Chapter 2649
Zhu Zian's idea is actually a bit unfounded. The Ming Dynasty's ruling area is far more complex than North Korea in terms of geographical area, population size, industrial types, and social conditions. For Haihan to take over the legacy of the Ming Dynasty as a new ruler, it will be far more difficult than controlling North Korea. It is not appropriate to use simple and crude means such as dividing the north and the south to achieve his goal. Haihan has no intention of using the plan to deal with North Korea until now. On Daming's side.
Issues in this area are too sensitive, Zhu Zian will not ask too many questions, and Shi Chengwu certainly cannot take the initiative to discuss it with him. The focus of the exchange between the two was still tacitly focused on North Korea.
In fact, Zhu Zian had almost never cared about North Korea as a neighbor before, but during the period after the Hangzhou imperial examination, the amount of information he had access to about North Korea far exceeded the total of the previous years. Most of the information he had never read in the imperial newspaper before, which can be said to be an eye-opener.
Although Zhu Zian's contact with North Korea so far has only been to Jeju Island, an overseas enclave belonging to North Korea, and has not even truly set foot on North Korea's mainland, he believes that even Hong Kong, who is responsible for foreign affairs in the Ming Dynasty, Although the minister of the temple is here personally, he may not know North Korea better than himself.
In the past two hundred years, the Ming Dynasty only regarded North Korea as a vassal state that accepted its protection, but did not control the country as deeply as Haihan did. Zhu Zian originally didn't understand why Haihan did this, but after learning enough information, he realized that Haihan's real purpose was for financial gain.
Salt, iron, coal, shipping... Haehan currently controls these lifeline industries of North Korea, which means that North Korea is continuously sending its own output into Haehan's pocket. Such a Korean state is more suitable to be regarded as a long-term worker working for Haihan than as an ally of Haihan.
It is hard for Zhu Zian to imagine how much wealth would flow from North Korea to Haihan every year. If the Ming Dynasty could control North Korea like this back then, would the resources exported by the vassal countries be able to help the Ming Dynasty tide over the difficulties?
But if you think about it carefully, this is of course not realistic, because both the Ming Dynasty and North Korea were in trouble at that time. Even if the two countries were tied together, they would not be able to defeat either the Manchu or Haihan. Moreover, the Ming Dynasty did not have the same ability to develop and utilize resources as Haihan. Even if the entire Korean Peninsula was merged into the Ming Dynasty, the final result would probably be the same.
Two days later, the combined fleet arrived at Ganghwa Island near the mouth of the Han River. Compared with Jeju Island, which is isolated overseas, the history here is much richer. Because this place is only a hundred miles away from Seoul, the history here inevitably has many connections with the previous rulers of Korea.
Since the 16th century, Ganghwa Island has become a designated place for the exile of princes and ministers. Lord Yeonsang and Lord Gwanghae, who were overthrown by a palace coup, were all exiled here.
During the Ding Mao Rebellion that occurred in 1627, the Hou Jin army marched all the way to the vicinity of Seoul. The Korean army was unable to resist. King Li Zhu led hundreds of civil and military officials and royal family members to flee to Ganghwa Island for refuge, and finally signed a city alliance with Hou Jin here.
After that, the Joseon royal family followed suit and simply upgraded Ganghwa Island as one of the dynasty's capitals. They also built palaces and various living facilities on the island to prevent further wars. Don’t be too embarrassed during the refuge.
Of course, now that Haehan is stationed in the north, the evil neighbors in the north will no longer have the opportunity to invade Seoul. Therefore, the refuge function of Ganghwa Island should not be used. In recent years, it has simply been used as a place. The palace exists.
In order to show respect for North Korea, the combined fleet did not sail directly into the Han River, but stayed at Ganghwa Island for two days to rest and recuperate. In this way, the Koreans would have enough time to send the news to Seoul, allowing the king to prepare for the fleet that was about to visit Seoul. Because it is a companion capital, Ganghwa Island is one level higher than the ordinary "fu". It is called Ganghwa Liusufu. The local governor's official position is Liusufu. He is a second-grade high-ranking official. He is at the same level as Liucao Banshu, and even higher than Da Si Xian and Da Si Jian are still half a level higher.
It has a high level, less work, sufficient funds, and you may not have to deal with your boss face-to-face all year round. This is definitely a position that many people dream of, but not just anyone can be qualified for it. The current left-behind Jin Shangjiu is one of King Li Xie's cronies.
In his early years, Jin Sangjiu served as a diplomat at the North Korean Embassy in Zhoushan. At that time, he also contributed to the arrangement of Li Zhi's study abroad in Sanya. Later, when Li Xie returned to China, Jin Shangjiu naturally became a supporter of the crown prince.
After Li Zhi came to the throne, he was grateful for the help Jin Shangjiu had provided, so he was sent to work as a local official. He climbed up through the ranks of county guard, pastoral envoy, and governor. In the past few years, the old stayers on Ganghwa Island retired and returned home. , Li Xie arranged for Jin Shangjiu to fill this gap.
Because of his previous work relationship, Jin Shangjiu had some friendship with Shi Diwen, Wang Tom and other high-ranking Haihan officials. Therefore, when Shi Chengwu, Wang Anguo and others led the fleet to visit this time, he was the son of an old friend. This friendship was natural. It has to be climbed.
Jin Shangjiu personally went to the port to greet Shi Chengwu and his party, and then held a routine banquet. During the banquet, he recalled the experience of interacting with Shi Chengwu and his father's generation, and by the way, he also closed the distance.
The next day, Jin Shangjiu arranged for them to visit the local royal palace. Zhu Zian also accompanied him as a member of the mission.
As a descendant of the Ming Dynasty royal family, Zhu Zian was naturally curious about the royal palace of Korea, but after seeing the real thing, he couldn't help but be disappointed. This so-called palace was just a few small houses. It was really different from the palaces he had seen in the Forbidden City. Even compared to Prince De's Mansion before it was destroyed by the war, there was still a big gap.
Most of these Dynasty-style palaces are made of wood, and their shapes are in line with Chinese architecture. However, these houses are thin in structure, but they all have disproportionately huge roofs, making them look top-heavy.
When he stopped to rest, Shi Chengwu asked him what he thought of this place. Seeing that Jin Shang was not around for a long time, Zhu Zian responded: "I once heard that the palaces in North Korea were all imitations of the Central Plains, but today when I saw the real thing, it was not the case. I think the North Koreans had only scratched the surface of this. The palace has its shape but no spirit, like a child wearing a coat, which is really funny. ”
Next to him, Bai Letong smiled and responded: "North Korea is a vassal state of the Central Plains Dynasty. According to convention, the palaces of this vassal state cannot be taller than the palaces of the main country, so they can only be built shorter. But in order to look more impressive, Build a big roof so that it can be distinguished from ordinary houses.”
(End of chapter)