“Those were the four commanderies of Han after all. We are reclaiming our homeland,” Zhu Yunying said with a smile. “If we want to become Emperor Taizong in the future, we have to do something.”

Old Zhu pointed at Zhu Yunying and said with a laugh, "Are you bullying me because I'm not well-educated? Although there are the Four Commanderies of Han over there, I remember that Busan is the territory of Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan?"

The Four Commanderies of Han did not completely occupy the Korean Peninsula. However, the Three Han states at that time were indeed driven to a place extremely close to Japan. Most of the Korean Peninsula was occupied by the Four Commanderies of Han.

“Now that we’ve taken over there, it’ll save us a lot of trouble in the future.” Zhu Yunying stopped joking and said seriously, “We still have our eyes on the silver mountain. The Busan Guard is isolated outside, which isn’t a good thing. Besides, even if Fourth Uncle is settled now, it’s hard to guarantee that his descendants will stay put.”

Hearing Zhu Yunying say that, Old Zhu naturally had some thoughts on the matter as well. He didn't think Zhu Yunying was overthinking things.

The Iwami silver mine was something the Ming Dynasty could not afford to lose, as it was one of the main sources of silver for the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Di's territory in Japan is now relatively stable, and his strength is constantly growing. At this point, Zhu Di certainly doesn't dare to confront the Ming Dynasty head-on, and basically doesn't dare to make any moves regarding the Iwami silver mine.

However, it's hard to guarantee that Zhu Di's descendants won't have some designs on the mine one day. After all, the gold and silver in the Shijian silver mine are simply too abundant. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a mountain of gold and silver. With so many good things right under their noses, it's hard not to be tempted.

As for the Ming Dynasty's control over the Iwami Silver Mine, it was naturally through the garrison stationed there. While the Busan Garrison seemed to be able to see the Iwami Silver Mine from afar, it was still separated by the sea. Moreover, the Busan Garrison itself was isolated overseas; who knew when Lee Bang-won and his men might decide to challenge the Ming Dynasty?

If the garrison at the Iwami silver mine falls into disrepair, the Ming Dynasty's main source of revenue will be affected. If the Busan garrison is breached, it will become more difficult for the Ming Dynasty to reinforce its troops at the Iwami silver mine.

Although the two places hold special status, it won't simply be a matter of settling a garrison there. But ultimately, there are many uncertainties.

“We have an agreement, after we take over Korea, your uncle or brother should leave them some space,” Old Zhu said. “If you ask me, leaving them some passage is enough.”

Zhu Yunying understood what Zhu Yuanzhang meant. In essence, if the Korean Peninsula were conquered, it would definitely be divided and enfeoffed. However, it wouldn't be completely enfeoffed; strategic locations like Busanwei should also be linked with Liaodong.

Otherwise, Busan's predicament and Iwami Silver Mine's predicament will remain.

“Of course I know this,” Zhu Yunying laughed and said to his grandfather, “Grandfather, if we’re really talking about it, do you think it would be better for Fu Youde to go, or should we send Lan Yu?”

Old Zhu thought about it carefully and said, "Lan Yu still needs to control the Northwest. You will have to send troops there sooner or later. This time, let Feng Cheng and Chang Mao stay in Yingtian Prefecture, and let Fu Youde take Xu Huizu out."

Chang Mao and Feng Cheng remained in Yingtian Prefecture, naturally to help Zhu Yunying control the Beijing Garrison. Even though the Ming Dynasty seemed to have no need to worry about anyone holding military power, the emperor was prone to overthinking, and military power was a very sensitive issue.

Let Chang Mao and Feng Cheng stay in Yingtian Prefecture. Although they may have limited talent, they are absolutely loyal and reliable.

It's understandable that Xu Huizu followed Fu Youde. One reason was concern for Fu Youde's age, and another was to allow Xu Huizu to learn again how to command large armies. After all, the Ming Dynasty was now relatively stable, with fewer wars and limited large-scale battles; Xu Huizu still needed further experience.

Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh and said to Old Zhu, "Perfect, we can take out the new weapons from our Ministry of Works Academy to practice with them."

Old Zhu didn't say much, but continued, "It just so happens that we also have quite a few soldiers in Liaodong. After being driven out by the Mongols, there have always been soldiers in Liaodong over the years. Speaking of which, those people in Korea should not be underestimated. They used to serve under the Mongols. In recent years, they have also absorbed many remnants of the Mongols and Jurchen barbarians."

Even a lion needs to exert all its strength to hunt a rabbit.

Zhu Yuanzhang had full confidence in the military strength of the Ming Dynasty, but he absolutely did not want to see Zhu Yunying become blindly confident. Korea was indeed not an easy place to conquer.

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