Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 349 Can a woman become the Queen of Japan? Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?
Looking at the other person's attire, Zhang Yunxiu realized that they didn't seem to be there to study at all; instead, they looked like they were ready to be picked at will.

He squinted, suppressing the restlessness in his heart.

He wasn't without lust, but his life was clearly more important than lust.

How can you believe that these repressed and perverse Japanese people have any normal logic in their actions?

Therefore, Zhang Yunxiu showed neither greed nor joy on his face, but instead spoke with a stern expression.

"Who sent you here?"

Zhang Yunxiu's words were quite authoritative, causing Hosokawa Iya to tremble slightly, and she immediately felt flustered.

"That...I also have a problem to discuss with you, sir, but I can't find you anywhere, so I had no choice but to resort to this tactic. His Majesty has also spoken on this matter."

Zhang Yunxiu said without any mercy, "His Majesty's decree did not order you to come to my study. How dare you, a woman, trespass into my study alone?"

Although there were no secrets in the study, almost no one could understand the things Zhang Yunxiu painted on a daily basis.

However, this was Zhang Yunxiu's private residence after all, and it was probably because of the emperor's name that Hosokawa Iya was able to come here without any hindrance.

After all, it was common knowledge in the capital that the emperor had sent the Japanese woman to study under Zhang Yunxiu.

Zhang Yunxiu cursed the "dog emperor" in his heart again and continued to scrutinize the seemingly innocent but actually scheming Japanese woman.

Hosokawa Iya suddenly prostrated himself on the ground, his words filled with earnestness.

"I am also terrified. I am a Japanese woman, born in a barbarian land, and have never received etiquette and education since childhood."

I only knew the proper etiquette of respecting teachers. In Japan, students would naturally serve their teachers. I never expected to anger my teacher!

If you are angry, then please punish him accordingly!

With tears streaming down her face, she prostrated herself before Zhang Yunxiu, her entire body almost touching the ground.

Punishment?

Zhang Yunxiu wore a strange expression. Perhaps influenced by information from later generations, he felt that if he were to truly punish the other party, it would seem like a reward.

"Cough cough~"

He couldn't help but cough twice, inwardly admiring the Japanese woman. He glanced out the window, then casually picked up the teapot on the table and poured himself a full cup of tea.

A rustling sound immediately came from outside the window, hidden in the wind and easily missed unless you were paying close attention.

Better safe than sorry. If Hosokawa I had made any unusual movements just now, crossbow bolts would have been fired from outside.

Zhang Yunxiu looked at Hosokawa Iya, who was lying prostrate on the ground, and had to admit that Japanese women were indeed talented in this area.

Hosokawa Iya was thin and not particularly handsome in the Ming Dynasty, but he had a natural charm.

Her figure was also excellent. Following the Japanese custom, she knelt on the ground, her whole body prostrate, squeezing out her curves.

Zhang Yunxiu glanced at her twice, forcing himself to look away. If it weren't for his firm Dao heart, he might not have been able to keep such a woman who was gentle and refined in public, well-versed in poetry, literature, and etiquette, and who was charming and obedient in private.

Zhang Yunxiu had reason to suspect that the Hosokawa family had deliberately cultivated such a woman to use in a "honey trap," whether it was aimed at the Ming Dynasty or other Japanese nobles.

But since things have come to this point, it would seem strange for him to keep keeping everyone at arm's length, so he might as well play along.
So Zhang Yunxiu squinted and said.

"Are you here to learn something new?"

Upon hearing this, Hosokawa Iya became excited, as if a spring breeze was blowing on her face. She looked up and widened her eyes.

"Does Your Excellency wish to teach Iya?"

She quickly got up and took two steps forward, seemingly wanting to come closer.

Zhang Yunxiu stopped him instantly, narrowing his eyes and saying, "You should sit down and talk. Since you want to become my disciple, you should let your master know your background."

Hosokawa Iya paused for a moment, then nodded slightly.

"This is the proper course of action."

She paused for a moment before introducing herself.

"My daughter, Hosokawa Iya, comes from the Hosokawa clan, a pillar of the Minamoto clan and a retainer of the Ashikaga Shogunate."

Zhang Yunxiu interrupted him, saying meaningfully, "Do you know Luye Zanliang?"

Hosokawa Iya froze instantly, looking at Zhang Yunxiu in disbelief.

"Lord Shiyuan, do you even know about Princess Luye Zanliang of our country?"

Given the current level of knowledge dissemination in Japan, even some ordinary daimyo might not know much about this historical figure, yet Zhang Yunxiu, a Ming dynasty person, is able to name him.

Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, "I learned this from the history of the Tang Dynasty."

He spoke casually.

"This Luye Sanra was a Japanese princess born during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty. In the fourth year of Zhenguan, King Shuming of Japan sent Inu no Mitasuki as an envoy to Tang China to learn about official systems and etiquette."

Princess Runo Sanra was born in the nineteenth year of the Zhenguan era. At the same time, Japan, emulating the Tang Dynasty, implemented reforms, abolishing hereditary nobility and establishing a central court, an event known historically as the "Taika Reform."

Zhang Yunxiu narrowed his eyes and said, "And this Princess Luye Sanra is none other than your future King Jitō, isn't she?"

“King Jito?” Hosokawa Iya corrected. “It should be King Jito.”

She immediately understood and lowered her head to add a sentence.

"Before the superior nation, I dare not call myself emperor."

Zhang Yunxiu nodded slightly, without offering further explanation. While the Japanese might prefer to be addressed as "Emperor," for the Ming Dynasty, the highest title for Japan was "King," a political matter.

How dare you, a mere vassal state, call yourself emperor?
Nowadays, the Japanese obviously don't dare to insist too much on such matters, so Hosokawa Iya naturally changed his tune.

"Queen Jitong was the third queen of our country. Although the Taika Reform had been implemented for decades when she was in power, she still made some achievements. Her implementation of the 'Eight-Color Surnames' and the 'Field Distribution System' were all modeled after the 'Three Departments and Six Ministries' and the 'Equal Field System' of the Tang Dynasty."

In ancient times, being well-versed in literature and philosophy was, in a sense, equivalent to being well-versed in history and politics, and Hosokawa Iya's understanding in this regard was clearly not wrong.

Zhang Yunxiu's eyes lit up immediately, and he then asked.

What is your opinion of this reigning king?

Hosokawa Iya was a little confused, but still answered obediently.

"Although the Queen was a woman, she was diligent and hardworking. She cultivated virtue and good governance domestically and learned from the Tang Dynasty. The 'Tang culture' originated from this."

Furthermore, the construction of 'Fujiwara-kyō' was modeled after the Tang Dynasty's Chang'an, and the etiquette and education there were also aspects of its construction.

If we're to make a comparison, while King Chitong may not be as powerful as Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, he could certainly be called the Wu Zetian of Japan.

After saying these words, even she herself was filled with emotion.

Zhang Yunxiu narrowed her eyes, somewhat surprised. This person seemed to have some real talent and knowledge. She had only mentioned this person, and she had explained the whole situation as if she knew it by heart.

It's good to have ability! That's exactly what we need!
He nodded slightly, generous with his praise.

“Miss Hosokawa is indeed learned. Even your daimyo would find it difficult to explain these words clearly.” Hosokawa Iya’s face had long since lost its charming expression, and instead her eyes were clear, like a Confucian scholar discussing knowledge.

Upon hearing Zhang Yunxiu's praise, her joy was palpable, and she covered her mouth and chuckled softly.

"This is our country's history. I don't usually do anything important, I just like reading. Our country's classics are just those few. I've read them over and over again, so naturally I remember them clearly."

Zhang Yunxiu narrowed his eyes slightly and suddenly said something.

"What was Hosokawa's view on women ascending the throne and becoming queen?"

Hosokawa Iya was startled and quickly lowered her head to speak.

"Lord Shiyuan may not know, but our country is different from yours in that the 'King' is a descendant of Amaterasu Omikami. Since Amaterasu Omikami is a woman, she is naturally less bound by many restrictions."

Another point is that if the prince is still young, the queen is the best choice to prevent various forces within the country from interfering.

Furthermore, in our country, there are often 'shamans' who perform rituals to pray for blessings. These 'shamans' are the mediators between gods and humans, so it is natural that there would be less resistance for a woman to become a queen.

Zhang Yunxiu shook his head and said, "I'm not asking you why Japan has a queen. I'm asking Miss Hosokawa what her views are on women ruling as queens."

Hosokawa Iya was somewhat flustered, unsure of Zhang Yunxiu's meaning.

She stammered.

"Throughout history, women have been few and far between, only under specific circumstances."

"It is acceptable to say that people have men and women, but is it acceptable to say that one has seen men and women?"

Zhang Yunxiu emphasized his question.

Hosokawa Iya looked somewhat incredulous. She suddenly looked up at Zhang Yunxiu, not understanding why he would say such a thing. He was a man!
Moreover, isn't the difference between men and women something that has existed since ancient times?

Zhang Yunxiu smiled and said, "These words are not mine, but those of Li Zhi, a great Confucian scholar of the Ming Dynasty. He often said that a person's insight and ability have nothing to do with gender, but are determined by the environment."

If a woman is capable, she can also fight on the battlefield. If a woman has the power to rule the world and can shoulder this responsibility, it is not surprising that she becomes a queen.

Everything is based on ability, not gender.

Hosokawa Iya was struck dumb, his mind seemingly blank for a few seconds, before his gaze toward Zhang Yunxiu became increasingly longing.

She nodded emphatically and said, "Lord Shiyuan's new learning is just as I expected; it is the best learning in the world."

Seeing that the little white rabbit had fallen into the trap, Zhang Yunxiu couldn't help but increase his strength as he continued to talk eloquently.

"The so-called scientific way emphasizes seeking truth from facts. I wonder if Miss Hosokawa knows about Mr. Wang Anshi of the Song Dynasty."

"It's Wang Anshi!" Hosokawa Iya said with some excitement. "Wang Anshi has a very prestigious reputation in our country."

Zhang Yunxiu nodded slightly: "As Mr. Jiefu said, those who bear heavy responsibilities must have deep worries, and those who hold high positions must have heavy duties."

The emphasis is on 'concern' and 'responsibility'; if women can also shoulder this 'concern' and 'responsibility,' they too can gain entry into the inner circle of a family.

Zhang Yunxiu had already made his point clear, but Hosokawa Iya still seemed not to understand. She bowed respectfully and said...

"I will surely remember Lord Shigen's encouragement."

Zhang Yunxiu couldn't hold back any longer and said in a low voice.

"That Luye Zanliang can be called the King of the Throne, and that Ba Yuqian can also be called a heroine, known as a warrior. Our Chinese history also has Liang Hongyu of the Southern Song Dynasty, who is a heroine among women."

Must women always be subservient to men?

Hosokawa Iya trembled slightly. These words seemed to have stirred something within her. She gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, almost lowering her head to her chest.

"What exactly does Lord Shi Yuan mean?"

Zhang Yunxiu narrowed his eyes: "Or is it that Miss Hosokawa is going to be a tool of the family, and the meaning of her life is to sacrifice herself in order to gain benefits for the family?"

The young lady from Hosokawa is well-read and her intellect and talent are no less than any man's. Why would she squander her life like this instead of pursuing a truly remarkable career?

"Don't say it!"

The usually gentle and refined Hosokawa Iya suddenly lost her composure, appearing flustered and even forgetting the purpose of her trip.

"These are utterly treasonous words!"

Hosokawa Iya seemed to be shouting at himself.

"Iya is a daughter of the Hosokawa family, and she has come here to protect the honor of the Hosokawa family. How could she dare to have any other thoughts!"

Zhang Yunxiu's lips curled into a smile, showing no intention of letting the other party off the hook, and he fired off a barrage of questions.

"Science is inherently a heretical discipline. If you wish to learn new science, you will inevitably have to deviate from past rules and regulations!"

"Hosokawa Iya, didn't you come here to study science?"

"I know!" Hosokawa Iya seemed to want to shout out his heart, "But it shouldn't be like this. Our country follows the decree of Amaterasu, and the throne should naturally be inherited by the bloodline of Amaterasu."

Zhang Yunxiu laughed contemptuously: "When the Kamakura Shogunate was established four hundred years ago, the Japanese royal family had already become a puppet. Is the so-called bloodline of Amaterasu really so supreme?"

"Please, sir, stop talking!"

Hosokawa Iya lost all his strength and collapsed to the ground, looking terrified.

But Zhang Yunxiu knew that this Japanese woman was very different from other Japanese people. If she did not have such thoughts in her heart, she should be angry, not fearful.

Her fear stemmed from believing her own words and from having had such thoughts, yet she was bound by societal norms.

Zhang Yunxiu continued speaking as if in a demon's whisper.

"There is a saying in China, I wonder if Miss Hosokawa has heard of it."

He paused, then spoke slowly and deliberately.

"As the saying goes, a brave man either lives or dies, and that is enough. Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?"

Upon hearing this, Hosokawa Iya's expression changed. The impact of these words was indeed quite strong, especially for those with ambitions, it was even more exhilarating.

Hosokawa Iya completely lost his usual well-behaved image, and his expression even became somewhat ferocious.

She rolled up her sleeves to cover her trembling hands, which were trembling with excitement.

She was so cautious that she didn't dare to look Zhang Yunxiu in the eye.

Hosokawa Iya suddenly stood up, bowed to Zhang Yunxiu, and said.

"Please forgive me, Lord Shiyuan, but I am feeling unwell today, so I will return home now. I will seek your guidance again another day if I have the opportunity!"

Zhang Yunxiu remained silent and did not offer any response.

Hosokawa Iya couldn't wait for a response and rashly walked out of the study. His steps became more hurried as he left the study, as if he were fleeing in panic.

(End of this chapter)