"Greetings, father."

Ashikaga Yoshimochi saluted respectfully, but the chief Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had no intention of asking him to stand up.

"I heard that you just went to ask for an audience with the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty?" Ashikaga Yoshimitsu picked up the wine glass, took a sip and asked. His intention was very obvious, which was to embarrass Ashikaga Yoshimochi.

Those who are here are the backbone of the shogunate. If Ashikaga Yoshimochi wants to truly become the shogun, he needs the support of the heads of the various families present here.

And by saving Ashikaga Yoshimochi's face, the threat he posed to his younger son would naturally be reduced.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi took in the mocking looks from everyone around him, then lowered his head slightly and said, "My father, it was not me who went to ask to see the Ming Dynasty's grandson, but the Ming Dynasty's grandson sent someone to tell me to go and see him."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone burst into laughter.

You really think you are the Shogun. Why would the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty come to summon you?

Except for Lord Ashikaga, it can be seen that the Grandson of the Ming Dynasty has never summoned anyone, not even the Emperor. How can you?

These thoughts echoed in everyone's mind. No one thought that the Ming Crown Prince would be so bored as to summon a ten-year-old shogun. Everyone knew that Ashikaga Yoshimochi was just a puppet in name only.

Amid such ridicule, Ashikaga Yoshimochi's face showed obvious anger, but he could only suppress himself no matter what.

If we leave a bad impression on many family heads at this time, then it would be a pipe dream to rely on it to seize the power of the shogunate in the future.

The military divisions of Japan were similar to the feudal system of the Tang Dynasty, with each family head having his own place.

Even Ashikaga Yoshimitsu needed the support of many family heads to possess real power.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi naturally could not make enemies with the lords present.

"Since you mean that the Ming Dynasty's grandson summoned Yu, then tell me what the matter is."

These words were not asked by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, but by Hino Sukeyasu, the head of the Hino family.

Ashikaga Yoshimochi's eyes flashed with gratitude, and then he continued, "His Royal Highness the Great Ming Crown Prince is very concerned about the friendship between the two countries, especially in terms of military peace."

"This time, the Ming Dynasty's Grandson summoned me over mainly for the future development of the two countries."

At this point, Ashikaga Yoshimochi turned his gaze to his father Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, bowed his head slightly to show respect and said, "The Ming Dynasty's grandson invited my father to meet tomorrow, saying that he can give me a certain number of places in Japan to study at the Ming Dynasty Military Academy."

As soon as these words were spoken, the family heads who were originally laughing at Ashikaga Yoshimochi suddenly stopped.

Even Ashikaga Yoshimitsu stopped drinking the wine that was about to reach his mouth.

"What did you say? The Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty is willing to let us study at the Ming Military Academy?" Ashikaga Yoshimitsu asked in disbelief.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu himself had never actually fought against the Ming army, but just from the Ming army's discipline, combat methods, and the defeat of the local shugo daimyo on the Japanese side, the Ming's military training was definitely far superior to that of Japan.

As for the gift of directly studying military affairs, it was unavailable even during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.

But now the Ming Crown Prince said that the Japanese people can go and learn?

"My lord father, the intention of the Ming Crown Prince is to send Japanese teenagers between the ages of ten and sixteen to the Ming Military Academy for special recruitment training," Ashikaga Yoshimochi added.

The age range is deliberately added.

In fact, Zhu Ying certainly did not say anything about the age limit. It was Ashikaga Yoshimochi who added it himself in order to better win over the hearts of the people.

If they are too old, it will be difficult for him to recruit them.

After hearing this affirmative answer, the heads of various families began to make their own plans.

Going to the Ming Dynasty Capital Military Academy, no matter how much you can learn, will be of great help in improving your status.

In fact, as far as the Ming Dynasty's rule over Japan is concerned, most of the family heads did not hate it as much as imagined, because they themselves were also from the upper class and also exploited and oppressed the people below.

It’s just that due to moral and mutual restraint reasons, they are not as cruel as the princes of the Ming Dynasty.

The conflicts among the nobility and social classes within Japan were equally acute.

During the turbulent years, more lower-class samurai wanted to break the class barriers and become nobles. Even the heads of major families felt very worried about the management of their own families.

In particular, the conflicts between legitimate and illegitimate children became more and more frequent.

If one could send one's legitimate son to the Ming Dynasty for further study, then, among other things, the inheritance would be stabilized.

The heads of the families also hope that their legitimate sons can manage the family more effectively.

The pressure was put on Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu frowned slightly. Being well versed in political wisdom, he immediately realized that this was not a good thing for him.

Since his son was only two years old, it was impossible for him to send him to the Ming Military Academy.

Then the only one who could go was Ashikaga Yoshimochi.

This was equivalent to giving Ashikaga Yoshimochi an opportunity.

But when he looked at the family heads around him who were staring at him closely, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu knew that it was impossible to refuse the Ming Crown Prince.

If they forcefully refused, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction and opposition from a large number of family heads, who would rather send their legitimate sons to the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

After receiving his father's order to leave, Ashikaga Yoshimochi finally revealed a faint smile.

He had been watching his father's expression, and when he saw his pursed lips, he immediately realized that his father already knew the deep meaning of it.

But what could he do even if he knew it? Could he still go against the order of the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty and the ideas of many family heads?

Moreover, these legitimate sons of the family heads will follow themselves, the shogun, to the Ming Dynasty, and this friendship will definitely receive strong support in the future.

The meeting was hastily adjourned, but Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's brows were still furrowed. He had not expected that Ashikaga Yoshimochi actually got the support of the Ming Crown Prince.

"Sir, the head of the Hino family wishes to see you."

Not long after returning to the room, a servant came to report.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu hesitated for a moment and said, "Tell him I'm tired. We can talk tomorrow if there's anything else."

When the servant was about to leave after receiving the order, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu stopped him again and said, "Tell the head of the Hino family that his share will definitely not be less. The details will be discussed after I meet the Ming crown prince tomorrow."

"Also, if any other family heads come to see me, you can say the same thing."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did not expect that these family heads would be so impatient. They came to him privately to ask for quotas before a decision was made.

The Ming Military Academy is simply a holy place in the minds of today's Japanese nobles.

I was already very envious when the court bulletins were circulated, and now that I have the opportunity to study there, of course I will strive for it.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu also knew that those who could come to see him tonight were people he could not refuse.

The next day.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had already requested an audience with the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty through a visiting letter.

It was not until noon that I received a reply allowing it.

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu didn't know whether this was a warning from the Ming Crown Prince.

"The ministers of a small country pay their respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the Celestial Empire."

"You are here, please excuse me. I have heard from your son about what happened yesterday. I suddenly had an idea yesterday, so I asked your son to come over and ask if Mr. Ashikaga is interested in this."

Zhu Ying's tone was somewhat lazy.

After all, he didn't come to Japan alone, he also came with Sultana, who is very clingy now.

Especially after showing off her prowess in the hunting grounds yesterday, Sultana seemed to be even more clingy.

Last night was even crazier.

This resulted in getting up a little late this morning.

"Thank you for your gift, Your Highness. I would like to know how many places are available for studying at the Daming Military Academy."

"After receiving this news last night, someone came to knock on my door in the middle of the night, just to be able to go to Daming to study."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu said this respectfully, but at the same time he felt very aggrieved.

Because in a sense, the Ming Dynasty has already been interfering in Japan's internal affairs. Especially those noble descendants who will go to the Ming Dynasty will definitely be greatly influenced by the Ming Dynasty in the future.

He also suspected that his son Ashikaga Yoshimochi must have some kind of exchange of interests with the Ming Crown Prince.

This has already affected Japan internally, but there is nothing that can be done about it.

"As for the quota, let's have 50 people. I want Ming and Japan to have more friendly exchanges. Studying at the military academy is just the beginning. There will be more areas for cooperation in the future."

Of course Zhu Ying would say nice things, but he couldn't tell Ashikaga Yoshimitsu that this idea was just a sudden one for him.

And they have already figured out how to influence the next generation of Japanese nobles.

Zhu Ying even had some preliminary ideas about the candidates who would teach the descendants of these Japanese nobles.

Those disciples who had followed him in the Western Regions have finally found a place to use their talents.

If the Ming Dynasty could assimilate the descendants of the Japanese nobles, it would be easier for it to control the entire Japan.

If one wants to truly annex Japan, simple conquest will definitely not work. The main point is similar to that of Annan, and the first thing is cultural coverage.

Including Han immigrants and Japanese immigrants.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Ashikaga Yoshimitsu also felt helpless. In fact, he wished the number could be smaller.

Fifty people basically cover all the family heads who followed him. The key is that these teams will most likely be controlled by Ashikaga Yoshimochi in the future, which is a very troublesome problem.

After staying in Japan for about seven days, Zhu Ying prepared to return to Ming Dynasty.

The main reason is that Japan now has no attraction for Zhu Ying and is far inferior to the prosperous capital.

Especially the so-called city, which is inferior to the small county town of Daming.

A population of more than four million may seem like a lot, but in reality it can be considered a sparsely populated area.

Moreover, Japan nowadays is not as fun as it will be in later generations. It is a wasteland everywhere. All the things that were famous in later generations are gone now. Just think of it as if you did not go to Japan in your previous life, and now you have fulfilled your wish.

Sultana also showed signs of pregnancy in the past two days, and after the accompanying imperial physician diagnosed her, it was confirmed that she was pregnant.

Sultana has not yet been canonized, so naturally she has to return to the Ming Dynasty to be canonized first.

Then they had to send a letter to the Angkor Dynasty in the Nanyang region. After all, their daughter would stay in the Ming Dynasty in the future, and Sultana was not sent by the Angkor Dynasty, so they had to explain the situation to them.

With the farewell of the Japanese nobles, Zhu Ying boarded the treasure ship again and left.

Many Japanese nobles had longing in their eyes; they also wanted to know what it felt like to ride on this treasure ship that was as tall as a city wall.

This time Zhu Ying came to Japan for negotiations. Although the trip lasted less than half a month, it had a huge impact on the entire Japan.

The first is momentum.

The appearance of hundreds of treasure ships was enough to have a great deterrent effect on the Japanese nobles.

If you want to rebel against the Ming Dynasty, you must first figure out whether you can resist the Ming army.

The Ming Dynasty dominated this sea area for at least a hundred years. With such a huge ocean fleet, what country could resist?

It can be said that the Japanese pirates have now completely disappeared from Japan.

The Japanese pirates were originally private soldiers of most Japanese nobles, seeking original benefits for their families. Now it is estimated that this support will be cut off.

Moreover, Zhu Ying's visit to Japan this time had a great impact not only on the aristocracy, but also on the Japanese people.

The key point lies in high-yield crops.

Even though anyone with a discerning eye could clearly see that this was just a favor, the people of Japan were the ones who benefited greatly.

The sooner high-yield crops can be planted, the sooner the people of Japan can have enough food to eat.

This difference is enough to save most of the Japanese people.

There are quite a few people starving to death nowadays.

"Your Highness, I heard that you promised to allow the descendants of Japanese nobles to study at the Ming Military Academy. Why can't you allow the descendants of nobles from other countries to study there as well?"

"If the Ming Military Academy is willing to open to the public, many noble descendants of other countries will definitely be eager to come here."

On the boat back home, Sultana, who had never been seasick before, felt a little uncomfortable, probably because of her pregnancy.

Zhu Ying had nothing else to do, so she usually just stayed by his side.

Sultana asked curiously during the chat.

Zhu Ying smiled and said, "You want to invite many people from the Angkor Dynasty to come over, right? Don't worry, I will have someone publish the information about recruiting nobles from other countries in the capital's gazette after I return. Then we will recruit sons-in-law every year."

Sultana's eyes sparkled as she said, "Are you only recruiting men? Can't you recruit some women as well?"

"You don't have to learn military affairs. You can also learn music, chess, calligraphy and painting."

"I think there will be many princesses from many countries who are willing to come to Ming Dynasty to study."

Zhu Ying was immediately reminded.

He had been thinking about how to develop Southeast Asia before, and this is really a good idea.

It’s just that the military aspect is indeed too limited. It can be developed to a greater extent to attract people from all over the world to come to Ming Dynasty to study.

The collision of various ideas was to make the Renaissance happen in the Ming Dynasty.