Chapter 520 The Difference between the King and his Subjects
Most of the Confucian scholars on the ship had never been to the sea and could not stand the wind and waves.
These people are either rich or noble, and have been pampered since childhood. Even though they talk about studying hard every day, in fact, who from a poor family can afford to study?
Xia Shaopeng was just the beginning. As the voyage progressed, people were thrown into the sea every day.
Although many people protested, Shi Heng didn't care about it.
Once you go to sea, your life or death will depend on it. This is the rule.
The steamship was very powerful, and twenty days later, the fleet arrived at Sado Island.
Sun Changhe stepped onto the land cautiously. At this moment, deep in his heart, he couldn't help but want to cry loudly, I am still alive, still alive!
As long as you are alive, there is hope.
It doesn't matter if the Ming Dynasty doesn't want me. I can take my talents to the Japanese country on the other side of the ocean and realize my life ideals here.
After a short rest, the Confucian scholars followed Ichijo Kanyoshi to Edo Town.
After talking all the way, Ichiyo Kanyoshi was looking forward to Sun Changhe and promised that when he met Emperor Hikohito, he would definitely recommend Sun Changhe to serve as the shogunate.
Sun Changhe was secretly happy. He had a good understanding of the Japanese regime. The so-called emperor was just a decoration and did not even have real power in his hands.
It was the Ashikaga Shogunate that really controlled the military and government of Japan, while local power was dispersed among the various guardian daimyo.
The person who holds power is the shogunate's assistant. The Ashikaga shogunate controls the real power. If he can hold power in the shogunate, his status is very close to that of Kanshiro, at least he can be regarded as a deputy prime minister.
Finally, the team arrived at Edo Town.
This is the Kyoto of the Japanese Kingdom. However, the productivity of the Japanese Kingdom at this time was extremely limited, and the so-called capital looked similar to a county town in the Ming Dynasty.
Ichijo Kanera turned his head and said: "Sir, we are here."
Sun Changhe nodded slowly and looked at the dilapidated city gate in front of him. Suddenly, an idea came to his mind.
"My brother, as a Guanbai of the Japanese country, is inferior to one person and superior to ten thousand people. Why don't I see officials coming out of the city to welcome me when I return home this time?"
Hearing this, Ichijo Kaneliang was stunned.
I'll go out and investigate, why is there still such a statement?
When Sun Changhe saw this, he shook his head and said: "This is etiquette. If the world does not follow etiquette and law, there will no longer be any order."
"Been taught a lesson!"
Ichijo Kanera clasped his fists and saluted, thinking secretly in his mind that he must be a disciple of a serious saint. He has been a guanbai for so many years, but he didn't pay attention to the superiors and inferiors. It's really shameful.
It's okay if I don't pay attention to it on weekdays. Today I really came into contact with etiquette. In comparison, I really feel that something is wrong.
Maybe... the Japanese country should also change!
Seeing that he was silent, but with a somewhat ashamed look on his face, Sun Changhe knew that he was right.
Things like benevolence, righteousness, etiquette, etc. are what I am good at, and I am not tired even if I talk for three days and three nights.
"According to etiquette, Emperor Hikohito should personally give the order, and the Ministry of Rites should take the lead and lead the ministers out of the city to welcome him."
Ichijo Kaneliang felt even more ashamed and said: "I don't have a Ministry of Rites in my country..."
Sun Changhe was stunned for a moment, and then sighed: "Brother Yitiao, we still have a long way to go!"
Kanyoshi Ichijo understood what he meant and said, "I will still rely on you sir from now on!"
"I don't dare to take it!"
After a few polite words, the two of them led the Confucian scholars into the city and arrived at the palace.
It's just that this palace is a bit shabby. Let alone the Forbidden City, even ordinary palaces are ten times more luxurious than this one.
Emperor Hikohito had already received news that Kanliang had returned to China. He also learned that he had bought steam trains and steamships from the Ming Dynasty, and had brought back thousands of Confucian scholars. He was very happy and hosted a dinner for him.
Of course, the number of people that the palace can accommodate is very limited, and it would be unrealistic for thousands of people to attend. Therefore, a dozen or so scholars headed by Sun Changhe and others went to the banquet.
Above the palace, there were some civil servants and generals accompanying them. Some of them were wearing official clothes, some were wearing armor, and some were wearing Confucian shirts. They kept chattering to each other.
After Sun Changhe sat down, he saw these people and thought to himself, this is indeed a barbarian land, they don't even have official uniforms, and they are still making so much noise in the inner courtyard of the palace. If they were in the Ming Dynasty, they would have been kicked out long ago.
Not long after, Emperor Hikohito walked into the main hall accompanied by a young general.
This man was Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who was only nineteen years old, and he was also the most powerful person in the Japanese country.
All the civil and military officials present gathered around him and bent down to salute.
Suddenly, someone shouted: "Long live my emperor!"
Everyone's eyes gathered and saw a man performing three bows and nine kowtows.
Most of the people could not understand Chinese, but when they saw this man's prostrating posture, they were greatly shocked.
What does it mean?
Ichijo Kaneliang was caught off guard. He did not expect that Sun Changhe would suddenly bow down, and what he did not expect was that behind Sun Changhe, more than a dozen Confucian scholars would also bend down and bow down.
"Long live my emperor!"
"Long live my emperor!"
"Long live my emperor!"
Everyone present was shocked. Looking at these scholars from the Ming Dynasty, they felt a little funny for a moment, but they also felt a little uncomfortable...
Emperor Yanren had read the books of the Han people and knew what they meant.
Deep in his eyes, an inexplicable sense of satisfaction arose spontaneously.
Look at how perfunctorily those Japanese ministers bowed down to salute me...
At the same time, Ashikaga Yoshimasa also had a surprised look in his eyes.
Doubt, shock, disbelief...
The main hall suddenly became quiet. After a long time, Emperor Yanren said in broken Chinese: "You... Heisheng!"
Sun Changhe hurriedly said: "Thank you, long live the emperor!"
An imperceptible smile appeared on Emperor Hikohito's lips, and he said: "Today, I'll give you a chance to sit down and eat!"
"According to the order!"
Sun Changhe and other Confucian scholars kowtowed and thanked them again, and then returned to their seats.
Ichijo Kanera also sat back in his seat silently, but the expression on his face was very strange.
Different from the shock and surprise of others, I am more confused.
Because he clearly saw the smile on Emperor Hikohito's face, which was a kind of satisfaction from the heart that had never appeared in so many years.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! What’s more, he also saw an incredible scene in the eyes of Ashikaga Yoshimasa.
It was a strange look that mixed ecstasy and jealousy, making it unpredictable.
For the Confucian scholars present, they only care about Emperor Hikohito's attitude, because their future names are tied to this person.
Maybe one day they can return to the Ming Dynasty, but that will be a long time ago.
What they have to do now is to hold on to the thickest thighs. Only in this way can they get the power they dream of and realize the value of their lives.
Before the Japanese officials understood the situation, one of them stepped forward and seemed to have something to say.
Kanyoshi Ichijo was thinking wildly in his mind, and when he looked at the man in front of him, he was the guardian daimyo Kono Ichiro.
The Kono family's sphere of influence is at the southernmost tip of Wajima. In recent years, new silver mines have been discovered many times, but they are occupied by the Ming Dynasty. I think they want to talk about this.
However, Kono Ichiro just walked up to Emperor Hikohito...
"Be bold!"
Everyone looked around again, and it was the person who took the lead in worshiping just now.
I saw Sun Changhe looking cold and stern, scolding: "His Majesty the Emperor is the most powerful person in the world. Who are you? If you dare to offend the holy face, why don't you retreat quickly!"
Kono Ichiro only saw the other person pointing at him and yelling, but he didn't understand Chinese and didn't know what it meant.
Come to think of it...it won't be a good word.
Strange, why is this old guy scolding me?
Kanyoshi Ichijo quickly translated: "Mr. Sun said that you have offended His Majesty the Emperor and asked you to return to your seat."
Ichiro Kono asked: "How can I be offended when I talk to His Majesty the Emperor?"
Kanryoshi Ichijo had no choice but to say: "In the Ming Dynasty, when ministers spoke to His Majesty the Emperor, they could not go up directly like you. You had to kneel down and salute, and then speak your mind after His Majesty the Emperor agreed."
"This is not the Ming Dynasty!"
Ichiro Kono couldn't help but retorted loudly: "And that piece of shit, Mr., tell him to go back to Ming Dynasty, this is not the place he should be!"
The two chatted quickly, and this time it was Sun Changhe's turn to be confused.
What are these two people talking about?
However, no one noticed that Emperor Yanren's expression had changed.
At this time, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who was accompanying the emperor, suddenly said: "Kono Ichiro, His Majesty the Emperor is entertaining guests today. If you have anything to say, I will talk about it later!"
Ichiro Kono suddenly said angrily: "Why do we have to wait until later to talk about my business? Look at what these Han people have done. They are clearly clowns who are here to make fun of them. Do you still take them seriously?"
Although Sun Changhe didn't understand, he saw that Kono Ichiro kept pointing at him when he spoke, so he knew that there was nothing good to say.
However, when it comes to quarrels, the Japanese are not even qualified to carry shoes.
After some calculation in his mind, he said: "Everything in the world must follow rules. Without rules, there is no rule. You are a minister, and you must kneel down when you see the emperor. This is a matter of law and order. Why don't you kneel down quickly and ask for permission!"
"
Kono Ichiro's eyes seemed to be bursting with fire, and he said angrily: "What did you say?"
Ashikaga Yoshimasa replied: "He asked you to step back. If you have anything to say, kneel down and say it!"
"I'll fuck your grandma!"
Kono Ichiro roared and suddenly rushed towards Sun Changhe.
"Don't be unreasonable!"
Ichijo Kanryo hurried to stop him, but he was far away and it was too late.
Kono Ichiro had already grabbed Sun Changhe's collar, opened his eyes angrily, and asked, "Why do you make me kneel down?"
Sun Changhe didn't understand, but he didn't flinch and continued: "Your Majesty, your Majesty, your ministers, fathers and sons, this is etiquette. When you see His Majesty the Emperor, you must kneel down, otherwise it will be a crime of disrespect!"
The two of them faced off like this, although neither could understand what the other said.
Kono Ichiro was already murderous, and he raised his hand and was about to strike it down.
"stop!"
A loud shout came, and immediately after, Ashikaga Yoshimasa pulled out the sword from his waist and pointed it at Kono Ichiro's back.
Kono Ichiro felt a chill, and his raised fist stopped in the air without falling.
Sun Changhe showed a sneer on his face and said: "You are so uneducated. I teach you etiquette, but you want to beat me!"
Ashikaga Yoshimasa said coldly: "Let him go!"
Kono Ichiro had no choice but to let go and said, "Today's work is not over yet!"
After saying that, he turned around and left.
"stop!"
Sun Changhe once again surprised everyone and shouted loudly: "Come if you want, leave if you want. Do you still have His Majesty the Emperor in your eyes?"
Kono Ichiro said angrily: "What are you talking about?"
The atmosphere at the scene was a bit awkward. Ichijo Kanarabe said: "Kono Ichiro, you should apologize to His Majesty the Emperor."
"Why should I apologize?"
"Apologise for your rudeness!"
Kono Ichiro clenched his fists tightly and could not help but tremble.
Everyone in the hall was looking at him, wondering what would happen next.
The political power of the Japanese country is very unstable. Edo Town is controlled by the Ashikaga Shogunate, and there are guardian daimyo in various places. They often fight with each other. Therefore, when everyone sees Kono Ichiro trapped in a dilemma, no one sympathizes and everyone just watches the fun.
After all, Emperor Hikohito is the nominal co-owner. Even if you are dissatisfied, you cannot show it.
The Confucian scholars of the Ming Dynasty were really bad, they just took advantage of this and made a big fuss to demonstrate their so-called etiquette.
Kono Ichiro was also weighing it in his mind. After a long time, he gritted his teeth and slowly knelt down.
"My lord, Kono Ichiro, pays homage to His Majesty the Emperor!"
The corners of Emperor Yanni's mouth slightly raised, he raised his hands and said: "Get up."
"yes!"
"Did you have anything to say just now?"
"No...no more!"
"That's good. Today is the Fengfeng Banquet. We'll talk about your business later."
"yes!"
The Japanese officials present looked at the performance of the monarch and his ministers, and began to feel a strange feeling in their hearts.
His Majesty the Emperor seems to be very satisfied. Doesn't he mean that this will always be the case in the future?
Emperor Hikohito then said: "Ichijo-kun, you have gained a lot from your trip to Ming Dynasty this time!"
Ichijo Kaneryoshi hurriedly bowed and saluted, saying: "This is all my duty."
Emperor Hikohito picked up the wine glass and said: "Ichijo-kun not only brought advanced trains and ships, but also so many precious envoys, I want to toast you!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
Kanyoshi Ichijo quickly picked up the glass and drank it all in one gulp.
Emperor Yanren picked up the wine glass again, looked at Sun Changhe, and said in Chinese: "I respect you, sir!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty for your grace!"
Sun Changhe first knelt down and kowtowed, then held up the wine glass with both hands and drank the wine without daring to raise his head.
The banquet lasted for less than half an hour when Emperor Hikohito said, "I'm a little sleepy, so please step aside."
All the officials resigned one after another, and when they walked out of the hall, they discovered that the Confucian scholars from the Ming Dynasty had not come out.
Needless to say, it must have been Emperor Hikohito who summoned him alone.
His Majesty the Emperor really trusts these people and made it so grand when they met for the first time.
Kono Ichiro looked back at the main hall, his face full of anger.
"Pooh!"
I don’t know if he was drunk on alcohol, but he spat at the palace door before leaving.
This scene was seen by many people, but no one said anything.
Many people are worried and hate and are jealous of those Confucian scholars.
In a wing at the back of the main hall, Emperor Hikohito, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Ichijo Kanyoshi, and Sun Changhe were sitting on the floor.
Sun Changhe originally planned to kneel, but there is no bench here and the sitting posture is kneeling, so he should treat it as kneeling.