Shuri Castle, the Ryukyu Royal Palace, is very similar to the Forbidden City of the Ming Dynasty, but all shapes are one size smaller. Different from royal palaces in other places, the main hall of Shuri Castle does not face north to south, but faces east to west - because the Ming Emperor's Forbidden City is in the west of Ryukyu, this change in orientation fully reflects the "sincerity of great things" of the Ryukyu kings in the past dynasties. .
When Xiao Chongye, the envoy entrusted by the Ming Dynasty, and Xie Jie, the deputy envoy, arrived at Huanhui Gate, the main gate of Shuri City, in sedan chairs, ceremonial guards and drums surrounded both sides of the red carpet corridor - everyone knelt down and bowed their heads.
Ten feet directly west of the Huanhui Gate, Ryukyu Crown Prince Shangyong, dressed in the crown of a royal prince, greeted the court angels in the previously built edict-promulgating pavilion. He is less than thirty years old, with a white face and red lips. He is quite handsome, but has a bit of a girly look in his ointment.
Xiao Chongye, the envoy of the Ming Dynasty, was over sixty years old, with gray beard and hair. He solemnly held a staff, deputy envoy Xie Jie held a book of treasures, and the Han general held a royal flag and a guard of honor. They filed in on red felt among the Ryukyu ministers. When he was approaching the pavilion where the imperial edict was issued, Shangyong walked out of the pavilion, stepped down the steps and knelt down on the ground, saying: "His Majesty the Prince of Ryukyu Kingdom, Shangyong, welcome the angel! Long live my emperor, long live, long live! "
Xiao Chongye's face was still solemn as he stood in front of Shang Yong and accepted his kneel. After the dance was completed, Fang said: "Your Majesty, please rise." Upon hearing this, Shang Yong stood up, and Xiao Chongye bowed in salute. The two exchanged a few cordial words and exchanged greetings. It was nothing more than an angel coming from afar to work hard, and the Crown Prince showing off his talent.
After a few brief greetings, the Third Division Officer Weng Jisong played: "Your Highness, Angel, the time has come." Xiao Chongye smiled and nodded, took the two edicts handed over by Xie Jie with both hands, held them above his head and stepped into the edict issuing pavilion.
Shang Yong's face flushed with excitement. He straightened his clothes first and looked around at his subjects. Then he turned around and knelt down facing the imperial edict pavilion. Xie Jie and other angels' entourage, as well as all Ryukyu subjects, all knelt down and bowed their heads.
Listen to Xiao Chongye's edict: "The emperor is destined to be blessed by heaven. The edict says: I have been ordered by heaven to rule over all directions. I will not come to enjoy it at home and abroad. I extend the reward to Xiqing, and the kindness and courtesy are the same. But you are in the Ryukyu Kingdom, and the seaside is far away. , abide by the teachings of the sound; pay tribute from generation to generation, it is enough to be called a country that observes etiquette. The king is still in the Yuan Dynasty, the preface of the emperor is inscribed, and the ministers are rigorous; here is Yan's passing away, my heartfelt condolences! I miss him forever, the king The title should be succeeded. His son Yong, whose virtue is only virtuous and can win over many people, should inherit the country's rule and establish a foreign vassal forever. The special envoy Bing Ke Zuo was sent to Shizhong Xiao Chongye and the deputy envoy Xie Jie, Xingren Si Xingren, followed the imperial edict to the title As the King of Ryukyu Kingdom, he was still given the leather ben hat, robes and other things. All the bureaucrats and elders in the country are grateful to him for their support and support. Don't take the place of the successor, and he will be more pious in doing things. "There are many people in Suizi who are at peace with me. This means that our country in the sea has no borders. Therefore, this is an edict, and everyone should know it."
After Shangyong and the Ryukyu ministers expressed their gratitude, the Ryukyu people present also thanked them. Xiao Chongye took out another edict and read: "The emperor issued an edict to Shangyong, the crown prince of Zhongshan King Shangyuan of the Ryukyu Kingdom." Shangyong knelt down and answered: "I obey the decree."
"But you have guarded this sea country for generations, received the king's title on your behalf, and inherited your loyalty and obedience. After your father's reign, you were afraid of the big things, so you should be careful; you were sincere and honest, and you were favored. You passed away suddenly, and you mourned for your good use. Injury! You are the heir of Xiang, and you are the most beautiful person in Keji. Since the public sentiment is attached, it is appropriate to confer a title on Shao. I hereby send the chief envoy Bing Kezuo to Xiao Chongye, the deputy envoy, and Xie Jie, the deputy envoy Xingren Xingren, to grant you the title of Zhongshan of the Ryukyu Kingdom. King, I also give you and your concubines crowns, robes, colorful coins and other things. You should abide by the king's seal and follow the previous aspirations; be courteous and righteous, and establish a peaceful environment for the people: I will show my unparalleled benevolence, so as to forever preserve your reputation. . Thank you very much. Therefore!”
"My Lord, Shang Yong, I take this order to express my gratitude! Long live, long live, long live!" Compared with Shanhu when he just welcomed the angel, Shang Yong's tone had a little more excited vibrato. When Xiao Chongye asked him to stand up, he said tremblingly: "When an angel comes to seal the title, his courtesy is as good as that of a vassal. Life, glory and death are mourning, and I am extremely humble. And Chen Zhang Zao Han has been bettered in every generation - I can only use my powder to express myself." Repay the Holy Grace!"
When Xiao Chongye heard this, he nodded and smiled. Seeing Shang Yong's eyes turned red with excitement, his heart tumbled. When Shang Yong handed the two edicts to the Ryukyu ceremony officials, Xiao Chongye changed his title and said: "Please change your clothes first."
So King Zhongshan entered the scene that had been prepared long ago. His attendants took the prince's robes from the imperial envoy's entourage and went in to help him change his clothes. After a while, King Nakayama walked out of the scene. When the Ryukyu subjects saw that the prince's robes were so colorful and brilliant, they were all so happy that they cheered endlessly.
Then the King of Zhongshan went up to the decree-promulgating pavilion. In addition to the envoy Xiao Chongye and the deputy envoy Xie Jie, they paid homage as if they were meeting a prince in the country. Shang Yong and Xiao Chongye stood side by side, the band played the Zhongping chapter, and the two men accepted the tributes and cheers of the subjects before the ceremony was completed.
After the ceremony was completed, Shang Yong held Xiao Chongye's arm, and the two of them walked down the steps behind the imperial pavilion and walked towards the Huanhui Gate.
Xiao Chongye looked up at the plaque above the Huanhui Gate and saw the four large characters "Land of Observance of Etiquette" written on it, with the small characters "Yubi" on the left. He cupped his hands to the west, then turned his head and nodded with a smile: "Your Majesty, before my envoy left the country, the Emperor said that although Ryukyu is located in the middle of the sea, it is quite polite, and it is not an exaggeration to say that the court treats him well. When I saw you today, you are sure 'Keep etiquette'."
Shang Yong felt quite proud and replied with a smile: "I am ashamed to be praised by the angels. In the fourth year of Wanli, Meng Tian'en awarded me an imperial pen - I dare not to be loyal to you! The name of this sect is 'Huanhui', which is correct." This is the meaning of being most sincere in the affairs of the country."
After saying that, he bowed again and said with a smile: "The lower country is remote and I don't know the etiquette of the upper country. This canonization is all based on the teachings of angels. I will always thank you here."
Xiao Chongye saw that he was a little cautious, so he smiled and encouraged him: "Ryukyu is the backbone of all countries. Now that trade is prosperous, it is the time for the prince to do something great. As long as you observe the etiquette, you will be more loyal and diligent..." Again He turned to look at the Third Chief Officer Weng Jisong and others who were following behind him and said, "The senior bureaucrats in your country should also unite in your praise and act diligently - I will reply to the order after returning to the country, and I will say that we will always maintain the feudal clan." I am very happy and thank you again.
Zheng Jiong, who was serving as the etiquette officer, listened to Xiao Chongye's words and glanced at Weng Jisong beside him, with deep meaning in his eyes. Weng Jisong's face was pale and his eyes wandered. Zheng Jiong sneered in his heart, bowed and interjected: "When I was in the seventh year of Wanli, I and Lord Ma Liangbi had the honor to serve as tribute envoys and see the beauty of heaven in Xiyuan. His majesty, the emperor, looks like a dragon and a phoenix, and looks like the sun in the sky. The gods descended to earth, and I am still very excited when I think about it."
Xiao Chongye was very happy when he heard this. He turned slightly to look at Zheng Jiong and asked, "Who is this?" Shang Yong smiled and said, "This is Zheng Jiong, the eldest historian. He is from the Zheng family on Kume Island. He studied in Nanjing Imperial College for six years and is quite familiar with it. According to national etiquette, I will serve as the etiquette officer this time."
Xiao Chongye heard this and said to Zheng Jiong: "The Jiumi Zheng family is a Fujian and Zheng family that was moved here by Taizu's order?" Zheng Jiong hurriedly bowed and replied: "That's right."
Weng Jisong finally caught the opportunity and quickly interjected from the side: "Zheng Changshi was not moved to Zhengye, Fujian by Taizu Taizu of the Ming Dynasty - his grandfather Zhao Zuo was a native of Changle. He was kidnapped by Japanese pirates during the Jiajing period and drifted to Ryukyu." Weng Jisong had never studied abroad in the Ming Dynasty and spoke in a strong Ryukyu dialect. However, Xiao Chongye clearly heard the words "Ming Taizu" and heard him say "Japanese pirates", and his face changed slightly.
Before he could think of how to react, the deputy envoy Xie Jie shouted sharply: "Bold! The title of Taizu is preceded by the word 'ming', but do you have the intention to come from outside?" Weng Jisong took a breath, and then his expression changed. Turning red, he knelt down and kowtowed to apologize, not even daring to say anything.
Shang Yong was a little at a loss when he saw his chief executive making such a big mistake. Xiao Chongye saw that the young king was quite embarrassed, so he didn't care about himself and changed the subject: "Your Majesty, education is booming in the dynasty now, and many vassal states are sending students to study abroad. The Ministry of Culture and Education has issued special regulations to manage and support it. Your Majesty, If you want, you can also send some good students to study abroad."
Shang Yong nodded when he heard the words and agreed without any hesitation. Zheng Jiong saw that Weng Jisong had suffered a big fall and was unwilling to miss this opportunity. He hurriedly added: "Now that Satsuma is established, Shimazu is powerful - his family has been coveting our Ryukyus before. In the past two years, the Shimazu family has I am exchanging documents with the Third Chief of Staff and intending to break up our Amami Island. I wonder if the imperial court knows about it?"
Xiao Chongye smiled bitterly in his heart - it is certainly a good thing for all nations to come to court, but as the sovereign state, it is difficult to resolve such lawsuits. He did not go to Japan or Satsuma as an envoy during this trip. It was difficult to know the truth in his eagerness. This question was difficult to answer, so he couldn't help but look at the deputy envoy Xie Jie.
Xie Jie ignored Weng Jisong, turned to look at Zheng Jiong and said: "Ryukyu has been respectful over the years and has continued to pay tribute. The court will not let you suffer. Although Satsuma has made great contributions, Shimazu won the title of Japan's first feudal lord." When it comes to establishing a country, do you dare to go to Long to look at Shu? This is not difficult."
After pondering for a while, he continued: "When we return to China and report the matter, the court will make a decision based on the merits. If what you say is true, Shimazu will be reprimanded - I forgive Satsuma for not having any more wrongdoings." ." After saying this, Xie Jie said to Weng Jisong who was kneeling on the side: "Sir, sir, please get up." Weng Jisong, with a face full of shame, stood up and bowed his head in silence.
Seeing that the matter was resolved, Xie Jie turned into a gourd and said nothing. Xiao Chongye secretly felt ashamed and still talked to Shang Yong. Shangyong accompanied him on a tour of Shuri Castle, introduced the "Wangokujinryang Bell", and held a banquet and entertained him warmly.
During the dinner, Shang Yong sincerely hoped that Xiao Chongye would stay in Ryukyu for a few more days so that he could receive teachings at any time. Xiao Chongye couldn't bear the kindness, so he had to tell the truth and apologize: "I don't dare to accept the kindness of the prince. But I can't wait to set off from Ryukyu as an envoy to other countries."
Shang Yong was surprised when he heard this: "I heard before that Mr. Xiao only sent envoys to lower countries - when did he add another country?"
Xiao Chongye smiled when he heard this and said: "We received an order from the Political Affairs Hall the day before yesterday, ordering us to set off immediately for Sulu - the edict document will be delivered to the sealing ship with a fast ship chasing us."
Hearing this, Shang Yong and others worried: "But something happened in Luzon? If the trade routes are cut off, we will be in trouble." Xiao Chongye couldn't help but look at Xie Jie again. It’s not about sealing off the ships, it’s about the navy.”
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