Chapter 71 Since ancient times
Chen Jingke also gradually understood some of Zhu Yuanzhang's character. It was not that he lacked ambition, but that he was too pragmatic.

In other words, he simply doesn’t know what cultural soft power is.

So I am not interested at all in promoting culture and spreading cultural influence.

He only cares about real profits.

The recognition of the barbarians was not as good as a bowl of rice to him.

This is his shortcoming as well as his strength.

But for Ming Dynasty and Chinese civilization, this was fatal.

It won't be long before those swarms of locusts in Europe will usher in the Age of Discovery.

Correspondingly, Chinese civilization will enter a dark period that will last hundreds of years.

The West will surpass China in all aspects of humanities and science and technology.

But the most lethal threat to China is not being surpassed in technology.

But the concept of nation was created by Westerners.

China has always been inclusive, pursuing commonalities amidst differences, then reaching cultural identity, and finally integrating into one.

To put it in more professional terms, it is a great integration of nationalities.

It can be said that from the beginning of its birth, Chinese civilization has been continuously absorbing the advantages of all civilizations in Asia and growing.

It is precisely because of this that our civilization is so diverse, so inclusive, and so brilliant.

Our profound cultural heritage is unmatched by any civilization on earth.

Why are Westerners so hostile to Chinese civilization?
In addition to interests, another aspect is that we and them are completely different from civilization to cognition to ways of thinking.

This difference in thinking and cognition cannot be reconciled.

No, it’s not that they can’t be reconciled, it’s that they are unwilling and don’t dare to reconcile.

Because once reconciled, Chinese civilization will use its strong compatibility to absorb and digest them.

We have no worries about this at all, and have even taken the initiative to absorb the advantages of Western civilization and complete another transformation.

This is the cultural heritage and the most precious wealth left to us by our ancestors.

Since Chinese civilization has the advantage of being inclusive, why is Chen Jingke so wary of nationalism?
Because nationalism seeks differences to separate brothers and even turn against each other.

To put it bluntly, nationalism will affect our national integration.

A very intuitive historical fact is that before the rise of nationalism, the Chinese ethnic group integrated countless times.

There have been more than ten 'great fusions' recorded in history books.

Xia, Shang and Zhou, Spring and Autumn and Warring States, Qin and Han, Sui and Tang Dynasties, each dynasty was established and destroyed, and there would be one or several major fusions.

Quanrong, Xirong, Guifang, Yiqu, Xiongnu, Wuhu, Khitan, Shatuo... are the best examples.

But after the rise of nationalism, this integration almost stopped.

After the twentieth century, who has heard of which ethnic groups were integrated?

Even a nation with only a few hundred or thousands of people demands to maintain its independence.

Not just at home, but across the world.

The Ming Dynasty was the last orthodox Chinese dynasty, and it was also the period when Chinese civilization had the best chance to once again complete the great integration of the nation.

Miss this opportunity...

It cannot be said that there will never be another chance in the future, I can only say that the difficulty will be increased hundreds of times.

Therefore, there is not much time left for Ming Dynasty and China.

If Chinese civilization does not want to face that difficult situation, it must complete cultural recognition before the Western locusts embark on their great voyage.

The priority of this matter even exceeds the development of technology.

Those who fall behind in science and technology will at best be beaten for a while, but they can always catch up if they study dormantly.

Once nationalist ideas rise, even if Ming Dynasty develops the atomic bomb, it will be difficult to integrate as before.

Chen Jingke's real intention in writing "A Brief History of China" was to pave the way for this great national integration.

As for helping Ming Dynasty strengthen its orthodox status, it was just a side effect.

No, to be precise, strengthening the orthodox status of the Ming Dynasty is also a prerequisite for great integration.

It's a very simple truth. Without Juche civilization, there is no such thing as integration.

In the original history, the Slavs also wanted to engage in national integration.

However, their weak main culture was not enough to support their ambitions, and they ultimately failed.

Therefore, strengthening the dominant position of Ming Dynasty is also a necessary part of the great integration.

When Zhu Yuanzhang asked, "How are you going to prove the legitimacy of Ming's rule over the barbarians?"

He coughed lightly and said: "All barbarians are branches of China."

Seeing that the three of them looked confused, he further explained:

"The Yellow Emperor established the country and established the monarch. Chiyou's son joined his father's army and brought trouble to the world. The Yellow Emperor killed his relatives and sent him to the south."

This is recorded in "Historical Records". Chi You's son enlisted his father's soldiers, bringing disaster to the world and even defeated the Red Emperor.

The translation is that Chiyou, the son of Huangdi, used Huangdi's army to cause trouble everywhere and defeated the rebellious Emperor Yan.

Yes, Chi You is the son of Huangdi.

There are relevant records in many ancient books.

In the Classic of Mountains and Seas, there is also a picture of Feng Boyu Yushi helping Chi You bring trouble to the world.

And Feng Boyu Master was exactly the important assistant of Huang Di.

Zhu Yuanzhang and the other three were even more puzzled. What does this have to do with Ming Dynasty?
Chen Jingke said slowly: "Chiyou led the rest of his troops southward and evolved into Baiyue. Baiyue scattered and evolved into Li people, Liao people, and Southwest Yi..."

"The Li Liao people went to the sea to survive, so that there were vassals in the South China Sea."

Zhu Yuanzhang and the other three were stunned at first, and then suddenly realized.

Ma Xiuying clapped her hands and sighed: "Wonderful, Chiyou went south to play Baiyue, and Baiyue dispersed to play the vassals. It is really wonderful."

Zhu Yuanzhang did not hide the excitement in his eyes: "Okay, now our Ming Dynasty's rule over the vassals in the South China Sea is in line with etiquette."

Zhu Biao was happy and raised a question: "Will the feudal lords agree?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said domineeringly: "Whoever dares to disagree is forgetting his ancestors and will be punished by the Ming Dynasty."

Emperor Hongwu was domineering.

Chen Jingke almost shouted 666, and said with a smile:

"The Siyi people are envious of our Chinese culture. Many people are eager to recognize us as their ancestors. It's just that we didn't bother to claim them in the past."

"Now that we take the initiative to admit that they are a branch of China, they will only be happy."

"When most people regard themselves as descendants of China, the few who disagree will become aliens."

"At that time, there is no need for Ming Dynasty to send troops. All it takes is an edict from His Majesty, and the surrounding countries will divide it and eat it."

This absolute cultural advantage is also his biggest capital for planning national integration.

When the European locusts enter Asia, this cultural advantage will be greatly weakened and eventually cease to exist.

At that time, countries may even propose "de-Chineseization" in order to seek cultural independence.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said: "Haha, this is the general trend, and it is also the reason why I care so much about the legal system."

Zhu Biao suddenly realized: "That's it, I understand."

Zhu Yuanzhang said to Chen Jingke again: "Continue, what's next?"

Chen Jingke said the rest in one breath:
"Dayu also went to the south to control floods, and some river workers stayed there to guard the rivers..."

"Every time there is a change of dynasty, Chinese people take refuge in the south..."

"The First Emperor marched south, the Jin Dynasty traveled south, the Song Dynasty traveled south..."

“This is true not only in the south, but also in the east, west and north.”

"At the end of Shang Dynasty, Jizi went to Liaodong to take refuge and established North Korea."

"After Jizi, Korea split into the Liaodong tribes, and the current Goryeo is after Jizi."

"During the Qin Dynasty, Xu Fu led the Immortal-seeking Fleet to Japan, and the Japanese Kingdom began to exist."

Chen Jingke’s focus is not just on Asia, but also on the Americas and Australia.

For example, some businessmen fled further north and have since lost contact with them.This is preparation for the future landing in America. The Indians are the descendants of traders.

Over in Australia, people migrated little by little along the Nanyang Islands.

Chen Jingke is not just making things up. He understands the principle of [-]% truth and [-]% falsehood, and all the things he compiles are based on real history books.

For example, "Historical Records" is simply the best reference material.

Sima Qian not only called the Chinese people the descendants of the Yan and Huang dynasties, but also described the southwestern Yi, Xiongnu, and Korea as the descendants of the Yan and Huang dynasties.

'The Xiongnu, the descendants of their ancestor Xiahou clan, were called Chunwei.In the Tang and Yu periods, there were Shanrong, yangxu, and Xunzhu, who lived in the northern barbarians and moved with livestock. '

This is the original text in the Historical Records. With just a few slight changes, the entire Asia can be transformed into Chinese people.

If anyone objects, go to Sima Qian to argue, not me.

Regarding the Yongjia Rebellion, he commented: The disaster caused Xiao Qiang, and the branches wanted to dominate the world.

Regarding the Yuan Dynasty, which Zhu Yuanzhang valued most, he characterized it as: the common people came out to dominate the world.

He also praised Zhu Yuanzhang for expelling the Meng Yuan and establishing the Ming Dynasty: the main line regained control of the world and the country returned to its orthodoxy.

Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally very happy about this.

Your Yuan Dynasty is the branch of the little mother, and our Ming Dynasty is the Zhengshuo of China.

Chen Jingke knew that his logic had many loopholes.

But so what?
As long as Lao Zhu approves it and the people are willing to believe it, that's all.

When archeology develops in the future, scientific means can be used to prove that this book is a fabrication, but it will no longer be of much use.

National integration has been completed long ago, can we still artificially separate them?

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang and the other two people had completely understood Chen Jingke's thoughts.

In their opinion, the characteristics of this "A Brief History of China" are very outstanding.

Strengthen the orthodox status of Ming Dynasty.

Whether it is the Yellow Emperor's Era or the main branch of China, this effect exists.

As for the fictional content.

The three of them are not pedantic people, so naturally they will not object to this kind of gameplay of seven truths and three lies.

What's more, no one knows how to write history books better than the ruling class.

Put a shit basin on your opponent's head and put gold on your own face.

Confusing black and white to beautify some of your own dark spots, which cannot be covered up, so you can still use Spring and Autumn brushwork.

These are common methods.

As long as it's useful and useful, the truth sometimes isn't that important.

Chen Jingke was observing the expressions of the three of them, and he could naturally tell that they had been persuaded.

Infinite joy arose in my heart, and my voice raised a few points:

"Your Majesty, if this book is written and spread throughout the world, Ming Dynasty will become the true master of the world."

"It will be true then. The whole world is not the king's land, and the shore of the land is not the king's ministers."

"Your Majesty's words 'since ancient times' can become the truth."

Zhu Xiongying clenched his fists in excitement and almost jumped up and shouted.

Even Zhu Biao was infected by the passion in his words and showed excitement.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying were much calmer, but they also had joy and yearning on their faces.

"You're a kid who can draw a pie for us, but there's some truth in what you say."

"Isn't it true that our Ming Dynasty is the orthodoxy of heaven and earth? The world has been the world of China since ancient times, and the barbarians have been our people of China since ancient times."

"The things left by our ancestors cannot be lost in our hands."

"Otherwise, under the Nine Springs, how can we still have the face to meet our ancestors?"

Chen Jingke said: "Your Majesty is wise, and under your leadership, the Ming Dynasty will surely create a glorious and prosperous era that far exceeds that of previous dynasties."

The corners of Zhu Yuanzhang's lips raised: "Don't flatter me, I've told you a long time ago that we won't do this."

After that, the four of them continued to discuss how to write "A Brief History of China". Zhu Xiongying, who had been an audience member for a long time, finally couldn't help but express many opinions.

Many of the opinions have merit and have been unanimously praised by everyone.

Chen Jingke compared the four people in his mind. Zhu Yuanzhang was the most pragmatic, focusing entirely on Ming Dynasty orthodoxy and not caring about anything else.

He wanted the legitimacy of Sebari rule just to reduce unnecessary wars.

Ma Xiuying and Zhu Biao are better. In addition to Ming Dynasty orthodoxy, they also attach great importance to the honor of the Celestial Kingdom.

Although Zhu Xiongying is young, he is the most ambitious among the four and the one who pays the most attention to cultural communication.

Of course, this is related to their background and education.

Zhu Yuanzhang's background was too low. Later, he started to study when he started to make a fortune, and his vision was already greatly restricted.

This is not to belittle him. On the contrary, with such a background, he can still win the world. His ability is definitely among the top in history.

But it is undeniable that his background does limit many of his views.

Ma Xiuying was born in a much better family and received a good education since she was a child.

Not to mention Zhu Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang was already a hero when he was born, and he was taught by his mother.

The vision is naturally different.

But he is a disciple educated by traditional Confucianism, and his vision is still limited.

Zhu Xiongying was born into the royal family of Tianhuang, and was guided by Chen Jingke.

On the contrary, his vision is higher than that of his father and grandfather, and his pursuit is greater.

However, he is still too young and his thinking is immature. He still needs time to grow.

Seeing that everyone was chatting happily, Chen Jingke took the opportunity to say:

"Your Majesty, if you want the barbarians to recognize the identity of the Huaxia branch, one of the laws of the imperial court is somewhat inappropriate."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment and said: "What you are talking about is that people of the Ming Dynasty marry people from foreign countries. They need to report to the Yamen, right?"

There was a system in the Ming Dynasty that required Han-Yi intermarriage to be reported to the Yamen and obtain permission.

Otherwise, it’s a wild cooperation.

This policy can be said to have seriously hindered national integration and must be abolished.

Chen Jingke said: "Yes, since we have been one family since ancient times, why did Ming Dynasty treat them differently?"

Zhu Biao said doubtfully: "Although our ancestors were one family, they have been separated now, so there is nothing wrong with treating them differently, right?"

Chen Jingke shook his head and said: "As the sovereign state, if we emphasize the differences in status, it will only create a barrier for us among the barbarians."

"If you want to convince all the other people, you have to treat everyone equally."

"Not only that, I think similar signs should be removed from Daming's household registration."

"The people of the Ming Dynasty are the people of the Ming Dynasty, regardless of Han or Yi."

Zhu Biao nodded thoughtfully and said, "That makes sense."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, obviously disagreeing with this view.

Just as he was about to speak out to object, Zhu Xiongying said first:

"Jing Ke said it well. The Ming Dynasty is the suzerain country, so it must show the magnanimity of the suzerain country."

"If someone treats me differently based on my status, I can't treat them as the same person."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately swallowed the words that were on his lips:
"You're right. Our good grandson is still generous and will be a wise king in the future."

In his opinion, it makes no difference whether this article is changed or not. The reason why he objected just now was because he didn't want to change it overnight.

Now that my dear grandson agrees, let’s change it.

After chatting for a while, it became dark outside and everyone dispersed.

After they all left, Zhu Yuanzhang asked Ma Xiuying:

"Sister, what do you think of Chen Jingke?"

(End of this chapter)

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