As for Zhu Yunying's act of accepting gifts, he was already numb to it and felt that his younger brother was really like a dead pig that doesn't fear boiling water.
However, this also reflects some things from another perspective, proving that many members of the royal family still yearn for the establishment of a vassal state. They are quite enthusiastic and expectant about this matter, and they want to obtain more opportunities.
This must have relieved Zhu Yunying of a lot of worries. It seems that the decision to establish overseas kingdoms was not seen as a demotion by the imperial clan, and some of them still harbored ambitions.
Zhu Yunwen took the tea and asked curiously, "Brother, what's the situation with Ryukyu now? If the king of Zhongshan doesn't come to court, will our Ming navy really have to go?"
"Of course, we have to teach them a lesson." Zhu Yunying smiled, seemingly not too concerned. "Second son, you must remember that our Ming Dynasty is strong and powerful, so we can act domineeringly. If we always treat them with preferential treatment, those people will lack a sense of fear."
That's exactly the case. You went to the Ming court to request skilled shipbuilders, and the Ming Dynasty generously provided them. But the current ruler has already ascended the throne and hasn't even reported to the Ming Dynasty. This clearly shows that he doesn't take the Ming Dynasty, his suzerain state, seriously.
Since Wu Ning of Zhongshan Kingdom does not take the Ming Dynasty seriously, the Ming Dynasty needs to respond with a tough stance.
Zhu Yunwen, lounging lazily in his chair, asked curiously, "If Fifth Uncle isn't going to Goryeo, then who will go? We heard that they're going to appoint two kings there?"
Zhu Yunying smiled and nodded, saying, "It is appropriate to divide them into two kings, and perhaps even more. The Jurchens are also a troublesome matter. Although the Nurgan Commandery is exerting its influence, it is still a wild and uncivilized land, and governing it will be a difficult task."
Zhu Yunwen nodded. Although he didn't care much about military and national affairs, he did know some things.
For example, Nurgan Commandery, north of Liaodong, is a harsh and cold land. It is said that Su Wu herded sheep in that area during the Han Dynasty. The three Jurchen tribes have always maintained a distant relationship with the Ming Dynasty, and those wild people have never submitted to the rule of the emperor.
However, like most people in the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yunying believed that since even the Mongols had been driven away, the Jurchens were naturally no threat. Many people also disregarded these "savages."
Many people also felt that Emperor Yingshi was too greedy. Many areas under the Nurgan Regional Military Commission were considered worthless and should have been abandoned. Not only were they difficult to govern, but the wild people were also a problem.
However, such thoughts are merely personal reflections. If one were to actually voice them in court, they would certainly be reprimanded by the emperor and might even face dismissal from office.
Looking at his lazy younger brother, Zhu Yunying asked with a smile, "Second brother, have you heard that those royal uncles intend to go to Goryeo?"
Zhu Yunwen immediately replied, "Seventh Uncle, he was in Qingzhou in his early years and also had military merits. Seventh Uncle also knows that he offended the Emperor in his early years and now he is thinking of going to Goryeo, which would probably be easier for him."
Prince Qi, Zhu Fu, had served on the frontier many times and was proud of his military prowess, but he was also indeed somewhat cruel. After Zhu Yunying's policy of "reducing the power of the princes," Zhu Fu was also frustrated and unfulfilled in Yingtian Prefecture. However, being under the emperor's nose, he did not dare to act recklessly, which naturally made him even more depressed.
Zhu Yunwen continued, "It seems that Uncle Eleven also has some concerns. He governed Shu well in his early years and suppressed the rebellion of the Western Barbarians. It would be fine if Uncle Eleven went there, but he is afraid. Aunt Eleven is the eldest daughter of my maternal uncle, so she has more to think about."
Prince Zhu Chun of Shu also had a rather unique background. Although he was called a "Shu scholar" by the old Zhu and indeed promoted Confucian culture extensively in Shu, he was the son of Consort Hui, the daughter of Prince Guo Zixing of Chuyang, and his principal wife was the daughter of Lan Yu. His second son was happily taken back to the Duke of Liang's mansion by Lan Yu, which involved many complexities.
Although he is now thriving in Yingtian Prefecture, Zhu Chun sometimes misses the carefree life he had in Shu.
Moreover, Goryeo (Korea) has a good tradition of inheriting and learning Confucian culture, so it's normal for Zhu Chun to have some thoughts and ideas.
Zhu Yunwen continued, "My brother said he wanted the uncles who had been enfeoffed to go to Goryeo, and many of them naturally had the idea. There are even more uncles who haven't been enfeoffed yet, and they've all told us that they want to go and give it a try."
Zhu Yunying smiled and nodded. It seemed that being a prince was indeed a good thing, and one could enjoy wealth and comfort in the Ming Dynasty. However, some people felt that even if they couldn't sit on the dragon throne, it would be quite nice to have the opportunity to go to Goryeo and become its ruler.
Ordinary members of the royal family might be able to find some work, but princes rarely wield real power and need to be discreet. Going to Goryeo would be far better; being a ruler far removed from the emperor's reach would be infinitely more enjoyable than living in the Ming Dynasty.
Moreover, many people know that Goryeo was a wonderful place, with a history spanning over a thousand years. Even if it wasn't as prosperous as the Central Plains, it was still praised by many as a 'Little China'.
Compared to Japan, Korea is a more familiar place and can be considered one of the most developed countries around the Ming Dynasty.
"Keep accepting gifts as you see fit, but don't blame us if you can't keep them," Zhu Yunying said jokingly. "If your uncles cause you trouble later, don't blame us for not helping."
Zhu Yunwen didn't feel embarrassed at all. He could just pretend to be dead. Anyway, his elder brother was protecting him, so he had nothing to fear.
Having gotten rid of his troublesome younger brother, Joo Yoon-young felt much more at ease. Although the boy had brought some information, Joo Yoon-young was already aware of most of his thoughts and intentions.
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