When Yi Sun-shin, the North Korean navy general who had made many military exploits, was arrested, his subordinate officers tried to stop him, but they were all shouted back by Yi Sun-shin. Yi Sun-shin allowed himself to be arrested without saying a word. When he was taken away, the entire navy camp burst into tears.
At this time, at the center of the Joseon court, Yi Dooshou recommended Won Kyun to the Joseon King Li Wan to replace Yi Sun-shin as the commander of the three-way navy. Since Yi Sun-shin and Won Kyun were often compared in North Korea, Li Ao couldn't make a decision for a while, so he asked Kim Ying-nam for his opinion.
Zuo Yizheng Jin Yingnan said: "Li Sunchen is indeed a rare naval officer, but Yuan Jun is also a man of outstanding intelligence and bravery, and he has also accomplished many meritorious deeds. I believe that he can fully serve as the commander of the three naval forces. "
Yi Dooshou saw Jin Yingnan's support and recommended it again: "Not only that, Wonkyun is also a person who is absolutely loyal to the king's orders. Your Highness, Wonkyun is different from Yi Sunsin. All orders given by His Highness will be carried out without hesitation, no matter the sword or the sea of fire. Sincerity can be said to be a loyal minister." "
Loyalty was the trait that King Li Wan of Joseon valued most, so he was persuaded by Yi Dooshou and Kim Ying-nam to appoint Won Kyun as the new commander of the three navy forces.
After Yi Sunsin was escorted to Hanyang, Yuan Jun came to laugh at him. After Yuan Jun's ridicule, Yi Sunshen only asked Yuan Jun to treat the navy officers and soldiers well, and to mobilize the fleet carefully. Yuan Jun chuckled a few times, but he agreed wholeheartedly.
In Busanpu, Ukita Hideie, Kuroda Jishui, and Konishi Governor were celebrating Yi Sun-shin's dismissal. Hideie Ukita smiled and said: "It wasn't until today that I finally felt that the sharp thorn that had been stuck in my throat was finally pulled out. I felt so happy all over my body!"
President Konishi was also excited: "General, your description is not accurate enough. This is not a thorn, but a roadblock that has been completely eliminated!"
Kuroda Rushui also felt much more relaxed, and said with a smile: "Now that Yi Sun-shin has been eliminated, we will have unimpeded access to the sea route, and the Eighth Route of Korea is within easy reach. We should report to His Highness Taige immediately and issue a general attack order. It is best to capture it before the arrival of the Ming army." North Korea!" Ukita Hideie immediately agreed.
However, Kato Kiyomasa suddenly came over in anger and shouted: "President Konishi! You little thief, how dare you use me as bait without telling me! What kind of sweet words did you use to deceive His Highness! I think you are eager to do so." Watch me being sent into the sea to feed the fish by Yi Sun-shin!"
Governor Konishi didn't say what he was thinking in his heart, but at least he did a good job on the surface. He quickly stood up and comforted him: "Hey, His Highness Kato, why are you so impulsive? This is a strategy to get rid of Yi Sun-shin. I know it very well. Yi Sun-shin will never attack, and His Highness Taiko agrees with my judgment. But what about now? You were not injured, and Yi Sun-Shin was also eliminated. Isn't that great! Your Highness Kato, this time you just marched normally, but you stood up It’s a great achievement!”
In other words, you Kato Kiyomasa still owe me, Mr. Konishi, a big favor!
However, Kato Kiyomasa's anger was still lingering. He could no longer bear to work with Mr. Konishi and sneered: "I don't know what nonsense you are talking about, but Mr. Konishi, I tell you, I can no longer live with you." Under the sky, let’s go outside and end it now! No matter who lives or dies, only one person will survive!”
President Konishi's smile faded and he said sternly: "His Highness Taige has long known the purpose of using you as bait. If you don't believe it, you can just ask His Highness Taige directly! If His Highness Taige expresses that he does not know, I Not only am I willing to accept your invitation to a duel, but I am even willing to never fight back in the duel and kill you on the spot, how about that?"
Kuroda Rusui quickly advised: "You two should stop quarreling. Kato, Xiaoxi is right. Your reputation has spread throughout North Korea. It is because of this that North Korea feels like it is facing a formidable enemy, and that is why Yi Sun-shin disobeyed." Later, the King of Joseon and his ministers were extremely angry. The result that Yi Sun-shin would not attack was something that His Highness Taige had already predicted, so you would have been unscathed.
His Highness Taige has high hopes for both of you, and for the future battles, His Highness Taige is also waiting for your victory. You should fight with all your strength instead of asking Xiaoxi for his strategy for success - that is Taige Your Highness's decision. "
Kato Kiyomasa saw Kuroda Ruishui speaking, and considering that he would definitely not talk nonsense in the name of His Highness Taikaku, he did not dare to do it again, so he reluctantly swallowed his anger and walked away.
After Yi Sun-shin was imprisoned, Yoo Seung-ryong went to visit him, but the government officials did not dare to let him go. Fortunately, the crown prince Guanghae Jun guaranteed it, and Yoo Cheng-ryong was able to meet Yi Sun-shin.
Liu Chenglong apologized tearfully to Li Sunchen, and Li Sunchen said: "Xiya Gong (Liu Chenglong's name is Xiya) does not need to blame himself. I knew I would be here today, and I also knew that the king would put me to death, even if it is Xiya." Mr. Ya, it will not help if you come forward, and you, Mr. Xiya, also know this in your heart. The matter has come to this, Mr. Xiya, I want to ask you one thing, do not make any defense for me. "
But Liu Chenglong couldn't bear to die without saving him, so Yi Sunsin said that his life and death were not in the hands of the king, but in the hands of Won Kyun. Liu Chenglong frowned and said: "You mean, if Yuan Jun defends the sea, you will be executed. If Yuan Jun is defeated by Japanese pirates at sea, then North Korea's coastal defense will be lost, and the king and the court can only rely on you. You can live...is this what you mean?"
Li Shunchen replied: "That's right, but if Yuanjun can really guard the sea, then I will die in peace. Mr. Xiya, I ask you again, don't come forward for me under any circumstances. If it harms you, then this The country really has no hope.
In order to rebuild the mountains and rivers, please take care of yourself, Lord Xiya. I am most worried about my frightened mother now. If I die and cannot fulfill my filial piety, I have to trouble Xiya Gong to help me take care of my old mother. "Liu Chenglong responded seriously.
Soon after, Yi Sun-shin was tortured. Zuo Yizheng Jin Ying-nan pressed him for the reason why he refused to disobey. Yi Sun-shin replied: "The information sent by Governor Konishi was that Kato Kiyomasa would attack on the eleventh day of the first month, but in fact Kato Qingzheng arrived one day in advance, so this is obviously a trap, so naturally I can't send troops."
Jin Yingnan asked: "That's just the final result. What's more, what if it's one or two days away? It's true that Kato Kiyomasa attacked Nishijoura. The king ordered to block the enemy at sea. You disobeyed the order and were arrogant. This is what you are doing." A great sin!"
Yi Sun-shin asked calmly: "Have the King and Prime Minister Zuo seen the Japanese pirates? Ah, they must have seen the heads of the Japanese pirates, but I am afraid they have never seen the cunning and cruelty of the Japanese pirates. The situation on the battlefield is different from that in the court. The report he heard was very different. If the general is not careful, he will lose the lives of all the soldiers in the army and at the same time lead to the overthrow of the war situation.
An incompetent general is far more formidable than his enemy. Prime Minister Zuo, I reply with these words: I am not disobeying orders, I am just worried that the soldiers will die in vain and the battle will be overturned. If this is a crime, I am willing to die. "
Jin Yingnan was furious: "You bastard, are you saying that the king will destroy the entire army! You are a sophist and hopeless!" Jin Yingnan dismissed the case and left the table, ordering the rigorous trial to continue.
On the other hand, Liu Chenglong still felt that he could not just sit back and watch, so he begged the crown prince Guanghaejun to ask the two Taiwan officials to come forward. He said: "Under the palace, the ministers of the imperial court are now divided because of Yi Sun-shin. At this time, if the Taiwan officials can come forward, there will be This is of great help. My lord, you also know that Yi Sun-shin is not only a loyal minister, but also a hero who protects the country. Don’t you also regard Yi Sun-shin as a true loyal minister? You must not let Yi Sun-shin die unjustly."
The prince shook his head and said: "What power can I have? The king has made up his mind on this matter. It is too late to overturn the case. Please lead the prime minister back and don't be implicated in this matter."
After Liu Chenglong heard this, he secretly gritted his teeth and asked again: "My lord, I know that you are dissatisfied with my previous behavior, but if you can help me this time, I owe my life to you, no matter what personal request you have in the future. , I will all agree. Yi Sun-shin is the last general of Joseon, so please be sure to rescue me."
However, the prince still refused, and Liu Chenglong was so sad that he had to resign. The next day, the crown prince discussed Liu Chenglong's intention with Liu Zufan and Li Erzhan. Liu Zufan laughed and said: "The prime minister is really shameless. He ignored us when he regained power. Now that the general he recommended, Yi Sunchen, was immediately imprisoned. I came here to beg for help. This fall out is faster than flipping through a book. I must not agree to Liu Chenglong's request."
The Crown Prince said: "But I actually want to help, not because of Liu Chenglong, but because I also know Yi Sun-shin very well. He is a loyal minister without selfish motives and a good general who can protect the country and defeat Japanese pirates. As the Crown Prince, I should protect him." .”
Li Erzhan immediately advised in a deep voice: "He may be a hero to the people, but not to His Highness, and this is exactly the problem. Your Majesty, even if he is a loyal minister and a good general, if he disobeys the Lord, That would be the same as proclaiming himself king, which is a taboo for the king, and it is precisely for this reason that the king had to execute Yi Sun-shin."
The prince was silent for a long time, and suddenly asked Li Erzhan, what would he do if one day he had to choose between the people and him? Li Erzhan did not hesitate to say that he would still follow the prince, and Liu Zulu also advised the prince not to interfere in this matter again.
On the other side of the court, courtiers were still arguing about Yi Sun-shin. The king of North Korea, Li Huan, was leaning on the throne, looking extremely impatient.
Zheng Zhuoli remonstrated: "Your Highness, if you continue to torture Yi Sun-shin, you will only mutilate him to death. Although our country usually has many generals, good generals are scarce in times of national calamity. No matter what, we must not execute Yi Sun-shin now."
In this regard, Li Hengfu and others also asked Li Huo to forgive him, while Yi Dooshou and others insisted that Yi Sunchen acted arbitrarily and his crime was unforgivable.
Li Huan felt irritated when he heard this, waved his hands and said: "Now even if Yi Sunchen offers Kato Kiyomasa's head to me, I will never forgive him." Li Dexin and Li Yuanyi quickly counted Yi Sunchen's contribution and influence, and repeated I begged Li Huo to show mercy.
Jin Yingnan couldn't help but angrily said: "Yi Sun-shin is just a general. If the generals can make their own decisions based on their own merits and abilities and ignore the king's orders, then where are the ethics and national laws? How can we talk about overall planning during the war? ? If all the armies and generals act as if they are separate and independent, Korea will eventually become a piece of scattered sand, and the war will be defeated. Therefore, Yi Sun-sin must be severely punished!"
Zheng Zhuo remonstrated again and asked Li Huo to give him severe punishment but not death, so that he could be punished and meritorious in the future. But Li Huan no longer wanted to listen to Yi Sun-shin's argument, so he ordered all the courtiers to retreat.
Ryu Seung-ryong ran around to save Yi Sun-shin, but he was really helpless, so he visited I Do-soo late at night, and begged I Do-soo to save Yi Sun-shin's life by willing to resign from the political position and withdraw from the court.
Unfortunately, Yi Dooshou still declined politely and said seriously: "Prime Minister, I know that there are a lot of political deals for you and me, but regarding Yi Sun-shin's issue, it is not because of any personal disagreement with the Prime Minister, but It's out of genuine political disagreement.
The Prime Minister said that Yi Sun-shin had crossed the king's bottom line and committed a major taboo. He has indeed worked hard and achieved great results, but he has violated the royal authority and his fault is too great to be undone. It is extremely difficult to make the king change his mind at this time. "After that, Yi Dooshou stopped talking and sent Liu Chenglong out of the house in silence.
Liu Chenglong was so anxious that he could only resort to the last resort, as was the custom in Ming Dynasty's political circles, to resign from office in exchange for Yi Sunsin's life.
After reading it, Li Huo felt upset in his chest, so he came to Jin Guiren to relieve himself. Jin Guiren arranged a meal to appease Li Hao. Li Hao looked up and saw that a new birdcage had been added to Jin Guiren's palace. After asking, he found out that she placed it here because she was lonely and wanted to entertain herself.
Jin Guiren said: "Japanese pirates are about to invade, the people of the country are in turmoil, and I am also very worried. Listening to the birdsong from time to time will clear my mind. Please don't blame me too much. In fact, the birds in the birdcage are not only beautiful, but sometimes also Waking up the sleeping concubine, I sometimes really want to kill them, but then I think about it, but if I make a little noise, what kind of crime can I count? It seems that there is no need to kill them... I often do this repeatedly, so that Your Highness is laughing."
Li Huo said with a smile that since it was so troublesome, it would be better not to raise it. Jin Guiren said: "Your Highness, aren't you the same? Since you want to kill him, why did you entrust him with such a heavy responsibility in the first place? Just like this bird in a cage, it sometimes makes me happy and sometimes makes me angry, but I cannot kill him. Kill them, because once you kill them, you may regret it if you want to hear their sweet cries again in the future.”
Only then did Li Fang realize that Jin Guiren was using objects to describe people, and he couldn't help but said coldly: "Are you using this to compare the widow and Yi Sun-shin? Did Liu Chenglong come to you and promise some kind of deal, asking you to help rescue Li Sunchen?" Shun Chen!"
Jin Guiren hurriedly explained, but unfortunately Li Huo didn't listen. Instead, he said angrily: "There was a time when the noble man's advice was good medicine for me, but this time I will never forgive Yi Sunchen no matter what!" After saying that, he walked away.
Seeing this, Jin Guiren could only sigh and asked Shang Gong to report to the crown prince that she had failed to convince Li Huan.
Li He was alone in the palace looking up at the night sky, feeling very bored. Somehow, he suddenly had an idea and called Liu Chenglong and asked: "I want to ask you, if Li Sunchen is executed by me, will you feel that there is no need to stay with me anymore?" This is your original intention of resigning, isn't it?"
Liu Chenglong replied: "How dare I protect the sinner Yi Sun-shin, but he was recommended by me, so all this happened today is due to my incompetence. I think I am no longer qualified to continue to serve His Highness."
Li Hao said angrily: "The war is not over yet! It was you who made me start to make reforms, but you want to leave irresponsibly, and I won't allow it! Until the war is over, you have to take all responsibilities!"
Liu Chenglong was silent for a moment and asked Li Huo if he trusted him? Li Huo's mouth twitched slightly at the sudden question, but after turning his head, he said: "It's natural to trust."
Liu Chenglong said: "Then why don't you trust Yi Sunchen? If he causes a rebellion like Li Menghe did, I will definitely cut off Yi Sunchen's head with my own hands and never let him destroy this country and harm His Highness. But His Highness does not trust him. I don’t trust Yi Sun-shin either, and just choose to use and discard them according to needs. Today Yi Sun-shin is regarded as a traitor, so the minister who recommended the traitor will also be regarded as a traitor. I have been loyal and good all my life, and I dare not bear this contemptuous title, so Just leaving."
After Liu Chenglong finished speaking, he bowed solemnly, turned around and left, leaving King Li Huan of Joseon alone upset.
Zheng Zhuo and others also went to court all night, requesting that Yi Sunchen be punished and meritorious service. Li He thought hard for half the night, and finally went to the prison in person and announced to Yi Sunchen that he could be spared, but he must be sent to the army in white under the command of Marshal Quan Li.
Not only that, Li Ao also had other conditions, which ordered Yi Sunchen to die in battle, not only to prove his innocence, but also to apologize for not obeying the king's orders before. Yi Sun-shin tearfully swore that he would die with the Japanese army.
The news of Yi Sun-shin's release soon spread throughout the country, and both the DPRK and the Central Government were filled with relief or surprise.
After Yuan Jun was appointed as the commander of the three naval forces, he drank and had fun every day on Hanshan Island. The soldiers in the military camp did not want to train, and most of them had nothing to do. They just drank and gambled for entertainment every day. The former generals of Yi Sun-shin dared to be angry but did not dare to speak out. They simply stayed behind closed doors. As a result, the morale of the Korean naval forces was declining.
When the news of Yi Sun-shin's deposedness reached Nagoya, Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi laughed and said: "I'm really curious whether the head of the King of Joseon is empty. Faced with such a crisis, he could actually cut off an arm. Aren’t you afraid of dying from excessive blood loss?”
Maeda Toshiie said with a smile: "The King of Joseon seems to be a very suspicious person. He will never tolerate anyone who is too popular among the people, who is stronger than himself, who makes his own decisions, or who threatens his status, no matter how old he is." It is important, but we must get rid of it quickly.”
Hideyoshi laughed and said: "It seems that the King of Korea is the most loyal person to me! After conquering Korea, I must give this King of Korea a big reward. I heard someone not long ago that Mingguo's " "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms", I have quite a lot of experience, or I will give the King of Joseon an An Le Gong in the future."
An Le Gong, that was Liu Chan's title after the fall of the Shu Han Dynasty. It seems that Toyotomi Hideyoshi really listened to "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms".
Maeda Toshiie smiled and said: "That is really reasonable, but it may not be possible. I am afraid that when Kato conquered Korea, he accidentally killed the king of Korea, and then His Highness Taikaku would have to give him a grand burial and erect a monument."
Hideyoshi burst out laughing after hearing this. At this time, Ishida Mitsunari came to report that 600 warships had been assembled, and made a special report that the "new fleet" in Osaka Bay had also lost most of its main force, and now the entire army was ready to go out.
Hideyoshi first expressed great satisfaction with this, but then he was worried about whether the navy general who succeeded Yi Sun-shin had the same talents as Yi Sun-shin. Of course, what he was most worried about was that the "new fleet" would suffer heavy losses.
Ishida Mitsunari replied: "The new commander-in-chief of North Korea's navy is named Wonjun. Your Highness, please don't worry about this person. During the Battle of Munrok, this person always failed to win a single battle against us, and he will definitely lose in battle. This People are mediocre and incompetent, and their talents are far inferior to Yi Sun-shin."
Hideyoshi was overjoyed and ordered preparations for the expedition. Then he turned to Maeda Toshiie and said: "By the way, Matashiro, I had a dream last night. I dreamed that my mother was hugging Hesong, holding my hand, and saying that she wanted to go with me to enjoy the cherry blossoms. ...I woke up with joy, and thinking about it, they were probably going to take me to North Korea to take over the newly conquered territory, right?"
Maeda Toshiie was suddenly horrified, but looking at Hideyoshi who was in high spirits and with eyes full of fascination, Toshiie swallowed back the words that had already reached his lips with difficulty.
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