Di Ming

Chapter 269 What?! An imperial envoy to Japan?!

When everyone heard that the emperor had sent someone, they immediately quieted down and looked at Zhu Yin together.

Nurhaci said with some concern, "Little Tiger Brother, the Emperor has issued an imperial edict. It shouldn't be a bad thing, right?"

Zhu Yin said, "It's just a verbal order, it shouldn't be a big deal. Brother Wild Boar Skin, you guys continue drinking here, I'll go out to greet him."

Although he appeared relaxed, he was inwardly apprehensive.

The fact that no intelligence was sent out from the palace beforehand indicates what? It means that Emperor Baijin's edict was issued very suddenly, without any prior warning.

The emperor may have overheard something from someone close to him, or suddenly thought of something, which is why he sent someone directly to convey the imperial edict.

Otherwise, I would definitely have received the information in advance. Nowadays, the palace's intelligence network is quite comprehensive, and it's difficult to keep the contents of imperial edicts and the movements of the emperor and empresses from my sight.

Zhu Yin quickly changed into his official robes and hurriedly left the ceremonial gate. He saw a magnificent carriage parked at the gate, with several eunuchs and officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard standing quietly on either side.

The main gate of the Zhu residence was wide open. Zhu Yin, dressed in the casual robes of a third-rank civil official, bowed and said, "Your subject Zhu Yin receives the imperial decree and respectfully welcomes the Imperial Envoy!"

There are many types of imperial edicts, with oral decrees being the most casual. However, even when an imperial envoy comes to deliver an oral decree, he will not enter directly; instead, the person receiving the decree will personally come out to greet him.

Two eunuchs lifted the carriage curtain, revealing a young eunuch dressed in a flying fish robe, who turned out to be an acquaintance.

It was Zong Qin, whom Zhu Yin had saved in Nanjing and recommended to Tian Yi, who then gave him an important position!

Zong Qin was originally a eunuch from the Inner Study Hall. Later, he offended a powerful eunuch and was exiled to Nanjing to guard the imperial tombs, becoming the lowest-ranking eunuch and suffering repeated humiliation.

In despair, he attempted suicide by hanging, but was saved by Zhu Yin, who comforted him and recommended him to the Nanjing Garrison Office, where he was highly valued by Tian Yi.

After Tian Yi returned to the capital and was promoted to Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Zong Qin's career also rose accordingly in recent years. At only twenty-four years old, he had already been promoted to Attendant Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, in charge of the Inner Study Hall. His position in the Directorate of Ceremonial was second only to the four Imperial Eunuchs, ranking fifth, making him a powerful eunuch.

Of course, Zong Qin's rapid rise in rank over the past few years was also inseparable from Zhu Yin's covert financial support. This year alone, Ning Caiwei had already privately given Zong Qin ten thousand taels of silver to help him with his affairs in the palace.

With the money, Zongqin quickly gained the favor of Emperor Wanli and Consort Zheng, and began to serve as a duty eunuch in front of the emperor, participating in the transmission of imperial edicts.

Zong Qin's survival and rapid rise to prominence in just a few years can be attributed entirely to Zhu Yin's help.

Zhu Yin was a great benefactor to Zong Qin. He not only saved him, but also gave him a way out, money, and friendship, and even helped him take care of his family outside the palace.

Therefore, when Zongqin saw his benefactor Zhu Yin, he was both excited and happy, and wished he could immediately bow down and pay his respects.

However, he couldn't let others know about his close relationship with Zhu Yin. Zhu Yin had also secretly instructed him to maintain a professional distance on the surface.

So, Zong Qin slowly stepped down from the carriage, slightly tilting his nose up, and said with a somewhat arrogant expression:

"Young Master, why did it take you so long to come out and greet me? It doesn't matter if you neglect me, but I came with my grandfather's orders, so you cannot be negligent."

Zhu Yin found it amusing, but his face remained humble, and he said with a hint of shame:
"Please forgive me, Your Excellency. I was entertaining guests at home just now and was dressed in my casual attire. I had to change my clothes before I could come out to greet you. Please, Your Excellency!"

Zhu Yin's attitude was perfectly normal and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it.

Civil officials have always been wary of the powerful Directorate of Ceremonial, because the Directorate of Ceremonial was close to the emperor and held the highest approval authority: the imperial edict.

Even the Grand Secretaries and Ministers would humbly refer to themselves as "Servant" in front of the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, meaning: a junior who can serve as a servant.

Although Zong Qin was not yet a powerful eunuch, Zhu Yin was not a Grand Secretary or Minister either. His public self-designation as a student before Zong Qin was, of course, in accordance with current custom.

Seeing Zhu Yin's attitude, Zong Qin felt very uneasy, but he was a smart man, so he nodded without showing any emotion and made a perfunctory gesture of invitation, and was invited into the mansion by Zhu Yin.

Upon arriving at the Nine Thoughts Hall, the most prestigious hall in the mansion, Zhu Yin burned incense and stood at the lower right corner of the hall, facing north, cupping his hands in greeting:
"Lord Zong, may we announce the Emperor's decree now?"

Zong Qin nodded indifferently, stood to the left facing south, coughed once, and said:

"Zhu Yin, Vice Minister of War and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, respectfully listens to the imperial edict!"

Zhu Yin cursed the money-worshipping emperor under his breath as he obediently knelt down and kowtowed, saying:

"Your subject Zhu Yin respectfully awaits Your Majesty's decree!"

As soon as Zhu Yin knelt down, all the Zhu family members inside and outside Jiusi Hall followed suit. Only Zong Qin and a group of others remained standing.

Zong Qin, adopting an air of superiority, looked down at Zhu Yin, who was prostrate on the ground, and said in a condescending manner:
"Grandpa is asking you, do you know whose house this was back then?"

Zhu Yin was taken aback. What did this mean?
He could only answer truthfully: "The Zhu residence was originally an imperial mansion bestowed upon Shao Yuanjie by Emperor Shizong. After Shao Yuanjie's death, it was taken back and then bestowed upon the eunuch Mai Fu. After Mai Fu's death, his nephew Mai Xingzong's family fell into ruin and sold it to me."

Zongqin added, "Grandfather said that Mai Fu was in charge of the imperial treasury and imperial estates back then. He was ordered to repair the Qianqing Palace and the Xingdu Xianling Mausoleum and handled countless amounts of gold and silver. He was impeached for embezzling the imperial treasury back then. Emperor Shizong, considering that he was a former official of the Xingdu Prince's residence, did not punish him."

"Today I heard that Mai Fu, fearing punishment, buried the embezzled gold from the imperial treasury under the artificial hill in his mansion. Were you aware of this? Did you knowingly purchase the Mai family's house? Answer me carefully!"

Although Zongqin spoke sternly, he felt deeply apologetic. He also harbored resentment towards the emperor's actions.

What? Zhu Yin's face turned green.

He never expected that the emperor's message would be fabricated out of thin air!

This Zhu Yijun is obsessed with money!
"Your Majesty," Zhu Yin said calmly, "I have never heard of this matter, nor do I know who spoke of it to Your Majesty. In fact, there is no such thing."

Zong Qin said, "Grandpa said that if you didn't know about this, he wouldn't blame you. But the Imperial Horse Administration, which is in charge of the Imperial Stables, might request an imperial decree to search your residence. The country has its own laws, and since this involves embezzlement of the imperial treasury, we can't ignore it."

Even with Zhu Yin's exceptional temperament and masterful control of his temper, he almost blurted out a curse at this moment.

A threat! This is a blatant threat!
If they do not admit that there is any embezzled money buried by Mai Fu in the mansion, the people from the Imperial Horse Administration will come to the mansion to search for it!

Is this supposed to be a search? Is this supposed to be national law?

The meaning behind Bai Jindi's words is clear: If someone tells me today that there's gold in your residence that Eunuch Mai buried years ago, and you say you've never heard of it, that's fine. But the Imperial Stables, which manages the Imperial Treasury, might send someone to look for it. You wouldn't refuse to cooperate, would you?
Not cooperating means you have a guilty conscience.

But could Zhu Yin cooperate? How could he cooperate? Could he allow the Imperial Horse Administration to enter his home to search for the fictitious Mai Fu hidden gold?

What's the difference between this and confiscating property? It's just a different name.

The problem is, the Zhu family really does have a lot of gold. Could this gold found be the gold hidden in Mai Fu's stash?

This is truly extortion in the name of the law! And it's so deceptive that people who don't know the truth might actually believe there's a "Hidden Gold in Macford."

But isn't it normal for a money-worshipping emperor to lead the way in accepting bribes, finding various ways to confiscate property, embezzle state funds, and extort money from the people? It's not like he hasn't done it before in history!
The money-worshipping emperor must have seen my request for leave to get married, remembered that my fiancée was the daughter of a wealthy merchant, and that I was about to marry a mountain of gold, which is why I had such wicked thoughts.

His heart is like a thief's!

This money-grubbing emperor is truly shameless.

If he really cared about his reputation, he would have sent eunuchs to embezzle money and left behind 20 million taels of the imperial treasury, but he would have remained a deadbeat and refused to pay the military salaries until his death.
This is hardly the emperor!

At this point, Zong Qin couldn't help but give Zhu Yin a meaningful look, implying that Zhu Yin should admit he had heard the rumor.

Having heard this rumor, he "found" it himself and handed it over; a few thousand taels of gold were barely enough to get by.

However, if he did not admit it, the emperor could use the "rumored" Mai Fu's hidden gold as a pretext to allow the Imperial Horse Administration to come to Zhu's residence to search for the fictitious "Mai Fu's hidden gold".

The moment the eunuchs from the Imperial Horse Stables entered, things escalated. The emperor wasn't afraid of gossip; after all, who outside dared to say for sure that "Mai Fu's hidden gold" didn't exist?
After a brief moment of anger, Zhu Yin calmed down.

He could only bite the bullet and say, "I suddenly remembered that there does seem to be such a rumor, but I have never verified it. Please allow me to search for it myself and then report back to you truthfully."

This essentially means admitting defeat, painfully paying several thousand taels of gold to appease the palace and fulfill the promise of the fictitious "Mai Fu's Hidden Gold".

Zong Qin breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "In that case, please have the Junior Commander search thoroughly and submit another secret report, and the matter will be settled. After all, it's not a big deal."

Zhu Yin forced a smile and said, "Okay, okay."

He thought to himself, "I thought that after passing the imperial examinations three times and becoming a high-ranking official, I wouldn't have to worry about being swindled out of my money." Little did he know how wrong he was.

Before Zongqin could finish speaking, he continued:
"That's the first thing. There's a second thing. Grandpa heard from the Embroidered Uniform Guard that you are well-versed in matters concerning foreign lands and are familiar with their languages? Did you return from overseas?" This was no secret, so Zhu Yin honestly replied, "Indeed, I returned from overseas. I only have a slight understanding of foreign matters and languages; I wouldn't dare say I'm well-versed in them."

Zong Qin said, "Shen Weijing, recommended by the Grand Marshal, went to negotiate with the Japanese not long ago. Have you heard of any merchants saying that the foreign barbarians intend to form an alliance with Japan to support the Japanese king's plot against the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Yin shook his head and said, "I have never heard of it."

Upon hearing this, a bad feeling suddenly arose in his mind.

Sure enough, Zong Qin continued, "The Grand Marshal secretly reported to my grandfather that although there is still a chance for peace negotiations between China and Japan, we must not allow foreign barbarians to get involved, and we must not allow Japan to form an alliance with foreign barbarians. This is a grand strategy of alliances and counter-alliances."

"However, Shen Weijing is not a high-ranking official of the court. Although he is familiar with Japan, he is ignorant of foreign affairs and is not capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities. You should prepare yourself. If the foreigners really send envoys to Japan to form an alliance, the court may appoint you as an imperial envoy to represent the Ming Dynasty in Japan to negotiate with the Japanese king. Even if the peace talks fail, we cannot allow the foreigners and Japan to form an alliance."

"Grandpa also said that both sides should be prepared for war and for peace negotiations. If a peace agreement can be reached and the Japanese troops can be withdrawn, a noble title can be granted."

Zhu Yin was immediately speechless.

Send me, young master, as an envoy to Japan? I wish to be the strategist in the fight against the Japanese pirates; you have rejected my recommendation.

Then, incredibly, claiming that I understand foreigners, I'm going to be sent as an envoy to Japan to negotiate peace!

What the hell!

As an official envoy dispatched by the Ming Dynasty, there was naturally little risk involved in going to Japan. Hideyoshi would not rashly kill or detain the envoy, so there was no need to worry too much about his personal safety.

However, the humiliation and frustration he experienced after going to Japan were certainly unavoidable.

However, this was the emperor's verbal decree, and his word was law; Zhu Yin could not refuse. He could only curse the money-worshipping emperor several times, saying with utter bitterness:

"Please convey to the Emperor that although I am not talented, I am willing to be sent on a mission by imperial decree."

Zong Qin said, "That's not certain. Whether we can go to see the Japanese king depends on the situation. Even if we can go, the earliest we can do so is October."

Zong Qin had one more thing he didn't say. In the emperor's view, sending Zhu Yin as imperial envoy to Japan was actually a sign of great favor, a lucrative post, and a reward for the silver Zhu Yin had offered.

At least that's what the emperor himself thought.

As an envoy of the Ming Dynasty, how could the Japanese king dare to neglect him after he went to Japan? He would certainly be treated with the best food and drink, and in the end, he would make a fortune.

Weren't the envoys sent to Ryukyu and Korea all considered cushy jobs?
After saying this, Zong Qin said, "Young Marshal, the Emperor's decree has been conveyed. Please rise, Young Marshal."

Zhu Yin stood up and said meaningfully, "Please go to the flower hall for tea and rest for a while, Master Zong."

Zong Qin said casually, "Very well, then I'll try the young Sima's fine tea."

He said to the group of eunuchs and captains who were following him, "You can wait outside."

Then Zhu Yin invited him to the flower hall alone.

As soon as Zong Qin entered the flower hall and saw that there was no one else around, he immediately knelt down and said:
"This servant, Zongqin, greets you, sir..."

Zhu Yin quickly helped him up, saying, "Brother Zong, please don't be like this! We are as close as brothers, why be so formal!"

Zong Qin said with tears in his eyes, "Although we are as close as brothers, I dare not forget my roots. Your kindness to me is like giving me a second life, and your virtue is like the heavens. I am able to live to this day and enjoy my current prosperity and wealth all thanks to you. I only regret that I cannot repay you."

Zhu Yin patted his hand, "Brother Zong is too vulgar! You know, I can't stand seeing good people suffer, and I've never thought about being repaid!"

As he spoke, he personally poured tea for Zong Qin and asked directly:

"Who's spreading rumors to the Emperor, fabricating this story about Mai Fu hiding gold? If that were true, would I even have a chance to buy this mansion?"

Zong Qin said bitterly, "It's that scoundrel Gao Huai! He's doing this to curry favor with the emperor! Knowing that the emperor likes gold and silver, he deliberately fabricated the story of Mai Fu hiding gold in order to please the emperor and instigate the emperor to issue an edict to force his benefactor to bleed money."

"Of course His Majesty knows that such a thing did not happen. But His Majesty is happy to do so and pretends not to know. Gao Huai must be backed by Consort Zheng. She is retaliating against you for making Zheng Guojiu suffer in the court meeting before."

Zhu Yin's face darkened. "This kind of despicable person will be a menace sooner or later."

“Who says otherwise?” Zong Qin nodded. “It’s because he knows how to make money that the emperor agreed to send him to Korea to supervise the army. In my opinion, he will most likely cause trouble in Korea. The emperor is truly blinded by greed.”

"Sir, just say you've found the hidden gold, but only three to five thousand taels. We can't give you any more than that. Consider it money to buy peace of mind."

Zhu Yin gritted his teeth and said, "Give it to me! Several thousand taels of gold is a lot, but it's hard to get through without it. We can't really let those scoundrels search for the Maifu treasure!"

Zong Qin sneered, "The Emperor sent you to Japan as compensation, to receive gifts. He probably thinks you can make a fortune there. How ridiculous."

Zhu Yin asked, "Was it Shi Xing's idea to send me as the imperial envoy to Japan?"

Zong Qin nodded: "It was indeed a secret revealed by Shi Xing. However, Shi Xing recommended you, sir, as if he genuinely believed you were capable of handling this matter, rather than deliberately framing you. The Embroidered Uniform Guard in Guangdong reported to the Ministry of War that the foreign barbarians might send important figures to Japan to form an alliance. Shi Xing was worried about this, which is why he wanted to send a high-ranking official to Japan."

"The cabinet is unaware of this matter yet. After reading the Grand Marshal's secret report, the Emperor has decided to appoint you as the Imperial Envoy. It seems that your departure to Japan is only a matter of time."

"What utter nonsense!" Zhu Yin exhaled a breath of stale air. "I wanted to go to Korea to lead troops, but they want me to go to Japan to negotiate! What kind of situation is this? The emperor's heart is truly unfathomable!"

Zong Qin suddenly said, "The Emperor has been misled by Gao Huai, believing that this man truly understands military affairs. Little does he know that Gao Huai is just a theorist! Hmph, with Gao Huai as the supervisor, the royal army will most likely suffer a defeat if it goes to Korea!"

"If that's the case, a new commander will inevitably be appointed. I estimate that by then, you will have returned from Japan. Among all the officials, who understands the situation in Japan better than you? At that time, your opportunity will arrive. When the court officials recommend you to take over as the military commissioner, that will be the will of the people."

Zhu Yin gave Zong Qin a deep look. "Brother Zong, you really think far ahead. However, I do hope that the royal army will win a great victory and teach the Japanese pirates a lesson."

Zong Qin shook his head. "To be honest, sir, I also hope that the royal army will win a great victory, but the emperor has made a mistake in choosing his men. With Gao Huai as the supervising officer, it's hard not to suffer a great loss."

Zhu Yin thought for a moment, "Gao Huai is the Director of the Imperial Horse Administration, in charge of the Warriors Battalion. After he went to Korea, the position of Director of the Imperial Horse Administration became vacant."

"Brother Zong, would you like to leave the Directorate of Ceremonial and become the Director of the Imperial Horse Administration?"

Zong Qin replied without hesitation, "I want to. Although I am ranked fifth in the Directorate of Ceremonial, it will take me at least several years to become the lowest-ranking Grand Eunuch. The Imperial Horse Administration is second only to the Directorate of Ceremonial, and the Director of the Imperial Horse Administration is only below the Grand Eunuch in charge of the Imperial Horse Administration, and also has the military power of the Warriors Battalion."

Zhu Yin nodded and said, "Then I will help you make arrangements and see if you can be transferred to the Imperial Horse Administration to take over as the Director of the Imperial Horse Administration."

Zong Qin immediately bowed and said, "This servant will not thank you; I will only follow your name!"

The two discussed things in secret for a while, then left the flower hall together.

Once outside, Zong Qin, with his nose in the air, said:

"Alright, the imperial edict has been delivered, and the tea has been drunk. I'll be returning to the palace now. Junior Sima, please don't see me off. Let's go!"

There seemed to be a hint of anger in his tone.

The eunuchs and captains who came with him immediately wondered: Could it be that Mr. Zhihu's gift was not generous enough and that Eunuch Zong was unhappy?

Zhu Yin also looked rather unhappy. He saw Zong Qin to the gate, and before the carriage even started moving, he turned around and went straight into the mansion.

When Zhu Yin returned to Xiaertang, Nurhaci and the others were talking quietly, their expressions somewhat anxious.

"Little Tiger, what's wrong?"

Nurhaci asked with great concern.

"It's nothing serious," Zhu Yin said, feigning indifference. "The Emperor said that Korea will send troops to rescue us, and we should also prepare for negotiations with Japan. The Ming Dynasty is not a militaristic nation; the Celestial Empire has its own magnanimity."

"Therefore, the Emperor intends to appoint me as Imperial Commissioner to go to Japan to deliver the imperial edict."

Zhu Yin's words were presented in a grand and dignified manner. Of course, he wanted to cover up for Wanli, and he didn't mention the absurd matter of the emperor extorting money.

In front of the barbarian leaders, he had to maintain the dignity and prestige of the Ming emperor and not allow Nurhaci and others to look down on the Ming Dynasty and Wanli.

"Little Tiger Brother is going to be an imperial envoy to Japan to deliver a decree?" Nurhaci was taken aback, thought for a moment, and then suddenly said:
"Little tiger brother, I want to go to Japan with you!"

P.S.: Surprisingly, the money-grubbing emperor is sending Little Tiger to Japan. Also, why does Wild Boar Skin want to go to Japan with Zhu Yin? What are his considerations?
(End of this chapter)