Ming Dynasty: Traveling through the harem, Zhu Yuanzhang was dumbfounded

Chapter 105: Teaching Zhu Xiongying the 'Dragon Slaying Technique' (Subscription Request)
As a parent, how can we not worry about our children's education?

Not to mention that Zhu Xiongying had a special identity and as his studies were approaching, Zhu Biao naturally couldn't help but ask questions.

"What to teach? Actually, I don't know what to teach.

Anyway, it’s definitely different from what you’ve learned.”

"That's it"

Zhu Biao was actually a little disappointed because he didn't get a satisfactory answer, but he didn't say it out loud.

However, anyone with a discerning eye could see the disappointment in his heart.

Yang Chen then continued:

“What people learn in later generations is very complicated and can be roughly divided into several parts: six years of elementary school, three years of middle school, and three years of high school.

This is the learning journey for most people in the first half of their lives.

It is different from the private schools you attend and the various official schools. In later generations, when the economy became more developed, most children could go to school.

I plan to teach your son according to his aptitude and see what he is suitable for.

Hobbies are the best teachers. If your son doesn’t like it, I can’t force-feed him knowledge that he doesn’t like. "

Zhu Biao also agreed with this point. While nodding, he saw the servants carrying the box to the podium.

There are many books besides chalk.

He had already noticed it just now, but he didn't ask more questions.

Yang Chen noticed that his eyes were fixed on the book, so he picked up a random book and explained:

“These are what you will teach your son later.

But there are too few of them, so I basically have to write them all by myself.

It would be great if the prince could assign a few people to me. I have translated the above textbook contents into modern vernacular.

Not to mention adults, even children can understand it.”

Knowing that it was a textbook, Zhu Biao couldn't help but pick up one and open it to take a look.

I couldn't help but frown just by looking at it.

"Brother Yang, are these circles and vertical things words?"

Glancing at the page of the book in Zhu Biao's hand, Yang Chen said with a smile:

“These are numbers, which were later called Arabic numerals. You can think of them as a font for counting and arithmetic.

From one to ten, and even hundreds to thousands in the future, they can be freely combined, which is much easier to write than our characters.

Don't underestimate these numbers. Having these numbers will save a lot of time, whether in daily life or in war.

Not to mention that these numbers have been developed over hundreds of years, fighting their way through various writing methods, and finally being recognized by people all over the world. "

"Isn't it just mathematics? Why are there so many tricks in it?"

A discordant voice came from the side. Yang Chen looked at Zhu Di and rolled his eyes.

"Tsk, what do you mean it's just mathematics? Yongle, why do you get so cocky all the time?
Do you know that the mathematics you are talking about was later called the source of all things?

Forget it, you won’t understand even if I tell you, so I won’t waste my breath on it.”

Yang Chen originally wanted to correct Zhu Di's wrong view, but after thinking about it, he took it back.

He had long discovered that this guy would be considered a yellow-haired young man in later generations.

Regardless of a person's character, this is at least the case in terms of their IQ level.

Perhaps he was too young, and was far from being as steady as the Yongle Emperor who was in his sixties as recorded in historical records.

Zhu Biao ignored the conversation between the two, and his son clenched the math textbook in his hand.

He murmured to himself:
"The source of all things. Father once issued an order prohibiting the people from discussing these mathematics privately, but he never expected that this kind of knowledge is actually the source of all things."

Having made up his mind, Zhu Biao looked at Yang Chen and said:
“Just now you said you wanted to ask me for a few people to translate your writings and other books into vernacular Chinese.

I think this is feasible. If all these books can be integrated together, wouldn't it become a holy book passed down from generation to generation?
The ancients said that only famous classics are the treasures of Central Plains culture.

No matter how the Ming Dynasty will develop in the future, these books appeared during the Ming Dynasty, and the world will remember the contributions made by the Ming Dynasty.

Isn't it just a human being?
I will give you people, as many people as you need. Whenever you want to do this, come to me and I guarantee that I will arrange it for you as quickly as possible.

If the book is too long, we can finish it one step at a time, what do you think? "

Zhu Biao didn't think too much at this moment.

He only wanted these things to be passed down and not disappear in the hands of the Ming Dynasty.

His father has made too many mistakes, and as the crown prince, he cannot make the same mistake again.

Zhu Biao also hoped that Yang Chen could write down the knowledge in his mind from a hundred years later in a visible and tangible book.

No one knows when an accident will happen.

Zhu Biao became more and more anxious when he learned from Yang Chen how powerful the future generations were.

Because according to the other party, many diseases in later generations would be terminal illnesses in the Ming Dynasty.

This is why Yang Chen is very careful about the details of his life.

It’s not that he was used to being served, but he accidentally fell ill. Given Yang Chen’s prejudice against Ming Dynasty medical skills, he didn’t dare to let the imperial physician treat him.

In order to make Zhu Biao believe it, Yang Chen also told him that many emperors of the Ming Dynasty were killed by imperial doctors.

From then on, Zhu Biao finally understood that there was a huge gap between Yang Chen and this era.

What he wants to do now is to narrow this gap.

With Zhu Biao's great help, it would be much easier for me to do things.

Even though he looks very free and easy on the outside, he has no power and it is very difficult for him to do anything.

It’s not like he hasn’t tried to find someone himself.

But when he expressed what he wanted to do, the scholars he had invited became more arrogant than each other, and they wanted to lift their noses to the sky.

Only then did Yang Chen realize that in order to encourage scholars all over the world, Zhu Yuanzhang had granted so many special favors and privileges that made these scholars possess a different kind of pride.

“With the prince’s words, I feel much more relieved, but when looking for someone, you must be very selective.

The most important thing is someone who is knowledgeable and has made achievements in literature.

They not only understand classical Chinese, but also understand what we are saying now.

It is best to be open to new things. My books are basically very different from any books available today.

It's completely different from what they learned.

Therefore, visitors should not be too arrogant, otherwise it will be inconvenient to communicate with me and cause a lot of unnecessary trouble. "

Having learned his lesson, Yang Chen told Zhu Biao about his experience.

Zhu Biao nodded without thinking twice to indicate that it was okay.

"I'll do the work, just rest assured."

"Brother, I'm here. Fourth brother? Why are you here too?"

While the three were waiting, a lifeless figure appeared outside the door.

Everyone's eyes were focused on him, with expressions of surprise, confusion, and calmness.

This man had a haggard face, weak eyes, and his body had lost three times the weight.

If he were to change into a set of tattered clothes full of holes and thrown onto the street, it would be impossible to tell that he was once the majestic and powerful Ming Dynasty King Qin Zhu Chong.

The depressed Zhu Chong tried his best to open his eyelids and look at Yang Chen.

The moment he saw the other person's figure clearly, Zhu Chong almost turned around and ran.

Fortunately, his limited willpower prevented him from doing so.

"Big brother? What's going on with second brother?"

I knew that my second brother was punished by my father, but I never thought he would end up in this situation.

There is only a little bit of human appearance left. If it were any worse, I'm afraid he would have died long ago, right?
Facing his brother's question, Zhu Biao looked calm and said lightly:

"What my second brother did naturally displeased our father, the emperor, and our mother, the empress. He deserves what he has suffered.

Now that you are here, find a place to sit down."

Faced with his brother's indifference, Zhu Chong had no complaints.

He also knew clearly that he had no right to criticize anything.

The moment Old Zhu placed the irrefutable evidence of the crime in front of him, Zhu Chong knew that it would be completely impossible for him to return to his former glory from now on.

These days, apart from facing the wall and thinking about his mistakes, basically no one communicated with him.

I only eat vegetarian food and haven't eaten any meat for a month.

The huge calorie deficit made him lose 30 kilograms in a month!
It's just a slightly better situation than the mortals living in the imperial prison.

"Thank you, brother"

After replying in a hoarse and weak voice, Zhu Chong chose a corner in the room and sat down quietly.

After a while, I couldn't help closing my eyes and feeling drowsy. I had no energy at all.

"A Biao? He's like this now, are you sure you still want to take my class?"

Standing on the podium, Yang Chen looked in Zhu Chong's direction and muttered softly.

Zhu Biao waved his hand to indicate that it was not necessary to worry about it.

"No problem. If he doesn't listen, let him reflect on his mistakes for another month."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Chen hissed and gave Zhu Biao a thumbs up.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Chong, who was originally drowsy, shuddered all over.

I quickly sat up straight and didn't dare to slack off at all.

Only he himself knows how miserable his life has been recently.

No one communicated with him, and he was not allowed to speak. He had to stay quietly in one place and copy famous classics.

I could only eat two meals a day to avoid starving to death.

A normal person would have gone crazy in less than a month. The fact that Zhu Chong was able to hold on shows how strong his mental endurance is.

At the same time, four people with different identities and successors came to the gate of the East Palace.

They were Empress Ma and Zhu Yuanzhang, each holding two children of similar age.

Old Zhu looked at his grandson lovingly and said:
"My dear grandson. When you go in later, don't tell your father and the man who is going to be your husband that your grandfather is here with you, okay?
Grandpa stayed next door with Xiongying to prevent him from getting scared. "

"Ah? But Grandpa, didn't you teach Xiongying that one should be upright and honest in doing things?
Why didn’t you do that today?”

Facing Zhu Xiongying's innocent face, Old Zhu just smiled awkwardly.

"Tsk tsk! Our grandson is really smart. He will definitely become a wise ruler in the future!"

Knowing that he would suffer a loss, Zhu Yuanzhang dared not respond, which made Empress Ma beside him couldn't help laughing.

When faced with his grandson's advice, the emperor did not dare to refute it, but instead praised the other party for doing a good job.

Only Lao Zhu can do this.

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang was grinning from ear to ear, Empress Ma didn't say much.

Just tell the other party to go in quickly and don't make them wait too long.

"Oh! Sister, don't rush me. I still have to tell them about these two."

Old Zhu looked back at Empress Ma. He was clearly unhappy, but he didn't dare to show any unhappiness.

While Empress Ma was not angry, he quickly gave instructions to Zhu Bai.

"Little Twelve, when you go in later, if that guy asks you what you want to learn, just say you want to learn how to govern a country, okay?

And grandson, when you hear your uncle say this, you should also help him out and let him speak as much as possible, okay?"

Both children didn't understand why their grandfather (father) clearly wanted to know, but didn't take the initiative to ask, but instead used them to achieve his goal.

The two of them, who had simple thoughts, didn't ask any more questions, but just nodded.

For greater safety, Lao Zhu also promised the two men:

"Well, as long as you do what I say and don't tell him we're here, how about I take you two out of the palace to play?"

When they heard there was a reward, they were very happy and nodded repeatedly.

As he spoke, he pushed the two men to the room Zhu Biao had mentioned earlier. The two men left only after seeing them go in.

Empress Ma looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, feeling both helpless and amused.

“Zhongba, don’t you just want to know how Yang Chen broke through the 300-year dynasty?

Now that you're here, why don't you go and ask in person? Why do you have to ask Xiongying and Xiaoshier to ask?

Aren't you teaching them bad things?"

"Pah, pah, pah! Sister, if you don't understand, please don't talk nonsense. How could I teach them bad things?

We are just acting according to circumstances. If that little bastard Yang Chen sees us, he will definitely hide the truth from us.

It would be much better to let Xiongying ask. Besides, aren't we worried that this kid might teach Xiongying bad things?

Let's eavesdrop on it secretly, maybe we can figure out something."

"If this kid is teaching real things, we won't mind it, but if he has hidden knowledge and teaches Xiongying bad things, then we will take Xiongying away and not let him teach.

If you ask me, you and Biaoer are just bored, why do you let this bastard teach you?

If I really teach him bad things in the future, we'll see if you can be anxious or not!"

At the end, Lao Zhu also complained a few words.

Queen Ma looked at Old Zhu, who looked unhappy but didn't dare to do anything. She just shook her head and said nothing.

As long as there is no delay, it's fine.

This old man is like this, the older he gets, the more his temper becomes like a donkey.

Taking this into consideration, Queen Ma felt quite calm in her heart. This guy was old and he couldn't quarrel all the time.

She knows exactly when to obey and when to give face.

The only thing that made Empress Ma confused was that it was obviously Zhu Yuanzhang who wanted to eavesdrop, but he insisted on dragging her into it.

As the two elders were ready, Zhu Xiongying, with the help of his uncle who was a few years older than him, quickly found Yang Chen's location.

The originally deserted classroom suddenly became very lively with the appearance of the two children. "Father! Fourth uncle, second uncle, hello good uncle."

Zhu Xiongying greeted everyone one by one according to what he saw.

He was not yet able to call Yang Chen "sir", so he could only give him a random title based on his own impression.

As for his impression of Yang Chen, Zhu Xiongying naturally remembered clearly that this handsome young man with extraordinary appearance was a good person.

He had said this in front of Empress Ma Zhu Biao.

"Royal brother, second brother, four. Hello, good brothers."

Zhu Bai followed closely behind, but he didn't know how to address Yang Chen. After all, it seemed inappropriate to call Zhu Xiongying uncle.

In the end, I could only choose "brother" as a substitute.

In the far corner, Zhu Chong faced this lively scene and felt a sense of sadness in his heart.

If I don't make any mistakes, I might be able to happily integrate into it.

But now, looking at his own situation, he could only smile bitterly.

"Xiongying is here. Where are grandpa and grandma? Why didn't they come with you?"

Zhu Biao found that his parents did not show up, so he asked subconsciously.

Faced with this question, Zhu Xiongying obviously hesitated. As soon as he hesitated, Old Zhu next door instantly became nervous.

"My dear grandson! Please don't tell the truth!!!"

Empress Ma, who was sitting behind him, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang's appearance and could only hold her forehead and smile bitterly.

This Hongwu Emperor doesn't look like an emperor at all at this moment.

Fortunately, Zhu Bo was smart and answered promptly:
"In reply to my brother, my father and mother sent my nephew and me out the door and said they had something to do before leaving. They asked my nephew and I to follow my brother's instructions."

"Yeah! Uncle Twelve is right!"

Zhu Xiongying rolled his eyes and nodded, confirming that his uncle was right.

Yang Chen, who was standing aside and watching, found it very funny.

An uncle is only a few years older than his nephew. He has to admire Lao Zhu for still having the energy to work hard despite his age.

"I remember that Zhu seemed to be in his fifties and could still make his concubines pregnant. He was really energetic."

Yang Chen complained in his heart, but he didn't dare say this in front of Zhu Biao.

It’s not that I’m afraid, but these things are very normal to them. If I tell them about it, they will feel very strange.

“Well, since they’re not here, you just listen to me.

Come and meet your future master."

Zhu Biao gently stroked Zhu Xiongying's back with his palm and pushed him one meter away from Yang Chen.

Zhu Xiongying did not hesitate. He put his hands together and bowed to him in the gesture of a disciple.

"Zhu Xiongying pays homage to you, sir. I hope you can accept Xiongying as your student."

According to Empress Ma and Zhu Biao, Yang Chen might become the third tutor of the crown prince in the future.

But with the intervention of Old Zhu, the two of them had to make the second best choice and temporarily let Yang Chen become Zhu Xiongying's husband.

Impart knowledge and see if it is useful. If it is useful, Yang Chen's status will rise in the future.

If not, follow Lao Zhu's advice.

Because it was not a formal ceremony, Yang Chen did not take it very seriously.

After nodding his approval, acknowledging that Zhu Xiongying was his student, he motioned for them to find a seat and sit down.

Then Zhu Biao and Zhu Di sat aside.

Yang Chen was the only one left on the podium.

The two enthusiastic people soon attracted Zhu Chong, who was originally in the corner with a tomb-like aura.

He opened the books that Yang Chen had distributed.

Although this guy's character is not very good, his knowledge surpasses at least 90% of the people in the Ming Dynasty.

Therefore, he could understand the handwriting above, but the words combined together were a little difficult for him to understand.

"Well, today is my first day of class, and actually it is also my first class as a teacher.

I don’t know what to teach you.

Zhu Xiongying, you are my first student, so the teacher asks you, what do you like in your daily life?

Faced with the question, and since it was the first time in his life that he had been asked such a role, Zhu Xiongying seemed very excited.

He smiled and pointed to the outside world and said:
"Teacher! I like to observe everything in the world. I like the sun, the moon, and the stars in the sky!

Yesterday my grandfather gave me a bamboo tube. Through the tube, I could see many things that were bigger than usual, but I couldn’t bring them here.

Otherwise, I can show it to the teacher!"

Zhu Xiongying, who loves to share, told the story about the telescope, and Yang Chen smiled and responded:

"Oh? The teacher also likes these things. Then you know, the bamboo tube you just mentioned is called a telescope.

The reason why it can be magnified is because there are several uneven lenses inside the bamboo tube."

When Zhu Xiongying learned that the telescope was actually made by Yang Chen, he seemed very interested.

He was happy, but Old Zhu behind the wall froze.

"No! Grandson, oh grandson! Why are you playing with him? Hurry up and ask about the important matter!"

In the classroom, no one knew what Lao Zhu was feeling at the moment.

On the contrary, after a brief exchange with Zhu Xiongying, Yang Chen found that the child was very lively.

When asked if he knew why all objects would fall vertically to the ground after being thrown into the air, Zhu Xiongying actually thought that it was because someone on the ground was pulling hard, causing the objects to fall vertically to the ground.

Everyone thought that this was just a child's imagination, but they didn't expect Yang Chen to nod and confirm Zhu Xiongying's answer.

At the same time, he was also very shocked!

I didn't expect that Zhu Xiongying could explain the law of gravity in such a fresh and unconventional way.

You know, it was hundreds of years before the law of gravity was discovered.

But now it has been discovered in advance by a five-year-old child.

Many theories that seem magical and mysterious are actually hidden in life.

'This child is so curious about the truth behind everything. If he can be guided, maybe he can become one of the first natural scientists in the Ming Dynasty?

Forget it. If Old Zhu knew that I had taught his grandson to be a guy who loves science and sneers at the imperial power, he would definitely chase me with a kitchen knife and chop me.'

According to Old Zhu's personality, Yang Chen suppressed his desire to train Zhu Xiongying to become a scientist.

"Ahem, Xiongying, besides the truth of all things, what else are you interested in?

For example, writing? Mathematics? Music theory?"

As Yang Chen gave examples one after another, Zhu Xiongying seemed to be in a dilemma.

Seeing that the task assigned by his father had not been completed yet, Zhu Bo hurriedly whispered a reminder to his nephew who was a few years younger than him.

"My nephew is the one who governs the country~~"

He had no idea that what he thought was a quiet whisper had been heard by everyone.

Seeing this, Yang Chen immediately called his name.

"Oh? It seems that you, Zhu Bo, are very interested in governing the country?"

Without hiding anything, Yang Chen directly pointed out Zhu Bo's mission. Zhu Biao and Zhu Di looked at each other, wondering how a child under eight years old could be interested in governing a country?
Obviously, there must be someone behind this, and they couldn't think of anyone else except their own father.

In the next room, Lao Zhu heard the sound and became even more nervous.

I put my ear against the wall, afraid of missing something.

Queen Ma shook her head and thought that this was a crude trick. Unless Yang Chen was stupid, the other party would definitely know that he was the one behind it.

In the classroom, Zhu Bai faced Yang Chen's sharp eyes, but at his age he didn't dare to look directly at him.

I could only nod with my eyes closed.

“Mr. Yang, I am the son of my father and will become a vassal king in the future.

My mother taught me that as a king, even though you don’t have as much power as a monarch, you must know the principle of governing with virtue as stated in The Analects of Confucius, just like the North Star, which stays in its place while all the other stars revolve around it.

Because when I grow up, I will become the king of the Ming Dynasty, and when the king's flag is hoisted, I will take over the political affairs of this place from my brother the emperor."

Zhu Bo's courageous words made Zhu Biao and Zhu Di's eyes light up.

I didn't expect that my younger brother was so outstanding.

No wonder Yang Chen said that Prince of Xiang, Zhu Bo, is both civil and martial, and has shown this talent since he was a child. What will he be like when he grows up?
Zhu Chong in the corner felt even more ashamed. He lowered his head in shame and bit his lips.

Even his younger brother, who is a dozen years younger than him, knows such an obvious truth, but he, as the second older brother, takes the blame himself!

On the other side of the wall, Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with Zhu Bo's answer. He would show off to Empress Ma from time to time, saying things like "the child is worthy of being his own son" and "how amazing he is".

Not long after, Yang Chen's voice sounded again.

"Yes, it seems Zhu Bo has been studying a lot.

Since you want to know how to govern a country, what is the process of governing a country in your opinion?
Or, in your opinion, how should a country be governed?

Why don't you all tell me what you think? "

Yang Chen knew that Zhu Bai would not say this for no reason. After all, how could a child have such deep thoughts?

There must be instructions from Lao Zhu behind this.

But he was too lazy to expose it. Since Old Zhu wanted to see it, he would show it to him, so that Old Zhu would not always think that he was just a talker.

Faced with Yang Chen's guiding tone, Zhu Bai gradually relaxed and was not as nervous as before.

On the contrary, he seemed very happy after knowing that he had completed his father's instructions.

In this situation, he actually expressed his opinion.

"According to what my father said, governing a country should follow the teachings of the Analects.

The king should govern with virtue, and use his own morality as an example to convince the people. He should also restore the Zhou rituals and regulate the people through the ritual system, so that the world will be unified and submit to the rule of the Ming Dynasty. "

Yang Chen was not at all surprised that Zhu Bai could say this.

He had learned not long ago that Zhu Yuanzhang had issued strict orders, forcing people all over the world, including great Confucian scholars, to modify many ancient books according to his own wishes.

Then pass it on to his son.

Yang Chen nodded slightly, without commenting on what Zhu Bai said, but looked at Zhu Xiongying.

"What about you? In Xiongying's opinion, how should a country be governed?"

After blinking for a while, Zhu Xiongying looked at Zhu Biao, and then looked directly at Yang Chen.

“My father told me that governing a country should be based on law.

But my grandfather also told me that in governing a country, one should use tactics to control ministers, appoint officials according to their responsibilities, hold them accountable for their actions, hold the power of life and death, and understand the hearts of subordinates.

Afterwards, he used his power to consolidate his position and let his subjects know his majesty so that they would not be able to resist.

Xiongying thinks that this method is not good and he doesn't like his grandfather's teachings.

If you want Xiongying to come up with a strategy for governing the country."

After a moment's silence, Zhu Xiongying pouted and shook his head.

"Xiong Ying can't figure it out, I hope you won't punish me~"

It was beyond Yang Chen's expectation that a child could say such words, so he just smiled kindly and didn't say much.

Then he looked at Zhu Chong in the corner and asked:

"King Qin, since you are here, why don't you express your opinions as my student?"

Zhu Chong, who thought nothing would happen to him, was a little slow to react.

But he quickly shook his head and replied in a hoarse and weak voice:

"According to what Mr. Yang said, I would definitely think that governing a country should be based on the five techniques of controlling the people in The Book of Lord Shang.

The people are foolish, weak, tired, humiliated and poor.

These five methods can maintain the power of the court as much as possible and weaken the people, making them unable to resist the court or even think of rebelling against the court.

At this point, Zhu Chong wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was sweating profusely after just speaking two sentences.

Then he quickly added:

"But those were my foolish opinions, and now I have corrected my understanding.

This method is inappropriate, and it will make it more likely for the people to rise up in resistance.

Otherwise, it will be like the tyrannical Qin Dynasty, raising armies everywhere and will be destroyed in a few years."

After explaining, Zhu Chong had already used up all his strength. If he hadn't been supporting himself with his arms, he would have fallen on the table.

Three people, three views, all from ancient books.

These theories are the result of the sedimentation and transmission of various schools of thought over the years.

But today Yang Chen put forward a point of view that surprised them all.

“Each of you has a different way of governing the country because of your living environment, but you know.

From ancient times to the present, is there any real way to see the strategy of governing a country?"

“There aren’t so many flowery theories, nor so many factions.

In just two sentences, we can not only learn how to govern a country, but also how to go from weak to strong! "

"As long as you learn how to distinguish 'who is our enemy and who is our friend'.

Then you will find that no matter whether it is governing a country or founding a nation, all problems will be clearly laid out before you!"

Yang Chen's words made everyone fall into deep thought.

What's more, Mr. Zhu next door felt something was wrong.

"Strange? They are just two sentences. Why do I feel a little uneasy?"

Could this be related to the dragon-slaying technique Liu Bowen told us about?'

(End of this chapter)