Chapter 264: Yang Zai could not forget the shame of the Ming envoy being killed, and urged to remove the Japanese island from the list of "unconquered countries"
Jiang Lin, who had just been promoted to the rank of fourth-rank deputy commander, obviously did not expect that he would instantly become the focus of everyone's attention.
He couldn't help but feel a little flustered, and subconsciously turned his eyes for help to Zhu Gang standing beside him.
Zhu Gang frowned slightly, a trace of doubt appeared on his face, and he said slowly: "Since you reported this matter to me, then I believe you must know the reason.
At this moment, all the civil and military officials are present in the court.
Whether it is true or not, just tell the truth!"
Although his voice was not loud, it carried an unquestionable majesty.
Jiang Li, who was standing not far away, felt his heart tighten and he involuntarily reached out to wipe away the fine beads of sweat oozing from his forehead.
He then took a deep breath and said in a hoarse voice, "Your Highness, what Duke Cao said is absolutely true.
Those Japanese pirates dared to invade the coastal areas of our Ming Dynasty again and again. It was precisely because they relied on the sharp firearms in their hands that they could be so arrogant and unscrupulous.
According to the secret reports obtained by the Jinyiwei, to which I belong, there are three major families in Jiangnan, namely the Su family, the Li family and the Zhao family.
These three clans secretly kept a large number of assassins and seemed to have connections with the Japanese pirates, in an attempt to avenge Hu Weiyong who had been executed.
However, up to now, no solid evidence has been obtained, so I dare not act rashly! "
After saying this, Jiang Li bowed and saluted with an extremely respectful attitude.
Yang Zai, who had been the leader of a delegation to Japan on a diplomatic mission, suddenly stepped forward at this moment.
His tone was filled with grief and indignation, and he shouted loudly: "Your Highness, please listen to what I have to say.
In the second year of the Hongwu reign, Your Majesty sent seven envoys, including me, to Japan.
However, what was unexpected was that the self-proclaimed royal prince Huailiang ruthlessly slaughtered our five brave and fearless envoys!"
After a brief pause, Yang Zai continued his impassioned speech: "Since ancient times, even if two countries are at war, they will never kill envoys who come to convey information.
This behavior is undoubtedly a blatant contempt and serious provocation to our Ming Dynasty!
Now they have gone even further and even colluded with the sinister Hu Weiyong in an attempt to steal the advanced firearms technology of our Ming Dynasty.
In view of this, I strongly suggest that the tiny country of Japan be completely removed from the list of "unconquered countries".
Otherwise, the weaker neighboring countries will surely follow suit.
The consequences will be disastrous and may even lead to an immeasurable disaster!"
Although eight full years have passed, Yang Zai still remembers the tragedy that occurred in the second year of Hongwu as if it happened yesterday.
He still remembers that in the distant land of Japan, Prince Huailiang, dressed in traditional Japanese military uniform, stared at the letter from the Ming Empire in front of him with an angry face.
Prince Huailiang suddenly grabbed the letter from the credential and threw it hard on the exquisite sandalwood table.
At the same time, he roared, "How dare you, the audacious Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, use such an arrogant and rude attitude.
Giving orders to Japan is simply going too far!"
Prince Huailiang's voice was like thunder, resounding throughout the palace.
It contains unparalleled majesty and uncontrollable rage.
"Although Japan is small, it is also an upright, independent country. How can we tolerate other countries' wanton bullying and insults?"
Prince Huailiang roared in indignation, his voice was deafening, and it seemed to break through the roof.
All the courtiers standing beside him were silent, their faces as pale as paper.
These people didn't even dare to breathe, fearing that they would accidentally anger the angry Regent in front of them. At this moment, Prince Huailiang, who was still furious, stood up suddenly, emitting a terrifying pressure.
He waved his hand and said sternly, "Come here, bring those ignorant Ming envoys to me!"
About a cup of tea later, a group of Ming Dynasty envoys who were tied up tightly with ropes like dumplings arrived.
Under the escort of many Japanese warriors, he staggered into the hall and finally stopped in the center of the hall.
These envoys were all half-dressed and in a dishevelled state. Their once neat clothes had now become tattered and covered in dust.
At this moment, their faces were filled with fear, anxiety, and tenacity.
Among this group of Ming Dynasty envoys, Yang Zai, the leader of the delegation, was particularly eye-catching.
Although he is imprisoned and his life is hanging by a thread at this moment, he still tries hard to maintain the rare calmness and composure deep in his heart.
Slowly raising his head, Yang Zai looked straight at Prince Huailiang who was sitting above.
His eyes were not only filled with endless resentment, but also revealed a kind of unwavering and unyielding determination.
Facing the aggressive Prince Huailiang, Yang Zai showed no fear.
He straightened his spine and said in a loud voice: "Your Highness Prince Huailiang, please listen to me.
This time, His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming Dynasty sent us to your country as envoys.
It is entirely out of cherishing the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries.
At the same time, it is also a move to seek common development for both sides and benefit the people.
However, if Your Highness persists in doing what he wants.
I am afraid that it will inevitably lead to an unavoidable brutal war and endless disasters and sufferings. I hope Your Highness will think twice before acting!"
Yang Zai's voice, which was originally as weak as a candle in the wind, now sounded as loud as a huge bell.
Every word was like a heavy hammer, striking hard at the heartstrings of everyone present.
Its power is so great that it can shake the soul and reach the deepest part of the human heart.
However, in the face of Yang Zai's righteous words, Prince Huailiang just raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a disdainful sneer.
Then, in his eyes, which were already filled with sinister intent, a chilling and cruel light flashed across them.
"Humph! If the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty really had such good intentions, why would he be so relentless and ruthless?
Although the island nation of Japan is small in size, we also know the profound meaning of the famous saying "A gentleman can be killed but not humiliated"!
After saying this, Prince Huailiang waved his arms vigorously.
At the same time, he shouted in a cold and unquestionable tone: "Someone come!
Immediately execute all these envoys from the Ming Dynasty on the spot, in order to demonstrate the supreme majesty of our Yamato nation!"
As Prince Huailiang issued this cold and ruthless order, the entire palace was instantly shrouded in a heavy and depressing atmosphere.
For a moment, the hall fell into deathly silence, as if even the air had frozen.
Everyone present felt unprecedented fear and despair, as if the end of the world had come.
The servants who were carrying out the order did not dare to be negligent in the slightest and quickly began to carry out this cruel task.
(End of this chapter)