt relieved. Xu Da's affirmation undoubtedly strengthened his confidence in cross-sea operations.

Seeing that Zhu Biao was confident, Xu Da cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the troops to fight. If a battle is really necessary, I swear to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty and live up to your Majesty's high expectations."

Zhu Biao looked at this old general who was his uncle and was deeply moved. Xu Da's health was not as good as before, but his loyalty to the Ming Dynasty had never changed.

"Duke Wei, I appreciate your kindness, but if this war breaks out, it is not a matter for you alone. It will require the strength of the entire country, and you must be in charge of the central government." Zhu Biao said gently. He did not want this veteran to go into battle in his old age, and it was also questionable whether Xu Da's physical condition could withstand the bumps of crossing the sea.

Xu Da accepted the order. Although he was reluctant, he also understood that he was too old to go into battle himself.

Then Zhu Biao asked another key question.

"If a war breaks out, who will be the commander?"

In fact, the only ones who were qualified to serve as the chief commander were Duke of Liang Lan Yu, Duke of Cao Li Wenzhong, and Prince of Yan Zhu Di.

As for the next generation of famous founding generals, such as Chang Mao, Xu Huizu, and Li Jinglong, they are still unable to take on important tasks. Of course, Chang Mao is better than the latter two in terms of qualifications and other aspects, but they are essentially the same.

Although Prince of Yan Zhu Di had made many military achievements over the years and demonstrated extremely amazing military talent, he was still a vassal king after all, and he had to be cautious even with his brothers.

So, the only ones left are Li Wenzhong and Lan Yu.

Considering that Lan Yu had been transferred to the northwest and Li Wenzhong was in the northeast, Li Wenzhong was naturally the most suitable person.

Now the Ming army's navy has sufficient capacity to transport the elite Ming troops stationed in Peking, Liaodong, Shandong, and the entire Bohai Bay to Jeju Island by water.

At the same time, troops in the capital and along the coast of East China can also participate in the war.

After all, in terms of distance, it is about the same distance as Japan, or even closer to East China.

And Xu Da's answer did not surprise Zhu Biao.

"Duke Cao can be the commander."

Zhu Biao nodded, looked at Zhu Xiongying, and asked, "Ying'er, are you interested in participating in this battle?"

Unlike before when he needed to accumulate seniority and prestige in the army, Zhu Xiongying has now become the crown prince. If there are no major changes, as the heir to the throne, he is the definite next emperor and there is no need to take any risks.

After all, a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall.

In a war, no one can predict what will happen. Even if it doesn't happen on the battlefield, even if the journey is bumpy and you are not used to the climate, you may still die in the end.

But to Zhu Biao's surprise, Zhu Xiongying did not hesitate. He nodded and said, "Father, if this war breaks out, I am willing to go."

Zhu Biao didn't say anything and didn't make any promises. Many things are still uncertain at the moment and we need to continue to understand the situation. If war really breaks out, we will talk about it then.

However, now that things have happened, the entire core of the Ming Dynasty cannot sit idle.

Soon, the court began to operate efficiently, and the Ministry of Rites sent an envoy to follow Ano Gongwei back to Yoshino to learn the details and negotiate terms.

Then the Five Military Commandery adjusted the previous plan based on the current information and the intelligence from the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

All the Ming army units that might participate in the war also quickly received orders and began a state of combat readiness. Once the decision to go to war was really made, the Ming Dynasty would certainly go all out. After all, Japan had a population of over 10 million, equivalent to one-sixth of the Ming Dynasty's population, and had hundreds of thousands of soldiers, which should not be underestimated.

(End of this chapter)