Now let us turn our attention to the origin of this story: Japan. Let me first briefly introduce the history of Japan, especially the part related to China.
Because writing appeared late in Japan, the earliest official history, "Nihon Shoki", was only started in 720 AD. Japanese history before this can be found in Chinese books.
According to "The Biography of Dongyi in the Book of the Later Han Dynasty", in 57 AD, Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty granted the gold seal of the "King of Han Wenu" to the Japanese slave country. "Wei Zhi." "The Biography of the Japanese" records that in 239 AD, Emperor Wei Ming granted Queen Himihu the seal of "Professor to the Japanese King of Wei". After that, there is a large blank section until "Song Book." Biography of the Barbarians. "Japanese Kingdom" records the "Era of the Five Japanese Kings" from the 5th to 6th centuries. Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty canonized the second generation Wang Zhen as "General Andong, King of Japan".
The word "emperor" appeared in the seventh century AD. Prince Shotoku of the Suiko Dynasty took over as regent. He adopted "emperor" instead of the previous title of "king", established a centralized system with the emperor as the center, and promulgated the "Seventeen Articles" written in Chinese. The Constitution is Japan's earliest written law. Buddhism was also promoted in Japan at this time. Prince Shotoku also sent Ono as an envoy to the Sui Dynasty, restoring Sino-Japanese relations.
After that, a large number of envoys were sent to the Sui Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty back to Japan, which had an earth-shaking impact on Japan's economy, politics and culture. The "Dahua Reform" brought Japan into a feudal society.
There is a war that must be mentioned, that is, the Battle of Baicunjiang in 663 AD: more than 7,000 Tang Dynasty navy soldiers defeated more than 10,000 Japanese sailors on the Korean Peninsula, preventing Japan from expanding in the Korean Peninsula, and making Japan's future No troops were sent to the Korean Peninsula for nearly a thousand years until the "Battle of Bunroku" launched by Toyonari Hideyoshi in 1592.
After the defeat in this war, Japan worshiped the Tang Dynasty even more. In 665, it sent an envoy to attend the Taishan Buddhist ceremony. In 669, it even sent Hanoi Whale as the "Pinggaoli Celebration Envoy" to Chang'an to congratulate the Tang Dynasty on its complete victory on the Korean Peninsula. . At that time, Japan respected China far more than it does the United States today.
Afterwards, Japan entered the stable Nara, Heian, and Kamakura shogunate eras. The familiar "The Tale of Genji" and "The Tale of the Heike" both appeared during this period.
During this period, Kublai Khan of the Yuan Dynasty sent troops to Japan twice, namely the "Battle of Wenyong" in 1274 AD and the "Battle of Hong'an" in 1281 AD. The former had landed at Hakata Bay in Kitakyushu, but the ship sank due to heavy rain and had to return; the latter encountered a typhoon, and half of the Yuan army's ships sank and was forced to retreat again.
By the fourteenth century, the imperial family was divided into two factions due to the struggle for the throne. Emperor Go-Daigo led the Kanto samurai to overthrow the Kamakura shogunate and established the Southern Dynasty regime in Yoshino; while in Kyoto, the Ashikaga Shogunate of Ashikaga Takauji, the "Conquering General", supported the Northern Dynasty. The Emperor of Light. The conflict between the Northern and Southern Dynasties lasted for more than half a century, and the guardian daimyo in various places also separated themselves.
It was not until the third generation shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who succeeded the shogunate at the age of ten, successively conquered Toki Yoriyasu, Yamana Ujikiyoshi, and Ouchi Yoshihiro, weakening the power of the super guardian daimyo, and finally unified them in 1392 AD After arriving in Japan, Emperor Gogeyama of the Southern Dynasty returned to Kyoto and handed over three artifacts symbolizing the emperor's authority to Emperor Gokomatsu of the Northern Dynasty, symbolizing the end of the confrontation between the Northern and Southern Dynasties.
Yes, this was also the year when North Korea was founded by Li Chenggui, and the Ming Dynasty was in the 25th year of Hongwu.
The young monk Ikkyu in the cartoon "Ikkyu" is the son of Emperor Gogameyama. Her mother was a member of the Fujiwara clan, a powerful minister of the defeated Southern Dynasties. After being forced by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, Emperor Kameyama expelled her from the court and ordered Ikkyu to become a monk at an early age. This was all necessary for the struggle between the Southern and Northern Dynasties. I believe that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in history is definitely not as ignorant and cute as the big boy-like Ashikaga General in the cartoon. The Muromachi Shogunate has absolute power to rule the country. General Ashikaga Yoshimitsu is the actual ruler of Japan at this time.
Kitayama in Kyoto is a low-mountain mountain with beautiful scenery. It is covered with tall trees such as cedars, poplars and green pines. It is winter at this time, the cold wind blows, and the leaves rustle.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu gave up the position of general to his son Ashikaga Yoshimochi a few years ago, became a monk himself, and built a new residence, Kitayama Villa, on Kitayama. The Buddhist temple among them is the "Golden Pavilion", the most famous building in Kyoto. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu practices in the pavilion every day and believes in Rinzai Zen.
Ashikaga Yoshi is forty-one years old. He has a thin face, a few sparse beards under his chin, very short and thick eyebrows, and a pair of triangular eyes that are often closed, but occasionally open, but they are as sharp as knives. Wearing a brown monk's robe, loose and casual, he holds a string of small-leaf red sandalwood beads in his left hand.
In the elegant and tidy Golden Pavilion, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu closed his eyes while turning his Buddhist beads and chanting sutras eloquently, as if he was really repenting of his past sins of conquest.
At this time, the family general Shin'emon came forward and reported: "General, an envoy from Korea has come to see the general."
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was startled, stopped chanting, and slowly opened his eyes for a long time: "North Korea?"
Shin'emon nodded and said: "Yes, Korea. The envoys sent by King Li Dan are the fifth prince Li Fangyuan and the secret envoy Zhao Lin." You must know that North Korea or the former Goryeo royal family has no official contacts with Japan. The two countries have severed diplomatic relations for more than 600 years.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu pondered for a while and said, "Bring it up."
After a while, there was the sound of footsteps, and Li Fangyuan and Zhao Lin entered the pavilion. When the two met Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, they did not kneel down, but bowed and saluted: "Li Fangyuan, the fifth prince of Korea/Zhao Lin, the secret envoy of Korea, see the Japanese general who conquered the barbarians." They spoke in Chinese.
At that time, North Korea was proud of being a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, and all its officials could speak Chinese; Japan also admired Chinese culture, and without Chinese, it was difficult to get into the upper class. Just as people all over the world are competing to learn Chinese today, as language is a part of culture, the strongest in politics and economics will always be king.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu snorted, looked at the two of them, and asked coldly: "Are you from North Korea?"
Li Fangyuan straightened up and replied neither condescendingly nor condescendingly: "Yes, the two of you are from Korea. The king of Korea greets the general."
"Oh? The king of North Korea is the original Goryeo general Li Chenggui, right? Now that he has become the king, the name of the country has also been changed?" Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked sarcastically.
"The name of our country, North Korea, was given by His Majesty the Emperor of China. It is extraordinary." Li Fangyuan said very proudly. At that time, China was not only the sovereign state of Korea, but also the sovereign state of Japan. Countries in East Asia respect China as the "Celestial Dynasty". Their respect goes beyond mere institutional superiority and inferiority, and is full of yearning for the culture of the Central Plains.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu stared at Li Fangyuan, decided not to beat around the bush, and asked directly: "What did the King of Korea send you to do?"
Li Fangyuan took a step forward: "North Korea has severed diplomatic relations with Japan for a long time, which is detrimental to both countries. Japan's copper, sulfur, and swords have always been popular in our country and China. Our cotton fabrics from Korea are also scarce in Japan. How can we both be together? If the country reopens trade, Korea can help Japan contact China, which is really three conveniences." Li Fangyuan talked eloquently, his usually cold face was now full of sincerity, and his jewel-like eyes were shining.
This time, Li Fangyuan took a huge risk by suggesting that the king go to Japan as an envoy: most people in the court opposed it, believing that Japan was a wolf, and that sending an envoy to Japan would be ridiculed, and the prince would be taken hostage if he went in person. However, Li Fangyuan understood the current situation of the reunification of the north and south of Japan. He had talked with King Yan Ma Sanbao at Daningwei last time and believed that the peace talks were beneficial to China, North Korea and Japan. As long as Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had a clear mind, he should promote it. So he insisted on sending the envoy regardless of his own safety, and the princess cried twice over this matter.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's heart skipped a beat.
North Korea's cotton fabrics are nothing more than that. The closest place to Japan on the Korean Peninsula is only over a hundred miles away. If Japan wants to trade with China, North Korea is the best springboard. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu admired the culture of the Central Plains since he was a child. The Chinese porcelain calligraphy and painting books in the Golden Pavilion were all collected through great efforts from all over the country. However, the Ming Dynasty implemented a comprehensive maritime ban, and Sino-Japanese trade had been cut off for a long time. At this time, Japan, China Porcelain, calligraphy, paintings, books, and silk are all at exorbitant prices, and they are also in short supply.
Li Fangyuan and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu were moved, and continued: "We in Korea are willing to open three ports: Toyamaura, Noraura, and Yanpo. Japan can trade and do business in Sanura."
The conditions were so favorable that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu couldn't help but be suspicious. He thought for a moment and asked, "What are the conditions of the King of Korea?"
Li Fangyuan secretly praised him for being a great general. He bowed and said, "I don't want to take it as a condition. I just hope that the general will restrain the Japanese pirates."
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked: "Japanese pirates? What's going on?"
Li Fangyuan pretended to be confused and said angrily: "All the people in our country are diligent and live in peace and contentment. But in the coastal areas, Japanese pirates are rampant, kidnapping my people, burning my treasury, killing all women and babies, and leaving Jeollanam Province in ruins for thousands of miles!"
Li Fangyuan stared into Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's eyes and continued: "The general doesn't know, right? For example, the Japanese pirate leader Amutai Yu, legend has it that he was an imperial family member of the Kamakura shogunate, and he came to Tsushima Island because he could no longer stay in Japan. In addition, the people on Iki Island are all members of the Fujiwara family of the Southern Dynasty, and the people who live in Matsuura in Kitakyushu are all the people who used to protect the Toki family. These are all the achievements of the great general!"
Shin'emon shouted from the side: "Don't be rude to the general!"
Li Fang turned a blind eye and said: "It is gratifying that the general has unified Japan. But let these defeated generals escape to the islands and harm North Korea?" He paused and said word by word: "Be careful, they are getting bigger and stronger, and they will come back someday!"
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was silent. Have you never thought about these questions? Naturally, these remnants of the Southern Dynasties should be eliminated, and the best strategy is to eradicate them. If China and North Korea are willing to help eliminate it together, it will indeed be a win-win situation for all three parties.
After a long time, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu made up his mind: "Okay! General I agree with the Miura trade business. I will go back to you two to apply for the credentials for the diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea." He paused and then said: "The matter of the Japanese pirates along the coast is probably going to happen. Several parties need to cooperate. Not only you, North Korea and Japan, but also China must contain it to succeed."
Li Fangyuan breathed a sigh of relief and bowed deeply: "The general is wise! As long as the general agrees, we, the Korean nation, will do our best."
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu saw that Li Fangyuan's advance and retreat were appropriate, his words were appropriate, his image was extraordinary, and his words were very provocative. He was really a talent. He couldn't help but praise: "The fifth prince is extremely brave and courageous. He is truly the first Korean man to conquer Japan in six hundred years!"
Li Fangyuan smiled slightly: "Great general, I'll give you a reward! People like me are worthy of the North Korean state. My four brothers are all better than me." It's modesty and self-defense. It means that I am nothing in North Korea. If you have a bad idea and keep me, you can't threaten North Korea.
As a secret envoy, Zhao Lin's job is diplomacy. This time Li Fangyuan personally went as an envoy, Zhao Lin was really worried: the Japanese are cruel and untrustworthy, who knows how they will treat the North Korean prince? At this time, when I saw Ashikaga Yoshimitsu talking about Li Fangyuan, even though it was a compliment, I couldn't help but change the topic quickly: "If Japan wants to have good relations with China, my Lord must find a way to deal with it."
At this time, Japan had broken off diplomatic relations with China for more than a hundred years. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was very happy to hear this and couldn't help but ask: "What can the King of Korea do?"
Zhao Lin smiled and said: "My Lord and the Celestial Empire have always been on good terms. The Celestial Empire has not rejected the request from the DPRK." She looked at Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and said, "What's more, the DPRK has a romantic relationship with the Celestial Empire."
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked curiously: "What kind of romance?"
Zhao Lin held her head high and said: "His Majesty the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty decreed that I, Princess Yining of North Korea, be crowned the lady of the East Palace of the East Palace, that is, the future imperial concubine! I, Princess Yining, will arrive in Beijing soon. It is truly a grand event between Korea and China!"
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was surprised: "Is there such a thing?"
Zhao Lin said: "Princess Yining is the first-class figure in our country. She will definitely do something great when she comes to China. The general may as well send an envoy to China, and our country will ask Princess Yining to mediate. A good relationship between Japan and China will be just around the corner."
Li Fangyuan listened from the side, with the smile on his face unchanged and the sadness in his heart. But now that I am in the Golden Pavilion of the Japanese Shogun, how can I let the Japanese know about my infatuation? He tried his best to act as if nothing had happened, but his fists were so clenched that veins popped out.
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu has been waging war in Japan for nearly thirty years, but has never had any dealings with other countries. At this time, he was full of confidence when he heard what Zhao Lin said, and he was secretly making plans in his heart. After thinking about it, I feel that Japan has nothing to lose, but has gained a lot with one stone. Immediately he clapped his hands and said: "Okay! I am going to send envoys to the Ming Dynasty now!" He called Shin'emon: "Get ready, how long will it take?"
Shin'emon hesitated and said: "The ships, the tributes, and the candidates, it will take a year and a half, right?"
Zhao Lin bowed and saluted: "Congratulations, General! As long as the envoy arrives in the Ming Dynasty, he will definitely succeed in one fell swoop, and Japan's trade will be prosperous just around the corner!".
Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was not so easily deceived and told Shin'emon: "The Ming Dynasty will probably also ask about the Japanese pirates. Go and check carefully to see who are the people on each island." Shin'emon agreed and looked He glanced at Li Fangyuan and Zhao Lin.
The winter sunshine shines through the translucent sliding doors of the Golden Pavilion. There are two words hanging on the side of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, one is "Self-reliance and the original vow" and the other is "No thought is born", both are the realm of Zen and are also consistent with Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's martial arts background.
Zhao Lin looked at the banner and felt very excited: This trip was worthwhile. It convinced General Ashikaga and North Korea and Japan successfully established diplomatic relations. Will Ming Dynasty and Japan successfully resume diplomatic relations in the future? Will the Japanese pirates who have disturbed North Korea for many years be solved? Zhao Lin's heart was full of expectations.
Li Fangyuan was also looking at the wall, but there was no focus in his sight. In fact, he was turning a blind eye. My thoughts flew to the distant heaven. Lotus, are you okay