Great name!

Chapter 299 Meeting with Zhang Juzheng

Xin Hu asked the members of the delegation to behave themselves in the Siyi Pavilion. When the news reached Zhang Juzheng, he was a little surprised.

His fingers tapped lightly on the memorial paper, thinking: It is normal for the Japanese to be ignorant of etiquette, but now they are so sensible, they must have big plans.

When Zhang Juzheng thought of this, he immediately ordered his confidants to go to the Siyi Hall to entertain the Japanese delegation.

Three days later, officials from the Ministry of Rites came to the Shiyi Pavilion. The Minister of Rites led people to the residence of the Japanese delegation and met with Tsuda Shintora. He said through the translator: "Ambassador Tsuda, the Prime Minister summoned you."

Tsuda Nobutora had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Before meeting the emperor, the Prime Minister Zhang Juzheng must reach an agreement with him before reporting.

He bowed and said, "Thank you for your help, Minister."

Then Xinhu took the translator and followed the Minister of Rites to the palace.

It was not the first time that Xin Hu came to the Forbidden City, but he was visiting the Forbidden City as a tourist, which is somewhat different from the current Ming Dynasty Forbidden City.

After all, the Forbidden City was left behind by the Qing Dynasty. Compared to the Ming Dynasty, there are some changes inside, but not big.

Nobutora was brought to the gate of the imperial palace by the Minister of Rites, because Tsuda Nobutora was wearing a Japanese hunting suit, which was the official uniform of the Japanese imperial samurai, different from the clothing of the Ming Dynasty.

The general who was guarding the city gate saw it at a glance, and he hurried forward to negotiate with the Minister of Rites.

After the Minister of Rites showed the note from the Prime Minister, the guarding commander immediately let them go.

Xin Hu arrived outside the cabinet without any obstruction and waited for Zhang Juzheng's summons.

Not long after, the Minister of Rites invited Xin Hu in.

Xin Hu walked into the cabinet and saw Zhang Juzheng sitting at the top. Zhang Juzheng was now very old, but his beautiful beard was very neatly groomed.

He immediately bowed and said, "I am the Japanese envoy, Minister of Administration, Tsuda Nobutora, paying my respects to Prime Minister Zhang of the Ming Dynasty!"

Zhang Juzheng raised his hand and said, "Your Excellency, please excuse me. Come, give Ambassador Tsuda a seat."

Although the Ming Dynasty and Japan had long lost contact, now that they have been connected, the Ming Dynasty is naturally the superior country and Japan is inferior.

This was not considered a disgrace to Japan. After all, from the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Ashikaga Shogunate, and even the Ouchi family during the Onin War, everyone paid tribute to the Ming Dynasty in exchange for trade.

So Xinhu is also following the previous rules.

Zhang Juzheng, who was sitting in the upper seat, looked at the tall Tsuda Shintora and felt that he did not look like a Japanese. He asked curiously, "I heard that your country has been in constant war. Previously, the coastal areas of our dynasty were affected by your country."

“Prime Minister Rong reported that our dynasty is in turmoil and the court has no time to take care of it. Moreover, these pirates are the result of the reckless behavior of the princes of Kyushu. Our emperor is also deeply saddened when he learned about this.

Fortunately, your emperor is wise and brave, and has put down the rebellion along the coast. My emperor was delighted to hear of it."

Naturally, Nobutora had to refute it. The Oda family could not take the blame for the chaos caused by several princes in Kyushu.

Zhang Juzheng snorted in dissatisfaction. This Japanese envoy was really sharp-tongued. He wanted to shirk all responsibility just by flattering him.

He perked up and said in a slightly unfriendly tone: "Humph, Your Excellency is making it sound so light. Do you know how much damage this has caused to the Ming Dynasty?"

Xinhu was like a piece of meat on a rolling knife. He continued to flatter: "The Ming Dynasty is the heavenly kingdom, with a vast territory and abundant resources. Although those pirates have caused some troubles to the Ming Dynasty, they can be ignored for the Ming Dynasty.

As for this matter, once the war is quelled, we will certainly give an explanation to the Ming Dynasty. We hope that the Ming Dynasty will forgive us this time for the sake of Japan’s small country and few people.”

Zhang Juzheng was a little surprised. The envoy was so humble. He became more alert.

"This matter will be discussed later."

Zhang Juzheng's expression softened.

"I heard that your country is plagued by wars. Are you here to ask for help from the Ming Dynasty?"

Nobutora was a little hesitant. Logically, the Ming Dynasty had its own Jinyiwei on Kyushu Island in Japan, and they should have some knowledge of the news in Japan.

The Prime Minister must be aware of this. Does he really not know or is he pretending not to know?

Xinhu said cautiously: "The Prime Minister misunderstood my intention.

There is constant war in our country, but the situation is different from before. Since my lord started his army to support the imperial court eleven years ago, he has pacified many forces. Within a few years, my lord will be able to stabilize the whole of Japan.

This time I came here to renew our relationship with the Ming Dynasty and resume our previous trade."

Zhang Juzheng naturally knew what trade Tsuda Nobutora was talking about. This was good news for Zhang Juzheng.

Because since Emperor Longqing came to power, under his leadership, the Longqing Opening was carried out and maritime trade was vigorously developed.

The opening of the Longqing Port was considered a comprehensive opening of overseas trade, but of course there were many restrictions, such as the prohibition of trade with Japan to guard against the threat of Japanese pirates.

Last year, Xinhu had to pretend to be a merchant from another country in order to trade with the Ming Dynasty.

However, the opening of the Longqing Port had a positive effect on the Ming Dynasty. From the opening of the Longqing Port to the demise of the Ming Dynasty, a large amount of cheap silver mined by Europeans in the Americas flowed into the Ming Dynasty.

On the one hand, this made silver the main currency in circulation in the Ming Dynasty, and on the other hand, the Ming Dynasty no longer had to restrict foreign trade for fear of the outflow of precious metals.

But it also laid the hidden danger for the fall of the Ming Dynasty.

The fact that silver became a widely circulated currency meant that the Ming Dynasty handed over its monetary control to others.

The excessive influx of silver into the Ming Dynasty caused goods to become expensive and silver to become cheap, that is, after inflation, the motivation for American silver to flow into the Ming Dynasty began to decline. After 1630, the problem of insufficient silver inflows emerged, causing the Ming Dynasty to quickly fall into deflation.

This problem produced two disastrous consequences: first, the people's tax burden converted into silver suddenly increased; second, the country's tax revenue converted into silver decreased significantly. The former triggered peasant uprisings; the latter weakened the government's financial resources for military action, and ultimately led to the demise of the Ming Dynasty amid internal and external troubles.

The opening of the Ming Dynasty during the Longqing reign only gave the Ming Dynasty a chance to survive. Zhang Juzheng had done the best he could, and after his death, the New Deal came to an end.

In addition, Wanli was an incompetent man and did not learn enough from Jiajing. After he had spent all the family fortune left by Zhang Juzheng, he had no more abilities.

Zhang Juzheng naturally never thought about what would happen after his death. He just wanted to achieve what he wanted to do, which was to revive the Ming Dynasty in his hands.

He could already sense that his days were numbered and he had to speed up.

The appearance of Tsuda Shintora was good news for him.

He asked: "What can you Japanese sell to the Ming Dynasty?"

There was a hint of contempt in these words.

Xin Hu didn't care. He said, "Our country is rich in gold, silver and copper. There are mountains of gold and silver everywhere. Because of this, our gold and silver prices are very cheap in the country.

Many southern barbarian merchants and Ming Dynasty merchants can make a lot of money by buying gold and silver from us and reselling them.

Rather than letting others make this money, it is better for our country to make it ourselves.”

Zhang Juzheng was very moved by what Tsuda Shintora said. Wasn't the reason why he carried out reforms because the court had no money? Now that the other party had delivered it to him, he really had no reason to refuse.

Zhang Juzheng groaned for a moment and said, "Although I really want to agree, it will be difficult for the court officials to agree. After all, the Japanese invasion has affected the Ming Dynasty for many years." Xin Hu knew that the other party wanted to control him and force him to give in.

When national interests are at stake, everyone will show off their talents.

Nobutora was no exception, he had to be responsible for the Oda and Tsuda families.

"Prime Minister, this matter still needs to be discussed. I heard that most of these Japanese rioters are from your country. You can't put all the blame on us."

Tsuda Nobutora's words made Zhang Juzheng feel a little embarrassed.

Most of the so-called Japanese rebellion was indeed caused by the poor people along the coast themselves, but there were also Japanese pirates.

If this matter were to be made public, it would be very disgraceful for the Ming Dynasty.

After all, the people created these chaos because they couldn't survive. Although there were other factors behind it, it is a fact that the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty was incompetent in governing the country, and it is shameful to say it out loud.

Zhang Juzheng could only keep a straight face and said, "But what if your people cause trouble after going ashore to trade? During the Yongle reign, your people fought in Ningbo and caused a great disturbance in the city."

Xin Hu knew he was in the wrong, so he said, "We can discuss some details, for example, those who come to Daming to trade must show a token that both parties can verify.

In addition, our country will also develop a navy to patrol near our waters and crack down on pirates.

If your country can provide information, our country will definitely send troops to wipe out the pirates and will not tolerate them! "

Zhang Juzheng was already tempted. Being able to trade gold and silver with Japan would provide the court with another source of income and provide a glimmer of opportunity for the Ming Dynasty's revival.

"Well, I will discuss this matter with His Majesty and give you a reply when the time comes."

Xin Hu was overjoyed, and the two sides reached a preliminary consensus through communication.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries and Xinhu left.

In the cabinet, Zhang Juzheng had a stern face and no one knew what he was thinking. Others walked in and looked at Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Siwei immediately stepped forward and asked, "Prime Minister, what is the purpose of this Japanese envoy coming?"

Zhang Juzheng did not hide anything and said directly: "They came to resume the previous tribute trade."

Zhang Siwei immediately said: "Japan is just a small country in a remote area and cannot be trusted. Prime Minister, please don't forget the Japanese rebellion in the past."

Zhang Juzheng looked at Zhang Siwei and said, "Ziwei, this time is different. The Japanese envoy Tsuda Shintora is not a simple character. He proposed a condition that I don't want to refuse."

Zhang Siwei was very surprised. He didn't understand what in Japan could be so attractive to Zhang Juzheng.

Zhang Juzheng continued, "Tsuda Shintora said they would sell us gold, silver and copper."

Zhang Siwei's eyes widened. The Japanese were so treacherous that they had hit Zhang Juzheng's weak spot.

He knew that there was no point in trying to persuade them, and that doing so would not be in keeping with his image in the cabinet.

He nodded and said, "I see, the Prime Minister is wise."

Zhang Juzheng nodded slightly, and then discussed other matters with Zhang Siwei. Although Zhang Siwei was respectful now, after Zhang Juzheng's death, Zhang Siwei abolished many of Zhang Juzheng's new policies.

In other words, Wanli knew the benefits of the new policy and retained some of it.

The Ming Dynasty was full of incompetents. Although Zhang Juzheng tried his best to turn the tide, after all, once a person dies, everything he had in his life will return to dust.

……

Nobutora returned to the Shii-kan with a happy face, and Niwa Nagahide quickly came up to him and asked, "Master Jibu, how is it?"

Tsuda Shintora smiled and said, "It should be settled. Now we just need to discuss some details."

Niwa Nagahide breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's better to resolve these things as soon as possible. It's not pleasant to stay here."

In the past few days, Niwa Nagahide and Sen no Rikyu wanted to communicate with the literati of the Ming Dynasty, but unfortunately Nobutora and others underestimated the arrogance of the literati of the Ming Dynasty.

In short, Niwa Nagahide, Kikutei Haruki and the others have suffered a lot, and now they just want to go back.

Fortunately, things are going smoothly and they will be able to go back soon.

In the following days, Zhang Juzheng talked with Xinhu several more times, mainly to discuss some details, such as where the two sides would trade.

Tianjin is definitely not an option. It is close to the capital, so it is naturally impossible for his people to land here.

In the end, the two sides agreed to conduct trade in Ningbo Prefecture, with the Japanese side selling goods including gold, silver, Japanese paper, Japanese fans, and katana swords.

The best-selling products launched by the Ming Dynasty were naturally silk, porcelain and other products.

After all the details were finalized, the matter was reported to Wanli for processing.

After that, on the day of the grand court meeting, Tsuda Nobutora entered the Forbidden City, met the Ming Emperor in front of civil and military officials, and handed in the letter of credence. The emperor then came out to go through the process, and the two sides exchanged letters of credence and agreed on the tribute.

Although Japan did not have a good reputation in the Ming Dynasty, it was still a country that came to pay tribute. For the Ming Dynasty's emperor and his ministers, this was also a great joy.

To the outside world, it can be said that it was because of the emperor's hard work that the vassal states came to pay tribute. If anyone dared to say anything bad, the petty Emperor Wanli would retaliate.

Xinhu returned to the Siyi Pavilion and looked at the letter from the Ming Dynasty with a slight smile on his face.

The Ming Dynasty did not recognize the Japanese royal family or the Japanese emperor, but only appointed Oda Nobunaga as the King of Japan.

Niwa Nagahide looked at him and said with a smile: "Nobunaga-dono deserves to be the king."

Nobutora smiled and said, "This mission has been completed, and it's time for us to set off and return to Japan."

In the following days, Xinhu asked officials from the Ministry of Rites to purchase some local products of the Ming Dynasty and packed them into several boxes.

In fact, Xinhu didn't know what to buy, he just commissioned the Ming officials to buy it. The Ministry of Rites naturally didn't want to tarnish the country's reputation, so they picked the good and expensive ones and bought a lot.

There were clothes, bags, shoes, all kinds of novel toys, and Xinhu even found a pair of glasses among these gifts.

Xinhu could only say that it was worthy of the Ming Dynasty, they really had everything, and many things were basically no different from modern items.

Like backpacks, single-shoulder backpacks, shoulder bags, etc., there are various styles and colors, and the embroidery on the surface is also lifelike.

Besides, the rouge and powder used by women are of many kinds, and they are not much different from those in later generations.

Xinhu also got a few pairs of exquisite and small silver mirrors. They were finely crafted and had very clear glass surfaces. These things only cost ten taels of silver in the Ming Dynasty.

Xinhu really didn't expect that the environment of the Ming Dynasty was not as backward as he imagined. It was only the countries around the Ming Dynasty that were backward.

No wonder the people of the Ming Dynasty regarded Japan as just a small and remote country. The things of the Ming Dynasty could be popular all over the world. The Ming Dynasty now has the strength to look down on others.

(End of this chapter)