Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 621

1842.

History of the Ming Dynasty

599

into the country, carrying off enough to make up his loss. The Japanese were, however, nearly cut off on their return, and soon re- appeared in large force to attack the Chinese coast. Having thrown the province of Shántung into consternation, they ascended the Yangtsz' kiáng, penetrated as far as Nanking and Súchau, and then turned south to Chekiáng, where they took several places, every- where committing great ravages. Having established themselves at Chusan, they laid siege to Nanking. In this emergency, a woman from the south of China led forward a host of warriors, and kept them in check. Not succeeding in taking the place, they extended their piratical cruises to Fukien, and the east of Kwangtung, to the great distress of the inhabitants. Native pirates had also become numerous, and joined the Japanese in their maraudings. Hostilities likewise commenced in Corea, into which country the Japanese had pene- trated. Amidst all these troubles, the emperor was seeking for the liquor of immortality, and after a useless reign of more than forty years, expired in a. D. 1566.

穆宗

Mutsung, did his

Lungking, known in history as utmost to settle the tranquillity of the frontier. His own opinion was for permitting Yenta to pay tribute and have a trade, but the ma- jority of his ministers decided to refuse all intercourse. But the mo- narch was too wise a prince not to foresee the struggle, that must ensue on account of this obstinacy, and therefore acceded to a com- mercial treaty. He died in 1572.

Shin-

Wanli his successor, was only ten years of age at his ac- cession; he is known under the ancestorial name of tsung. During his minority he followed the advice of his cabinet, and appeared to promise well. The intercourse with western nations, commenced under his predecessor, became an object of solicitude. Mathew Ricci obtained access to the court in 1583, and presented a repeating watch to the young monarch, who was so taken with the rarity that he built a tower to keep it safe.

Under his government the despised Niúchí, who afterwards be- come so formidable as the Mantchous, made themselves feared. The Chinese had permitted them some commercial privileges upon the frontier, and they every year brought a quantity of ginseng and furs to market. Being often quarreling among themselves, the officers repeatedly interfered with an high hand in their disputes. The injuries they then suffered were carefully remembered, and after- wards repaid with interest by their children.