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

Chapter 89 Calling you Brother Fangyuan, do you really think you're an elder brother? (Please subscribe)

Li Fangyuan looked at Zhu Gaoxu, who was standing nearby, his mind filled with doubt.

Despite his extensive experience, he still couldn't understand or comprehend Zhu Gaoxu's sudden visit.

However, Li Fangyuan had a very good impression of Zhu Gaoxu.

Although he was the King of Joseon, compared to Zhu Di's eldest son, a prince of the Ming Dynasty of such rank, his status was clearly insufficient.

Even so, Zhu Gaoxu still addressed him as "brother," which made him very happy.

It should be noted that the methods he used to seize the throne were not exactly honorable.

Immediately after his success, he was bestowed the title of King of Joseon by Emperor Jianwen, and in the first year of the Yongle reign, he was again bestowed the title by Emperor Zhu Di, who had just succeeded in the Jingnan Campaign.

He desperately wanted to gain the attention of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Gaochi's reputation was known even in Korea, especially for his performance during the Jingnan Rebellion.

"Your Highness, the Prince of Han of the Great Ming Dynasty, I am not worthy to be called your elder brother."

The Prince of Xia had long admired His Highness the Prince of Han of the Ming Dynasty. He had heard that during the Jingnan Campaign, His Highness the Prince of Han of the Ming Dynasty charged into battle, killed generals, and seized flags, repeatedly defeating the enemy with a small number of troops. He was deeply impressed.

"If Your Highness, the Prince of Han of the Great Ming Dynasty, does not mind, please call me by my name."

After Li Fangyuan finished speaking, he gestured to Zhu Gaoxu, saying, "Your Highness, the Prince of Han of the Great Ming Dynasty, please take a seat."

Zhu Gaoxu did not move, but looked at Li Fangyuan and slowly spoke.

"You are the King of Joseon, appointed by my father, the Emperor. Although I am the eldest son of the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, I am now on equal footing with you."

I heard of your methods of ascending to the throne back in the Ming Dynasty; I have long admired you.

Now that you are older than me, it is only right that I call you Brother Fangyuan.

Brother Fangyuan, you can simply call me "Brother Xian," which shows closeness and allows us to stay in touch more often in the future. What do you think?

Zhu Gaoxu waited with a smile for Li Fangyuan's reply.

In fact, since the Ming Dynasty was right next door, Korea must have known some of the news.

He especially believed that Li Fangyuan was completely unaware of his struggle with Zhu Gaochi.

In this situation, the questions I just asked were to gauge Li Fangyuan's attitude towards him.

Lee Bang-won's attitude will determine his attitude towards North Korea.

He was the Prince of Han, and Zhu Gaochi was the Crown Prince. It was obvious who would inherit the throne.

Especially now that he has come out and come to the vicinity of North Korea.

In this situation, any normal person would know what to choose.

But Zhu Gaochi was certain of one thing: anyone who could replicate the Xuanwu Gate Incident of the Tang Dynasty in Korea was someone who had done it right under the nose of the founding emperor, and who would kill his brothers and commit fratricide; such a person was no normal person.

As Li Fangyuan listened to Zhu Gaoxu's words, his expression gradually became serious. He looked at Zhu Gaoxu with bright eyes, completely losing his previous humility, and his aura gradually began to emerge.

After exchanging glances with Zhu Gaoxu for a moment, Li Fangyuan then looked towards the door.

"I wish to have a leisurely conversation with His Highness the Prince of Han of the Great Ming Dynasty. All of you, leave now. No one other than His Highness's men is permitted to enter and disturb my and His Highness's enjoyment!"

After Li Fangyuan finished speaking, the soldiers outside the door immediately began to move, going directly to the outside of the courtyard to prevent anyone from approaching.

Zhu Gaoxu's eyes lit up, and he looked at Niu Cheng, nodding slowly.

Niu Cheng bowed respectfully, then led his personal guards to stand guard outside the courtyard. Niu Cheng himself stood at the door, maintaining a high level of vigilance.

Inside the room, only Zhu Gaoxu and Li Fangyuan remained.

Neither of them spoke for a long time before Li Fangyuan slowly bowed.

"I am honored by the high regard of His Highness the Prince of Han of the Great Ming Dynasty, and I will take the liberty of accepting this offer."

"Brother, please take a seat."

"Haha, Brother Fangyuan is the elder, so he should take the seat of honor. Please."

Seeing Li Fangyuan make her choice, Zhu Gaoxu smiled from the bottom of his heart.

This person is definitely not normal.

However, he likes it.

As for being wary?

It's not that Zhu Gaochi is boasting, but compared to the size of the Ming Dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty was truly insignificant.

Historically, the only time this region was able to threaten the Central Plains dynasties was during the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui.

At that time, this place was still Goguryeo.

At that time, Goguryeo unified the peninsula, occupied what is now Nurgan Commandery and parts of Liaodong, and had an army of hundreds of thousands. They were eyeing the Central Plains dynasties covetously, wanting to invade from the northeast and take over the Central Plains.

As a result, he was completely defeated by Yang Guang's three campaigns.

During the Tang Dynasty, they could only be beaten.

Everyone only saw the heavy casualties and the waste of manpower and resources during Yang Guang's three campaigns, but basically no one saw what a huge empire Goguryeo was at that time.

If Emperor Yang Guang had not launched three campaigns to cripple Goguryeo, it would have been as if Goguryeo had invaded the Central Plains.

Adding to the subsequent internal strife, even with Li Shimin, Zhu Gaochi would likely have viewed the situation very differently.

From that point onward, at other times, this place could not threaten the Central Plains dynasty.

Li Fangyuan watched as Zhu Gaoxu settled down below, leaving the main seat above him untouched. Without glancing at it, she followed Zhu Gaoxu to sit down beside him.

"It is a rare occasion for my worthy brother to visit our small country. I must certainly treat you well."

"Hehe, Brother Fangyuan, you should know my current situation, so let's not talk about it. I have to go back and take charge of the overall situation."

Although I have defeated a portion of the main force of the Japanese army, Brother Fangyuan is well aware that the Japanese army numbered far more than 100,000.

I've already come out, and it would be a bit awkward for me to go back to find Daming.

I suffered there; Brother Fangyuan, do you have any advice for me?

Zhu Gaoxu didn't waste any words with Li Fangyuan. His attitude was clear now, and any further probing would be superfluous.

Li Fangyuan looked at Zhu Gaoxu, who had a smile on his face, while he himself was also thinking deeply.

He knew some things about Zhu Gaoxu, but while he didn't know the details, he knew it couldn't be that bad.

What is Zhu Gaoxu's purpose in saying this now?

Is it simply a matter of needing help?

Li Fangyuan rejected it outright.

Zhu Gaoxu came all this way to him; it couldn't be something so simple.

This kind of thing can be done by sending someone else.

Li Fangyuan pondered for a long time, and Zhu Gaoxu did not disturb him, waiting quietly.

Finally, Li Fangyuan seemed to have made up her mind.

"My dear brother, our small country is a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, and that will never change."

But I, your humble brother, support you. Now that you are in trouble, how can I sit idly by?

But I, your foolish brother, must also be responsible for the people of this small country.

Zhu Gaoxu listened quietly, his expression remaining calm and undisturbed even at this point.

He knew that Li Fangyuan hadn't finished speaking.

What I'm saying now is just a further test after we've determined our stance.

Just like he did just now.

A moment later, Li Fangyuan's voice continued to come.

"In the territory of Munemoto no Satoshige, the lord of Tsushima Island, there are still many people from small countries who have been captured by Japanese pirates."

My foolish brother has long lost patience with Zong Zhenmao, and the people are increasingly disappointed and hoping for military intervention.

If you are willing, my dear brother, could you help me save the people of this small country?

To show my sincerity, I will send 50,000 troops, all of whom will be commanded by you, or by a general appointed by you.

After going into battle, casualties are inevitable, and the families of the wounded and injured soldiers will certainly be heartbroken.

If we can capture Tsushima Island, I will move my family there as well.

As for the ownership of Tsushima Island, since you helped your foolish brother and the small country, it naturally belongs to you.

All the money, food, and supplies needed for the expedition should be provided by the small country.

Besides, my virtuous brother has been of great help to my foolish brother and our small country, and I should repay you with generous gifts.

"I wonder when my dear brother will have the time to remove this malignant tumor from Tsushima Island for me?"

Zhu Gaoxu stared intently at Li Fangyuan, speechless at this unusual act.

He could have 50,000 troops built for him, and if he wanted, he could have 20,000 or 30,000 casualties. In order to ensure that he would not have any worries, the families of those 20,000 or 30,000 casualties would be sent to Tsushima Island, which was given to him by Lee Bang-won.

This means that Li Fangyuan essentially sent him 20,000 to 30,000 troops, including his family.

After all, at that time, these people were his own army, not the Korean army.

In addition, North Korea would not take a single penny from anything related to Tsushima Island after the war, and would even prepare an extra generous gift.

To put it bluntly, this generous gift was given according to his needs.

In this way, Ri Bang-won satisfied him, and no one in North Korea could say anything to Ri Bang-won; on the contrary, they would support him.

After all, this strengthened their ties with the Ming Dynasty, especially since they had also connected with him.

Ultimately, he was Zhu Di's eldest son, the Prince of Han of the Ming Dynasty, and a prince with real power.

At this point, Zhu Gaoxu truly began to look at Li Fangyuan with new respect.

He is indeed a ruthless person who can fight his way out using those methods; he is truly extraordinary.

Even if he ultimately failed, even if Zhu Gaochi or Zhu Zhanji had ascended to the throne in the Ming Dynasty, they would have been completely powerless against Korea and could not find any leverage against them.

If he succeeds, all of this today will be an investment made by Ri Bang-won on behalf of North Korea.

But what he wanted wasn't just that.

I call you Brother Fangyuan, do you really consider yourself an elder brother?

"Don't worry, Brother Fangyuan, I will inform my father about this matter and let him know your feelings for the Ming Dynasty."

Li Fangyuan's pupils contracted, and she looked at Zhu Gaoxu with horror in her heart.

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