Chapter 276: The resistance against the Yuan Dynasty depends entirely on the Hojo family. Japan also has a hero like Cao Cao
As early as 480 BC, that turbulent era.

The thrilling "Battle of Salamis" shocked the entire Western world.

At that time, the brave and fearless Greek Navy had only 386 warships.

They resolutely faced the powerful Persian army with as many as 684 warships, and achieved a brilliant victory in this shocking battle!
This historic victory was like a thunderbolt that split the sky.

This directly led to the Persian Empire, which had sent out a huge army in full force, suffering a disastrous defeat in the first "Persian War".

The root of all this is precisely because the Persian army has never been able to unite into a highly efficient, coordinated and closely coordinated fighting group.

It was precisely because of this fatal flaw that they were eventually successfully counterattacked by the numerically inferior Greek navy, creating this legendary story of defeating the larger force with the smaller one.

However, if you want to build an elite navy with truly strong combat capabilities, relying solely on courage and determination is obviously far from enough.

A crucial point is that there must be an excellent port with complete facilities and full functions as a solid backing.

Only in this way can we ensure that the fleet gets adequate rest and supplies, so that it can always be in the best condition to fight.

Previously, Zhu Gang, Xu Da and other respected senior generals had conducted in-depth analysis of the deep reasons for the Yuan Dynasty's two disastrous failures in their eastward expeditions to Japan.

He keenly realized that the reason why the Mongolian army suffered repeated defeats was not simply due to the dreaded typhoon.

In fact, the key factors behind this series of setbacks are far more complicated than the surface phenomena.

“The 11th and 18th years of the Zhiyuan period are destined to be recorded in history.

Because at that time, the once invincible Yuan Dynasty crossed the vast ocean twice and launched a massive expedition against Japan.

Unfortunately, however, both wars ended in failure.

I remember that the Yuan Dynasty once dominated Asia and was feared by all.

The brave and fearless Mongolian cavalry under his command were unparalleled in the world and invincible.

But why did such an invincible army repeatedly run into obstacles and suffer disastrous defeats in front of the tiny country of Japan? "

Zhu Gang's words were like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of everyone present.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yingchuan Marquis Fu Youde stepped forward and said in a loud voice: "Your Highness Prince Jin, this matter needs to start from the third year of Zhiyuan.

That year, Kublai Khan sent envoys Hei Di and Yin Hong to Japan with letters from the throne.

They had a dual mission in this trip: one was to establish friendly and harmonious diplomatic relations with Japan; the other was to convey the Yuan Dynasty's strong desire to make Japan submit.

It’s a pity that since the Sui Dynasty, Japan has broken away from the vassal system of China and become an independent country.

Naturally, the Japanese people would not easily buy into the aggressive attitude of the Yuan Dynasty, and it would be even more impossible for them to willingly submit to them and pay tribute.

Therefore, it is difficult for Kublai Khan's actions to be recognized by the Japanese high-level officials. "

Fu Youde's words were clear and logical, causing everyone to nod in agreement.

Taiki, who is well-versed in Japanese history, slowly and gently placed the exquisite teacup in his hand on the table.

Then he said in a calm and firm tone: "In fact, as early as the 12th year of Chunxi in the Southern Song Dynasty, the power of the Japanese emperor was already meaningless.

The real power has long been in the hands of the Kamakura shogunate.

By the second year of Kageidei, the maternal relative Hojo Tokimune came onto the historical stage and firmly grasped the scepter of the Kamakura shogunate.

This created a rather strange situation: the so-called power of the emperor was in the hands of the shogun's family, but the power of the shogun was in the hands of the Hojo family.

I remember when the letter from the Yuan Dynasty was delivered to Japan.

The emperor showed an attitude of wanting to politely reject Kublai Khan's various requests. However, in stark contrast, Hojo Tokimune turned a blind eye to it and chose to ignore these requests directly.

In this way, in the following years, the Yuan Dynasty sent envoys to Japan again and again.

But in the end, they all returned empty-handed, with nothing to show for it.”

Zhu Gang knew that as a member of the Hojo clan who had inherited the important position of regent of the Kamakura shogunate for generations, Hojo Tokimune had been extremely resolute and decisive since he took power.

He repeatedly and ruthlessly rejected Kublai's requests, such as establishing diplomatic relations and paying tribute.

At the same time, Hojo Tokimune issued an order for all parts of Japan to make all-out preparations for war and strengthen their defenses.

Not only that, in domestic affairs, Hojo Tokimune also demonstrated extraordinary talent and courage.

He continuously consolidated and strengthened the power in his hands through a series of effective measures.

At the same time, the Japanese ruler also had a very deep belief in Zen Buddhism.

Hojo Tokimune studied under such renowned Zen masters as Lanxi Daolong, Wuan Puning, and Daixiu Zhengnian, and was deeply influenced by their teachings.

Time goes back to the turbulent era of the eleventh year of Zhiyuan, when the Yuan army penetrated deep into Hakata Bay like a surging tide.

It is majestic and unstoppable.

Facing this powerful enemy, Hojo Tokimune was not afraid at all.

She resolutely mobilized many brave and fearless warriors to build an indestructible stone wall along the winding coastline of Kitakyushu.

These Japanese people are united as one, determined to resist foreign invasion with their iron will and indomitable spirit.

This thrilling battle was also recorded in the history books by later generations of Japanese and was called the "Bun'ei Campaign."

Time flies, and in a blink of an eye it is the eighteenth year of Zhiyuan.

The Yuan army once again sounded the clarion call to conquer Japan, and the war reignited.

However, Hojo Tokimune still held his position and refused to retreat, leading his people in a desperate fight with the Yuan army.

In the end, the Yuan army suffered a tragic defeat, and this tragic battle was recorded in the long river of history and became an eternal memory - the "Battle of Hong'an."

The 19th year of Zhiyuan witnessed the beginning of another legendary story.

Hojo Tokimune ordered the construction of a magnificent Engaku-ji Temple and designated it as a place of prayer in the Kanto region.

From then on, a trend of being keen on meditation and enlightenment quietly emerged among the Japanese samurai community.

Not only that, Hojo Tokimune also generously donated his wealthy manor, Tomita-sho, in Owari Province, to this sacred and solemn temple.

In the 21st year of the Zhiyuan period, Hojo Tokimune made an unexpected decision.

He became a monk and converted to Buddhism.

He took the Dharma name Dao Gao, as if he wanted to seek inner peace and liberation through practice.

However, fate played a trick on him. On the same day, Hojo Tokimune became a monk.

This once powerful hero passed away, ending his eventful life.

Zhu Gang carefully recalled in his mind the ups and downs of the life of the eighth regent of the Kamakura shogunate.

He couldn't help but feel emotional, but at the same time he was secretly glad that Hojo Tokimune had passed away.

(End of this chapter)