The Rise Of The Samurai Hound

[tonsofun]

#72

The year before, the city of Groningen submitted to Dutch soldiers. Thus uniting the entire Northern Netherlands under the new Dutch Republic. Despite the turmoil in the Netherlands at the time, this was the Dutch goldern age. Many Antwerpen merchants displaced by the Spanish soon found themselves trading in the new world and seeking out spices in the East Indies.

By this point, many in the VOC had heard about the fall of the Catholic kingdom in Japan. Merchants in the East Indies had heard many stories and passed them back to the homeland. With this news, a voyage was set up to discover Japan and establish trading relations. A nation that had recently shunned the Spanish and Portuguese would be a great source of profit. These rumours soon circulated around the common people and soon reached commoners in Spain, France, and England.

[tonsofun]

#73

With Manpukumaru getting ready for his trip to China, many western daimyo tried to fill the influential space within Nagamasa’s mind. Nagamasa was not overly comfortable with being a ruler, but he had no other choice seeing as his son kept going off on his so-called diplomatic missions. He often wandered if Manpukumaru was just as uncomfortable with such responsibility and used these trips as an excuse to get away. He was raised on the battlefield and had taken his clan from a tiny miniscule vassal to the joint rulers of Japan.

He faced many problems: the high number of out of work soldiers, the lack of tradesmen, lack of people and a lack of money. Due to new trade with Korea, many daimyo had become infatuated with Korean culture. This inspired what few artisans there were to imitate those works and hopefully provide a cheaper alternative to the expensive imports coming from Korea.

Many artisans trying to copy the Korean works failed to impress the ruling daimyo, but the newly emerging merchant classes and farming classes were more than eager to grab up indigenous pieces of art.

Many out of work soliders were transferred to construction work. Most were happy to be doing something and to be contributing to the overall benefit of the nation. One of Nagamasas biggest talking points to his soldiers was the need to contribute to the overall being of all Japanese people. It seemed some people listened to what he had to say.

When Nagamasa became ruler of the west, he made plans to centralize rule. The previous war happened because daimyo were able to raise their own armies and do what they liked with them. Now all armies would go under his control. This ofcourse cannot be done overnight and attempts to do so would have put Japan right back where it started.

The first step towards centralization was to forbid anyone who wasn’t in his army to own weapons. This lowered the risk of revolt and increased stability throughout the land. Many regional daimyo were angered at this and some would do as they wished.

It should also be noted, that many regional daimyo were replaced with men Nagamasa trusted. Those who agreed with his plans for the land gained and those who didn’t were simply cast aside. Many rich men became peasants during Nagamasa’s rule.

[tonsofun]

#74

Letter from Azai Manpukumaru to Azai Nagamasa:

We thank the Azai Family Museum in Kyoto for letting us copy this.

Dear Father,

The lands of the Ming are indeed impressive. I am lucky to see such sights within my life. I am currently residing in the port of Tongzhou. I have yet to meet the emperor; although I have been told that he is satisfied, I bought the tribute he asked for. I am still hoping to get a meeting with the Emperor himself and get a trade agreement. It would benefit our land greatly.

I have come across many Christians here. Mostly among the elites of this city. It seems the Jesuits have managed to win favour with the authorities here and are allowed to preach. Many of the Christians I have met here look up to me due to my ability to speak Latin. However, the Jesuits already know about me and refuse to talk to me. Luckily, the Christians here are urging a debate to take place so they can see who knows the most. They don’t understand Latin but I have been told they will tell the winner of the debate by facial expression.

I have tried to get many meetings with Emperor to get my point across, but so far, he refuses to see me. The Imperial court is filled with Confucians and they really don’t trust me. In their eyes, I have paid the tribute so they see no reason for me to stay. However, I won’t let it put me off. I will continue my efforts.

[tonsofun]

#75


Manpukumaru went to China in 1596 to personally hand over Japan’s tribute to the Wanli Emperor. He spent six months trying to get a meeting with the Emperor himself to discuss more matters but he constantly rebuffed; either by Confucians who saw him as nothing more a nuisance or courrpt officials who wanted bribes which he was not willing to do.

Upon seeing the Domincans had managed to convince the local governor to let them preach, he decided that he too would preach his faith. His ideas of God and Buddha never really took off in Japan, but he found that Koreans were more interested in such ideas. If not for the authorities taking a dim view of his activity, he would’ve devoted more time to proselytising. However, here in Tongzhou, money spoke and he found that with a little bribe, he was given the same rights as the Spanish missionaries were.

In four months he had grown very popular amongst the people of Tongzhou. In that time, he had not only developed a following of people, but he has also eaten into the fellowship of the Dominicans. But unlike the Jesuits who accepted their expulsion from Japan with dignity and grace, the Dominicans were not so forgiving.

It is at this point, where fiction and history have melted and most people are unable to tell the difference between the two. Things turned bad when a group of four men attempted to kill Manpukumaru one night when he was walking the streets. By the grace of Buddha, he was saved by his favourite aide Aiko. A devoted member of the Onna-Bugeisha who served as his assistant by carrying his stuff, which mostly consisted of books and notes, he had written himself. She was also an expertly trained warrior who doubled up as his bodyguard. Three of the men were killed and the other was bought back to their residence where he said that they were paid by the Dominicans to kill him. It is unknown whether he was being truthful or lied to stop the torture, which was being carried, put by the women of the Japanese residence.

Manpkumaru writes in his diary that he believed the incident to be a simple case of starving peasants robs a rich foreigner for his money. However, his wife whom was pregnant with her third child at the time was convinced that the Dominicans set the whole thing up and she would believe anything else. The next day, he was accompanied by two servant girls (both part of the Onna-Bugeisha) instead of the one. Due to the disappearance of the fourth man, no one knew that these demure beautiful women were highly trained killers. To keep the charade, Manpukumaru had his servants carry even more than before.

Things remained quiet for two weeks until the Dominicans challenged Manpukumaru to a debate in an attempt to humiliate him. At this point, Manpukumaru had converted the Christian community of Tongzhou to his thinking. The result of the debate would’ve either made or destroyed the Dominicans. On the night, a gang of twenty men attacked the Japanese residence. Their objective is unclear even today, but whatever it was, it was a defining moment in the lives of everyone involved. It is lucky that Lady Ginchiyo had the Onna-Bugeisha to protect her, otherwise she would’ve perished that night with her second son ‘Nagasetsu’. She escaped with her eldest son ‘Nobumasa’ while the Onna-Bugeisha fought off the gang. Normally four women would not have been able to fight off a twenty-man gang, but with their training, they pulled off the element of surprise and killed all of them.

Once again, the Dominicans were blamed, but without proof, no one would do anything. Overcome with grief over the loss of her son, Ginchiyo killed three Dominican priests in full view of the public. Despite being pregnant, she managed to kill all three with ease and did it in public as a warning. This was done, despite Manpukumaru wishing to take a pacifistic stance on the entire thing.

Unfortunately, this was the straw, which broke the camels back, and Manpukumaru was ordered to leave China or else he and his entire family and servants would be imprisoned for murder. The Dominicans were also expelled as the events had bought in men from the capital who saw both parties as foreigners fighting on Ming land. Manpukumaru would return to Japan with one less son and a strained marriage.

[tonsofun]

#76

Although Manpukumaru never got to see the Emperor or get that trade agreement signed, he was successful in winning the hearts of Chinese Christians. After much urging, the missionaries had no choice but to hold a debate with Manpukumaru. Dominican records say the debate ended in humiliation for Manpukumaru, but Imperial ministers who were ordered to pay close attention record that when challenged Manpukumaru conducted himself with grace and dignity. Although they did not understand Latin, they recognise the smile on his face and the distraught look on the face of his opponent. It is no surprise that the Chinese took to Azai’ism

The success in the debate bought Manpukumaru great attention in China. Many came to Tongzhou to listen to him. His message of God and Buddha being the same, angered some, but appealed to even more. Unlike his Catholic counterparts, he offered a route into Christianity without cultural compromisation. Ironically, this is exactly what Luis Frois taught him to do.

At this point, it should be noted Manpukumaru spent only one year in China. His trip was cut short due to the murder of his son. The Dominicans received the blame for this and for the numerous attempts made on his life. However, it should be noted that it wasn’t only the Dominicans who wanted him gone. He had also made enemies amongst the government and the criminal underworld. There was no shortage of suspects as to who ordered the attacks on him. In the end though, the truth was never found out.

Although he lost a son, his wife gave birth to a daughter soon after he had settled back in Japan. The daughter was named ‘Gozen’.

***

In the Spanish East Indies, Don Simeon led an army that defeated the Kingdom of Brunei bringing it under Spanish rule. Spain claimed the entire island, although it would be many years before they could actually assert their authority there.

***

Back in Japan, things were going well. Nearly all ordinary Japanese had given up their weapons and the Iron stocks in Shimonoseki were very high.

Agriculture and industry were heavily encouraged amongst the peasantry and it seemed that most of those who went along with the new rule were gaining from it.

However not all was well on Kyushu. Korean trade had bought with it, Korean immigrants. Seeking a new life in Kyushu, many Koreans including, merchants, labourers and artisans had settled down in Misaki. By 1599, 25% of Misaki’s poulation was Korean. Those Koreans were amongst the richest and many had converted to Azai’ism. To make things worse, many of those Koreans had all settled together in one block of the city. It was only inevitable that the poorer indigenous residents would feel resentful.

Many of the residents of Misaki grouped together and started to sack the Korean quarter, burning buildings. A lot of the Koreans fled, some to the countryside and others onto boats.

Solving this problem fell upon Shimazu Yoshihiro. At this point he could have easily sided with the rioters and kept the riches of the Korean quarter to himself. But wanting to prove his loyalty and he marched his army into Misaki and killed most of the rioters. It was sad, but at the time, it seemed the only option. Shimazu Yoshihiro knew the benefits these new Korean residents brought with them. To kill them would be madness and make a mockery of the new rule.

From that day on, Misaki would be under a state of martial law and would be for another two hundred years. In addition, this event bought the religious and ethnic settlement law into effect. The law forbids any one religious or ethnic group from settling together. It was felt, that if people with differences were forced to live amongst each other then such incidents would not occur.

It was also due to this event, that all foreign immigrants to Japan were required to take a Japanese given name and that all children of immigrants would only be allowed to marry a Japanese.

[Chargone]

"In addition, this event bought the religious and ethnic settlement law into effect." clever.
"It was also due to this event, that all foreign immigrants to Japan were required to take a Japanese given name" logical and understandable, at least, if not likely to have a huge effect.
"and that all children of immigrants would only be allowed to marry a Japanese." Gack?! i can see what they're going for there, and it'd probably work, but... ugh. actually, the more i think about it the more it makes sense, but it's mildly offensive to modern sensibilities about freedom of choice in one's personal life. (then again, i wonder how much of what it's disrupting is actually arrangements by parents or senior family members rather than the individuals? *shrugs*)

two hundred years of martial law? oh dear. ... ...

...

actually would that be a meaningful change? in lots of places it wouldn't even be a thing... though i'm a bit hazy on where that is the case in this time period.

[tonsofun]

To modern sensibilities it is highly insensitive, but 500 years ago, people wouldn't be bothered by it. Besides, if the new immigrants don't like the laws then they can leave. But this is somewhat similar to what the Tang Dynasty did with Arab merchants who were encouraged to marry Chinese in order to build bridges between the two people and also to integrate the foreigners into Chinese culture.
This is the same thing really. The descendants of the immigrants will see themselves as wholly Japanese, but will still be aware of their roots. I can imagine some family wouldn't like it as it would disrupt some arrangements, but the rich ones can always find a way around it or they can just go home and let someone else reap the benefits. Either way, the new immigrants will still have a very comfy life compared to most indigenous people. It may be an attack on personal, but there wasn't much of that back then anyway.
As for martial law, it will stay for a while, but not for 200 years. The soldiers will be needed elsewhere in time.

[tonsofun]

#77

As 1599 ended, Manpukumaru had lost both of his parents to old age. He was never sure how to react in public to the news. Should be pretend to feel nothing and have people think he is a cold hearted man who yearned for power, or should he shed tears and be compared to a child who has yet to grow up. It was a tough one. Inside he had a constant feeling of guilt. He wished he had spent more time with them both instead of going off to Korea and China in search answers to questions he didn’t know how to word. There was also the death of his youngest son that still haunted him. He had forgiven the men who caused his death but he never forgave himself. The death of his parents didn’t help with his emotional troubles. Having a daughter helped him push his emotions aside, but it was no permanent cure for the depression that would haunt him until his death.

However, none of that mattered right now as once again he had been thrust onto the battlefield. An army of 5000 untouchables had all gathered to make themselves heard. Despite the lifting of the caste system which allowed anyone to do anything and to go anywhere. Some were unwilling to accept lower castes amongst them. The untouchables were very optimistic when they heard the caste system was to be abolished and they dreamed of a better life, but they found that society did not share their enthusiasm.

His brother-in-law Sanada Yukimura was briefing Manpukumaru on the situation, but he was struggling to listen.

“So what do you want to do brother?” Asked Yukimura.

Manpkumaru remained silent.

“Brother?”

Still no answer. Yukimura waited and in frustration, he slammed his fist onto the table. That caught his attention.

“Sorry. Please continue.”

“I’m done explaining and you haven’t listened to a single word I said. I sympathise with the pain you are feeling, but you need to snap out of this. Otherwise someone will take advantage and start a rebellion.”

“I thought this was a rebellion?”

“I mean a proper one with daimyo and samurai out to kill you. This is just a bunch of peasants who think they can make a difference with a bunch of tools. We could easily crush them now, but I know you and I know that deep inside you there is another solution to this.”

Manpukumaru remained silent. Yukimura was right, he had to be strong. He pushed his negative thoughts to one side and decided to confront them later on. He got onto his horse.

“Brother, you wish us to attack them?”

“No. I will go talk to them and see if I convince them to put down their weapons.”

Yukimura smiled. The old Manpukumaru was back at least for a little bit. There was no reason to kill these men. They only wanted the opportunities that they were promised. He watched as his brother sped off on the horse.

***

Manpukumaru arrived at the camp of the enemy army and soon found himself surrounded by a group of men who were dirty and smelly. They were the untouchables who had been forcibly kept at the bottom of the society. He kept his cool and got off his horse.

“I am Azai Manpukumaru. I wish to speak with your leader.”

The men remained silent and kept their stern looks.

“I simply wish to talk. Won’t you please help me?”

Manpukumaru widened his eyes and began to frown. He had hoped his sad demeanour would show sincerity amongst these people. It didn’t seem to work. It was at that point he heard a distant voice.

“I am the leader of these men. You are my enemy. Go before I kill you.”

“Please listen to me. I am here to stop this stupidity now. If you kill me you will all die and the situation of your families will worse than before. The fate of your families motivates you. Am I right?”

He was right. It was strange that the leader of western Japan would say this and sound sincere about it too.

“Alright, we will talk.”

He ordered his men to lower their weapons and Manpukumaru breathed a sigh of relief and began talking.

“I am here to ask you all to lower your weapons. This war will achieve nothing for you. It will only make society hate you and cause your families to suffer while you go off to the afterlife. I understand you only want a better life because we all do and it isn’t easy when people hate you for that. But violence is not the answer. If we talk about this properly then we can pass laws that prohibit the discrimination that you have faced. But if you fight, you will only fuel your own destruction.
The fact is you people are a necessary part of society. Someone has to do the jobs that no one else wants to. It just happens to be you in this life. I have a dream that one day, everyone will live side by side and there will no caste and no discrimination. Everyone has a valuable part to play in society and your contribution is just as important as anyone elses.
So please. I beg you to lay down your arms and help me find a peaceful solution.”

The man looked Manpukumaru straight in the eyes. He was a lunatic, yet a sincere one at that. For the first time in his life, a member of the nobility talked to him without disdain. He looked to his men and began thinking. Without noticing, Manpukumaru had gotten up and held a canteen of water to his face.

“Drink it and I will show you that I am sincere in what I say.”

He took the canteen and smelt it. There was no smell of poison and so he took a drink. After several mouthfuls, Manpukumaru snatches the canteen and drinks too.

“In my land, all men are born equal. Only ability will throw them forward or hold them back. Lay down your weapons and I promise you, that things will be better.”

The man thought about it. No member of the nobility would dare to drink from the same container he had so this man was obviously different. Maybe he would make things better.

“Okay then. I will lay down my arms on one condition. Me, my men and all our families will be allowed to relocate to the place of our choice.”

“Since you’re looking for a new place to live, might I suggest you head to Misaki. There is plenty of opportunity there.”

***

After that day, there were no more rebellions from the lower castes. Discrimination continued, but it had decreased since those days and many younger born Japanese had warmed to the ideals of Manpukumaru and had less disdain for the untouchables that their parents had. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a slight improvement from the way things were before.

[tonsofun]

#78

After the death of Akechi Mitsuhide, his eldest son Akechi Mitsuyoshi took his place as Shogun and ruler of Eastern Japan. Unlike their Azai counterparts whose rule was reminiscent of the Minamoto, the Akechi rule was similar to that of the Taira.

The Azai solved the problem of the armed masses by holding weapon amnesties all over their domain and offering money to those who would give up their weapons. The Akechi ordered a brutal crackdown on anyone outside of the army who had weapons.

The Azai favoured trade and good relations with the Koreans. The Akechi (after the death of Mitsuhide in 1595) invited the Spanish for trade. They even let them build a city at the bottom of the Kii peninsular (OTL Kushimoto) on the condition that not conduct any missionary activites outside of their land. The Spanish called it Ciudad Real. They kept a small garrison there and conducted trade with Eastern Japan. It is ironic that this city never caught the eye of Manpukumaru.

Akechi Mitsuyoshi was not the progressive man that Manpukumaru was. Infact, he hated him and plotted to overthrow him in time and claim all of Japan. After he became the Shogun he spent many months building his roots within the Imperial family and tracing his roots back to the Toki clan who were descendants of the Minamoto clan.

While Western Japan flourished, Eastern Japan built up it’s strength, but unlike the western counterparts, his rule suffered from corruption and crime which slowed things down.

***

In 1597 Spain the built Ciudad Real in Kii peninsula to encourage trade and relations with Japan. Eastern Japan was still forbidding Europeans from their land as they were considered a bad influence amongst other things. That was until the Dutch arrived in 1600. At first they were not welcomed, but upon finding out that several of the crew was ill, they were welcomed in to receive the help they needed. When Manpukumaru found out that these people were at war with the Spanish and followed a line of Christianity different to them he allegedly jumped up with joy.

He arranged with their leader; an Englishman by the name of William Adams, a trade agreement that would allow Dutch ships to dock in Misaki and sell their goods and to settle down if they wanted to. He also bought three of the five ships that came with them in the hope of learning how to build his own. The other two ships were sent out to bring more traders in. One ship went south to Batavia and the other made it’s way back to the United Netherlands to report the success.

[tonsofun]

#79

In a short time, Manpukumaru and William Adams would become good friends. So much so, that William Adams helped Japan build their first ever western style galleons in 1601. The first ship would be completed in 1602.

The first ships were built in Shimonoseki. The employees of the VOC who remained in Japan were bribed with significant amounts of money to begin training Japanese men to use the ships as well as any European. Manpukumaru knew that having these fancy new ships would be meaningless if their potential could not be reached. It is said the VOC was not happy with this arrangement and were compensated, but at this point, there no records as to what that was.

***

After many chats with William Adams, much was learned of Europe, especially the Netherlands. Japan wanted to become a respected nation just like those of Europe. One of the more admired traits of Europeans was their ability to trade all over the world. Japan had many merchant traders, but despite all they did, the government received very little benefit.

To that it is no surprise that in 1602, the ‘Azai Trading Company’ was founded. The aim of the company was to bring merchants under control and bring much needed profit to the government. By modern standards, it was more of a franchise/security operation than a company.

All merchants who traded were without protection. They paid very little to no tax so whatever benefit they got was great and with great risk. The ‘AZT’ however offered merchants protection on the seas and personal approval from the Azai navy. All a merchant had to do was hand over 10% of what he earned.

At first, few merchants signed up as all trade was done in Korea. Soon enough merchants wishing to venture further out would want approval and protection from the navy. These ships would eventually venture further out to the Le Dynasty of modern day Vietnam, Khmer and Ayutthaya.

These ships would become well known due to the yellow seals they used to prove their authenticity. To this day, the yellow seal ships still travel around the world, seeking trade.

Because of the yellow seal ships. Japan found a new source of income. As merchants ventured further out, more money came in. Some merchants would even settle in the new lands they traded in, which gave birth to small Japanese communities all over South East Asia as well as bringing a small number of South East Asians into Kyushu. It was only natural that in this time, Japan would commission its first voyage of exploration.

In 1606, a fleet of galleons would set sail for the west. Manpukumaru decided that his brother-in-law Date Masamune would lead the voyage. Although a strange choice, it made sense as a long absence would stop Masamune from having too good a relation with Akechi and would bring the two brothers much closer in the future.

[tonsofun]

#80

Letter from Azai Manpukumaru to Date Masamune:

We would like to thank the Azai Family Museum in Kyoto for letting us copy and translate this.

Dear Masamune,

Before you set sail on your mission, there are a few things I would like say.
Firstly I would like to know why my sister sent me a rather rude letter complaining about you going on your voyage without her. Because of said letter, I am now getting grief from my own wife. If you wish to keep your head, then I suggest you not only take my sister with you, but also you also take the three sons she was nice enough to bless you with. Besides, having family with you will make things better for you personally. I would also like to see my sister and three nephews alive when you come back. Please don’t place them in any danger.

Secondly, I highly recommend that you treat the Dutchmen with considerable politeness. I would like you to find the land these people come from and to learn whatever you can from them. Even the tiniest and irrelevant details can prevent a faux pas.

Thirdly, once you find the Dutchlands, I want you to seek out the English. They sound like they could be very good friends. Establishing good relations with the Dutch and English is the most important thing. In the future, there will be more wars and we will need all the friends we can get.

Fourth, I recommend you write a journal for your entire time travelling. It will help you keep a tab on everything and will save you explaining to me in great length all that you have seen.

Fifth, I want you to look for any important civilizations in-between. To presume that there is nothing in between the Ming and the Christians is quite stupid.

Sixth, learn everything you can about all the different people you see.

Lastly, and this is the most important one. Don’t start any wars with anyone. No matter how primitive they seem, no matter what resources or riches they have. I cannot stress enough that you are one a mission of peace. You are not conquering anyone or anything.

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I shall be in Shimonoseki to see you before your departure.

[tonsofun]

#81 The Moral Laws

Soon after Date Masamune set off on his voyage of discovery. Manpukumaru decided that then was the time to bring in new ‘moral’ laws as he called them. There were many aspects of Japanese society that upset him and he sought to put that right. No matter who he upset.

The first law put into place, forbade any man from killing his wife, daughter or any female person regarded as his property. In the diary of William Adams, he shows much distress when at a dinner party with many samurai. One man got up, killed his wife for no reason and no one batted an eyelid. From now on, all forms of murder would be made illegal. Even two samurai’s duelling now found themselves unable to kill their opponent or themselves depending on the course of battle. This drew much criticism as many saw this as an eroding of culture. A cause that rallied many against the Bartolemu so enthusiastically. There were many protests all around the land. Some samurai even took their own life to show their distaste at the new law. But Manpukumaru remained unturned and carried it out. Despite the protestations, the Japanese people still had servitude in their souls and many who opposed the law simply accepted it.

The second law forbade all forms of Carnal Knowledge before marriage. This included the services of prostitutes. Many brothels were forced to shut up or go underground. Many women were overjoyed to be liberated from the forced servitude they found themselves in, but soon after, they found themselves with no income and many were forced to beg. The lucky ones became concubines for the local merchant or daimyo. This law also covered carnal knowledge outside of the marriage bed. Any man or woman found to have slept with someone other than his or her husband or wive(s) would be punished.

The third part of the law redinfed all punishment. All crimes would be punished by a pre-determined time of indentured servitude.

Adultery – 5 years
Assault – 25 years
Manslaughter – 25 years
Murder – 50 years
Rape – 20 years
Theft – 15 years

The basic definition of indentured labour then was the forced labour of someone in service to the state. Sometimes they would be building government buildings, cleaning city streets or simply being a servant to a less well off family for a day. Those who were caught trying to escape would have their sentence doubled.

Prisoners would be given one meal a day along with three cups of water (more would be given during the hotter seasons). If a prisoner fell ill, then he/she would be cared for until they were fit for service again.

Overall, those laws were found to have covered many things and would influence the way future generations approached the subjects of sex and womens rights. The system continues to this day, albeit in a more humane manner and Japanese people to this day still see indentured labour as a nicer alternative to the death penalty.

It also goes to show, just how much Christianity influenced the rule of Manpukumaru.

[tonsofun]

#82

As 1608 ended, Japan was entering a new era. International trade was bringing in new wealth to Japan and providing more jobs for the impoverished. The Yellow Seal ships, which gave merchants much needed security at sea, conducted nearly all of the trade and brought in much needed income for the Azai.

The new Moral Laws passed by Manpukumaru did not go down so well with many people, but a younger generation would soon grow to see them as part of their culture and part of what made Japan great.

***

The island of Kyushu had become more welcoming to their Korean immigrants as well as a few families from China and Ayutthaya. These new immigrants eager to adapt to their new life, obeyed the law and most married Japanese and took on Japanese names. Those who didn’t agree were simply told to leave.

***

While this was happening Date Masamune was busy exploring the west. In 1608 he established relations with the Ottoman Empire and even invited them to trade with Japan. He also picked up three Islamic missionaries eager to preach in this new land.

Soon after he slowly sailed around Africa and worked his way towards Europe, mapping everything on the way. By 1610 he would land in France and make another friend for his home nation.

[tonsofun]

Thanks to Democracy 101 for helping me with this.

#83

While Japan was flourishing, Korea was too. Trade was confined to Busan so officials could control as they wished.

The new Korean king Gwanghae who took over from his father Seonjo in 1610 was eager to embrace this new trade and bring in newfound wealth. Like his father, he had met Manpukumaru, but only as a little boy. He had fond memories of the charismatic Japanese man. Japanese traders would head to Busan which was equipped to deal with trade. Those merchants were allowed to travel within Korea if they wished.

His other policy was to increase his military strength. He knew the Jurchen tribes to the north were not to be trusted and it would be stupid to rely on the Ming for protection. He was a skilled diplomat and used his skill to keep good relations with both the Ming and Jurchens.

[democracy101]

Originally Posted by tonsofun

While Japan was flourishing, Korea was too. Suspicious of these new Japanese traders, they were confined to Jeju Island. However, those on Jeju Island began to profit greatly from this and many in the Joseon court became envious.

Any particular reason for why the Japanese are redirected to Jeju Island? It was sparsely populated, and the government did not pay much attention to it. It would seem more reasonable for Joseon to confine Japanese traders to a region within Busan, as was traditionally the case IOTL.

Originally Posted by tonsofun

To that extent, he dropped the limits on trade and began to embrace modernization much like Japan. Seeing the new ships that the Japanese had, he wanted the same. Many of the Confucians in the court were against this, but King Gwanghaegun was adamant in his new reforms. Nonetheless, he was determined to embrace modernization and keep the Confucian morals that made his country stable. To please the dogmatic Confucians, Gwanghaegun bettered relations with the Ming and worsened relations with the Manchu’s.

Why is Gwanghaegun pursuing a radically different policy from IOTL? He was a skilled diplomat who skillfully balanced relations with both the Ming and the Manchus, while making preparations for the military, and was willing to make decisions independently of what the court thought, which was the reason why he was overthrown IOTL. Also, I'm not exactly sure why the officials are against trade in general. If the trade was specifically focused on contact with Westerners, like the Dutch, then the opposition would make sense, but the monarch could just go around it by claiming to expand contacts with the Ming, Japan, the Ryukyu Kingdom, and other states in Asia.

In addition, the fact that you're using "Gwanghaegun" for the ruler's title suggests that he will be overthrown. Are you planning on intending this to happen in ATL as well?

[tonsofun]

Originally Posted by democracy101

Any particular reason for why the Japanese are redirected to Jeju Island? It was sparsely populated, and the government did not pay much attention to it. It would seem more reasonable for Joseon to confine Japanese traders to a region within Busan, as was traditionally the case IOTL.

My research into East Asian/Confucian attitudes to trade was not only the idea of living only for profit. But in Japan, the main reason for complete isolation was the desire to get rid of all outside influences. That meant Koreans and Chinese were considered bad influences as well as westerners. Hence why trade was confined to Dejima island during most of the Edo period. It seemed logical to me, that other nations would do the same if they had islands to keep things on. It was a great way to stop individuals from making their way inland and spreading dangerous ideas. Plus being an island, it make it easy to keep an eye on things. That was my thinking behind it anyway.

Originally Posted by democracy101

Why is Gwanghaegun pursuing a radically different policy from IOTL? He was a skilled diplomat who skillfully balanced relations with both the Ming and the Manchus, while making preparations for the military, and was willing to make decisions independently of what the court thought, which was the reason why he was overthrown IOTL. Also, I'm not exactly sure why the officials are against trade in general. If the trade was specifically focused on contact with Westerners, like the Dutch, then the opposition would make sense, but the monarch could just go around it by claiming to expand contacts with the Ming, Japan, the Ryukyu Kingdom, and other states in Asia.

As far as I was aware, relations with the Ming was the priority since they were the most powerful in the region and relations with the Manchus were worsened. But it appears I am wrong. Thank you for correcting me on this. I shall have to make amendments.

Originally Posted by democracy101

In addition, the fact that you're using "Gwanghaegun" for the ruler's title suggests that he will be overthrown. Are you planning on intending this to happen in ATL as well?

As far as I'm aware. I currently see no reason why his fate wouldn't be so much different from OTL. Although I am open to suggestions. I am always eager to learn.

[democracy101]

Originally Posted by tonsofun

My research into East Asian/Confucian attitudes to trade was not only the idea of living only for profit. But in Japan, the main reason for complete isolation was the desire to get rid of all outside influences. That meant Koreans and Chinese were considered bad influences as well as westerners. Hence why trade was confined to Dejima island during most of the Edo period. It seemed logical to me, that other nations would do the same if they had islands to keep things on. It was a great way to stop individuals from making their way inland and spreading dangerous ideas. Plus being an island, it make it easy to keep an eye on things. That was my thinking behind it anyway.

Trade with China and Korea still occurred, as it was still necessary to obtain resources. Of course, it was more limited in the 17th century, but they still occurred frequently.

In terms of Korea, trade with Japan still continued to occur in Busan both before and after the Imjin War, and the reason that Japan invaded Busan first was specifically because trade missions generally knew the region better than other areas. It would take a lot for Korea to move its trading port to Jeju Island, considering that Korea was completely devastated after seven years of destruction, and they still restored trade relations 38 years after the war in the same port. The main difference was that before the war, the Japanese traders were allowed head to Hanseong (Seoul), but were limited to Busan after the war. In addition, Japanese who would be allowed to head to Jeju Island would probably pass through coastal cities and ports before arriving there, so implementing this option would be far from ideal.

Originally Posted by tonsofun

As far as I was aware, relations with the Ming was the priority since they were the most powerful in the region and relations with the Manchus were worsened. But it appears I am wrong. Thank you for correcting me on this. I shall have to make amendments.

No problem.

Originally Posted by tonsofun

As far as I'm aware. I currently see no reason why his fate wouldn't be so much different from OTL. Although I am open to suggestions. I am always eager to learn.

Well, no, it's more complicated than that, and I would need to know the events in Korea before Gwanghaegun came to power, and the ones that will occur in China, Korea, and Japan for the next 10-20 years or so, so you'll probably have to PM me in order to avoid any spoilers. You didn't specify when he came to power, but I'm making the general assumption that with no Imjin War, he would be able to consolidate power as the crown prince more efficiently, as he will be able to run affairs in a more peaceful environment.

IOTL, although the Imjin War allowed Gwanghaegun to conduct wartime affairs and allow him to gain experience, the chaos during the war and during the cleanup meant that he was not able to gain enough support from the officials. He was not only illegitimate, but was also the second son, although the first son was viewed as incompetent, and the third was too young. As a result, he eventually rose to the throne after Seonjo's sudden death in 1608. Had he passed away sooner, it is likely that Yeongchang Daegun, the youngest son, could have come to power, but as he was born in 1606, his rule would have been similar to that of Danjong, as he was overthrown by his uncle, Sejo. In other words, regardless of the circumstances, it would have been highly likely for Gwanghaegun to eventually come to power.

Because he would have been able to convince the officials about his policies more thoroughly, barring a situation similar to what happened to Crown Prince Sado, the officials would have generally supported most of his policies. Although Seonjo would not have been able to control policies efficiently due to the opposition from the court, he would have still been able to limit the factions' power, which would have allowed his successor to carry out his policies more efficiently than IOTL. This chain of events could have eventually led to more thorough negotiations with both the Ming and the Jurchen/Manchus, along with strengthening the military in order to confront the latter. It's important to note that due to the Imjin War, Nurhaci, and his successor, Hong Taiji, managed to unify the tribes in Manchuria and eventually set the foundations for the Qing.

In other words, the lack of widespread bloodshed would also mean a stronger Ming and Joseon, which would probably ally with each other in order to confront the tribes in Manchuria, and possibly seize more territory in the region. This would mean that Korea would need more resources in order to support a larger population and area, which would also lead to more trade, although it would probably be limited to more contacts with China, Japan, and the Ryukyus, instead of more links with other states.

[tonsofun]

Originally Posted by democracy101

Trade with China and Korea still occurred, as it was still necessary to obtain resources. Of course, it was more limited in the 17th century, but they still occurred frequently.

In terms of Korea, trade with Japan still continued to occur in Busan both before and after the Imjin War, and the reason that Japan invaded Busan first was specifically because trade missions generally knew the region better than other areas. It would take a lot for Korea to move its trading port to Jeju Island, considering that Korea was completely devastated after seven years of destruction, and they still restored trade relations 38 years after the war in the same port. The main difference was that before the war, the Japanese traders were allowed head to Hanseong (Seoul), but were limited to Busan after the war. In addition, Japanese who would be allowed to head to Jeju Island would probably pass through coastal cities and ports before arriving there, so implementing this option would be far from ideal.

Thank you for correcting me. I will make amendments.

Originally Posted by democracy101

Well, no, it's more complicated than that, and I would need to know the events in Korea before Gwanghaegun came to power, and the ones that will occur in China, Korea, and Japan for the next 10-20 years or so, so you'll probably have to PM me in order to avoid any spoilers. You didn't specify when he came to power, but I'm making the general assumption that with no Imjin War, he would be able to consolidate power as the crown prince more efficiently, as he will be able to run affairs in a more peaceful environment.

I shall be in touch once I have your recommended amendments.

Originally Posted by democracy101

IOTL, although the Imjin War allowed Gwanghaegun to conduct wartime affairs and allow him to gain experience, the chaos during the war and during the cleanup meant that he was not able to gain enough support from the officials. He was not only illegitimate, but was also the second son, although the first son was viewed as incompetent, and the third was too young. As a result, he eventually rose to the throne after Seonjo's sudden death in 1608. Had he passed away sooner, it is likely that Yeongchang Daegun, the youngest son, could have come to power, but as he was born in 1606, his rule would have been similar to that of Danjong, as he was overthrown by his uncle, Sejo. In other words, regardless of the circumstances, it would have been highly likely for Gwanghaegun to eventually come to power.

Because he would have been able to convince the officials about his policies more thoroughly, barring a situation similar to what happened to Crown Prince Sado, the officials would have generally supported most of his policies. Although Seonjo would not have been able to control policies efficiently due to the opposition from the court, he would have still been able to limit the factions' power, which would have allowed his successor to carry out his policies more efficiently than IOTL. This chain of events could have eventually led to more thorough negotiations with both the Ming and the Jurchen/Manchus, along with strengthening the military in order to confront the latter. It's important to note that due to the Imjin War, Nurhaci, and his successor, Hong Taiji, managed to unify the tribes in Manchuria and eventually set the foundations for the Qing.

In other words, the lack of widespread bloodshed would also mean a stronger Ming and Joseon, which would probably ally with each other in order to confront the tribes in Manchuria, and possibly seize more territory in the region. This would mean that Korea would need more resources in order to support a larger population and area, which would also lead to more trade, although it would probably be limited to more contacts with China, Japan, and the Ryukyus, instead of more links with other states.

Thanks a lot for this info. It does help me alot.

[democracy101]

Originally Posted by tonsofun

-snip-

No problem. I'm always here to help

[tonsofun]

#84

Excerpt from the travel journal of Date Masamune:

After over one year sailing I have encountered many lands that are barely habited except by barbarian tribes similar in appearance to the black skinned warrior my brother-in-law befriended. After the dark continent I had to be careful as my Dutch navigators warned me that I would be passing the lands of the Spanish.

North and east of those lands is the nation of France, which is where I am now. Unlike other countries, France is a nation with different religions. There was recently a war here between Catholics and a denomination that call themselves Hugenots. The Hugenots were not victorious, but they have the same rights as Catholic residents do. Although there seems to be mistrust between the two, they do live in peace and without harassment.

The new rulers of this land are keen for both denominations to live in peace with each other. Seems logical as they both speak the same language. I have been met with warmth by the leaders here who are keen to be our friends. Seeing the Dutch in our crew made them much more trusting of me.

***

Today I was taken to a monastery in the north of the country. Here the monks hunt with a dog that is short in the legs and long in the stomach. They have surplus amounts of skin, ears so long they drag on the ground and an excellent sense of smell. The dogs do not kill their prey but simply use their noses to find them and then chase them out so their masters can kill. I have been told that the short legs allow the monks to keep track of the dogs without using excess energy and that their placid nature means that they are happy just to chase their prey.

The dogs have a very placid nature and are very friendly. Even to my children who spent time pulling their skin, which I think would hurt them, yet they acted as if they liked it and made crying noises when they stopped. Cha Cha finds them aesthetically pleasing as do my children. I think an animal such as this would prove very useful amongst the rural peasantry.

I think I should stay in this country and learn more. There is much we can learn here.