Jiang Zhou’s Return to China

 

     Jiang Zhou left Hirado to China in April, 1557, with Wang Zhi; Yoshishige’s messengers, Tokuyo and Zenmyo; and Yoshinaga’s messenger, Ryuki.  The ship Wang Zhi was on board dropped in at Ryukyu and was late.  Jiang Zhou and Tokuyo arrived at Ningbo in July, but were imprisoned because they led an illegal mission to Ming China.  Hu Zongxian (1512-1565) didn’t stand up for Jiang Zhou because Jiang didn’t observe the tributary principle.  He was sentenced to death, but was defended and pardoned.  He provided Zheng Ruoceng  (1503-1570) with his primary information on Japan through his experience.

     Zheng Ruoceng finished writing and compiling “Chouhai Tubian” (Maritime Strategy and Charts) in 1561.  It was published in 1562 under the support of Hu Zongxian.