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

Chapter 130: Telling Lao Zhu about Marxism
The morning light was dim, and the rosy glow gradually spread over the entire city of Nanjing.

The wind is exceptionally cool today, and many people on the street have started putting on thicker clothes.

As for those who had no thick clothes to wear, they tried their best to find dead branches and leaves fallen on the ground and add them to their 'new clothes' from last year.

After eating and drinking his fill, Yang Chen got into the carriage that Zhu Biao had prepared for him.

The driver was a young man about thirty years old, with a sturdy build, a broad face and prominent cheekbones. He should be a Mongolian who was summoned to the court for amnesty after Zhu Yuanzhang implemented his relaxed policy.

If he were to wear armor, he would be a fierce general who could fight ten people alone on the battlefield.

"Master Yang, please sit tight, the carriage will be very fast."

The other party didn't speak with a Central Plains accent. I could actually understand Chinese, but it was a bit clumsy.

Lifting the curtain, Yang Chen said casually:
"It's okay, slow down. I want to see how the people will live after the temperature drops."

The driver obviously didn't expect Yang Chen to speak like this. He didn't ask any more questions, but slowed down the whip and reins in his hands.

"From your accent, you shouldn't be from the Central Plains, right?
If you don't join the army, how can you be a coachman in the palace?"

As the carriage slowed down, Yang Chen's carriage-sickness symptoms were alleviated. He simply opened the curtain and sat outside.

Compared to the warmth inside the car, he preferred the fresh air blowing in the wind.

"Lord Yang is really smart. I am indeed not a Han Chinese from the Central Plains. I am from Dongshengwei. My father is a Mongolian and my mother is a Han Chinese. I have lived on a pasture since I was a child.

Later, Your Majesty conquered that place and named it Dongshengwei, and I followed my mother back to her hometown.

After that, my mother passed away. A few years ago, His Majesty needed to summon warriors to go to the north for a counterattack, and for the sake of fame and fortune, I followed my brothers from my hometown.

As a result, he was injured less than twenty days after he went there. Now he has a chronic illness and cannot go to the battlefield with his brothers in the barracks.

If the prince hadn't chosen me to be the driver of the East Palace, I'm afraid I wouldn't even have the chance to eat a bite of food now."

The driver's words were full of regret. He had Mongolian ancestry and he attached great importance to the relationship between brothers.

It is probably a great regret for him that he cannot charge into battle with his brothers.

What Yang Chen didn't expect was that the other person was actually mixed-race.

He has been in Ming Dynasty for nearly three months and has also investigated a lot of information.

Old Zhu has always been committed to the national integration of Han and Mongolian peoples.

Because since the Yuan Dynasty, many Han people have infiltrated the Mongolian high-ranking officials. As time passed and policies became more open, many Han people took advantage of the powerful Yuan Dynasty to cross over to parts of present-day Europe.

And there were also many Mongolians who combined with Han people to produce the first generation of mixed-race people, according to Yang Chen's judgment.

The driver's father is probably also of Han and Mongolian descent.

The reason for this is that although he has the facial features of a Mongols, he is not as rough as a pure-blooded Mongols.

As for Dongshengwei, it is most likely a county town in Inner Mongolia in later generations.

Yang Chen had specifically learned that any area temporarily occupied by external forces, unless it was a large city that could be given the level of "fu", the rest of the places were basically named "wei".

"What's your name?"

Knowing the driver's background, Yang Chen asked curiously, while putting his hands into his pockets.

"My name is Borjigin Bayar.

My father originally wanted to name me Bater, as Bater means warrior in the eyes of the Mongols. But my mother said that it would be better if I could grow up peacefully in these troubled times. Then my father did not allow me to be called Bater and instead called me Bayar, a name that means happiness.

Sir, you can just call me Bayar, you don’t need to call me by my full name.”

I glanced at the muscular man next to me. He looked very majestic at first glance, but every time he mentioned his mother, a hint of tenderness inevitably appeared on his face.

Obviously, his mother, as a Han Chinese, has done everything a Han Chinese mother can do to the utmost, and is even willing to love this child of Mongolian descent.

"Bayaer, you used to live in Mongolian territory. Do you think life on the grassland is better or life in the Central Plains is better?"

The carriage passed a corner, where a dead tree was surrounded by a group of people.

They were dressed in rags, with only some rags to cover their bodies.

Everyone was holding a chopping knife, thinking about how to chop the dead tree into firewood and take it home to burn for cooking.

Bayar obviously didn't expect why Yang Chen asked this.

Thinking of the other party's identity, he thought about it carefully and said:
“Life on the grassland is free and easy, we can ride horses, herd livestock, and shoot arrows, but those princes and nobles like to bully us herders.

If my father had not made great contributions on the battlefield, I would probably have ended up even more miserable than those of my tribesmen who were used as slaves.

As Your Majesty drove away those Mongol nobles, our people, who were once almost enslaved, now have a good life.

Look at me, I can be a coachman beside the prince, and many of my friends are serving as guards beside His Majesty, and some can even serve as His Majesty's personal soldiers, following the general to defeat those noble Mongols who used to bully us!"

Bayar's tone seemed to show his infinite admiration for Zhu Yuanzhang.

In his eyes, Zhu Yuanzhang was not an enemy who destroyed his country, but a person who helped those who once held low positions.

It is no wonder that Zhu Yuanzhang is one of the few emperors in history who promoted national integration.

He adopted a policy of showing kindness and trust towards the Mongols and won the hearts of many people.

At the same time, it also improved the strength of the Ming army by more than one level, making the Northern Expedition go much more smoothly.

"Anyway, in my opinion, Your Majesty is better at governing the world than the Khan of the Mongols. Your Majesty being the emperor is much better than those Mongols."

If Yang Chen knew about Bayar's admiration for Zhu, he would probably burst into laughter. It was also the first time for Yang Chen to know that these Mongolians were so loyal to Zhu.

"This should be considered as the enthusiasm of a convert."

He muttered to himself.

As the two chatted, Bayar, who was driving the carriage around a corner, curiously asked Yang Chen why he asked him these questions.

“It’s nothing, really. I just want to know how big the difference is between your past lives and your current lives.

I don’t know if you noticed on the way here just now, there are still refugees living hard in many corners.

In order to avoid being disturbed by the cold tonight, the people are living a very hard life after all."

Yang Chen's sigh triggered Bayar's memories, and soon, the big man also revealed his previous experiences.

“In fact, Lord Yang, if the people you see were in the time when the tyrants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty ruled, they probably wouldn’t even have the choice of whether to survive, let alone survive.

On the grassland, the nobles have the power to kill anyone, as long as you are not a noble. They will even capture you alive and make you a concubine or even a slave. Some even use you as a sacrificial two-legged sheep.

The people in the Ming Dynasty may have a hard life, but I think that if possible, they would definitely not choose to live in the Mongols. "

Bayar’s words made Yang Chen feel that no matter which dynasty it was, those who lived well and those who lived poorly seemed to be from two different worlds.

Relying on his Mongolian ancestry, he benefited from Zhu Yuanzhang's policies, and with his intelligence, he was able to make a living in this chaotic world.

In a sense, I have surpassed many people.

Yang Chen kept silent. Bayar didn't know what the other party was thinking, but just to be cautious, he didn't speak again.

"It's not enough. If I want to take care of the entire Ming Dynasty and completely change and stabilize the Ming Dynasty, I must let Old Zhu know that my dragon-slaying technique is not the enemy of the imperial power."

He muttered this quietly, and suddenly felt the car slow down.

Before he knew it, he had arrived at the east gate of the palace under the guidance of Bayar.

Less than a hundred meters away, Zhu Biao was already waiting in front to greet them. Besides him, there was another familiar person.

"Why did Yongle appear here?"

That’s right, it’s Zhu Di.

Ever since Zhu Di obtained the first fiefdom, he had begun to plan for his future.

To ensure that everything went smoothly, he also sent his trusted aides to Peking.

Notify the three guards of Prince Yan to make deployments in advance, and once he goes to Peking, declare war on the Jurchens.

Logically speaking, Zhu Di should be in the training ground in the capital thinking of ways to improve his ability to command troops, but he did not expect to be in the same place with his elder brother.

"Your Highness! Lord Yang has been brought here." Bayar stopped the carriage, put away the stairs, and walked up to Zhu Biao to report.

Zhu Biao waved in response.

"Okay, Bayar, you go back first."

"Yes!"

By the time Yang Chen got off the car, Bayar had already driven the carriage away.

"Brother Yang, I finally got you. Let's go."

"Okay, you lead the way and I'll follow."

The two of them didn't need to say much, just do as they agreed yesterday.

Zhu Biao personally led the way in front, while Yang Chen followed beside him, and Zhu Di also followed.

"Yongle, why are you following your eldest brother if you don't do your own thing?"

He originally thought that Zhu Di just appeared by coincidence, but now it seems that everyone is taking the same path, so he is naturally a little curious.

When Zhu Di heard the word "Yongle", he still subconsciously felt a little uncomfortable.

He staggered a step before turning around and saying:

"I came here today to tell my father that I am ready to apply for the mobilization of cavalry to Peking."

"Oh."

After knowing the reason why Zhu Di appeared in this place, Yang Chen didn't say anything more.

This made Zhu Di a little uncomfortable.

"Brother Yang, what about you? Don't you usually go to teach my nephew? Why are you going to see my father with my brother today?"

"Me? I'm here to teach your father a lesson."

Yang Chen's tone was very casual, as if he was joking, and it was indeed a joke to Zhu Di.

"You? Teach my father a lesson? Brother Yang, don't brag. My father is already the current emperor. He needs a lesson. Even if he wants to learn, how can it be your turn to teach him?"

When Zhu Di heard what Yang Chen said, he felt a little unconvinced. It was obvious that he thought Yang Chen was deliberately making fun of him.

Yang Chen, who didn't want to argue with the other party, sneered and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder.

"I say, Yongle, you are a guy who only cares about food and not about punishment. If you don't believe me, ask your eldest brother to see if I am here to teach your father a lesson."

He thought nothing would happen, but what was going to happen finally happened. Zhu Biao could only look at his younger brother with helplessness on his face.

He nodded at Zhu Di's incredulous expression.

"Fourth Brother, if we really follow what Yang Chen said, Father does need to learn something from him. If you insist on talking about taking classes, that's fine too."

"What! Brother, you are kidding, this guy is really teaching Father a lesson!"

He knew that Yang Chen did have some abilities.

But he never imagined that his father would need him to impart knowledge one day.

"How is it? I told you I wasn't lying, but you still didn't believe me. Are you convinced now?"

"Brother Yang, you are really amazing. You can't blame me for this. It's all because you always do these unexpected things.

Ordinary people would never dare to imagine that you, at such a young age, could impart knowledge to my father."

Zhu Di, who knew clearly that there would be no benefit in going against Yang Chen, was now convinced.

In this way, the three of them walked and joked, and soon arrived at Lao Zhu's study.

"Father, I have brought Yang Chen here."

"come in."

Behind the screen, Lao Zhu's tone was almost the same as before, making people feel cold and shivering.

The three of them entered the study hall together, which was different from the previous study decorated with precious wood.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you. May you be healthy and well."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Di bowed and blessed Zhu Yuanzhang one after another, and Yang Chen also followed suit.

"Your Majesty, may you be well and healthy."

"Everyone, get up. Don't be so stiff. Biao'er, if you're thirsty, pour yourself some tea."

Old Zhu put down the memorial in his hand and said something to Zhu Biao with concern.

Then he looked at Yang Chen calmly and expressionlessly.

"Asshole, do you know why I called you here today?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhu Di automatically walked aside and watched quietly to see what would happen.

Yang Chen was not affected by Lao Zhu's cold tone. Instead, he felt very comfortable.

Zhu Biao did not pour the tea. He poured himself a cup first and drank it up in one gulp before answering Old Zhu.

"My Lord, don't you just want to learn about the dragon-slaying technique from me?
Let's be frank. If you want to know the dragon-slaying technique, there's no need to ask the Queen, and then have her look for Ah Biao. It's just a lot of trouble, isn't it?"

Behind the desk, Old Zhu's image as an emperor who kept strangers away was instantly shattered by Yang Chen's few words.

Zhu Di even covered his mouth in disbelief.

"Damn it! Biao'er, why did you tell this bastard everything? Didn't we agree not to mention what we told your mother?"

Old Zhu looked at his eldest son with some disappointment, wondering if he had raised him in vain.

He even told others about such a thing.

"Ahem. Father, you can't blame me for all this. The situation was quite special at the time, so I just blurted it out. But Father, don't worry too much. Brother Yang and we are all family, so why should we mind this moment?"

Zhu Biao did not expect that Yang Chen would remain outspoken as usual and not give face to his father.

Now, not only did he know about it, but even Zhu Di standing next to him had a look of confusion on his face.

"Nonsense! Who is he from the same family? This guy is a jinx. If we are from his family, we will be in big trouble!"

"Hey! Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. I didn't want to marry General Mu in the first place, but it was you who pointed out this matter. Why are you shirking all responsibility now?"

Seeing Lao Zhu eager to refute, Yang Chen immediately stood up and spoke.

This immediately made Old Zhu feel embarrassed and he could only stare at him with a cold face.

"Alright! Let's not talk about these nonsense. I didn't ask you to come here today to chat. You know what it's about."

Yang Chen also managed his facial expression, and the atmosphere around him changed.

Zhu Di held his breath and felt a little nervous.

"Is it coming? Big brother said that the emperor wanted to see Big Brother Yang just for lessons. Now, can I listen too?"

While he was thinking, Yang Chen had already spoken.

“Your Majesty, if you want to know the dragon-slaying technique of later generations, I will tell you directly.

In fact, these things are not as mysterious as they seem. They can be summed up in just a few words.

That is, productivity determines production relations.”

Why is Lao Zhu so eager to learn the secret of dragon slaying from Yang Chen?

The reason is that the art of slaying dragons is a secret that many people in today's world are eager to obtain.

As an emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang believed that he must possess something that could kill him. He was well aware of the simple truth that knowing yourself and your enemy will ensure victory in every battle!

(End of this chapter)