Imperial Master of the Ming Dynasty

The next morning, Matsuda Izakaya.

Cao Afu woke up on the tatami, shook his groggy head, and looked around blankly.

Gradually, as his eyes focused, Cao Afu finally recalled what happened last night.

After he said goodbye to the Duke last night, he went alone to the not-so-serious izakaya he visited during the day, ordered two geishas, ​​drank some wine, and then passed out drunk.

After that, I can’t remember clearly.

He didn't lose any money in his wallet, and he didn't have any valuables on him. He didn't seem to have the habit of talking in his sleep, and he wouldn't reveal any secrets about the Ming Dynasty mission. In fact, Cao Afu didn't know any secrets at all.

So why do I feel a little uneasy?

When Cao Afu saw the sun rising over the distant mountains in the early morning, he finally woke up suddenly and shuddered.

Not good!

The Duke of Guo told him to deliver the gifts in the dark before dawn!

Cao Afu put on his clothes and ran out in a hurry.

Now a full hour has passed since the time for gift delivery!

In order to keep it secret, the Duke only told him the order in which he gave the gifts.

"It's really over this time!"

Cao Afu cursed secretly in his heart, but he was helpless.

Although I don’t want to admit it, I was indeed negligent in this matter, which led to the delay, which led to the current result - I might not even be able to ride back in time!

Cao Afu was extremely depressed and could only speed up his pace and run out.

However, at this moment, several charming calls from girls suddenly came from beside him.

"Hey~! Qiudou sack~"

This familiar voice made Cao Afu pause.

He turned around and looked around, and was surprised to find the two geishas from last night standing at the door of the izakaya.

"Why are you here?"

Cao Afu was stunned and asked blankly.

The geisha on the left didn't know what she was complaining about, but the one on the right was even more direct, waving her fist at Cao Afu angrily.

Cao Afu couldn't understand the words of the two geishas at all, so he simply ran out to find his horse.

As a result, when he got to the hitching post, he discovered that his horse had long since disappeared.

The street gangsters in Kyoto nearby gathered together and laughed at him with their hands folded. Although Cao Afu still couldn't understand what he meant, he also understood that he was destined to suffer the consequences of being a mute because he was unfamiliar with the place he was born.

Even if you think about it with your toes, the value of this horse in Japan is probably enough to buy the lives of these dozen market scoundrels.

It would be strange for such a huge benefit to be left unguarded and not stolen.

It's just that Cao Afu is used to spending a lot of money following Li Jinglong. For a top wealthy family in the Ming Dynasty like Cao Guogong, not to mention one such horse, even ten or hundreds of horses are nothing.

Of course, if you request the Japanese shogunate to investigate in the name of the Ming Dynasty mission, you can certainly find out, but Cao Afu did not dare.

Because the most important thing is that Cao Afu must not let the Duke of Guo know that he was drinking and causing trouble.

Therefore, Cao Afu could only follow the direction in his memory and head towards his residence.

A quarter of an hour later, it was bright.

Street shops began to open one after another.

Cao Afu, who was exhausted after walking for a long time, was just about to rest for a while in front of a shop when he saw a group of more than ten people driving not far away.

"Cao Ada!"

Cao Afu looked at the visitor in surprise.

As for why the children born in Cao Guogong's family (formerly known as the children born of slaves in the master's family, according to the law of the Ming Dynasty, the children of slaves were slaves for generations) are all named Cao instead of Li, don't ask, it was Li Jinglong who changed it.

The general on the horse looked at the disheveled butler. He didn't say anything bad, but said with a smile: "You went to play alone last night? But you didn't take your brothers with you. You really don't deserve to be a man."

Cao Afu didn't bother to tease them, and just asked hurriedly: "Have everything been delivered in order?"

"That's natural."

Cao Ada asked the servant behind him to give a horse to Cao Afu to ride, and the two of them rode side by side.

After hearing Cao Ada's description, housekeeper Cao Afu felt relieved.

It turned out that the generals could not find the housekeeper before dawn, and Li Jinglong was sleeping soundly and could not be disturbed, so the generals waited patiently for a while.

It was not until daybreak that the generals did not dare to delay. According to the addresses Cao Afu had given them before, they sent them to Ashikaga Yoshimitsu of Shokokuji Temple, Ashikaga Yoshimochi of Muromachi Shogunate, and Hino clan of Odaisho respectively.

"Did anyone else in the mission find out?" Cao Afu suddenly remembered Li Jinglong's instructions.

"No, absolutely not!" Cao Ada assured, "Ah Er, Ah San and I all gathered at the small gate of the backyard and left quietly. It was not even dark at the time, so no one noticed."

In this way, Cao Afu was completely relieved.

"Remember, never tell the Duke anything about my absence!"

Cao Ada patted his breast mirror and said nonchalantly.

"Don't worry, brothers know about such trivial matters."

For these family members, they don't know Li Jinglong's plans and thoughts. It is really just a small matter, just like giving a gift to Master Miaokuai, the ancient sword in the tea room yesterday, just a quick trip.

Therefore, I didn't pay much attention to it.

In this way, the group returned to the residence of the Ming Dynasty Mission.

Muromachi, Kyoto, the Imperial Palace of Flowers.

As the residence of the General Zhengyi, this place is naturally extremely beautiful.

Rare varieties can be seen everywhere in the garden. The courtyard is deep yet exquisite, and the small bridges and flowing water show the Chinese style. You can tell at a glance that it was carefully designed.

At this moment, in a corner of the back garden.

The sixteen-year-old shogun Ashikaga Yoshimochi was kneeling alone in front of the desk.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was the son of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third generation shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. Since Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, his wife Hino Yasuko and his step-sibling Hino Yasuko did not have a son, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was made his heir and Hino Yasuko was appointed. Adopt him as your adopted son.

Six years ago, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu gave up the position of Shogun to Ashikaga Yoshimochi, who was only ten years old. Well, by the way, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was also ten years old when he succeeded the Shogun.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu was transferred to Taizheng Minister and still held real power. All assessments of the Muromachi shogunate were held in Kitayama, where Ashikaga Yoshimitsu lived. Yoshitomichi had no power to participate in government affairs.

In the same year that Ashikaga Yoshinori became shogun, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's second son, Ashikaga Yoshitsugu, was born.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who had a son at an old age, doted on Yoshitsugu very much. Due to their preference, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had a bad relationship.

Of course, even now that Ashikaga Yoshimitsu has resigned as Taizheng Minister and is living in seclusion at Shokokuji Temple, the actual ruler of Japan is still not Ashikaga Yoshimochi. Ashikaga Yoshimochi can only endure it silently, waiting for the day when his own father will be tortured to death by him. .

"Li Jinglong, the general of the Ming Dynasty and Duke of Cao, gave me a gift?"

The young shogun pursed his lips and asked in disbelief.

"Yes, Your Excellency General, the subordinates of the Ming Dynasty General have asked me to hand it over to you personally."

"Now that you're done, leave it here."

Several heavy-looking boxes were placed on the ground in the back garden by Ashikaga Yoshimochi's confidants.

There was no one in the back garden. Ashikaga Yoshimochi took out his ribs from his waist, and with his gleaming sword, he easily cut through the copper lock tied to the solid wood box.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi held his breath and continued to swing his sword with some disbelief.

Opened the second box...

The third box...

Finally, the last box was opened.

When he saw the contents of several boxes placed side by side, Ashikaga Yoshinori took a breath of air.

Having received Chinese education since childhood, he clearly identified the contents of these boxes!

"They are all expensive...antiques...calligraphy and paintings?"

For a moment, the entire corner of the back garden echoed with the young shogun's exclamation.

Although they are just some calligraphy, paintings and antiques that the ignorant Japanese people have no idea about, Ashikaga Yoshinori knows that these things are really priceless!

If these calligraphy and paintings were put up for auction, it would be enough to cause chaos in the Japanese cultural world and have a huge impact.

If these were all genuine and auctioned slowly in normal times, the wealth obtained would be enough for him, the shogun, to form a samurai guard of hundreds of people!

For Ashikaga Yoshimochi, who has been struggling to survive in the whirlpool of Japan's core temples, the meaning of this gift is even more extraordinary!

It not only represents wealth, but also represents the importance that the Ming Dynasty attaches to him.

"Could it be that?"

Ashikaga Yoshimochi's heart started beating hard.

"The general of the Ming Dynasty sent me such a priceless gift, is he hinting to me that the Ming Dynasty intends to support himself to become the true ruler of Japan?"

Once this thought arises, it can no longer be contained.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi couldn't help but be very excited.

If a powerful country like Mingguo is willing to support him, then he will definitely have more advantages than his younger brother Ashikaga Yoshitsugu!

Thinking of this, Ashikaga Yoshimochi felt itchy.

But soon, Ashikaga Yoshimochi fell into trouble again.

Perhaps sending expensive gifts does not represent the attitude of the country. What if I am overthinking it?

In this mood of worrying about gains and losses, Ashikaga Yoshimichi began to look forward to the upcoming welcome dinner.

On the other side, Kyoto Shokokuji Temple Luen-yuan.

As early as twenty years ago, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu created a dojo for his own Zen practice in Sokokuji Temple, namely Luen-yuan.

The abbot of Xiangguo Temple was also appointed as the monk of the past dynasties, with jurisdiction over the five mountains, ten temples and various streams, and in charge of personnel. The current abbot of Xiangguo Temple, Gujian Miaokuai, is naturally his well-deserved confidant.

In the elegant Zen room of the Buddhist temple, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and Koken Myokai were kneeling opposite each other, talking with their hands.

"Prince Nei plans to go to the Ming Dynasty with the envoy?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked slowly as he dropped his Kuroko.

Gu Jian Miao quickly fell into a long test. He put down the chess piece and replied: "Yes, Your Excellency."

The aging Ashikaga Yoshimitsu coughed twice.

"Then let her be."

After thinking about it, Gu Jian Miao Kuai continued to make moves, and then he thought about asking.

"Your Excellency, you are not afraid of the inner prince of Dajue Temple."

"What are you afraid of?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu straightened his back and said: "Kingoshin (the ceremonial title of Emperor Go-Kameyama) is still alive today. He is only served by close ministers such as Ano Minoru, Kouwei and his son, and Rokujo Tokihiro. Yoshida Kaneki, Kanatatsu and his son are teaching Shinto by their side. Prince Kokura Miya Minoru Hito (son of Emperor Kameyama, theoretically the next Emperor of Japan) is also in Kyoto. Everything is under my control. If the prince is a woman, he can leave as soon as he wants. Bar."

Gu Jian Miao Kuai frowned slightly and explained: "Your Excellency, what I mean is, what if the Ming Dynasty uses the prince as a pretext to support the restoration of the Southern Dynasty again?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's eyes flashed with anger, but he still explained patiently.

"The "Meitoku Peace Treaty" has stipulated that the next emperor will be succeeded by Prince Kokura Mihito of the Southern Dynasty Daikakuji Temple. Both Kongoshin and Prince Kokura Mihito are under my heavy surveillance. There is no one in Ming Dynasty. What kind of turmoil can a legal royal prince stir up? Even the guardian daimyo everywhere will not recognize him."

Putting down the chess piece, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked repeatedly: "Isn't China's consistent strategy to recognize the actual rulers of other kingdoms? The example of Lee's Korea is right in front of us. For the kings and princes who fled to China, it is just a courtesy Is it rare in the Tang and Song Dynasties to support people with sex?"

Koken Myokai was a little angry when he saw Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and didn't dare to say anything.

"Furthermore, if the Ming Dynasty really plans to invade, is it important to have a prince? I'm afraid the safety of the Ming Dynasty's envoys is the biggest excuse."

"If we can treat the Ming Dynasty's general Li Jinglong with respect, and send an envoy to follow the Ming Dynasty's envoy to pay tribute after meeting the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty, then Ming Dynasty will not be able to find a reasonable excuse to launch a war. .”

"China attaches great importance to the teacher's name. If we don't give this name, even if we force the teacher to do so, the teacher will have no name. It will seriously affect morale. When the time comes, there will be a fight. The current approach will be more beneficial to us in the future."

The last sentence finally exposed Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's true thoughts.

"As for the prince, let her go to the Ming Dynasty with our envoy. I wish I could not see her but my heart is pure. I don't know why the Imperial Palace loves this girl from another family so much."

The Muromachi shogunate and the Hino family have been married for generations. The two parties have long been bound together and are inseparable.

This can even be traced back to the rebellion of Ashikaga Takauji in the second year of the Kenbu period, when Empress Daigo hoped to support the emperor of the Chimei-in. Under the instruction of Ashikaga Takauji, Hino Shiina obtained the Kogan-in's proclamation, creating an opportunity for the division of the Northern and Southern Dynasties.

Belonging to the friendship of a rebellion, the Muromachi shogunate and the Hino family have been firmly bound together since then.

Therefore, the third generation Muromachi shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had long been tired of his wife Hino Yeko. This was just a temple marriage.

This is also the reason why he is so fond of Hino Yeko's niece, the young and beautiful Yasuko Hino. Hino Yasuko, who is just thirty-three years old this year, makes him feel much more comfortable than that yellow-faced woman.

For this reason, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu made Hino Yasuko his official wife. The Kitayama Southern Imperial Palace where Hino Yasuko lived was also called the "South Imperial Palace", and even asked his second son Ashikaga Yoshimitsu to recognize Hino Yasuko as his adoptive mother.

However, the childless Hino Yasuko was quite close to Prince Yasukouchi of the Southern Dynasty.

I don't know whether it was out of revenge or other evil intentions, but Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had no objection to Prince Uchi's going to Ming Dynasty, only support.

While the two were talking, the monk's voice came from outside the Zen room.

Gu Jianmiao quickly got up to check, only to see several large wooden boxes being sent into Luyuan Courtyard.

"What's this?"

"This is a gift from the Ming Dynasty general to the owner of Luyuan Courtyard."

"oh?"

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu became energetic. He put down the chess pieces in his hand, got up and followed.

The samurai and ninjas guarding him from Luen Yuan all saluted.

Looking at the several solid wood boxes in front of him, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu became curious.

However, this old fox acted extremely cautiously. He stood far away and commanded.

"Go alone and open the box."