Tiantang Splendid

Chapter 5201 The Wa (Japanese) Originated from Xia
The Tang Dynasty was an invincible and powerful nation, a fact that is universally acknowledged and beyond dispute. However, the extent of its power was not entirely clear to the Japanese, given the vast distance and the fact that few had actually set foot on Tang soil to experience its wealth, civilization, and prosperity.

The most profound understanding the Japanese had of the Tang Dynasty came from its royal navy.

It was this invincible and mighty army that swept across the seven seas, invincible and unstoppable. The small boats of the Japanese navy trembled and were easily defeated under the intimidation of their giant ships and cannons. Moreover, it used its overwhelming strength to forcefully intervene in the internal affairs of Japan, including the struggle for power, the rise and fall of noble families, the war waged by the Emishi people from north to south, and even the extinction of the Japanese royal lineage...

Behind every incident and every event, there stands the shadow of the Tang Dynasty navy.

The Japanese had very mixed feelings about this army, ranging from initial disgust to later resentment, and finally to submission...

The Japanese often heard the Tang people describe them as "fearing power but not appreciating virtue," and they were not ashamed of it, but rather proud of it.

In the eyes of the Japanese, "repaying kindness" is an extremely foolish act. Just because they gave me a few measly gifts and said a few kind words, should I "repay them with kindness"? That would be a huge loss.

Conversely, "fearing power" is the correct approach. If you are "kind" to me, even if I do not "repay you with kindness," you cannot do anything to me. On the contrary, you should be mindful of your reputation for "virtue" and treat me even better. Otherwise, your so-called "kindness" is just an ulterior motive.

But if one cannot "fear authority," won't one still be beaten?

The more powerful and formidable the enemy, the more fiercely they attack me, the more obedient and subservient I must be...

The Royal Navy, which garnered the boundless "awe" of the Japanese, was always backed by a man who, in the eyes of the Japanese, was like a god.

It was this man who single-handedly created the invincible Royal Navy, researched, manufactured, and improved firearms. In Japan, he would have to be the son of the "Yamata no Orochi" (Eight-Headed Serpent)...

They are qualified to have all Japanese people bow down to them.

……

Fang Jun, fully armored, looked at the young man bowing deeply before him with slight surprise and asked, "Are you a student going to Chang'an?"

Mononobe Maro respectfully replied, "Although the Mononobe clan is confined to the island of Wa, they yearn for the civilization of China. Therefore, my father sent me across the ocean, enduring countless hardships, to Chang'an, hoping that I could learn Chinese classics and Confucian literature, and in the future teach the Wa people, so that we may all be blessed by Chinese civilization and contribute to the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty..."

Fang Jun was very satisfied. This was clearly the best "product" that the Tang Dynasty had produced after implementing the "overseas student policy." The fact that it had been brainwashed to such an extent showed that "Confucian culture," wrapped in giant ships, cannons, and iron horses, indeed possessed an unparalleled assimilative ability.

Given time, if all the countries overseas were filled with such "progressive youths," they might be able to achieve "co-prosperity" ahead of schedule...

He took two steps forward, patted Mononobe Maro on the shoulder in a friendly manner, and said with a warm smile and amiable tone: "Since you are students of the Imperial Academy, you are one of us. There is no need for such formalities... Please get up and introduce these distinguished Japanese guests to me."

Mononobe Maro's face flushed, his heart pounding with excitement. He straightened up and stood sideways next to Fang Jun, first introducing the Japanese to the group: "This gentleman is the Grand Commandant of the Great Tang Dynasty, the Duke of Yue, the tutor of His Highness the Crown Prince of the Great Tang Dynasty, the most trusted minister of the Emperor of the Great Tang Dynasty, and the most powerful minister in the entire Great Tang Dynasty..."

"We pay our respects to the Grand Commandant!"

All the Japanese bowed deeply, speaking standard Chinese and performing standard Han Chinese etiquette.

It wasn't that these people were trying to curry favor with Fang Jun; it was simply that Japanese culture was extremely impoverished, with its official language, script, etiquette, and so on all learned from China.

Not only Japan, but almost all countries and ethnic groups surrounding China value speaking Chinese, writing Chinese characters, and practicing Chinese etiquette. Many countries even stipulate that only nobles of a certain rank can do so, while commoners or slaves are not qualified to speak Chinese, write Chinese characters, or practice Chinese etiquette.

"Please, everyone, do not stand on ceremony."

Fang Jun, dressed in armor, was strong and vigorous, but his words and actions were gentle and kind. He stepped forward with a smile and helped the people in front of him up one by one.

Mononobe Maro then introduced him: "This is the current King of Wa."

Fang Jun stepped forward, grasped Soga no Aka's hand, and said with great emotion, "The Soga clan has been an old friend of the Tang Dynasty, and they have an even closer relationship with the navy. It is a pity that your father and brother, both heroes of their generation, ultimately died tragically at the hands of the Japanese king. It is truly regrettable whenever I think of it!"

Although Soga no Aka was the King of Wa, he knew how he had obtained the throne. Compared to his father and brothers, he was far inferior, so he never expected that such a great figure as Fushun would treat him with such courtesy.

He was immediately overcome with emotion, his eyes reddening: "The Soga clan has always served the Great Tang as our master. The Grand Commandant has given the order, and the entire Soga clan will obey without question!"

Perhaps by showing such courtesy today, we can gain the upper hand in negotiations with the Mononobe and Ōtomo clans and demand more benefits...

Mononobe Maro then introduced his father to Fang Jun: "This is my father. He has always admired Chinese culture. Not long ago, he also crossed the sea to the Tang Dynasty to experience the scenery of Chang'an and witness the magnificence of China. After returning to Japan, he could not forget it for a long time, tossing and turning and unable to sleep. He often regretted not being born in China!"

Fang Jun couldn't help but laugh. This kind of obsequious servility was strangely familiar to him, except that in his own time it was the opposite...

"Sir, your knowledge is vast and your ability to support your son's journey across the sea to the Tang Dynasty to study Confucian classics is something only a person with a broad mind and great vision could do! If Japan had more people like you with useful and progressive ideas, it would truly be a blessing for the Japanese!"

"Grand Commandant, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise!"

"This is Daitoku from Japan."

"The title of 'Great Virtue' is reserved for those of high moral character and prestige! I hope that you will continue to manage the affairs of the Japanese government for the sake of the happiness of the Japanese people and live up to the people's trust!"

Ōtomo, who was always arrogant and looked down on Japanese heroes, was now extremely respectful to Fang Jun. He bowed and spoke humbly: "Japan is a small island nation, and its people are ignorant and do not know etiquette. Only by accepting the rule of the Great Tang can we have room for progress. I will do my best to call on the Japanese to integrate into the Great Tang and build a great cause together!"

Upon hearing this, the others all turned their heads in disapproval.

You knelt down before any negotiations even started?
Fang Jun was overjoyed. He had thought that this negotiation would require a lot of talking, but little did he know that the Japanese were already impatient...

……

It's still Dogo Onsen outside Matsuyama Castle.

The gleaming floor, the scalding hot spring water, the mellow wine, the elegantly dressed Japanese women... Just like when he entertained Li Jinxing and Li Yifu before, Fang Jun ignored these carefully selected Japanese women. It wasn't that he was being virtuous and dignified, but rather that he genuinely looked at them with disdain and contempt.

This hurt the pride of the Japanese men. These carefully selected Japanese women were rare even for them, but they couldn't catch the eye of the Tang nobles. Did they really think the Japanese women were ugly, vulgar, and unbearable to look at?
This is already the highest level of Japanese women...

Mononobe Ashikaga couldn't help but ask, "Grand Commandant, you must be exhausted after braving the waves and crossing the ocean. These Japanese women may not be as beautiful as your concubines, but they can help you relax."

Women are absolutely not allowed to accompany warships at sea. One can imagine how uncomfortable it must have been for a strong young man like Fang Jun to have been holding back his desire all the way. There's no need to be so picky at this time, is there?
Li Jinxing and Li Yifu grinned, thinking to themselves, "If we don't even want this kind of guy, how can the Grand Commandant possibly take a bite?"
It is just unknown what reason the Grand Commandant gave for declining.

To everyone's surprise, Fang Jun made no attempt to hide his true feelings. He waved his hand and said, "Japanese people are short, with short legs and bulging bellies. It's one thing for men, but for women to be born like that is unbearable to even look at, let alone be served by them."

The short stature and bowlegs of the Japanese are genetic traits, making them arguably the most physically inferior ethnic group, if not the most. Only after over a century of interbreeding and crossbreeding could a few be found that were even remotely acceptable, which gives an idea of ​​how ugly Japanese women were in that era.

Such undisguised contempt made the faces of the Japanese men turn red, yet they could not refute it.

The Japanese women felt utterly ashamed and embarrassed. After receiving permission, they bowed and retreated with small, awkward steps, appearing even more lewd and repulsive...

However, although Japanese women are ugly, their hot springs are exquisite.

The scalding spring water turned their bodies red, but after rinsing them with clean water and changing into clean clothes, all the fatigue from the journey vanished, and they felt as if they had lost several pounds, feeling refreshed and comfortable from the inside out. After a simple meal, the group rode in a carriage under the escort of the Tang army's navy into Songshan City to begin negotiations.

Inside the main hall, Fang Jun, Li Jinxing, and Li Yifu knelt on one side, while Soga no Akane, Ōtomo no Sakai, and Mononobe no Ashikaga sat opposite each other, creating a solemn atmosphere.

As the initiator of the negotiations with Japan, Mononobe Ashikaga was about to speak when he saw Fushun raise his hand to stop him.

Fang Jun took a sip of tea, placed the teacup on the table in front of him, straightened his back, and glanced at the faces of the people opposite him. He said calmly, "I have come all the way from overseas, and my time is precious. I cannot waste it on bargaining. So let's be direct. I will state my conditions, and you can see if you can agree. If you can, then we will do it. If not, I will return to Chang'an immediately."

The Japanese were somewhat bewildered.

Negotiation is just about bargaining, right? If you just state your conditions and don't allow any rebuttal, isn't that like giving an order?
Mononobe Ashikaga was somewhat embarrassed. He exchanged a glance with the other two and said, "Then please ask the Grand Commandant to speak. If he agrees, we will comply."

He dared not say, "I'm sorry if I can't agree." If Li Jinxing or Li Yifu were talking to them, they could say that, but now, facing the very powerful Fang Jun, whose imposing and condescending demeanor made them feel ashamed and guilty.

Fang Jun said: "China and Japan are separated only by a narrow strip of water and share the same origin. Therefore, Japan's return to the Tang Dynasty is an inevitable trend and a matter of course."

Several Japanese people: "..."

It's possible for Japan to submit to the Tang Dynasty, but how did the two countries come to be from the same lineage?