Di Ming

Chapter 320 "Life is but fifty years..."

The snow-covered landscape is beautiful as a painting, and plum blossoms bloom everywhere in front of the courtyard.

Zhu Yin wore a plain satin cloak, a crimson brocade overcoat, a mink fur short jacket, a black fox fur collar, and ochre-yellow deerskin boots. He wore a Zhongjing crown on his head and a jade belt around his waist, adorned with seven pieces of green jade.

This young man from the Central Plains had an air of nobility and wealth, walking through the snow with his flowing sleeves, making him extremely eye-catching in the crowd.

Zheng Guowang, on the other hand, wore a dark red cloak, a silver fox fur jacket, a snow fox apron, and white jade pendants and pendants around his waist, exuding the air of a noble young master from the Central Plains.

In terms of demeanor and bearing alone, the two envoys were simply impeccable, truly bringing honor to the Ming Dynasty and befitting the envoys of a celestial empire.

Zheng Guowang walked to a plum blossom tree in full bloom, casually broke off two branches, inserted one into his own crown, and gave the other to Zhu Yin. Zhu Yin took it and inserted it into his Zhongjing crown as well.

Ming Dynasty scholars and officials liked to wear flowers in their hair, a refined and unrestrained style that was rare enough to still command respect from the Japanese.

When they were led to the well-arranged Kansukuro at the foot of Mount Nago, many Japanese nobles stared at it intently.

Zhu Yin stood tall and elegant, looking up at the sky, like a pine tree or a bamboo stalk in the snow. Countless noble ladies either gazed at him with admiring eyes or whispered among themselves.

Chacha and Kaihime had already arrived at the highest pavilion. The two were dressed in golden Tang-style robes, their hair tied up with hairpins, and with swords hanging at their waists. They sat side by side under the eaves where the bamboo curtains were half-rolled up.

One had downcast phoenix eyes, the other had cherry blossoms glistening with dew. Against the backdrop of the swirling pink snowflakes outside the corridor, they resembled a pair of snow lotuses.

Chacha, holding a cherry blossom and cypress fan, half-concealed her face as she looked at Zhu Yin approaching through the snow, and smiled sweetly:

"Those who come in the snow are like figures in a painting. Those who come amidst the blooming flowers and trees are like figures in a dream."

Princess Kai lightly waved her cypress fan and smiled brightly:

"Your mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. Then her adopted son must be the most handsome young man in the world. He is truly a man as beautiful as a crane."

Chacha's tone was a little regretful, "His Highness Taiko has asked me to return to Osaka to rest during my pregnancy, and I'll be leaving soon. I wonder when I'll be able to see Hideyama Maru again."

Little did this woman know that Zhu Yin was not Xiushan Maru at all.

The younger brother she remembered, Xiushan Maru, was long gone.

At this time, the Japanese dignitaries also arrived, and found their seats among the well-arranged, undulating pavilions.

The tallest, three-story main building in the center was as high as the ancient pine tree on the ground; people upstairs could reach out and touch the pine branches. This was the pavilion where Hideyoshi, Ieyasu, and others drank and watched the snow. The Ming envoy was, of course, also in that spot.

The musicians from hereditary musical families also began to play the sheng, zheng, pipa, dragon flute, hegu, taiko, and shakuhachi, but it was a piece called "Nazenri," a soothing melody often used to welcome guests before banquets.

As the music played, Zhu Yin led a group of people to the highest level, where they took their places one by one. Because it was a Wu family banquet, everyone sat cross-legged, so there was no need for them to sit formally (kneeling).

Zhu Yin brought thirty people to the banquet. Zheng Guowang, Xu Wei, Hong Ying, Wu You, Kangxi, Lancha, Nurhaci, Wei Zhongxian, and others were among them.

As soon as Zhu Yin went upstairs, he saw several noble ladies smiling at him, but he could only see half of their pink faces hidden by cypress fans.

Among them are Chacha and Kaihime.

However, on this occasion, Zhu Yin, as an envoy of the Ming Dynasty, could not speak directly to the women. He could only nod in greeting, but he felt that their eyes, as clear as autumn water, lingered on him, carrying a faint warmth and a touch of joy.

Next, Date Masamune and others arrived and bowed to Zhu Yin.

Then there were senior officials such as Tokugawa Ieyasu and Mori Terumoto, as well as the Five Commissioners represented by Ishida Mitsunari.

Zhu Yin greeted them one by one. A characteristic of the Japanese is that they are very particular about etiquette on the surface, even if their hearts are despicable.

It's a pity that Toyotomi Hidetsugu, the current Kanpaku and puppet ruler, is no longer at Nagoya, but is managing Jurakudai in Kyoto; otherwise, we could have met him.

However, Tiger Fang had already made contact with this person. As Hideyoshi's current successor, and a historical figure whose entire family was wiped out by Hideyoshi, Hideyoshi was naturally a prime target for Tiger Fang.

The group waited a while longer, watched the snow scene, and recited a few lines of haiku and waka, watching as the snow fell even heavier.

It wasn't until the food and wine were served that His Highness the Grand Prince, the grand finale, finally arrived, much to everyone's delight.

"His Highness the Taiko has arrived!" came the announcement from the master of ceremonies, and Hideyoshi's entourage appeared downstairs.

Hideyoshi held the position of regent, and his carriage was a Tang-style oxcart from the Heian period, with gold foil and betel nut leaves covering the roof, highlighting his noble status as "the ruler of the land".

Because of his humble peasant background, Hideyoshi pursued luxury, admired splendor, and emphasized pomp and circumstance after he rose to power.

A large contingent of musketeers, dressed in full armor, with Japanese swords at their waists and arquebuses in hand, escorted Hideyoshi on his journey.

This personal guard, his personal bodyguard, numbered as many as five hundred men. Each of them was equipped with the finest arquebuses, naginatas, and muskets, making them the most elite musket unit in Japan.

With the addition of 300 people in the feathered canopy and drum ceremonial guard, the procession reached as many as 800 people, truly magnificent and imposing.

It was just a banquet, but Hideyoshi made a huge fuss about it. Well, that's how it always was when the Taiko (Hideyoshi) traveled.

Seeing Hideyoshi's pomp and circumstance, Ieyasu felt extremely disgusted and secretly sneered, but he could not show it. Instead, he stood up and took the initiative to greet him.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but smile slightly upon seeing this scene.

Hideyoshi was adept at turning his weaknesses into strengths. He used his background to win over the common people, touted himself as approachable, and called himself "Taiko of the People." He also displayed a so-called benevolent attitude in his land surveys and sword hunting edicts.

In folk tradition, his appearance was idealized as a sign of good fortune, with descriptions such as "large ears reaching his shoulders and a prominent nose like a benefactor," symbolizing his destiny.

But once he gets to a big event, his nouveau riche attitude is completely exposed.

As Hideyoshi stepped off the oxcart, dressed in a golden Tang-style robe, many samurai prostrated themselves in obeisance.

Even Ieyasu bowed respectfully and said, "It is a great honor for us that the Taiko has come despite the snow."

He was noticeably taller than Hideyoshi, but standing next to him, he was bent over and bowed his head, following him in a submissive manner, and was about the same height as Hideyoshi.

"Hehehe!" Hideyoshi waved his military fan and laughed, "Gentlemen, please dispense with the formalities and take your seats."

"Today, as we enjoy the snow and have a feast, I would like to invite you all to recite many poems."

The banquet officially began once Hideyoshi was seated.

The dance and music also transformed into the masked dance and music piece "Lanling King," a refined music of the Tang Dynasty, often performed at military banquets to demonstrate military might.

Dozens of masked warriors, wielding Tang swords and halberds, shouted and danced in the heavy snow, their voices echoing between mountains and sea.

Gagaku originated from the banquet music of the Tang Dynasty. Japan almost completely copied Tang Dynasty music, and although it has undergone localization, it still retains a strong Tang Dynasty style. Today, not only the imperial family and nobles, but also the samurai families mainly use Tang Dynasty Gagaku.

The members of the delegation felt a great sense of familiarity upon seeing the Tang Dynasty palace drama "Lanling Wang," which had long been lost in the Central Plains.

Maeda Toshiie suddenly smiled and asked, "Envoy Ming, how does our country's 'Lanling King' dance and music compare to yours?"

Many Japanese dignitaries wore malicious smiles.

Because they knew that the Ming Dynasty had no refined music. When the Ashikaga clan's envoys visited the Ming Dynasty, they said that the Ming Dynasty had been influenced by foreign customs and had lost its refined music.

Maeda Toshiie's question at this moment was clearly intended to embarrass the Ming envoy. Zhu Yin didn't care and calmly smiled, "The Ming Dynasty no longer has 'Prince of Lanling,' so why talk about Gao Changgong in this world?"

To respond with such ambiguous humor is quite a slippery way of dodging the question.

Ieyasu smiled seemingly kindly and said, "The Ming envoy's words are truly insightful. Times have changed, and these words do make sense now."

While seemingly helping Zhu Yin out of a predicament, it was actually a veiled criticism of the Central Plains, revealing that the country was no longer what it used to be. This man was not only adept at concealing his true feelings, but also liked to speak with a veiled and indirect tone.

Zheng Guowang and Xu Wei were both well-versed in music theory, and upon hearing Japanese banquet music, they couldn't help but feel somewhat ashamed.

China is the mother of Japanese culture, and music is no exception. However, they could tell that Japanese banquets and music were better than those in the Central Plains.

Zhu Yin, however, knew that by this time, a gap had already widened between Chinese and Japanese music.

Students surpass teachers!

After the fall of the Song Dynasty, the Mongol Yuan Dynasty emphasized music associated with the Zhisun and Hui peoples, leading to a break in the transmission of Chinese court music and even the interruption of the Eighteen Tones. By the early Ming Dynasty, almost no one could carry on the traditions of Tang and Song court music. Music became increasingly foreign and secularized, emphasizing liveliness over artistic conception, resulting in a severe decline in aesthetic appreciation.

After Emperor Taizu of Ming ascended the throne, he condemned the "barbarian customs that disrupted Chinese culture" and issued an edict to restore court music. Unfortunately, court music had been interrupted for a century, and only a small amount survived in the sacrificial music of the Confucius Temple. The court music restored in this way was already far removed from the true court music.

Japan has completely inherited the elegant music of the Tang Dynasty, and has almost inherited the culmination of Chinese music from the pre-Qin period to the Han, Sui and Tang dynasties. There is no break in the lineage. Although there have been localized variations and developments, the lack of a break in the lineage has allowed it to be passed down continuously to later generations.

This is why Japanese music has become so powerful in modern times: it has drawn inspiration from ancient Chinese music.

In terms of music, it's like an adopted son inheriting his mantle.

In fact, not only in music, but also in most areas of culture, the Ming Dynasty after the Mongol Yuan Dynasty was inferior to the Tang and Song Dynasties.

Therefore, there was always a school of thought in the Ming Dynasty that advocated "learning from the ancients," such as Dong Qichang.

Zhu Yin glanced at the arrogant Japanese dignitaries and sneered inwardly.

You Japanese grew up on the milk of China, yet you've become ungrateful wretches, turning around and trying to devour China. You're truly ungrateful.

One day, I will watch you dance in Chang'an. Then you may realize that China is China, and the Celestial Empire is the Celestial Empire.

My Great Ming Dynasty must never be humiliated!

Hideyoshi "knew" that Zhu Yin was Oichi's adopted son, and fearing that Zhu Yin would be embarrassed, he raised his wine cup and said, "Today's banquet will not discuss peace talks or military affairs; let's just enjoy the snow and drink wine."

"For more than forty years since the Ashikaga and Ouchi dynasties, diplomatic relations between Japan and Ming have been severed. The arrival of the Ming envoy to Japan this time can be considered a joyous occasion."

He didn't mention peace talks because he knew the Ming Dynasty would never agree to his conditions. Therefore, there was no need to bring up peace talks again.

He was confident in his fighting skills!

Just as everyone was about to drink, a bell rang downstairs, seemingly from a messenger. Then they heard a "thump-thump" of someone coming upstairs, and a warrior covered in snowflakes appeared before them.

"Your Highness!" The samurai prostrated himself with joy, "News from the capital: His Majesty has issued an edict granting the Lady Kita-no-Mandokoro the title of 'quasi-third empress,' and she may use the chrysanthemum crest as her family emblem!"

"The imperial edict is on its way and will definitely arrive within three days."

Upon hearing this, all the warriors were delighted.

"Huh?!" Hideyoshi stood up dramatically. "Why would Your Majesty bestow Nene upon a near-third empress? I have no extraordinary achievements. As Your Majesty's subject, isn't it my duty to serve Japan? Your Majesty has misplaced your favor."

"If Ningning accepts His Majesty's reward, she will probably be so ashamed that she won't be able to sleep all night."

Ieyasu's lips twitched, and he quickly stood up and prostrated himself, saying, "Your Majesty truly possesses unparalleled merits. Even Izumo Taisha and Ise Grand Shrine pray for you. So, besides bestowing upon Kita-no-Mandokoro the title of Junzo, how else can Your Majesty reward you?"

"Therefore, even if it doesn't put His Majesty in a difficult position, the Grand Secretary should accept His Majesty's good intentions."

Maeda Toshiie, Date Masamune, and other high-ranking officials also stepped forward and knelt down, begging Hideyoshi not to refuse His Majesty the Emperor's goodwill and not to put His Majesty in a difficult position.

Hideyoshi shook his head with a troubled expression, bowed to the east, and said, "Your subject, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, thanks Your Majesty! I will do my utmost to repay Your Majesty's grace, and I vow to conquer Beijing. I beseech Your Majesty to come to Beijing and rule over all nations."

It turns out that the so-called "quasi-empresses" were simply women of the royal family who enjoyed the same etiquette and privileges as royal women. For example, they were allowed to wear chrysanthemum patterns.

In Japan, where lineage and social status are strictly defined, the fact that Hideyoshi, who came from a peasant background, could have his wife Nene treated with the privileges of royalty demonstrates the extent of his power.

In fact, the imperial court had already tentatively offered a reward once, but Hideyoshi feigned refusal.

This is the second time.

In the eighteenth year of Tensho (1572), which was two years ago, the Battle of Odawara, the largest battle in Japan's Sengoku period, broke out.

Hideyoshi raised an army of 300,000 to conquer the Later Hojo clan in Kanto. The total number of troops involved on both sides exceeded 500,000.

As a result, Hideyoshi destroyed the Hojo clan and took over the Kanto region.

Therefore, the Emperor bestowed upon his principal wife, Nene, the title of "quasi-Third Empress." However, Hideyoshi declined.

This time, Hideyoshi was naturally very happy to accept.

But Cha Cha was a little unhappy, though she didn't want to show it.

When Hideyoshi was in a good mood, he would personally perform Noh to entertain everyone. In reality, he was trying to entertain the Emperor, who was far away in Kyoto.

During the Kyushu campaign, Hideyoshi accompanied the army with a Noh troupe and performed "Yashima" on a temporary stage in Hakata, using the narrative of "Minamoto no Yoshitsune's conquest" to boost morale.

Even if he doesn't become the Taiko (Prince of Taiko), he could probably make a living just by performing Noh plays.

Amidst the cheers of the crowd, Hideyoshi, wearing a captain's mask (an old man's Noh mask) and a white kimono, slowly sang: "Life is but fifty years..."

However, at that moment, an old man who had remained seated throughout suddenly stood up and addressed Hideyoshi, who was performing:
"Your Excellency who plays the wise old man, please persuade His Highness the Taiko of Japan to cease hostilities!"

Everyone was stunned. Was this Hideyoshi, the Noh performer, advising the Taiko (Prince)?
Hideyoshi, who was performing, also stopped singing.

Even Ieyasu was worried for the old man at this moment.

Who dared to advise Hideyoshi to cease hostilities? Sen no Rikyu, a highly respected master of the tea ceremony and a close friend of Hideyoshi, was forced to commit seppuku at the age of seventy simply for uttering a word of doubt during the conquest of Korea.

Who else dares to offend Hideyoshi?
Even Kang wouldn't dare.

Another reason why Hideyoshi insisted on conquering Korea and entering Tang China was that he believed it was a good deal with no defense.

If we win the bet, we'll make a fortune. And we'll most likely win; we're almost there now. If we lose, it's not a big deal, because the Ming Dynasty and Korea certainly won't launch a cross-sea expedition to attack the Japanese mainland.

Since Japan is safe regardless of the outcome, why not take a big gamble?
But now, this old man actually took advantage of Hideyoshi's performance to advise him to stop the war!

P.S.: Sorry, I'm out of town today and didn't have any drafts saved up, so updates are few and there are a lot of typos, I'm so upset! Happy holidays everyone, please vote for me!

(End of this chapter)