Hideyoshi saw through the canonization, and Japan was determined to prepare for war again

Recommended by Shangshu Shixing of the Ministry of War, the Ming Dynasty canonization mission was led by the chief envoy Li Zongcheng and the deputy envoy Yang Fangheng, and Shen Weijing accompanied him, and the canonization mission stopped in Busan before that, but during the period, Li Zongcheng was captured by the Japanese army because of arrogance, greed, lewdness, lust, and disorderly behavior while drunk. The Japanese army general Kato Kiyomasa shouted a fierce deterrent, and Li Zongcheng was frightened, changed his name and fled to prison. The Ming Dynasty renamed Yang Fangheng as the chief envoy and Shen Weijing as the deputy envoy.

In the twenty-third year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty, in the first month of the fourth year of the Japanese Wenroku, the canonized mission of the Ming Dynasty arrived in Japan, and the mission was welcomed into Osaka and received by President Konishi. After Governor Konishi arranged the mission, he immediately made a private appointment with Shen Weijing to discuss, and Governor Konishi asked: "Regarding the transfer of the south of the Han River to Japan, does the Emperor of the Ming Kingdom have a will?" Shen Weijing replied: "It's a pity, the Holy Lord did not allow the performance to be transferred to the south of the Han River to Japan, just canonized, I have done my best, but the Holy Lord has his own thoughts, as a courtier, how can he easily influence the Sacred Heart." ”

President Konishi was very angry about this: "What did you say? That is to say, except for canonization, none of the original conditions can be met! Even if it's a fraud, I have to have a look, so how will I explain it to Taiko?! You don't want to think that it's easy to take your life in Japan right now. ”

Shen Weijing argued: "It's not only canonization, isn't it also arranged for the withdrawal of soldiers." It has been explained from the beginning that this matter is a fraud, you and I are unwilling to fight again, and you are worried about your own safety, so I came up with this plan to help you. I also said that I would ask the Holy God for a decree on the matter of land cutting, but I have never broken my word. ”

Governor Konishi said: "Yes, of course I remember that at that time, according to your design, it was difficult to start a war easily, and once it was exposed, you and I only had to put the blame on each other. Therefore, during this period, you must be careful, you and I must work together to control the ceremony, our Royal Highness Taige will only receive you first tomorrow, and will not accept the canonization directly, what are you going to do? ”

Shen Weijing said: "I heard you say before, you are the only one among your lord's subordinates who knows Chinese, and I am the only one on my Ming mission who knows Japanese, after my Ming envoy reads the edict, I will read out the meaning of your lord in Japanese, and after your lord replies, I will also reply to the envoy according to the situation, and will never let the truth be revealed." ”

Governor Konishi always felt uneasy, so he had to advise: "I always feel faintly uneasy, I hope you and I can get through this difficult time together, if you are exposed on the spot, you should know that it will be very dangerous, I am not alarmist, please be cautious." Shen Weijing replied: "Thank you for mentioning it, please rest assured that it is as usual, you still pray that your lord is tired of using soldiers by the time he finds out." I also need to hurry up and prepare for the emergency. After repeated instructions, Governor Konishi also rushed to report to Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was still very excited about the arrival of the Ming Dynasty mission, and ordered that all the etiquette for the supply of the mission must be in accordance with the highest regulations, but at the same time he also had questions, that is, why there was no Ming princess and the Korean prince to come, according to the original conditions, the emperor married the Ming princess and the Korean prince as hostages, but now they have not seen it, Hideyoshi asked Konishi Yukicho.

Governor Konishi replied, "Your Highness, according to the envoy, there are many ceremonies for the princess to marry, and it will take time to prepare for it, and there will be many discussions with us about this. On the Korean side, I heard that it has not yet been decided which prince to choose as a hostage, so this time it is only canonized first. ”

Toyotomi Hideyoshi asked, "What other tricks does North Korea want to play?" It's been so long, why can't you decide which prince to choose? I should deter them, if I hadn't been busy with domestic affairs and receiving envoys, they would have regretted it. Also, when will the division of the south of the Han River be decided? Governor Konishi replied: "The envoy did not say much to his subordinates about this matter, but only informed his subordinates that he would inform His Highness Taiko tomorrow." ”

Maeda Toshiie suggested: "Your Royal Highness, let's stop here today, tomorrow will be clear, it is related to the canonization ceremony, there are still many matters to prepare, Yododen is still waiting for you to go over, please move." When Hideyoshi heard this, he immediately became overjoyed: "Ah yes, it's my son who misses his father again, haha." Tomorrow, I will listen to Mingguo's attitude first, and then decide when it will be canonized. Konishi, you've worked hard too, rest early. "President Konishi retired.

After Konishi Yukicho retreated, Toyotomi Hideyoshi hurried to the tea place in the side room, hugged and kissed his newborn Ah Shi, and promised to give him a real world. Seeing that Hideyoshi was so happy, Cha Cha asked why, and Hideyoshi told Cha Cha about the arrival of the envoy, and Cha Cha praised him again and again, making Hideyoshi even more happy.

Since the Tang and Song dynasties, Zhu Yuanzhang, the Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, had sent a delegation to Japan to pay tribute and control the activities of the Japanese invaders, but at that time, the Japanese Prince Huailiang disdained it, and instead detained and killed the people in the mission, and only released them after a long time. Zhu Yuanzhang was determined to conquer Japan after expelling the Northern Yuan Dynasty, but was dissuaded by his ministers.

Later, in the early years of Jianwen and Yongle, the shogun at that time, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, took the initiative to reconcile with the Ming and sent Nagong to ask for a rich return. So the Yongle Emperor issued a letter of crown service and a letter of seal, allowing Japan to pay a tribute for ten years. However, in fact, Japan has never expressed its submission, but China has always regarded China as a vassal and tributary whenever foreign countries come to establish diplomatic relations. Most small states are powerless to compete with it, and have historically had great economic and artistic returns, and with the protection of a nominal suzerain, they are naturally willing.

However, after the Onin Rebellion, Japan entered the Warring States Period, the domestic chaos was interrupted, and the defeated samurai, merchants, and ronin once again came to the coastal areas of Korea and the Ming Dynasty to develop their power, burning, killing and looting. It caused extreme hatred between the two countries against Japan. Therefore, regaining the position will be extremely beneficial for Japan, whether it is for image maintenance or spy detection.

The next day, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi received the Ming Dynasty delegation, the Ming envoy announced:

The edict is as follows: "Fengtian carries the emperor, and the system says: The holy appointment is widely transported, and all the heavens and the earth are loaded, and the emperor's order is respected." Pu Jiang cums the sunrise at the corner of the sea, recklessly. In the past, my emperor and ancestor gave birth to many people. Turtle New Dragon Chapter, far away to the domain of Fusang; Zhenmin big seal, the mountain of Rongshi Zhenguo. With the rise of the waves, the occasional wind occupies the separation. When Zi Shengji, Toyotomi Hirahideyoshi, the rise of Haibang, Zhizun China. Xi Chi is an envoy, and he admires the same. Knock on the pass of thousands of miles in the north, and plead to be attached. Love is firm in deference, and grace is in tenderness. Ztfor was the king of the day, and gave him a decree. In the drama of the dragon Benzhi letter, the crown is on the surface of the sea, the popular Hui clothes, the solid domain guards the Celestial Empire, and the ministers should be repaired. Abide by the restraint and feel the emperor's kindness. There is no substitute for sincerity, only obey the words, and always respect the voice of the teaching. Oh yes! ”

After overnight preparations, Shen Weijing completely changed the content of the edict during the translation, and the basic content was completely in line with Hideyoshi's vision. Hideyoshi was so happy that after a speech hoping for the two countries to live in harmony, he asked Konishi to send the envoy away to rest and wait for the canonization tomorrow. Shen Weijing translated to the envoy: "The Japanese chief is grateful to the saint and vows never to betray the Ming Dynasty, but the preparations for canonization have not yet been perfected, and I hope that the envoy can be patient a little and canonize again tomorrow." Yang Fangheng agreed. It was taken back to his residence by President Konishi to rest.

It just so happened that Hideyoshi had a visit from the Tiantai sect today, and Hideyoshi also knew that he was studying Chinese, so he invited him to participate in the canonization ceremony tomorrow. The next day, the ceremony was completed, Hideyoshi received the canonization in Osaka, and the envoys of the Ming Dynasty stood in Jintai to proclaim Toyotomi Hideyoshi as the king of Japan, rewarded the clothing and seals, and rewarded ten horses of various colors such as python forging and brocade; Fox fur strikes; 100 mink skins and some gold and silver objects. Hideyoshi was warned to immediately withdraw from the entire territory of Korea, to defend himself in peace, and not to raise troops to invade again. The Ming Dynasty would redefine the trade based on its performance. Toyotomi Hideyoshi thanked the Son of Heaven and knelt down to greet St. Ann.

However, because the senior monks of the Tiantai sect were fluent in Chinese, they checked the text of the edict with Hideyoshi after the ceremony, and said that the envoy did not seem to know that Japan had mentioned many conditions. When Hideyoshi learned the truth, he was furious and threw the edict to the ground. Find Maeda Toshiya, Toyotomi Shuji, Konishi Yukinaga, and Ukita Hideya to discuss. Hideyoshi scolded: "The edict of the Ming Kingdom is arrogant, I am in Japan, and if I want to be the king, I will be the king, and I don't need a captive to seal it at all!" As a result, there was no such thing as land cutting, pledge, or marriage. Not even the Exploration Trade! Describe yourself as so tough, as if you have already defeated us! Yuki-nishi Yuki-chan! What's going on? Did you betray me?! ”

Toyotomi Hideji preemptively persuaded: "Your Highness Taiko, please calm your anger, is there a misunderstanding in this matter?" Is this just the customary ritual of the Ming canonization? Deliberately showing yourself and hiding your shortcomings is just a way to save face. Has this matter been confirmed with the envoy? ”

Hideyoshi said angrily, "What are you talking about? Sun Qilang, are you stupid! Does this need to be confirmed? If I had agreed to my terms, I would not have said so in the canonization at all! Completely underestimated, it's a scam from start to finish! Konishi Yukicho, why are you conspiring with Ming Guo, I can kill you alone! ”

Governor Konishi pleaded again and again: "Your Highness Taiko, your subordinates have been wronged, and your subordinates don't know what's going on at all?" At that time, all the conditions were agreed to by Mingguo, and the replies to me several times were also the same. Hideyoshi asked, "What nonsense, you have been in charge of this matter, you were present when the edict was first read, you can also speak Chinese, and you have not noticed the usual relationship with them from North Korea here!" You can't understand this edict when it's read twice! Ukita Hideya continued, "Konishi, what's going on? Are you really betraying His Highness Taiko behind your back? If that's the case, I, Ukita Hideya, won't let you go! ”

Governor Konishi defended: "Your Royal Highness, when your subordinates swore to get along with them, they didn't notice anything fake, and their subordinates are not very proficient in Chinese, and this edict is complicated, and your subordinates can't translate it immediately at a time." Moreover, there was an oath from the envoy in front of him, and a Japanese translation of the edict in the back, and his subordinates also believed it. The subordinates have always been deceived by them. The subordinates never imagined that they would be so despicable, that Shen Weijing! And the emperor of the Ming Kingdom, who lived up to our sincerity and wanted to play us from the beginning! Playing with His Royal Highness! The subordinates just want to cut them with a thousand knives right now! ”

Ukita Hideya immediately asked for another war and asked Hideyoshi to order the expulsion of the Ming mission, but Maeda Toshiie advised: "The minister thinks that this is not the right time, and it seems that the Ming state has been prepared for such a move, and the minister is worried that all the difficulties faced by the Ming army during this period should be overcome and fully prepared." The Tang Dynasty has a vast territory, and once mobilized, I don't know what kind of military situation it will be. And we are only occupying Pusan now, with some troops still stationed there. The rest have already returned to China for disarmament, and it will take a lot of time to recruit again, and there is still a lot to prepare. Therefore, the minister suggested that he continue to accept the canonization by pretending to be unaware, and continue to create the illusion that he has no intention of fighting again to deceive the Tang Dynasty and Goryeo, and then prepare for war. If the soldiers are stopped, the soldiers will only face fragmentation and eternal separation after returning. And the lords who do not receive compensation will deepen their dissatisfaction with His Royal Highness, which will eventually lead to rebellion. Therefore, at least the division and even occupation of North Korea can be quelled. ”

Toyotomi Hideji said: "I see, or you have a thoughtful idea, but I really didn't expect that the Ming Kingdom would actually use such means, when I heard about the combat strength of the Ming army, I once thought that the Korean war would drag on for a long time, and suddenly I had doubts about the peace armistice, but I didn't think much about it under all kinds of performances, the truth is actually so, then we should prepare for military supplies again." ”

Maeda Toshiya said: "Yes, His Royal Highness Guan Bai, the soldiers are not tired of deceit, treacherous and changeable, the Tang Dynasty has gone through thousands of years, and both the conspiracy and conspiracy are very profound, and this time I was almost deceived by it." Judging from the last time, the two armies were good at winning the battle, and this time they need to prepare secretly, and then take the opportunity to defeat them with all their might. For this reason, we still need to plan carefully, His Royal Highness Guan Bai, military preparations, mobilization and scheduling, you have also worked hard to assist His Royal Highness Taige, "Xiu Ji replied.

Hideyoshi praised, "What you said makes sense, and it should be so. There is no need for peace talks in this re-war, and we must do our best to destroy all of Korea and attack Datang and Tianzhu, and those who stand in our way will die without a place to be buried. Tomorrow there will be a big feast, and we will all wear bright clothes to entertain the envoys. Konishi, I can give you another chance, you need to let the Ming envoy know that although I am grateful but not satisfied with this canonization, I want to ask the Ming Emperor to think again, otherwise I will not withdraw from Busan. Make sure they feel that we just want better canonization and trade. "Governor Konishi received the order.

So on the second day, the Ming Dynasty delegation was warmly received by Japan at the banquet, and all the Japanese ministers and daimyo were ordered to wear Ming Dynasty costumes to show their submission. Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Toyotomi Hideji personally saluted the Ming envoy, and the rest of the staff also toasted one after another, and the Ming delegation also saluted in turn.

During the Noh performance, Konishi Yukichang turned to the side of the envoys Yang Fangheng and Shen Weijing and said: "You have come from afar to canonize His Royal Highness Taiko, and everyone in the country is grateful. It's just about canonizing the king of Japan, and although His Royal Highness Taiko is well aware of the emperor's grace, His Majesty the Emperor is still alive in Japan after all. Japan has its own national conditions, and His Majesty the Emperor is supreme in Japan, but he does not do state affairs, and all state affairs are handled by courtiers, and this has been the case for hundreds of years. His Royal Highness Taiko was canonized as the King of Japan, how does His Majesty the Emperor deal with himself? Not only His Royal Highness, but everyone will be ashamed. ”

Shen Weijing replied: "This matter is also very difficult for Da Ming, it is not in accordance with the etiquette law, and there is no precedent. The great emperor Chrysostom said that there is no reason for the holy decree to change the seal without authorization. The Celestial Empire has stood for thousands of years, and all countries have come to court, and it is the law of etiquette that is important. I'm afraid this is a very difficult matter. ”

Governor Konishi turned to Yang Fangheng and said: "Please also enable the return to the Holy Lord, please reconsider the matter of canonization, of course, if it is true that it cannot be re-canonized, it will not be reluctant, but the exploration trade is the lifeblood of Japan, Japan will always plead, please also make this matter clear to the Holy Lord, please." Yang Fangheng responded and promised to play again.

After the climax of the banquet, Shen Weijing asked President Konishi to talk secretly: "The secret hasn't been leaked yet, why did you suddenly make that kind of request to the envoy at the banquet and not discuss it with me?" Governor Konishi lied: "It didn't leak it, but His Royal Highness Taiko is really at a loss for this, so I can only do this, please forgive me." ”

Shen Weijing asked again: "Your national conditions are really strange and incomprehensible. It doesn't matter if it's just a replay, when will the troops that are still entrenched in Busan be withdrawn? Konishi replied: "So far, I have not received instructions from His Royal Highness Taiko, and His Royal Highness Taiko seems to be almost crazy about paying tribute, and I am also very embarrassed. There are many people here, and it is not suitable for you and me to stay for a long time, please take care of yourself. President Konishi and Shen Weijing returned to their respective tables and continued to participate in the banquet.

During the banquet, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Toyotomi Hideji sat together, and Hideyoshi chatted with Hideji many times, and Hideyoshi said, "In the past, I was very poor, and I never dreamed that I would be able to have today, so I cherished every food every day." I also hope that what I do can bring blessings to the world, and you must always remember it as Guan Bai now. ”

Xiuji said: "Yes, the little nephew has always cherished the blessings, and the teachings of the uncle and the aunt to the little nephew, the little nephew has always kept it in mind, and he never dares to forget it for a moment. After a long period of war, he finally ushered in the peaceful rule of the world, although the little nephew has no talent, he does not dare to slack off every day, and he also hopes that everyone in the world can be rich as soon as possible. ”

Hideyoshi said: "If you can occupy Korea, Datang, Tianzhu and other places, then there will be unimaginable wealth, in the future I will hand over Japan to the Ukita Hideya, let you become the Tang Guanbai, Emperor Yingtian will live in the Ming Kingdom, and I will stay in Ningbo." What do you think? Xiuji asked Shaojun what he was going to do? Hideyoshi replied, "I have my own arrangements for the future, so you don't have to ask." You want to be Datang Guanbai in the future, how much do you know about the customs and government affairs of Datang? ”

Xiu Ci replied that he was busy with official business, and only knew a lot about some of China's history and culture, and the rest had not yet been touched. Hideyoshi therefore reproached this Xiuji: "You don't know that I want to occupy this place, why didn't you make any preparations for Datang?" Do you think that since I am in charge of the expedition, you can only prepare some military supplies, set up a few flying feet to transmit military information, and watch from the sidelines and don't care about other things related to Datang? Didn't your retainers warn you either?! ”

Xiuji saw Hideyoshi's face change abruptly, and he didn't know why? hurriedly asked: "His Royal Highness Taige is angry, and the little nephew will start preparing immediately." It's just that the little nephew thinks that the foreign expedition has been a bit hasty for many years? Would it be more advantageous to be richer at home? ”

Hideyoshi said angrily: "Nonsense, I thought you understood the meaning of this!" Didn't I make it clear before? If you forget, ask someone to help you remember, and then do your part. Xiuji was suddenly accused and trembled slightly, so he had to keep silent.