Chapter 7, Emissaries of the Dragon Throne Summary and Analysis

Japanese representatives were among those to visit Zhu Di and were anxious to establish commercial relations with China. Flattered that his authenticity as Emperor and rightful heir to the "dragon throne" of the Ming Dynasty was being recognized by Japan, Zhu Di eagerly opened up trade negotiations. Trade missions arrived frequently from 1403 until the shogun's death in 1410. Though Zhu Di gave lip service to living up to Zhu Yuanzhang's restrictions regarding foreign trade, Zhu Di viewed such relationships as opportunities to keep a watchful eye on his neighbors.

Zhu Di also went to great diplomatic lengths to stabilize relationships with the Mongols. These outreaches occurred the same time as the treasure fleet was in high gear which together would prove to have repercussions for centuries. Zhu Di appeased the Mongols of...