Jiang Zhou's "Official" Letters to the Warlords in Kyushu

Hu Zongxian (1512-1565) sent Chen Keyuan and Jiang Zhou to Japan in 1556.  Chen and Jiang first visited the Goto Islands.  There, they were told the Muromachi Shogunate was dysfunctional.  Chen wisely and sensibly returned to China to report, but Jiang went to Bungo Province and stayed there.  Jiang further dared to send his “official” letter to other warlords around the province.  Only the one sent to So Yoshishige (1532-1589) is kept in the Historiographical Institute, The University of Tokyo:

Deputy envoy of the Ming Dynasty Jiang, obeying a royal command

The Emperor sent the supervisor to the military-affairs-related ministries and agencies of Zhejiang Province.  This is because, in recent years, commoners from various Japanese islands have repeatedly invaded China's borders and plundered residents there in the name of buying goods.  In accordance with the decree, the relevant local authorities in Zhejiang discussed the matter.  The officers had me pay personal visits to your country for negotiation.  For this, I accompanied the volunteers: Jiang Hai, Hu Jiezhong, Li Yu, and Chen Gui.  We first arrived in Goto, and then, via Matsuura and Hakata, arrived at Bungo Province on November 11th of the previous year to meet the Otomo Clan.  The bandits on all the islands were banned, a reply was prepared.  Priest Tokuyo, the leader of the envoy, is to be dispatched by ship to pay tribute.  I have the official letter forbidding thieves on all the islands.  In preparation for my visit, I sent the translator, Go Shiro.  Following the rules and orders of your country, you are to be angry at the rampage of your people, to send your officers to places, and to impose restrictions on them.  You are not to allow commoners to go out to the sea privately and invade China.  Wouldn't it be nice to have a quiet environment, no fighting, and to share the blessings of peace?  History books will mention your deeds beautifully, and your fame will last for centuries.  Otherwise, they will evilly involve islanders,  incite the islanders endlessly, and the number of bandits will multiply.  They will be based in your islands, and secretly depart toward China whenever they see an opening. That is probably not good for your country.  What happened to the Chen Clan in the Annan Kingdom should be considered. It is not just for the sake of China that I am sending a letter to inform you about this.  Just keep this in mind, crack down on the bandits quickly.  Understand deeply and move quickly.  I hope to get a reply immediately.  Be sure to follow my instructions.

To Tsushima Island, Japan

The third day of the eleventh lunar month in the thirty-fifth year of Jiajing