It can't be said that it was the entire nation's effort, but Zhu Xiong Ying certainly had one of the most outstanding people of this era, and their abilities have been proven.
Thanks to the abilities and expertise of these individuals, coupled with Zhu Xiong Ying's insightful guidance, they achieved some truly delightful results. The largest silver mine in Japan was set to begin large-scale mining decades ahead of schedule.
At its peak, this silver mine contributed 40 tons of silver annually to the Ming Dynasty, amounting to one million taels of silver. Besides tribute to the Ming Dynasty, it also engaged in trade with Portugal and the Dutch East India Company. This silver mine produced approximately one-third of the world's silver at the time.
Old Zhu was overjoyed; his beloved grandson had brought him so many surprises.
Previously, the Maritime Trade Office was just a small-scale operation, merely a training exercise for Old Zhu's grandson. In fact, the current revenue generated by the Maritime Trade Office has already greatly satisfied and delighted Old Zhu.
But now it's different; this is an even bigger surprise, a surprise that I never dared to believe before.
The tipsy old Zhu looked at Zhu Xiong Ying and said proudly, "Biao'er, our grandson is really something! Who would have thought that such a small, barbaric place as Japan would have such a silver mine!"
Da Zhu was also very happy. After a drunken hiccup, he said, "Father, Ying'er wanted to lift the sea ban, and you complained a lot in private! If it weren't for my persuasion, where would our Great Ming have such a silver mine!"
Yes, in the eyes of Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yuanzhang, the silver mines in Japan now belong to the Ming Dynasty.
In previous years, the Japanese ruler was unable to control the Wokou (Japanese pirates), which is a crime. After the Ming Dynasty was established, the island nation of Japan failed to pay tribute and become a vassal state, which is also a crime. Furthermore, tiny Japan dares to call itself the "Emperor," when it is clearly just a "King of the Han Dynasty."
Let us drink a large cup of wine, this is the greatest joy of all!
For Zhu Yuanzhang, this was not only an additional source of money for the Ming Dynasty, but also because his own children had become successful.
I've received some information over the past few days. Actually, that large silver mine was discovered by the native Japanese long ago. However, mining and refining were extremely difficult operations for Japan at the time. Due to the limited technology available, large-scale operations were not feasible, and the mine was also affected by war. As a result, mining at the Iwami Silver Mine was intermittent and remained largely unknown for a long period.
This is definitely a huge mine. At least based on the information we have so far, if those foreigners didn't exaggerate their achievements, it's an unimaginably huge gold mine.
The notion of a country that will not be conquered is a lie; as long as there is sufficient benefit, that is enough.
“Ying’er, in my opinion, although Japan is currently embroiled in war, it still has some strength.” Old Zhu said, looking at the map. “Let’s occupy the silver mine first, and then send troops from Korea to completely conquer this land.”
As shown on the map, the Iwami Ginzan is located on the western side of Honshu, Japan, on the Sea of Japan side, which is roughly the future Shimane Prefecture.
Although the Ming Dynasty's navy is currently powerful, cross-sea operations are never easy. To launch a full-scale offensive, a springboard is naturally needed.
Temporarily occupying Shimane Prefecture is naturally not a problem. However, if we want to gain full control over the area, Korea is just a springboard. Just like when the island nation launches an offensive against Korea, crossing the Tsushima Strait would be much easier.
Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and pointed to the map, saying, "Grandfather, Liaodong has recently been annexed. Our Ming Dynasty's border troops are strong and well-equipped, and we will have to use force there sooner or later. We can attack Goryeo from Liaodong, and our Ming Dynasty's navy can also set off from the sea and occupy Ulsan as a base."
Ulsan, which later became Busan in South Korea, faces Japan across the sea. Now, however, it is a place where Japanese pirates run rampant.
Old Zhu smiled; Zhu Xiong Ying was right. However, in Old Zhu's view, Zhu Xiong Ying's idea was too simplistic. Conquering these two regions directly wouldn't be so easy; launching a full-scale war of annihilation required considerable preparation.
Remembering something, Old Zhu asked, "For this silver mine, we should also mobilize our troops. Ying'er, you previously mentioned enfeoffing princes; how about we enfeoff Yunhu as the King of the Japanese Pirates?"
Zhu Xiong Ying immediately grinned foolishly, as if she didn't understand.
Old Zhu lightly patted Zhu Xiong Ying on the back of the head, saying in an annoyed tone, "Your brother can't bear to see him suffer in the wilderness. Then your royal uncle should go there?!"
Zhu Xiong Ying still didn't understand and continued to giggle. But seeing that his giggling wouldn't get him anywhere, Zhu Xiong Ying finally said, "Grandfather, Yun Tong is too young and has never led troops before."
“We’re not joking with you. We’re thinking that if it’s suitable, we’d like to send your sixth uncle to Goryeo.” Old Zhu laughed, no longer joking. “Your sixth uncle is knowledgeable in military affairs, so we can rest assured that he will be there to guard the region.”
Zhu Xiong Ying's sixth uncle is the current Prince of Chu, Zhu Zhen.
This was a powerful vassal king with considerable military achievements, having pacified many areas in Yunnan and Guizhou and suppressed numerous rebellions by various ethnic minorities. At the time of the war, this vassal king was led by Tang He, the Duke of Xin, and Zhou Dexing, the Marquis of Jiangxia.
This was also one of Zhu Yuanzhang's strategies: nominally, princes were not allowed to interfere in local affairs. However, in emergencies, princes could mobilize the garrison troops stationed in the kingdom's territory.
Whenever there was a military campaign, the princes would lead their guards to accompany the army. Even the most powerful generals, who were renowned on the battlefield, were sometimes subject to the control of the princes.
The princes in the early Ming Dynasty were quite powerful; they weren't treated like pigs after Zhu Di usurped the throne.
Zhu Xiong Ying thought for a moment and said, "Let Fourth Uncle handle things in Japan?"
"Fourth brother?" Old Zhu thought for a moment and said, "Your fourth uncle is not good enough. The silver mine is a big deal, and we don't trust him."
The concern about Zhu Di wasn't about him rebelling. Rather, it was that while Zhu Di had some military reputation and had previously garrisoned Beiping and trained troops, he still lacked practical combat experience.
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