Chapter 373: The Japanese Envoy Arrives

"Is this the capital of the Ming Dynasty? It is indeed very lively!"

There were dozens of people in the group, and the leader was actually a monk. Two or three of them had Central Plains hairstyles, and the hairstyles of the rest looked somewhat similar to that of the Central Plains, but also different.

If Ou Zanghua were here, he would be able to tell at a glance that this is Yuanjie Yiji.

This hairstyle is quite simple to create. You only need to let the black hair fall elegantly behind the shoulders, and then use the unique "yuan knot" technique to carefully weave it high on the top of the head and tie it into an upright stick-shaped bun.

Initially, this knot could be used to distinguish people's status by their color and length.

The purple Yuan knot is worn by people of prominent status and high position, symbolizing nobility, while the white Yuan knot represents people of low status.

This hairstyle existed for a long time, from the Nara period to the Edo period, and even until the Meiji Restoration, it still existed among the public officials.

At this moment in Japan, it is the beginning of the Warring States Period. The island country is swept by an unstoppable wave of ambition. The daimyos are competing for supremacy, and a protracted war is about to begin.

But all this had nothing to do with Ou Zanghua. When he was on duty at the Ministry of Rites, Cao Yu, the Left Junior Minister of the Honglu Temple, came in, handed over a memorial, and said after bowing: "Mr. Ou, the Japanese envoys have come from afar and have now arrived at the Honglu Temple. The hall we prepared for them has now been converted into a Huangzhuang store. Therefore, we don't know how to arrange these Japanese envoys."

Ou Zanghua opened the letter and took a look. The Japanese envoys included Gui Wu, the deputy envoy Guang Yao, the seated Yun Wei, the native official Sheng Kang, the interpreter Shen Yun, etc. The so-called seated and native official were the ones who actually managed the entire ship and the cargo.

Looking further down, we will see the experience of this delegation after entering the Ming Dynasty.

Ou Zanghua was slightly surprised to see that they had actually met Wang Yangming in Ningbo, and asked, "Who is this Gui Wu?"

Cao Yu replied, "In reply to your words, Gui Wu was sent to our court by the order of the King of Dongying. He is a monk and is already eighty-three years old."

"He can still travel across the ocean at the age of 83. That's amazing!" Ou Zanghua was a little surprised. He recalled and remembered that at this moment, Ming Dynasty's trump card was serving as Langzhong of the Ministry of Personnel's Examination Department and Shaoqing of the Ministry of the Imperial Household in Yingtian Prefecture. With his personality, it is not impossible for him to go to Ningbo for fun.

After thinking for a while, Ou Zanghua said, "I remember that the Annan envoy left last year, and their guild hall happened to be empty. You can arrange for someone to clean it up and let the Japanese envoy live there!"

"Yes!" Cao Yu responded quickly.

Not long after the Honglu Temple arranged for the Japanese delegation to stay, during a court meeting, a piece of good news spread throughout the capital.

On March 15th of the eighth year of the Zhengde reign, when spring was in full swing, the Prince's Junior Guardian and Right Censor-in-Chief Peng Ze led his elite troops to the Fairy Goose Pond in Jianzhou, where he beheaded the bandit leader Liao Mazi in one fell swoop and calmed the people's hearts.

Afterwards, the remnants of Liao Mazi, including Yu Sifeng and other bandits, attempted to resist stubbornly, but they suffered heavy losses at Hua Pailou in Yanting County and fled in defeat, hiding in remote areas such as Tong and Ba. Their force was like grasshoppers after autumn, and they were deserted by their friends and relatives, and all the bandits begged for surrender.

Peng Ze discussed the matters of pacification and suppression with Governor Ma Hao, Deputy Envoy of the Frontier Province Zhang Shimin and others, and finally captured and executed Yu Sifeng in Ba County, Hanzhong. The rest of his followers were pacified and allowed to return to their original duties in accordance with the imperial edict.

Unexpectedly, Neijiang rebelled again, so Pengze sent soldiers to suppress it. The bandit Luo was captured by the flag officer Wu Xiang, and the rest of his followers were all pacified.

From then on, the Sichuan rebellion was completely quelled, and Pengze would return to the capital only after he had reorganized military affairs.

Emperor Zhengde was very pleased and immediately issued an imperial decree to promote Pengze to the position of Prince Taibao and Zuoduyushi. At the same time, he ordered that Tong, Ba and Jian counties be changed into provincial capitals, and four counties be established in nearby important places for easy management.

Ou Zanghua stood together with the civil and military ministers, and many of them silently looked at the Minister of War Lu Wan standing in the front row. This old man was really very composed and remained as steady as a rock in this situation.

After the court session, Ou Zanghua exchanged a few words with his colleagues, then got on the carriage and returned to the Honglu Temple.

The Japanese envoy Gui Wu, the deputy envoy Guang Yao, and the interpreter Shen Yun have been waiting here for a long time.

When Ou Zanghua walked in wearing a scarlet robe, the three of them were dazzled by his appearance. His handsome appearance was so outstanding that no one in the whole of Japan could compare with him.

Cao Yu introduced with a bit of pride: "Everyone, this is the Minister of the Honglu Temple, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, and the Minister of the Imperial Household, Mr. Ou Zanghua."

"The envoy of Japan is here, sir, please come to Japan!" The chief envoy Guiwu and the deputy envoy Guangyao stood up immediately and bowed in salute.

Shen Yun, the interpreter at the side, quickly translated: "The Japanese envoy greets Lord Ou. This is the Japanese envoy Gui Wu, and this is the deputy envoy Guang Yao."

"No gift."

Ou Zanghua nodded, then sat on the main seat, and said with a smile: "I think both of you can speak Mandarin! Otherwise, how can you communicate with Mr. Yangming in Ningbo?"

"Amitabha," Zen Master Gui Wu chanted the Buddha's name softly, and then humbly responded, "Master Ou has a keen eye. Although I know a little bit of Mandarin, I still cannot use it as fluently as you do."

"I think the master has used it quite well. From now on, we will communicate in Mandarin!" Ou Zanghua looked at the old monk. Although his tone was calm, it was firm and could not be refused.

"Then let's do as Lord Ou said and communicate in Mandarin." Gui Wu had no objection and agreed immediately.

"Very good."

Ou Zanghua nodded and asked, "It seems that things are not going well in Japan recently. Has the King of Japan, Minamoto Yoshizumi, lost the support of the people?"

Deputy Envoy Guangyao was several dozen years younger than Guiwu. When he heard what Lord Ou Zanghua said about his own general, he suddenly felt dissatisfied. He was about to stand up and argue with Master Guiwu, but was held down by his steady hand.

The old monk looked compassionate and said in a calm tone, "Why do you say that, Lord Ou? Under the wise leadership of the king, Japan is like the rising sun, with all aspects of prosperity. The world is harmonious and the people are well-off. It is truly a scene of peace and prosperity."

"I'm afraid not!"

Ou Zanghua read from a document: "During the fifty years from Hongwu to Yongle, there were ninety-four Japanese invasions, an average of less than two times per year. From Yongle to the eighth year of Zhengde, there were only fourteen Japanese invasions in the nearly one hundred years."

"Especially from the second year of Zhengde to now, there are four recorded cases."

After Ou Zanghua finished reading, he asked Cao Yu to take the document and handed it to the two envoys to take a look. He continued, "If your country is prosperous, how come the records of Japanese pirate invasions have increased in recent years?"

Guangyao couldn't help feeling a little surprised, and involuntarily glanced sideways at Zen Master Guiwu who was sitting quietly beside him.

"Although the land of Japan seems small compared to the Ming Dynasty, it is still a vast world among the small countries."

Gui Wu spoke slowly and gently, "Because of this, even a wise king cannot extend his rule to every inch of land. There are always some corners that become havens for desperate criminals. With a few simple boats, they can easily go out to sea and escape the king's punishment."

"In that case, why not leave the coastal defense to us? Just pay a little management fee every year, and let our fleet rest in your port. After all, the fleet of the Ming Dynasty is to protect the maritime security of all countries!"

Ou Zanghua smiled and said, "You know, as the suzerain state, our Great Ming has always been so helpful. We take on this responsibility with reluctance, and we don't ask for anything in return." Gui Wu couldn't help but look up at Ou Zanghua, and after thinking for a while, he said, "Lord Ou's words certainly demonstrate the great generosity of the Great Ming, but I dare to say that I have some doubts in my heart."

"Master, please speak."

Gui Wu said carefully: "The issue of coastal defense is related to the safety of the country and is not a joke. The strength of the Ming fleet is well known to the world, but the conditions in the seas of each country are different, and the customs and habits are also different. Even for a powerful country like the Ming Dynasty, it is probably difficult to be comprehensive and meticulous."

Ou Zanghua looked at Gui Wu and almost couldn't help laughing. This old monk spoke in a very coherent way, and it sounded quite nice.

Even though the Ming navy is in such a half-dead state now, he can still say "it is well-known to be strong". It's really hard for him.

Therefore, Ou Zanghua said: "Master, don't worry about this. We have time and can adjust slowly."

Beads of sweat oozed quietly from Gui Wu's forehead. He said slowly, "This matter involves a wide range of issues, and it is beyond my power to make a voluntary judgment. I will carefully take Mr. Ou's words back to Japan and present them to my country's king, in the hope that the most appropriate decision can be made."

"Thank you." Ou Zanghua did not make things difficult for the old man. Although he had made arrangements with the navy in Poyang Lake in advance, the navy had never been to sea, so no one knew how much combat power they could maintain on the vast ocean.

Deputy Envoy Guangyao said at this time: "Sir Ou, we came to Ming Dynasty on the order of the king. In addition to exchanges between the two countries, we also hope to handle the trade agreement."

During the Ming Dynasty, the unique trade model practiced by foreign countries coming to China was called "tribute trade", also known as "tribute ship trade".

Foreign merchant ships loaded with rare treasures crossed the oceans to arrive in the Ming Dynasty and presented them to the imperial court.

The imperial court accepted these gifts from all sides with an open mind, and at the same time carefully selected high-quality domestic products and generously gave them back to foreign merchants from afar in the name of "national gifts", demonstrating the style and magnanimity of the Celestial Empire.

It's just that the Celestial Empire is too powerful, and the value of the gifts it gives back every time is higher than the gifts presented by the envoys, so a small country like Ryukyu can do such bad things several times a year.

Of course, the Ming Dynasty would not always be the scapegoat. Later, it set the tribute period for each country to be three or five years, and for Japan, it was stipulated that the tribute period was every ten years.

Tribute ships had to hold a "kanhe" issued in advance by the Ming court, which was similar to a license or visa in later times.

Ou Zanghua heard this and said, "This is a small matter. I will handle it."

After receiving the promise from the Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Guangyao felt relieved and bowed sincerely, saying, "Thank you, Lord Ou!"

At the end of May, the willow trees on the streets of the capital looked sick. The leaves were covered with a layer of dust and curled up on the branches. The branches were too lazy to move and drooped listlessly.

There was not a drop of water on the street, which was dry and shining white. Dust flew high and connected with the gray air in the sky to form a poisonous gray sand array that burned passers-by's faces.

Liu Qing, who was already six months pregnant, became even lazier. However, at the request of Master Ding Xian, she still took a walk in the shade of the backyard accompanied by her maid.

After pacing back and forth several times, fine beads of sweat quietly appeared on Liu Qing's round and smooth face, like petals just blooming in the morning dew, adding a bit of liveliness to her.

While Shuyan was wiping her sweat, Liu Qing asked in a naive tone, "How many laps have you done?"

"Madam, you can rest after you finish this circle." Shu Yan supported her and said softly.

"That's good." Liu Qing breathed a sigh of relief, and suddenly covered her stomach and said cheerfully, "This kid kicked me in there again!"

Shuyan and Huaiwei looked at each other, and Huaiwei's mouth showed a gentle smile, and he whispered softly: "The young master will definitely inherit the master's wisdom. He will be both intelligent and healthy."

"Haha, yes, yes." Liu Qing smiled and nodded.

When they finished walking four circles and returned to the hall, Qu Feiyan had already arranged for the band to be waiting there.

When Shuyan and Huaiwei helped Liu Qing sit down, Qu Feiyan walked to the middle of the band and sat in front of the yangqin.

As she struck the first note, the bamboo flute and guzheng joined in, and the melody of a Ming Dynasty version of "Ave Maria" came out leisurely.

This was specially edited by Ou Zanghua to help Liu Qing with prenatal education. In addition to "Ave Maria", there are also "Serenade", "Floating Lights", "Castle in the Sky" and so on.

According to the original historical context, the yangqin originated in West Asia and was introduced to the Ming Dynasty from Persia via sea. It was initially only popular in Guangdong, and later gradually spread to all parts of the country.

But in pursuit of sound quality, Ou Zanghua asked Miss Cheng to bring three yangqins from Guangdong to Beijing. He then practiced on his own, and after getting started, he used plug-ins to reach a high level.

Then he taught Qu Feiyan, and when Ou Zanghua was not around, Qu Feiyan would play.

Just as Liu Qing was falling asleep listening to music, Ou Zanghua once again came to the roast duck restaurant in the north of the city.

This time, it was Qiu Yue who personally roasted the duck. Ou Zanghua was no longer surprised and found a seat to sit down.

After a while, Qiu Yue placed the two roasted ducks on the table and picked up two jars of rice wine from the side.

The two men didn't say anything, each tore off a leg and started eating.

Ou Zang Hua Yanxia took a piece of meat and said with a smile: "Qiu Hou, your cooking skills are not so good!"

"I haven't roasted anything for two months. It's good enough that it's cooked through!" Qiu Yue said indifferently, biting the bones together.

"Haha. These two are for you." Ou Zanghua decisively pushed his share to Qiu Yue, and then shouted to the boss outside the yard: "Boss, grill three more for me and take two away."

"Okay, Sir Ou, please wait a moment!" The boss responded quickly and then left.

Qiu Yue didn't care. He wiped his hands and said, "Your Majesty plans to expand the army."

"As expected," Ou Zanghua took a sip of wine and said calmly, "The payment for the Weiyang Palace Royal Farm in June is coming. With this money, Your Majesty doesn't even need the cabinet's approval to expand the Beijing Camp."

Qiu Yue tore off another leg and said, "The cabinet has received the news. Today, an imperial censor wrote a letter saying that Your Majesty is being too aggressive and aggressive. This should not be the case."

"Don't worry about it, these are just minor fights." Ou Zanghua shook his head. He was just an imperial censor, and it couldn't even be considered a test.

"News came from the border that the Mongolian tribes have been in turmoil recently." Qiu Yue said solemnly, "Borjigin Batumengke should not be underestimated."

Ou Zanghua narrowed his eyes, thinking that the Yingzhou victory, which was full of doubts, should have taken place four years later.
(End of this chapter)