Volume 4, Page 17

The Investiture Envoys were finally able to cross the sea. They were accompanied by Korean subordinate officials original: peichen (陪臣), referring to ministers of a vassal state who followed Hideyoshi's demand to explain why the Korean Prince had not come in person to offer his thanks. When the appointed time arrived, the envoys were led inside for an audience. Yang Fangheng stood at the front, while Shen Weijing stood below the steps, reverently holding the Imperial Seal.

After a long silence, the yellow curtains upon the dais suddenly parted. An old man emerged, leaning on a staff and flanked by two attendants in green robes. This was the Kanpaku Kanpaku: The Imperial Regent of Japan; here referring to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Hideyoshi. The guards began to shout and clamor, and the two envoys prostrated themselves on the ground. The old man began to scold and rebuke them harshly.

Konishi Yukinaga a Japanese general and key negotiator intervened, saying:
"These are the gift-bearers from the Celestial Dynasty referring to the Ming Empire. They should be treated with generosity."

Only then were the envoys permitted to retire to their lodgings.

The following day, a banquet was held for the Investiture Envoys. Just as Shen Weijing began to speak about the withdrawal of troops and the establishment of friendly relations, Hideyoshi suddenly flew into a rage. He declared:

"The Celestial Dynasty has sent envoys to invest me with a title, and I do not dare refuse it. However, I will absolutely not permit peace with Korea. The Imperial Envoys need not stay any longer; you may depart tomorrow at dawn. I shall simply set out to conquer Korea once again!"

The two envoys traveled to Nagoya original: Langguya (郞古耶), the site of Hideyoshi's headquarters for the invasion to prepare for the sea crossing. A Japanese chieftain arrived, bringing a letter from Hideyoshi. The two envoys mistakenly believed this to be a formal letter of gratitude original: xie biao (謝表), a memorial sent to the Emperor to express thanks for an appointment to the Ming court.