Di Ming

Chapter 377 "I command you all to surrender to the Ming Dynasty!"

Upon seeing the visiting cards from Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong, Zhu Yin finally understood that these two remarkable individuals had been influenced by the time traveler and were now wailing over their achievements.

He remembered that Sun Chengzong in history should have passed the imperial examination by now. But Sun Chengzong was still a Xiucai (a lower-level scholar), which meant that he had failed the provincial examination.

There's also Gao Panlong, who historically passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). However, his visiting card now reads "Gao Panlong, a late-blooming scholar from Wuxi." This indicates that Gao Panlong has not yet passed the imperial examination.

The butterfly effect of time travel has truly changed the fate of many people.

Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel sorry for Sun Chengzong. "It's all my fault. I've caused you to be over thirty and still haven't passed the imperial examination."

In Zhu Yin's view, while the imperial examinations relied on solid skills, they also depended on luck and fate. Once one missed the opportunity, even with greater abilities in the future, one might never pass. Just like actors and writers in later generations, talent alone wasn't enough to guarantee fame.

"No, I will go to greet you!" Zhu Yin did not wait and actually took the initiative to descend the steps to greet him.

Before long, two scholars in their early thirties, dressed in white, arrived together. The one on the right had a broad forehead and piercing eyes, and walked with a steady gait. Though travel-worn, he exuded an air of dignified elegance. The one on the left had a lean face, a gentle and refined demeanor, and deep, profound eyes that revealed the tranquility unique to scholars.

Even though it was their first meeting, Zhu Yin immediately guessed that the person on the right was Sun Chengzong and the person on the left was Gao Panlong.

When the two scholars saw Zhu Yin greet them with such a warm smile, they were immediately filled with gratitude for his kindness and respectfully straightened their clothes, bowing and saying:
"This junior, Gao Panlong, greets Mr. Zhihu."

"This junior, Sun Chengzong, greets Mr. Zhihu."

Zhu Yin had many titles and honorifics, such as Grand Tutor, Junior Marshal, Vice Minister, Marquis of Jiangning, Grand Chancellor, Military Governor, etc., but the title most valued by scholars was: Mr. Zhihu.

In their eyes, some people, even if they hold high-ranking official positions, are not worthy of the title "Mr."

But Zhu Yin is fully deserving of the title!

In recent years, Zhu Yin, as a representative of the Qingliu faction of ministers in the court, with the title of passing the imperial examination with top honors and the merits of pacifying the Northwest, coupled with the propaganda of the Xuanshe organization and the Huya organization, has a distinguished reputation among the people and scholars.

Many scholars even considered Zhu Yin to be a "perfect man".

Otherwise, given their personalities, Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong would never have taken the initiative to travel to Korea to pay their respects and request to serve in the shogunate.

"No need for formalities, no need for formalities!" Zhu Yin returned the greeting respectfully. Then he smiled warmly and said, "It is an honor to have two esteemed gentlemen come to see me. Please!"

Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong were both taken aback by the approachable manner of this high-ranking military commissioner, feeling somewhat flattered. Zhu Zhihu was treating them with such courtesy? He showed absolutely no airs of authority.

The two looked up and saw Zhu Yin with a kind gaze and a warm smile, as if he were an old friend, which moved them deeply.

It is said that Zhu Zhihu was a man of refined taste and high moral character, and treated scholars with respect. Although young, he had the demeanor of Xie An, which commanded respect. And indeed it was true.

The two bowed again and said, "Mr. Zhihu, you are too kind to us. Please, sir."

Ning Qingchen found this scene truly amusing. Two men in their early thirties were addressing a sixteen-year-old boy as "younger brother" (or "junior brother").

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhu Yin invited the two men inside and said kindly, "I feel like we've known each other for ages, it's as if we've known each other for a long time. May I ask your names, Brother Sun and Brother Gao?"

He certainly knew their courtesy names, but he could only ask knowingly.

"My given name is Zhisheng," Sun Chengzong said, "I fear it might offend Mr. Zhihu's ears."

Gao Panlong said, "My name is Cunzhi."

Zhu Yin suddenly burst into loud laughter: "My name is Yin, and my courtesy name is Zhihu. Brother Sun's courtesy name is Zhisheng, which means 'to bind a tiger with a rope.' Brother Zhisheng, have you come here today to bind me?"

Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. They hadn't expected Zhu Yin to be so humorous, and their previous restraint vanished instantly. Sun Chengzong laughed and said:

"I, a junior, would not be able to bind Mr. Zhihu, this flying white tiger with wings on its ribs and a peach in its mouth, even if it were an iron chain, let alone a mere child's rope."

Upon hearing the words "White Tiger," Zhu Yin stumbled and nearly tripped over the threshold. Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong immediately steadied him, asking, "Are you alright, sir?"

Zhu Yin chuckled and said repeatedly, "No problem, no problem."

Ning Qingchen, who was following behind, also chuckled.

The two entered the hall, where tea was immediately served, and they sat down according to the proper etiquette between host and guest. This was hardly the scene of a commoner paying homage to a superior; it was more like old friends reuniting.

"Brother Zhisheng, Brother Cunzhi." Zhu Yin addressed them directly by their courtesy names, without any arrogance befitting a high-ranking official. "I originally intended to treat them well, but due to various matters in the army, I can only keep things simple."

"My two brothers have come from afar; I'm sure they have something to teach me."

He already had a plan in mind. These two men had been unable to take up official positions for a long time, and being over thirty years old, they had lost interest in the imperial examinations and were somewhat disheartened. So they came to the army hoping to find a job.

It's a pity that so many talented people were wasted on the imperial examinations, wasting their youth. For scholars who passed the county-level exams and those who passed the provincial-level exams, entering officialdom through the ranks of advisors was also a viable path.

Sure enough, Sun Chengzong said loudly, "Sir, you have humbled yourself to befriend us. We are humbled and humbled. We have failed the imperial examinations and have not yet achieved fame. However, upon hearing of the Japanese pirates' rampage and the troubles of the country, we dare not avoid the world. Therefore, we have come to serve you and are willing to do our best to contribute our meager talents."

Gao Panlong looked somewhat embarrassed. "I have taken the imperial examinations three times, but have failed each time. I can no longer take them. I am destined to remain a candidate for the civil service examination. I have a heart that yearns to serve my country, but I am ashamed."

According to the current imperial examination rules, a candidate who fails the provincial examination three times is disqualified from taking the exam. What he didn't know was that if it weren't for the time traveler's appearance, he would have passed the imperial examination several years ago.

"Brother Zhisheng, Brother Cunzhi." Zhu Yin personally served hot tea. "Fame and fortune are fleeting opportunities, but serving the people and benefiting the world is our duty. Confucius was in distress in Chen and Cai, and Mencius was trapped in Qi and Liang, but their teachings... became even more evident."

"You two gentlemen have the world in your hearts and have traveled thousands of miles to come here. Such integrity and responsibility far surpasses passing the imperial examination!"

Zhu Yin's expression was sincere, and his tone was earnest. "There is no distinction of rank or status here, and there is no need to refer to yourselves as juniors. It is best if we address each other as brothers. If there are like-minded people, we can discuss the Way. Zhu Yin wishes to hear your two wise opinions. In this chaotic world, what is the fundamental way to govern the country, bring peace to the nation, and apply knowledge to practical affairs?"

This was certainly not a test. Zhu Yin knew that both men were exceptionally talented and insightful, and there was no need for a test. He simply wanted to give them an opportunity to express themselves.

Gao Panlong took a sip of hot tea and said gently, "In my humble opinion, the key to governing a country lies first in 'rectifying the mind and making the will sincere.' The Great Learning says, 'From the emperor down to the common people, all must regard self-cultivation as the foundation.'"

"Take the scourge of the Japanese pirates for example. If we examine its root cause, we fear it lies in the decline of morality and the loss of traditional values ​​in our dynasty. If the court wishes to repel foreign aggression, it must first secure internal stability. To secure internal stability, it must begin with educating and reforming people's hearts. If those in power are loyal and devoted to the country, and those in the countryside are knowledgeable in propriety and righteousness, and if the people are of one mind, then internal troubles will naturally disappear, and external threats can also be resisted."

“If people’s hearts are not upright, then righteousness will not exist. If people’s hearts are concerned with change but not with danger, then they will naturally be cowardly and unable to resist aggression.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin almost exclaimed in approval. Gao Panlong's words were truly insightful: If righteousness is absent, people will yearn for change rather than crisis, and the populace will become timid. A timid populace will naturally find it difficult to resist foreign aggression.

“This is the principle that inner virtue leads to outward kingship.” Gao Panlong spoke calmly, his eyes shining with a determination to rebuild morality. “If the world is filled with righteousness, even tyrants cannot succeed, and corrupt officials cannot hide.”

"The education of people's hearts is by no means empty talk or general discussion. As long as the government's politics are improved, public morality and governance are practiced, and the administration is made clear and transparent, it can subtly influence people's hearts like a gentle spring breeze and a nourishing rain."

"Excellent, excellent!" Zhu Yin nodded in approval, deeply agreeing. He understood Gao Panlong's meaning. Gao Panlong was a classical democrat, and his words were not empty rhetoric, but rather carried a constitutional flavor.

This was one of the most progressive figures in constitutionalism during the late Ming Dynasty, advocating for a system that limited imperial power and encouraged broad participation in government and political affairs.

Gao Panlong boldly expounded that "Heaven gives birth to the people not for the sake of the ruler, but establishes the ruler for the sake of the people," overturning the "divine right of kings" and endowing the emperor with the function of a servant. He declared: "If the ruler oppresses the people, then the people can question Heaven!"

Historically, this man's method of resisting the imperial court was to initiate public opinion and debate, using public opinion to check the court's tyranny.

With such audacity, it was no wonder he couldn't survive. He ultimately committed suicide by jumping into the water.

Gao Panlong has a very high moral standard, just as he described in his poem: "His heart is as pure as flowing water, and his body as light as white clouds."

Upon hearing this, Sun Chengzong put down his teacup and replied:
“Brother Cunzhi said that ‘rectifying the mind and cultivating sincerity’ is the foundation of governance, and I wholeheartedly agree. However, I believe that the current situation is so precarious that relying solely on moral appeal may not be enough to address the urgent situation.”

If Gao Panlong was more concerned with the moral cultivation of people, then Sun Chengzong was more concerned with practical results. One was metaphysical, the other practical. And the two happened to be close friends.

His eyes shone brightly. "Guanzi said, 'When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame.' To govern a country, one must clarify laws and regulations, verify names and realities, promote military farms, facilitate water transport, and strengthen military preparedness. The people must have stable livelihoods, the soldiers must be well-fed, laws must be strict, and rewards and punishments must be credible. Only in this way can the foundation be solid, the benevolent way be implemented, foreign enemies be defended, and the people be pacified at home..."

Sun Chengzong's voice was steady and powerful, with a penetrating quality; he was more concerned with solving specific practical problems.

Zhu Yin listened to the two men express their opinions, his eyes revealing undisguised admiration, and nodded slowly, saying:
"What you two gentlemen have said, whether emphasizing the essence of mind and nature or advocating the application of practical achievements, may seem to be different paths, but in fact they lead to the same goal. For example, the balance of Yin and Yang is an indispensable pair of wings for the great path of sages."

He looked at Gao Panlong and spoke eloquently, as if from a superior position:
“Brother Cunzhi’s concern about the decline of morality is truly insightful. Without the foundation of inner sagehood, external governance is like water without a source or a tree without roots. When people’s hearts are not upright, the more complex the laws become, the more corruption and malpractice will arise. The work of education is like a gentle rain, seemingly slow and inefficient, but it is actually the cornerstone of long-term stability. To rectify people’s hearts, cultivate good customs, and bring benevolence to the world is the fundamental strategy, and I wholeheartedly agree.”

He then turned to Sun Chengzong and affirmed in the same way:
"Brother Zhisheng's emphasis on practical learning and governance is particularly insightful. The Book of Documents says, 'The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace.' If the people's livelihood is impoverished, the granaries are empty, and the military is neglected, even if one has the heart of Yao and Shun, it will be difficult to implement benevolent governance throughout the world. In extraordinary times, extraordinary practical governance should be implemented. Clarifying laws and regulations to restrain evil, encouraging production to fill the granaries, and strengthening the military to deter barbarians are all essential for a good ruler and cannot be neglected."

Zhu Yin stood up, his wise eyes gleaming, his tone deep and resolute: "However, mind and deeds, inner sage and outer king, are like body and soul, knife and blade, how can they be separated? The prince advocated 'unity of knowledge and action.' Mind and deeds are the soul of deeds, and deeds are the application of mind and deeds."

“A government without benevolence is prone to cruelty, like the tyrannical laws of Qin; a government without benevolence is prone to empty talk, like the public discourse of the Wei and Jin dynasties.”

Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong had always been friends, but they also often argued. They understood Zhu Yin's words, of course, but they couldn't agree on which was more important, or who should be the primary and who should be the secondary. Now that they heard Zhu Yin mention this point, they knew that the debate could be settled today, and they listened attentively.

Zhu Yin was nothing like a sixteen-year-old boy; every sentence he uttered sounded prematurely mature, and every word he spoke was ancient and aged. He took a sip of tea and continued:
"Brother Cunzhi's teachings, which emphasize sincerity and integrity, are the foundation for building character and establishing the core. Brother Zhisheng's pragmatic and effective strategies are the means to strengthen the body and bones. Only by integrating the two can benevolent governance have a solid foundation and practical governance have a soul. Neither should be neglected, nor should there be a difference in urgency. I have a common saying to sum it up: we must grasp both hands and make both hands strong!"

"We must grasp both hands firmly?" When Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong heard this, they felt that although it was indeed vulgar, it was extremely apt, with a wonderful sense of elegance in its commonness.

Just from Zhu Yin's words, one could tell that Mr. Zhihu was indeed erudite, naturally gifted, and possessed profound insights, no less than the great Confucian scholars of his time. Zhu Yin sat down and touched the tiger tooth fossil on the table. "Take the current fight against the Japanese pirates, for example. We must not only enforce military discipline, procure and transport provisions, and repair the city walls, but also comfort the refugees, proclaim the message to the Korean people, and unite them in a shared hatred of the enemy. These two aspects should proceed in parallel, complementing each other, and only then can we defeat the enemy and restore the East."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell into a brief silence.

The sharp light in Sun Chengzong's eyes softened, revealing a deep thoughtfulness. He nodded heavily and said:
"I humbly accept your instruction. Mind and nature are the essence, and practical achievements are the application. Only when essence and application complement each other can we reach the Great Way. I am willing to cultivate benevolence in practical matters and practice the Way of the Sages with real learning."

Gao Panlong looked pleased and said, “Sir, your teachings are invaluable! In the past, I may have focused more on cultivating my character, but now that you have pointed this out, I realize that empty talk about character is of no use to the world and is a disservice to the teachings of the sages. I am willing to integrate the study of rectifying the mind and cultivating sincerity into all kinds of practical matters, so that benevolence can be put into practice.”

Zhu Yin was filled with anticipation upon hearing this. He hoped that the spiritual and intellectual strength of the Chinese people could truly grow stronger. The kind of people a nation has determines the kind of country it will become.

The late Ming Dynasty was a time of moral decay and spiritual collapse, which was also the spiritual root of the Manchu Qing Dynasty's ability to seize power and colonize the country. If the national spirit were strong, even if the Ming Dynasty fell, how could a small foreign tribe from beyond the Great Wall have risen above hundreds of millions of Han people?

Sun Chengzong and Gao Panlong stood up together, bowed respectfully to Zhu Yin, and remained silent.

Looking at these two historical figures before him, who, despite their failure in the imperial examinations, possessed lofty ambitions and profound thoughts, Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He hoped that these two stars would shine even brighter in the future sky of the Ming Dynasty.

"I am deeply grateful for your help, brothers." Zhu Yin also stood up and returned the greeting with a cupped hand. "The road ahead is long and arduous, but those who share the same aspirations will find their way together. I wish to work with you two brothers, with this heart, this will, and this life, to jointly realize the way of saving the world and bringing peace to the people."

"Today, I would like to ask you two to stay at the shogunate and temporarily serve as scribes and recorders."

Gao Panlong said, "That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask."

Sun Chengzong also said, "Thank you, my lord! Since you have shown me favor and allowed me to join your staff, I will do my utmost."

He's only a scholar at the county level now, and I'm afraid he'll never have a chance to pass the imperial examinations. Joining Zhu Yin's staff would be the best option for him.

In fact, with their talents and learning, they had other options. But they also needed to make a choice.

Although they came to see Zhu Yin today with the intention of joining his inner circle, they also wanted to test whether Zhu Yin was truly worthy of their service.

Now they are certain that their decision to come to North Korea was the right one!

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "Good! From now on, we're on the same side. At noon today, General Qi will be leading his troops out of the city. I want to give you a good show!"

.........

At the beginning of noon, the war drums in Yizhou City shook the heavens.

Large contingents of Ming troops marched out of the city in succession and lined up in formation south of the city.

Meanwhile, upon learning of the Ming army's large-scale troop deployment out of the city, the Japanese troops also emerged from their camps and formed ranks. A characteristic of the Japanese army was that if the enemy came in a grand and imposing formation, they would not retreat but would insist on seeing the true strength of the enemy first, unless the disparity in troop strength was too great.

In terms of morale, the Japanese army was rarely willing to suffer losses and would not easily show weakness.

Both sides mobilized hundreds of thousands of troops, their footsteps thundering like surging waves. Standing on high ground and looking down, one could see that within a radius of twenty miles, there were soldiers everywhere, covering the sky and the earth, an overwhelming and imposing sight.

"Waaaaah—thump thump thump—"

The sounds of horns, war drums, and conch shells blended together. A chilling atmosphere filled the world, and even the bright spring sunshine of the afternoon seemed to turn cold and hard.

South of Yizhou City, north of Heduo Mountain.

The two armies, each numbering 150,000, were arrayed in battle formation. Their iron armor gleamed coldly, and a chilling aura permeated the heavens and earth.

At noon, the two armies will meet one mile apart and confront each other, each with large shields and shield chariots in front.

Japanese Commander-in-Chief Kiyomasa Kato and Vice General Kagetaka Kobayakawa stood side by side on a high platform, dressed in exaggerated and ornate costumes, with their respective horse markings and family crests displayed behind them.

Sixty thousand Japanese troops were arranged in a "fish scale formation," densely layered. Behind the shield wall at the front were fifteen thousand arquebusiers. Behind them were ten thousand archer foot soldiers, followed by three thousand iron cannons, and in the middle and rear were a large group of samurai wielding katana, forming a strict and disciplined formation.

The flanks and the interior were filled with spear-wielding foot soldiers, numbering as many as 20,000, each wielding a spear that was a full ten and a half feet long, resembling a giant hedgehog.

The rear flank consisted of 5,000 Japanese cavalry, all of whom were hatamoto samurai.

The fish-scale formation, numbering 60,000 people, was imposing and covered an area of ​​nearly two miles, a vast, dark mass resembling a dark cloud.

As soon as the Japanese troops lined up in formation, their distinctive military music began to play softly. The conch shells sounded deep and long, and the taiko drums beat with precise rhythm, creating an indescribable sense of dread.

Kato waved his folding fan, and several samurai messengers holding command fans galloped down on horseback to deliver the order. They waved their command fans while shouting, their tricolor military flags waving and their family crests prominently displayed.

The 60,000 Japanese troops immediately became even more imposing, not even a cough could be heard, for they were completely silent.

Just seeing this discipline made many Ming generals look solemn.

Japan is truly a formidable rival!
The Ming army's main formation was also in place. The military commissioner Zhu Yin and General Qi Jiguang sat in their command posts, with the Ming army's banner fluttering high behind them.

The formation of 90,000 Ming troops was incredibly imposing.

More than a hundred cannons were arrayed at the front, muzzles pointing forward. The core of the central army, the Qi Family Army infantry, formed a double-layered formation, with shield bearers in front, followed by wolf-brush bearers, spearmen, and halberd bearers, layer upon layer.

The left and right flanks were occupied by Jurchen cavalry, who were ready to charge. In the center were infantry squares, armed with spears, broadswords, and muskets.

"Boom boom boom—" Three blasts of the horn boomed, and the war drums beat slowly and heavily, keeping the rhythm of the entire army in unison. As soon as Qi Jiguang waved his five-colored command flag, several messenger cavalrymen sped off to deliver the order. Wherever they went, the sun and moon flag, the dragon flag, and the flags of various generals waved and fluttered in turn.

Zhu Yin was dressed in a magnificent suit of bright armor, with an eagle perched on his shoulder and a large black dog wearing specially made armor at his feet.

The boy's gaze was utterly indifferent as he looked at the Japanese army formation opposite him, his eyes turning ashen.

He suddenly waved his hand.

Several guards immediately obeyed and left.

...

Kato Kiyomasa and Kobayakawa Kagetaka, standing in the Japanese army formation, also wore solemn expressions.

In just a few days, the morale of the Ming army has soared, a stark contrast to what it once was.

A few days ago, key locations such as Shuozhou, Anzhou, and Guicheng were suddenly captured by the Ming army, and the retreat route of the Yizhou camp was cut off by the Ming army within a few days.

When they first heard that the Ming army had changed its commander, they didn't take it seriously because they no longer regarded the Ming army as a threat.

Who would have thought that the tide of battle would turn within days!
Both men were well aware that the Divine Kingdom's army faced an unfavorable situation in Yizhou. But so what? As long as they could inflict another major defeat on the Ming army, the Ming army's temporary advantage would vanish.

The Kingdom of God will prevail!

Just as Kato Kiyomasa was about to order an attack to test the new Ming army commander, he suddenly saw two open wagons appear in front of the Ming army's formation. The people on the wagons were vaguely recognizable and seemed somewhat familiar.

"Huh? What?!" The vice admiral Kobayakawa Kagetaka, who was standing next to him, suddenly exclaimed in surprise.

He squinted, staring intently at the approaching open wagons of the Ming army, a bad premonition suddenly rising in his heart.

Why does that woman look more and more like His Highness Taiko's principal wife, Kita no Mandokoro Nene?

Kato Kiyomasa rubbed his eyes hard, his expression growing increasingly astonished. What was going on? That man looked so much like His Majesty the Emperor?

Not only the two men, but many Japanese generals were also taken aback.

A poisonous unease instantly spread throughout the entire Japanese army formation, and an atmosphere of unease immediately descended upon them.

Many Japanese generals suddenly recalled a rumor circulating in Korea: that Japan's homeland had been torn apart, and that the Emperor, the Imperial Family, and court officials had all been captured by a Ming Dynasty delegation and taken to the Ming Dynasty…

They had previously scoffed at this rumor, not believing it at all, and everyone thought it was a rumor spread by the Ming Dynasty.

But now…

While the Japanese generals were still in shock and doubt, they suddenly saw a Ming cavalryman leap out on his horse. Then, with a "whoosh," a whistling arrow with a yellow letter attached to it was shot out a hundred paces in front of the Japanese army formation.

"Is it a letter?"

Kato Kiyomasa ordered the yellow letter to be brought out. Upon opening it, he immediately saw the incredibly familiar handwriting of the word "honorable," and most strikingly, eight characters were prominently displayed:
"I hereby order all of you to surrender to the Ming Dynasty!"

Nani? !
Kato Kiyomasa and Kobayakawa Kagetaka were stunned.

It turns out that this was not a letter, but actually an imperial edict.

His Majesty the Emperor's edict!
(End of this chapter)