1593: Ming Intervention and the Japanese Retreat
After Ming reinforcements recaptured Pyongyang, the Japanese repelled the advancing Ming army at the Battle of Byeokjegwan, but their subsequent assault on Haengju Fortress failed. With the front stalemated, Japanese forces abandoned Hanseong and withdrew to the southern coast as peace talks began. At home, Hideyoshi's long-awaited biological son Hideyori was born, sowing the seeds of a new succession dispute.
Events this year
Month 4
Facing a Ming counteroffensive and shortages of provisions, Japanese forces abandoned Hanseong and withdrew to southern Korea. They thereafter held coastal fortresses while negotiations proceeded with Ming and Joseon representatives.
See this event in detail →Sources 国立公文書館「年表―歴史と物語」／九州国立博物館「メールマガジン341号」
5/22
While based at Nagoya, Toyotomi Hideyoshi wrote to Kita-no-Mandokoro reporting that Ming envoys had presented peace terms.
Month 8
After Hideyori's birth, Toyotomi Hideyoshi moved to his Shigetsu residence in Fushimi and developed it into a full castle and new center of government.
8/3
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son Hiroi, later known as Hideyori, was born at Osaka Castle, changing the political situation surrounding the Toyotomi succession.