Ezo lay north of Japan—the island later known as Hokkaido. At this time, it was still tribal land, a wilderness.
North of Ezo was Kuye, which belonged to the Ming Dynasty and fell under the jurisdiction of the Nurgan Commandery. It was the island later known as Sakhalin.
Only narrow straits separated Sakhalin from Ezo, and Ezo from Japan. Looking at a map, it was practically a distance one could cross with a single hop.
In reality, even a small fishing boat could cross both straits.
Therefore, if the Ming Dynasty wished it, it could take Ezo into its embrace, place it under the Nurgan Commandery's jurisdiction, or establish a separate prefecture there to govern it directly.
If Ezo also became part of the Ming Dynasty, then Japan truly would be only a fishing boat's journey away.
"I heard this was the Imperial Preceptor's intention. Don't tell me you don't understand what it means. Clearly, the Imperial Preceptor's interest in Japan goes far beyond a single mountain in Omori village." Li Song's eyes brimmed with ambition. "The Imperial Court sent you to inspect military affairs in the north, and the Imperial Preceptor did not object in the slightest. How much longer can the Nurgan Commandery remain a loosely governed region?"
Pan Yu was inwardly shocked. "You want the Ming Dynasty to govern the Nurgan Commandery directly?"
"Why not?" Li Song said. "The Nurgan Commandery is filled with Jurchen tribes. They may appear respectful now, but rebellion has long taken root in their hearts. Once they are given a chance to grow strong, they will become the next Oirats, the Tatars, perhaps even the former Yuan."
Pan Yu said, "Judge deeds, not hearts. This is all mere speculation."
Li Song looked at him with disdain. "People say scholars have twisted guts