The Ming Dynasty: A Modern Return, Building an Overseas Empire

Seeing Yao Guangxiao bow to him, Zhu Gaoxu stood up and avoided the bow, refusing to accept it.

Although it is a Buddhist ritual, if you accept this ritual, you will really have no way to explain yourself.

Moreover, having achieved his goal, Yao Guangxiao was clearly starting to get anxious.

He had put in a lot of effort to force Yao Guangxiao to this point, though his words were a bit too hasty. But this was the best he could do.

What do you mean by damaging the face of the nation? Yao Guangxiao is starting to put a hat on him.

These places were indeed vassal states of the Ming Dynasty, but what did they have to do with him?

Moreover, it was merely a vassal state, not part of the actual territory of the Ming Dynasty.

Yao Guangxiao and his ilk were unaware of the hidden resources in these places, but he knew them perfectly well.

However, these are things he doesn't need to consider for the time being.

"Young Master, why are you pressing me so hard? I went to sea only to seek a way to survive, so why are you forcing me?"

The Junior Tutor has retired here, and should be cultivating his character, but it seems he still has his heart set on matters of state.

The Junior Tutor previously presided over the revision of the Yongle Encyclopedia, indicating that he was somewhat fascinated by it.

Since the Junior Tutor has a deep understanding of the East and South Seas, I can write to the Emperor on his behalf to have him preside over the compilation of the Great Ming Navigation Records.

What does the Junior Tutor think?

"What this humble monk has said is all for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, and this heart can be witnessed by Heaven."

Although I have retired here and do not concern myself with worldly affairs, I am still a person of the Ming Dynasty and a Han Chinese.

The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen, let alone a poor monk.

I now urge the King of Han to consider the fate of the Ming Dynasty and its people.

The land of Wa (Japan) is the most suitable place for the King of Han to go, where he can fully display his talents.

But this humble monk is merely offering a suggestion; whether or not the King of Han adopts it is naturally up to him.

As for what the King of Han said, it is certainly not impossible.

Wherever the King of Han goes to take up his fief overseas, if possible, please send a portion of his overseas sentiments to this humble monk.

If this humble monk can truly compile a book titled "The Great Ming Navigation Records," it would be a small contribution to future generations.

Yao Guangxiao didn't mind Zhu Gaoxu's sarcasm and teasing at all.

In his view, the things he experienced in his life far surpassed those of Zhu Gaoxu.

A few words were not enough to disturb his peace of mind.

His retreat from public life had many reasons, including his weariness of worldly affairs.

When Zhu Gaoxu brought up the nautical history, Yao Guangxiao suddenly became very interested.

He was well-versed in Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, and as Zheng He sailed to the Western Ocean, he gradually gained a deeper understanding of the countries beyond the seas.

If he had the time, he would really like to give it a try.

Zhu Gaoxu was taken aback upon hearing this. He had only intended to provoke Yao Guangxiao further, but it turned out that Yao Guangxiao actually wanted to accept the offer.

In an instant, Zhu Gaoxu came to his senses.

His little tricks and schemes were indeed useless against Yao Guangxiao.

Dealing with such a shrewd person, you can't make any decisions until the very last moment.

Zhu Gaoxu said with a smile, "Since you want it, I will definitely write to you when I go to sea."

However, regarding the matter of going to sea, I also asked my tutor to persuade him, but my mind is made up.

As for where to take up my post, I will carefully consider Japan, as the Junior Tutor mentioned, after I return."

After speaking, Zhu Gaoxu bowed to Yao Guangxiao.

Although he was a prince of the Ming Dynasty, he was not required to return the courtesy to Yao Guangxiao.

But he liked Yao Guangxiao's attitude towards Japan.

Moreover, this was the first person around him who had a relatively farsighted view of the ocean.

People only focus on the land of China and the north; how many people pay attention to the sea?

The danger to the Ming Dynasty did indeed come from the north, but the danger to the Han people lay in the sea, on the other side of the sea.

"How can this humble monk accept such courtesy from the King of Han? Please, Your Highness, rise."

Since His Highness the Prince of Han has other matters to attend to, this humble monk will not disturb you any longer and will take his leave.

After speaking, Yao Guangxiao gave a slight bow and then left.

Zhu Gaoxu smiled as he watched Yao Guangxiao's figure disappear into the distance.

He could clearly sense that Yao Guangxiao's attitude towards him was different from before.

From "King of Han" to "Your Highness King of Han," and then to "Your Highness," and truly looking him in the eye, and that salute—this was an acceptance of him.

Zhu Gaoxu didn't care whether Yao Guangxiao approved of him or not; it wasn't important to him.

If he were still in the Ming Dynasty, he might be of some use.

But he was about to set sail, and everything within the Ming Dynasty was destined to have nothing to do with him anymore.

Zhu Gaoxu left the pavilion, and the guards who had disappeared reappeared, following behind him.

Once outside, Niu Cheng was already waiting with his horse.

Despite arriving late, Niu Cheng asked nothing and said nothing, but led the horse to Zhu Gaoxu.

"Your Highness, mount your horse."

Zhu Gaoxu nodded, flipped himself up on the spot, and took the reins from Niu Cheng.

"Let's go back to the manor."

The group then mounted their horses and left Jiming Temple.

Just as Zhu Gaoxu was leaving, Zhu Gaosui hurriedly came to Zhu Di's side.

"Father, the second son has gone back."

"Um."

Zhu Di didn't say anything, not even raising his head, and continued reading the memorial in his hand.

Although he had a cabinet and Zhu Gaochi to help him with affairs, Zhu Di always insisted on doing things personally whenever possible.

He could never truly put his mind at ease leaving the matter entirely to the cabinet.

Zhu Gaosui bowed, and seeing that Zhu Di did not ask anything, he immediately withdrew.

Not long after Zhu Gaosui left, another person walked in, and Zhu Di frowned.

"Is there anything else? Hmm? Young Master, you've arrived. Please have a seat."

Zhu Di's expression changed in an instant, from a slight frown to putting down the memorial in his hand and smiling, all in the blink of an eye.

Yao Guangxiao bowed to Zhu Di, and then, without any further formality, sat down next to Zhu Di.

"Young Master, what has brought you here?"

Zhu Di was puzzled. Yao Guangxiao usually took the initiative to contact him, so there must be something important, and it wouldn't be a small matter.

This is why he put down the memorial immediately.

"Your Majesty, this humble monk just had a chat with His Highness the Prince of Han."

Your Majesty's words are indeed true. Your Highness the Prince of Han has indeed changed. This humble monk feels both unfamiliar with you and full of admiration.

"This humble monk is here to congratulate Your Majesty. It is a great fortune for the Ming Dynasty to have such a prince."

"Hmm? Is that so? My mischievous boy actually received such praise from the young master. That's quite unexpected. The young master didn't say that before."

Zhu Di's smile widened, and he appeared exceptionally happy.

When someone praises your son, isn't that a great blessing?

Although Zhu Gaoxu had caused him a lot of trouble these past two days, he was extremely pleased by the sincere praise from people like Yao Guangxiao.

The more you praise him, the more it proves that he has taught him well, right?

Seeing Zhu Di's cheerful expression, Yao Guangxiao couldn't bear to expose them.

Last night, he didn't know who had gotten into a mental mess because of Zhu Gaoxu's matter, and they were cursing Zhu Gaoxu as a rebellious son.

"This humble monk just asked His Highness the Prince of Han where he wished to be enfeoffed overseas, and even recommended two places to His Highness the Prince of Han, but it seems that His Highness the Prince of Han was somewhat unwilling to go to either of them."

His Highness the Prince of Han has shown great interest in the islands of the South Seas, but this humble monk cannot confirm it.

Upon hearing Yao Guangxiao speak of serious matters, Zhu Di immediately focused his attention.

Zhu Gaoxu only mentioned going overseas, but he didn't have time to ask where exactly, nor did he say.

Now, he is very curious.

Zhu Gaoxu's resolute attitude aroused his great interest in the place Zhu Gaoxu wanted to go.

"Young Master, please explain in detail."

Yao Guangxiao then slowly recounted his conversation with Zhu Gaoxu.