The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 176, "The Desire to Establish a Navy," refers to Japan.
Everyone frowned upon hearing this.

Maintaining diplomatic relations with other countries is no small matter, especially given the many events that have occurred in the Ming Dynasty this year, making it imperative to seize this opportunity to demonstrate national power.

The Ming Dynasty had held similar grand events in the past.

However, in those cases, it was usually handled jointly by Crown Prince Zhu Biao and Duke Li Shanchang of Han.

With both of them absent this year, things might not be so easy to handle.

Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat surprised to hear this news.

He only knew that during the Yongle reign, all nations paid tribute to the Ming Dynasty because of Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean, which made many countries in the Western Ocean submit to the Ming Dynasty. He never imagined that there would still be so many countries today.

"Oh? Which countries participate in the 'All Nations Paying Homage' ceremony?"

Ni Yuanlu took out a booklet from his pocket and respectfully handed it to Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying checked the names and found that there were indeed quite a few countries listed. Unfortunately, he had never heard of most of them before, so they seemed to be small foreign countries. He lost interest.

He was extremely surprised when he saw the last name.

It even says "Japan" on it.

Upon hearing this name, Zhu Xiong Ying frowned, feeling somewhat displeased.

Two days ago, he received a memorial from the southwest coast. During this period, there were still quite a few Japanese pirates along the southeast coast. These people had caused quite a bit of trouble in the Songjiang Prefecture area.

I never imagined that these people would dare to come and pay homage.

"Why is Japan's name still on the list? A few days ago, the Duke of Jiang and the Duke of Hai from the southeast coast reported that Japanese pirates were running rampant in Songjiang Prefecture in the southeast, killing many people. Japan should be our enemy now, so why are they included on the list as well!"

The officials in the court exchanged glances upon hearing this, their eyes filled with confusion.

Ni Yuanlu, Minister of Rites, said.

"Your Highness, Japan is one of the few countries His Majesty has designated as non-conquerable. I have always been considered a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, so I have included them as well!"

"Although some Japanese pirates have appeared in the southeast region, they are not the same as Japan. We have appealed to Japan about the Japanese pirates in the southeast, but Japan has said that these pirates are traitors and have no necessary connection with them!"

"Moreover, since ancient times, Japan has been a vassal state of the Central Plains. If we do not accept them, it may damage the friendship between the nations!"

Zhu Xiong Ying pursed his lips, not believing that.

The internal chaos in our country is almost over, but the number of Japanese pirates has not decreased at all.

Doesn't this explain the problem?
Moreover, the problem of Japanese pirates became increasingly serious in the mid-Ming Dynasty, and there was absolutely no need to show any pity to these ungrateful wretches.

How many naval forces does our Great Ming Dynasty have now?

The high-ranking officials in the court were stunned upon hearing this.

Why are you suddenly asking about the navy?

In the Battle of Poyang Lake, the Ming Dynasty did indeed have a considerable naval force, but after the battle, most of the troops were disbanded, since their main enemy was still the Northern Yuan to the north.

Now, if asked about the size of the navy, very few people in the court could answer that question.

Minister of War Li Cheng reluctantly stepped forward.

"Your Highness, since the Battle of Poyang Lake, the Ming Dynasty's navy has been largely disbanded and incorporated into other military forces. Only the Songjiang Naval Base remains. As for how many naval troops are left, only the Marquis of Jiangyin and the Marquis of Jinghai know!"

Marquis Jiangyin and Marquis Jinghai were brothers, and both were quite skilled in naval warfare.

After that, he stayed in Songjiang Prefecture and Fuzhou Prefecture in the southeast to garrison.

Nowadays, the Ming Dynasty's navy is basically in the hands of these two brothers.

Even if they exist, the number is probably not many.

The key is that the navy still has some use in rivers and lakes, but it would probably be difficult to fight a naval battle.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded; it seemed things couldn't be rushed.

It just so happens that the Japanese pirates are here this time, so we can take this opportunity to gather information. Inside the Prince of Qin's residence, Wang Yuemin has been frowning with worry for the past few days.

According to the intelligence brought by Prince Qin, Zhu Shuang, their operation against Zhu Xiong Ying has been exposed.

Moreover, in a fit of anger, Xu Da summoned all the troops of the forty-seven guards in the north.

Their scouts are estimated to have suffered heavy losses, and no one knows how many are left.

After all, he hadn't received any news from the outside world for a long time.

Uncle Fu used to pass on intelligence to him.

However, Fu Bo has disappeared without a trace during this time, and the outcome is likely grim.

His biggest worry now is Bo Yaren Haibie.

This was Hai Bie's first time in the Central Plains, and the incident happened so suddenly that he hadn't told Hai Bie about his plans. If anything happened to Hai Bie, he, as her aunt, would be held responsible.

As Wang Yuemin was considering these issues, there was a sudden knock on the door.

Wang Yuemin hurriedly wiped away her tears, then opened the door and saw Prince Qin, Zhu Shuang, waiting outside.

King Zhu Shuang of Qin took out a white rabbit from behind his back.

You've seemed distracted lately; you must be homesick!

"Although I can't escort you back to the Shanxi Provincial Administration Commission right now, I caught this rabbit in the hope that it can stay with you in my place!"

Wang Yuemin took the white rabbit from his hands, and a warmth spread through her heart.

From a young age, I had to learn all sorts of things on my own.

He was skilled in both horseback riding and hunting, so these rabbits were nothing more than prey to him.

However, this was the first time he realized how cute rabbits could be.

King Zhu Shuang of Qin was very excited when he saw Wang Yuemin smile.

"Speaking of Uncle Fu who came to our house the other day, why hasn't he come these past few days? I haven't seen him for quite a while!"

“We should treat loyal old men like Uncle Fu as family!”

"If you have time, let's invite him over for a casual meal soon. It will help ease your homesickness!"

Wang Yuemin was stunned; he didn't know how to explain it.

“Uncle Fu sent someone to deliver a message to me earlier, saying that he had some things to take care of at home and had to leave first!”

"It's been a long time since I've seen him!"

King Zhu Shuang of Qin nodded upon hearing this, feeling somewhat regretful.

But I didn't think too much about it.

"By the way, I'll take you to a great place in a few days!"

“Various countries have sent delegations to Yingtian. You will see people from all over the world, speaking very strange languages ​​and looking very strange!”

"I heard these people have offered a lot of strange and unusual things as tribute. If you like them, I'll shamelessly go and ask Xiong Ying for them!"

Wang Yuemin felt somewhat uninterested.

He was unwilling to do anything or go anywhere until the truth came out, and at that time, the more he did, the more mistakes he made.

"Thank you, Your Highness, but I haven't been feeling well lately and don't want to go anywhere!"

"Moreover, I am of humble birth. If a conflict were to occur, what would the nobleman do?"

(End of this chapter)