Chapter 271: Starting from the plunder of Iwami Silver Mine, cutting off the road to Japan's rise
Through specific process means, the silver-lead alloy containing impurities is heated to a certain temperature.

The lead with a low melting point will melt first and be separated, leaving behind extremely pure silver.

It is precisely thanks to this ingenious method that the silver production of Iwami Ginzan has been greatly increased and the quality has been superb.

As time went by, the "ash blowing method" gradually spread from Iwami Ginzan to the whole of Japan.

Other places followed suit and adopted this advanced technology to refine gold and silver ores.

As a result, Japan's gold and silver production experienced an unprecedented leap in growth.

From then on, this island country, which had once suffered from disasters, embarked on the road of prosperity by relying on its unique natural resources and superb smelting technology.

Finally, in the early Edo period, the Iwami Silver Mine came to prominence.

It quickly rose to become Japan's leading and largest silver mine.

What’s amazing is that as early as the 16th century, its production was already astonishingly high.

It actually accounted for a full one-third of the world's total silver mine production at that time. This figure is truly astonishing.

As to the exact annual output of the Iwami Silver Mine, there are many different opinions among later generations.

One theory is that when the mine was at its peak, it produced about 38 tons of silver per year.

Another view claims that during its most prosperous period, the Iwami Silver Mine produced about 200 tons of silver per year.

No matter which statement is true, it fails to give us a definite answer.

It is impossible to accurately specify what the actual annual output of the Iwami Silver Mine was.

However, through in-depth research and analysis of relevant historical materials and data, we can learn this fact.

Mining operations at the Iwami Silver Mine never stopped until 1923, when the Great Kanto Earthquake shook the entire Japan.

To put it another way, it was discovered by chance in the fifth year of the Jiajing reign of the Qing Dynasty by Kamiya Hisayoshi, a wealthy businessman from Hakata, Kyushu.

Iwami Ginzan is like a tireless giant, digging for underground treasures day and night.

Over the long years, it has continued to contribute precious silver resources to Japan.

A rough calculation shows that it has been nearly four hundred years since then.

In this long river of time, we have experienced countless changes of spring, summer, autumn and winter.

The endless output of the Iwami Silver Mine is like a rushing river.

It is deeply embedded in the veins of the Japanese economy and has left an indelible mark.

After careful smelting and fine processing, the silver looks like dazzling pearls, shining with charming light.

Not only did they become the common currency in Japan, but they also flowed like blood in the business world.

It also acts as a bridge, effectively promoting frequent and close trade exchanges between Japan and the Portuguese from afar, the Dutch East India Company, and merchants from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

It is no exaggeration to say that the Iwami Silver Mine is like a magical wand.

In a way, with just a flick of the wrist, it ignited the raging fire of Japan's economic prosperity and boom.

The reason why Zhu Gang was determined to capture Prince Huailiang at all costs was because he made a big fuss about this old account of killing the Ming Dynasty envoy.

The real intention behind this was obvious. He wanted to take advantage of this rare opportunity and racked his brains to come up with a perfect plan.

In order to openly plunder Japan's Iwami Silver Mine and its mouth-watering rich mineral resources.

Unfortunately, things went against one's wishes, and an unavoidable reality was placed before the Zhu father and son.

"The problem is that we have already listed Japan as one of the so-called 'unconquered countries'! We have also solemnly written this matter into the sacred and inviolable 'Imperial Ming Ancestor Instructions'.

From ancient times to the present, the words of emperors are regarded as golden rules and their words are binding.

If you change your orders every day and are inconsistent, how can you convince the people in the world in the future?"

Zhu Biao came back to his senses and his eyes gradually became firm.

He stared closely at Zhu Yuanzhang, who was looking embarrassed, as if he wanted to see the other's inner thoughts through his deep gaze.

Zhu Biao then spoke slowly. Although his tone was calm, it carried an authority that could not be ignored.

"The saint once said: repay evil with kindness, so how should we repay those who have shown us kindness?

Only by repaying hatred with integrity and repaying kindness with benevolence."

At this point, Zhu Biao's voice rose slightly, with a hint of anger and dissatisfaction in it.

"Now this small country of Japan actually dared to kill the envoys sent by our Ming Dynasty without authorization!
Such behavior is simply a blatant provocation and insult to the Ming Dynasty court!

If we ignore this matter and fail to take strong measures to fight back, they will pay the price they deserve.

So what will the other vassal states of the Ming Dynasty think?

They might think that the Ming Dynasty is weak and can be bullied, and thus look down on us.

Or maybe they feel that our dynasty has lost its deterrent power and is no longer worthy of reliance and awe.

Wouldn't this cause more trouble and trouble?"

As Zhu Biao spoke, he unconsciously clenched his fists, as if he wanted to express his strong indignation in this way.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was standing aside, listened to Zhu Biao's words silently, with a serious expression on his face.

Obviously he also realized the seriousness of the problem and the possible dire consequences.

At the same time, Zhu Gang stood aside with a sly smile on his face.

He continued to fan the flames, saying: "According to the report of our Jinyiwei's peripheral member Xie Xun, the Southern Dynasty where Prince Huailiang is located is not the true orthodox country of Japan!

The so-called 'Emperor Daigo' was exactly the same as Emperor Xian of Han in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He was just a puppet at the mercy of others.

So, Prince Huailiang, who couldn't even unify his own country, actually dared to have improper thoughts about our great Ming Dynasty.

If this matter were to be publicized, I'm afraid the other vassal states would also become restless and have second thoughts!

Moreover, you have to know that at this moment, Japan is in a chaotic situation where the Northern and Southern Dynasties have not yet been unified.

But even so, Prince Huailiang still did not know his place and kept speaking wildly.

This shows that the ambition to get involved in the Central Plains has long been deeply rooted in the upper echelons of the Japanese government.

They are just waiting for the right moment."

Looking back at the past, throughout its long history, Japan has always been obsessed with dominating Asia.

The first madman who took this bold step and put it into action was Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who ended the Warring States Period.

He ambitiously attempted to conquer the Korean Peninsula and use it as a springboard to further invade China, thus realizing his dream of dominating Asia.

However, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's conspiracy ultimately ended in failure.

But this did not dispel the desire and greed deep in the hearts of the Japanese!
(End of this chapter)