Mystery One, Toyotomi's Secret Order

Spit out his answer.

"Kodama. You are indeed a businessman. As expected, you see things from a businessman's point of view."

There was a little contempt in Jin Zhi's tone.

"Tell me your reason."

"Yes, sir. I don't deduce it entirely from the perspective of language merchants. When Zheng He sailed for the last time, three Chinese emperors had already passed. According to the time, the Chinese emperor who fled that year may have died. death, the new regime of the Ming Dynasty has been stabilized, and will no longer be troubled and questioned by the subjects of the previous dynasty. So I ranked the first motive. Secondly, after going abroad six times before; China at that time was already Asia, even China. The hegemony of the world. Everyone knows this. What else is there to promote? It’s just icing on the cake! Finally, China was the most prosperous country in the world at that time. .Commerce and trade are only beneficial to China, and there are no disadvantages at all, and it is a matter of course.”

"Okay. Okay. Kodama, you have indeed done a lot of homework. I entrusted you with the task, and you have found the right person."

Jinzhi couldn't help but praise Kodama, and Kodama once again gave him an unexpected surprise.

"Thank you for your compliment, sir. I am a practical person. My analysis of everything is relatively straightforward. Don't blame, sir... your subordinates' speculations and judgments."

"Kodama, your analysis makes sense. The answer is very close..."

Jin Zhi hesitated to speak, trying to make a fuss.Kodama didn't ask for the answer, but patiently waited for the master to reveal the answer.He didn't want to be like Kanbei Kuroda, who was too radiant, and later aroused the fear of his master, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

"That's right, the last time Zheng He went abroad, the real intention had nothing to do with the first two. It was for profit...wealth. But it had nothing to do with trade...but to find...overseas treasures."

[Note: Zheng He’s seventh voyage to the Western Ocean set sail from Longjiang Pass (now Xiaguan, Nanjing) on ​​the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month in the fifth year of Xuande (January [-]).On the return voyage, Zheng He died in Guli on the west coast of India due to overwork due to overwork in the eighth year of Xuande ([-]). Nanjing.According to records, the number of people who sailed to the West for the seventh time was [-]. 】

"I've heard this legend too. But it's just a bluffing story. There are many treasure legends like this, no matter what era it is..."

Now that the secret has been revealed and the master's approval has been obtained, Kodama has the courage to express his views.

"Kodama, your opinion may or may not be right. Back then, after the death of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, his successor Emperor Renzong ordered to stop Zheng He's voyages on the grounds that the treasury was empty. But nine years later ( [-]), to the grandson of Emperor Yongle. Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty in China suddenly...reversed his father's decision and announced the resumption of the voyage operation. Although, the official Chinese statement...is to ask those who have not come to pay tribute for many years The old vassal state came back to the court again. But your inference is correct. According to the time calculation...the purpose of going abroad...even if it was not achieved, the abandoned emperor (Emperor Jianwen) who fled from the imperial city of China at that time would have died long ago Even if there are heirs abroad, it is not enough to be any threat. Is there any reason and reason for the new emperor to change his mind and policy, and restart the mission of going abroad? Of course, it is only an official statement to ask foreigners to come to the court. This kind of glamorous Officially, everything is the same, Japan and China are no different, you and I don't know it best."

"Actually... it should be... Zheng He persuaded his new master to go to sea to search for treasures in order to enrich the treasury. The new emperor was persuaded by Zheng He and agreed to let him sail again. As for the treasure? It is said...the search was found. , is an astonishingly large treasure, enough to support the Ming Dynasty treasury for more than a hundred years. But..."

Jin Zhi suddenly changed his tone, and his tone became extremely cautious.

"Later...strange things happened. Zheng He...did not return to Middle-earth, and died on the way back. As for the real death? Or not dead? Or fake death? Is there any other unknown or ulterior motives? Secret? I’m afraid no one will ever know!”

The expression on Kodama's face seemed to be covered with a thick layer of fog, and he couldn't believe the second half of the story that Jinzhi told.

"And it is said that the returning fleet brought back a small part of the treasure, not all of it. As for... what happened during the last voyage? Let the Chinese emperor change his mind immediately after the fleet returned, and would rather give up the remaining huge treasure Wealth and treasures, immediately promulgated a ban on seas: After that, it was even more unbelievable to decree to dismantle all the fleet ships? Even if you don’t go to sea again, you don’t need to dismantle all the ships! Don’t you think this whole thing... is very Strange, unreasonable?!"

Kodama nodded frequently, agreeing with Jinzhi's statement.This would not mean obeying the master.But this matter is indeed very strange and unreasonable.

"Since then, the Ming Dynasty of China has never set sail again? All the navigation data have also disappeared from the official archives of the Ming Dynasty! What happened later... tells us one thing... there must be something wrong with it Telling people...a secret that cannot be seen! I speculate...it should have something to do with this last...treasure trip..."

"Sir. Although there are many doubts about this matter, it doesn't prove that Zheng He's voyages are related to treasures, or that there really are treasures, can't it?" Kodama thought for a while, and then asked.

The corners of Jin Zhi's mouth raised slightly, intentionally or unintentionally showing an indescribably unpredictable expression.

"Later... Chinese history also proved that the theory of the treasure should not be just a rumor. The successor of Emperor Xuanzong of the Ming Dynasty who agreed to Zheng He's overseas trip again and then ordered the sea ban, that is, his son Emperor Yingzong, came to the throne shortly after... …not only rebuilt the three halls of the Forbidden City that were destroyed by fire many years ago in the era of his great-grandfather, Emperor Yongle. A few years later, he personally led an army of 50 people, following his great-grandfather’s example to fight against the Mongols (Waq). These facts It shows that, of course, the Ming Dynasty received considerable financial support. This point is clearly recorded in Chinese history. Therefore, I think...the theory of treasures should be quite credible.”

[Note: In April 19th year of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (May [-], [-]), the three halls of Fengtian, Huagai, and Jinshen in the Forbidden City were burned down in a fire, and they were not rebuilt until Ming Yingzong. 】

Kodama finally understands the real purpose of Jin Zhi's trip to Shanghai.

"Sir. Although I don't know much about China's history. But I understand what you mean. You want me to find this treasure for future expenditure after the war."

Jin Zhi nodded slightly.

"This map was later handed over to General Tokugawa. His descendant, Tokugawa Yoshiki, returned it to Emperor Meiji during the "Taisho Return".Now in your hands.Kodama, you know what that means! "

[Note: The return of the great government took place on October [-]th in the third year of Keio in Japan (November [-]th, [-] A.D.).The [-]th general of the Edo Shogunate, Tokugawa Yoshiki, was threatened by the establishment of the Sacho Alliance. He took the initiative to return the power to the emperor and established a new government centered on the Tokugawa family. In fact, Tokugawa Yoshiki still held the real political power.The censorship party headed by the Sachang League disagreed with the content of Dazheng's return, and decided to launch a coup, which eventually triggered the Boshin War.In the end, the Tokuba faction was represented by Saigo Takamori, and the Tokugawa family was represented by Katsu Kaishu for peace talks. Tokugawa Yoshiki was placed under house arrest, and the Edo period officially came to an end. 】

After hearing Jinzhi's last words, Kodama immediately leaned on the floor and bowed deeply to Jinzhi respectfully, his tone full of excitement and emotion.

"Thank you, the emperor and sir, for your great attention. Even if you want to turn over the entire land of China dozens of times. I, Kodama, swear that I will complete this task. Otherwise, I will apologize to the emperor."

Satisfied with Kodama's reply, Jinzhi showed a satisfied smile.

"Kodama-kun, you are worthy of being a good son of our Yamato nation. His Majesty the Emperor, in order to commend your patriotic behavior, decided to give you one percent of this treasure as a reward after the event is completed. This is... ...The emperor's reward to the warriors of Yamato!"

Kodama immediately turned around, with his head facing the northeast (Tokyo), kowtowing and shouting with all his strength, the low and hoarse voice mixed with rare choked sobs echoed in the office.

"His Majesty the Emperor, long live! Long live!"

After a while, Kodama returned to his body after his emotions calmed down a little, and said to Jin Zhi, "Thank you for His Majesty's virtue; serving the Emperor is my supreme honor. The Emperor rewarded me Kodama absolutely dare not accept it. I am willing to die for the emperor and the motherland, and I dare not expect anything in return. Please tell your majesty, sir..."

"Kodama, this is an imperial order. Do you want to resist the order?" Jinzhi interrupted Kodama's statement.

"No. I dare not." Kodama hastily explained.

"Kodama. You are a smart person, why can't you perceive the sacred heart of the emperor..." Jinzhi looked at Kodama, slightly disappointed and said leisurely.

"I'm blunt, sir, please clarify."

"Kodama, I give you a reward. But how do you use it to spread the emperor's blessings and make the Japanese Empire stronger and stronger. You are smart, do you want me to tell you how to do it?"

Kodama immediately understood what Jin Zhi was referring to, with a passionate tone, like a samurai about to go to battle, he said domineeringly: "Mr. Sacred Heart. I will definitely make good use of the Emperor's reward, serve the current... and future Emperor and the motherland, and open up territories..."

golden stick smile