Since Ryukyu was invaded by the Japanese Satsuma clan in 1609 (the 37th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty), it was forced to cede the management of the northern Oshima, Onikai, Taku, Eiryobu, and Yuron Goto islands to the Satsuma clan. Its own northern territories also began to be under formal condominium administration, a unique situation under Japanese occupation.
At the same time, the Ryukyu government was forced to grant official positions to the personnel sent by Satsuma.
After the eleventh year of King Shotoyo of Ryukyu (i.e. 1632), Ryukyu established an embassy on the island occupied by Satsuma, and the two countries simultaneously sent officials to manage trade and collect taxes.
Afterwards, the Satsuma Domain sent officials to Ryukyu to monitor Ryukyu's actions, and the Ryukyu Kingdom became the puppet government of the Satsuma Domain.
In the twenty-fifth year of the reign of King Shosada of Ryukyu (i.e. 1693), Ryukyu "created the two islands of Gumi and Masaki, and sent two officers, Yamato and Yokomu, to guard the tribute ships." At the same time, the Satsuma Domain forcibly ceded the five northern islands of Ryukyu.
Although in 1654, the King of Ryukyu also sent envoys to the Qing Dynasty to request canonization. Emperor Shunzhi of the Qing Dynasty granted King Shoji the title of King of Ryukyu, and Ryukyu became a vassal of the Qing Dynasty. However, in fact, the Ryukyu Kingdom professed its vassalage to the Qing Dynasty on the surface and the Satsuma Domain in reality at the same time. The official tribute trade income with the Qing Dynasty was once again used by the actual suzerain Satsuma. Exploitation by feudal lords.
Therefore, the Satsuma Domain was also the only private domain that could gain income from international trade in this disguised way after the Japanese shogunate declared the country closed. This also allowed it to have enough capital to become the main force in the overturning movement in Japan's Tokugawa era two hundred years later, and then became one of the principals of the Restoration government.
Ryukyu has been looking forward to getting rid of the control of the Satsuma clan, but it is unlikely that it will change on its own when the country is weak and is still being puppeted.
Therefore, North Korea became their role model. Also being invaded by Japan, North Korea can seek help from its sovereign state, and they are also looking forward to it.
However, it is obvious that the Manchu Qing Dynasty cannot send troops to assist them. And Yi Chao gave them hope.
There are a large number of Han people in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the Ryukyu royal family, the Tensun clan, is also very friendly to the Han people. This may be a breakthrough. After all, Ryukyu has always been willing to become a vassal state of the Central Plains Dynasty.
Ryukyu royal family, surname Tiansun.
The eldest prince’s name is Tiansun Wangchen.
It is said that the name "Ouchi" was given by the Satsuma clan of Japan to his father, in order to make him remember his identity. The Ryukyu royal family are just ministers of the Satsuma clan. Don't even think about resisting Satsuma. control of the domain.
For a long time, Tiansun Wangchen has lived a very docile life under the guidance.
However, as Japan continued to bully Ryukyu's subjects, even the Ryukyu Royal Palace was not spared. This made Tiansun Wangchen, who was already able to think, feel that he was confused about the future. It was indeed not a comfortable thing for his life to be constantly manipulated and insulted. Especially under the influence of some people and things around him, he felt that he should do something to resist this damn fate.
Otherwise, in the long run, their Ryukyu royal family may be destroyed.
Later, Tiansun Wangchen accidentally learned of North Korea's experience. After a comparison, Tiansun Wangchen felt that the experiences of the two countries were so similar. This may be an opportunity to change yourself and future generations to get rid of Japanese control.
The vassal relationship of the Central Plains dynasty is the greatest gospel for small countries.
At this time, the King of Ryukyu originally wanted to eat and wait for death. However, under the persuasion of his close ministers and the king of Tiansun, he decided to make the most important decision in his life and sent his close envoys to the suzerain country for help.
Later, Tiansun Wangchen himself took the Ryukyu national seal from his father, and through a series of operations such as the golden cicada's shelling, he cleverly avoided the eyes and ears of the Japanese and fled to Fujian.
Since Tiansun Wangchen's mother was Han Chinese, he was also taught Chinese. This also prevented him from being like a completely headless fly after arriving in Fujian.
After many twists and turns, he came to Guangzhou, where the temporary palace of the Yi Dynasty was located, and saw the prosperity of Guangzhou, which rekindled the hope of Tiansun Wangchen, who had almost lost his faith on the way to escape.
"No matter what, we must ask for reinforcements from the Yi Dynasty." This belief has been lingering in the mind of King Tiansun.
Because they encountered a wall with the Manchus, the Ryukyu mission could only turn to the Yi Dynasty in the south. Unexpectedly, they were called by the King of Heavenly Sun shortly after their arrival. They learned that King of Heavenly Sun even brought the national seal of the King of Ryukyu, which further strengthened the Ryukyu mission's belief in seeking reinforcements.
"Xuan, the Ryukyu envoys are here to meet..."
After a long time, several members of the Ryukyu mission followed the eunuch and entered the meeting place for foreign missions in the court.
"Your Majesty, the Prince of Ryukyu, Tiansun Wangchen; Your Majesty, the chief envoy of Ryukyu, Yang Mi, together with his deputies Liu Jialiang and Zuo Zezhang, come to pay homage to His Majesty the Emperor. Long live...Long live...Long live..." At this time, Tiansun Wangchen and several envoys were extremely nervous. He knelt on the ground and kowtowed respectfully.
After becoming a vassal state of the Yi Dynasty, they became the ministers of the emperor of the Yi Dynasty. Even if the King of Ryukyu comes, he still has to kneel down and worship Emperor Yichen, let alone them? Therefore, they naturally did not dare to neglect at all.
What's more, according to what is said here, giving you the opportunity to kneel down and worship the emperor is a great gift. Once the emperor allows your country to enter the suzerain United Nations, Ryukyu will not have to worry about the Satsuma clan in Japan. A small Satsuma clan dares to challenge it. The entire United Nations of Sovereigns?
So they were nervous but also extremely excited and looking forward to it.
At this time, Zhang Rui represented the majesty of the Yi Dynasty. Naturally, Zhang Rui would not show any pretense, just sitting on the main seat and quietly watching their kneeling.
After they finished praying, Zhang Rui said calmly: "If you are flat, please give me a seat."
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness." Several members of the delegation kowtowed again and then followed the eunuch to sit aside.
"You guys have traveled a lot all the way, are you still used to living here? If you have any difficulties, you can ask the reception officials of the Ministry of Etiquette, or you can also ask me." Zhang Ruila said in a homely manner.
"Thank you, His Majesty the Emperor, for your concern. Everything is fine with us. The officials of the Ministry of Rites are also very kind to us. Thank you very much for your kindness, His Majesty the Emperor." The envoy Yang Mi replied flattered.
Compared with the constant exploitation by officials in the Manchu and Qing Dynasties, everything here is much better. What's more, he was really touched by the cordial inquiry from the Ninth Five-Year Master. I had known that they spent a lot of money on the Manchu and Qing Dynasties, but they couldn't even see Qianlong.
"Okay, let's talk about your Ryukyu affairs next!" Zhang Rui got into the topic directly.
"What is the specific situation of your Ryukyus now? How many people are there? How far away is it from us? Are there any navigation charts that can be provided to us? Also, how big is the Satsuma domain that invaded you and how many people are there? What is the specific combat power? Is there any relevant information? Can you provide information?"
