Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Finally, the day of the mission arrived. Zhu Biao, wearing gorgeous court robes and holding a letter of credence, stood in front of the East Palace, looking at the troops ready to go, with a mixture of sadness and determination in his heart.

Before leaving, Zhu Han came to see him off. He held Zhu Biao's hand and said earnestly, "Biao'er, you must be careful on this trip. The customs and habits of the Xiongnu are very different from those of the Central Plains. You must always be vigilant and not be careless."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes flashing with determination: "Uncle Han, rest assured, Biao will follow your instructions and live up to your trust. If this trip can resolve the conflict and bring peace to the Ming Dynasty, Biao will die with no regrets."

Zhu Han heard this, and a trace of relief and pride flashed in his eyes: "Biao'er has such determination, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, the Ming Dynasty will always be your strong backing."

Zhu Biao knew that the mission to the Xiongnu was arduous. In order to better communicate with the Xiongnu, he was determined to deeply understand the Xiongnu culture. After returning to the East Palace, he immediately summoned his staff to discuss how to more comprehensively understand the Xiongnu's customs and practices.

In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting Zhu Biao's focused face. He looked around and said to everyone with a firm gaze: "During this mission to the Xiongnu, we must not only show the sincerity and strength of the Ming Dynasty, but also respect and understand their culture. I decided to personally study everything about the Xiongnu, from customs to beliefs, from language to art.

An aide in charge of cultural research stood up and said, "Your Highness is wise. Understanding Xiongnu culture is indeed a top priority. I have collected some Xiongnu classics and documents for your reference."

Zhu Biao nodded in approval. "Very good. You should organize the information immediately and send it to my study. In addition, I also need to understand the Xiongnu people's daily life, eating habits and their festivals. These details are crucial to building mutual trust."

Another staff member added: "Your Highness, I suggest that we invite several merchants or envoys who have had long-term dealings with the Xiongnu to come to the palace to explain the Xiongnu's customs and practices in detail. Their personal experiences will be valuable information for us."

Zhu Biao heard this and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes: "This is a great plan! You should start making arrangements immediately and be sure to invite a few reliable people who understand the Xiongnu."

Zhu Biao then turned to the staff member in charge of translation and said, "Mr. Li, you need to speed up your study of the Xiongnu language to ensure that we can communicate directly during negotiations and reduce misunderstandings. At the same time, please prepare a detailed Xiongnu language manual for the accompanying personnel to refer to."

Mr. Li bowed and responded, "As you command, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to your trust."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, his eyes more determined: "In addition, I also hope to understand the religious beliefs and myths and legends of the Xiongnu. These deep cultural elements can often touch people's hearts and help us establish a deeper connection."

An elderly staff member bowed and said, "Your Highness has a far-sighted vision. Although I am not proficient in Xiongnu culture, I would like to collect relevant books and materials for your research."

Zhu Biao looked at the old aide with gratitude and said gently, "Thank you all for your help. The success of this trip depends on your efforts. We are not only on a mission for peace, but also to lay the foundation for the long-term friendship between the two countries."

One day, Zhu Biao was talking in his study with a Hu merchant who had been doing business on the grassland for a long time. The merchant talked about the hospitality and perseverance of the Huns, which deeply touched Zhu Biao.

"Your Highness, although the Xiongnu people are generous, they also attach great importance to promises and trustworthiness." Hu Shang said sincerely, "If Your Highness can treat them with sincerity, they will definitely return the favor with sincerity."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination: "I am fully aware that this trip carries a heavy responsibility, and I will strive for peaceful coexistence between the two countries with the greatest sincerity and effort."

Upon hearing this, Hu Shang expressed his admiration: "Your Highness is so wise and righteous, it is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. I am willing to accompany Your Highness on the mission and do my part for the peace between the two countries."

Zhu Biao shook Hu Shang's hand gratefully and said, "With your help, this trip will be much smoother. When the day comes, please give me some advice."

Inspired by the Hu merchants, Zhu Biao developed a stronger interest in the religious beliefs and social structure of the Xiongnu.

In the study, under the candlelight, Zhu Biao was having an in-depth exchange with several newly invited Xiongnu scholars. These scholars had a deep understanding of Xiongnu culture, and their arrival provided Zhu Biao with valuable information and insights for his research.

"Gentlemen," Zhu Biao said respectfully, "I am well aware that the Xiongnu's religious beliefs have a profound impact on their social structure and national character. Could you please elaborate on the Xiongnu's belief system in detail?"

An elderly Xiongnu scholar stood up, his eyes revealing pride in his own culture: "Your Highness is right. The Xiongnu people believe in the Eternal Heaven, and believe that everything in the world is given by the Eternal Heaven. Our priests have a high status in the tribe. They are responsible for communicating with heaven and earth, praying for the blessing of the Eternal Heaven, and presiding over various sacrificial ceremonies."

Another scholar added: "Indeed, the Xiongnu people's faith is not just a spiritual sustenance, it is also deeply integrated into our daily life. For example, before we go to war, we will hold a grand sacrifice to pray to Changshengtian to grant us victory and peace."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes sparkling with curiosity and understanding: "Then how does the social structure of the Xiongnu combine with religious beliefs?"

The older scholar went on to explain: "The Xiongnu society was based on tribes, and each tribe had its own leader and priest. The leader was responsible for leading the tribe's daily life and military operations, while the priest was responsible for maintaining the tribe's spiritual world. The two complemented each other and jointly maintained the stability and prosperity of the tribe."

Zhu Biao was enlightened when he heard this: "So that's how it is. Then, in Xiongnu society, how do individuals interact with tribes and religious beliefs?"

Another scholar took up the topic: "In Xiongnu society, personal loyalty to the tribe and Eternal Heaven is of vital importance. We believe that only by following the will of Eternal Heaven can the tribe prosper. Therefore, whether in war or peace, we always maintain firm loyalty to the tribe and faith."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and continued to ask: "So, how did the Xiongnu deal with the conflicts and disputes between different tribes?"

The older scholar smiled and replied, "In Xiongnu society, although there are occasional disputes between tribes, we always believe that through communication and consultation, we can always find a peaceful solution. Our priests and leaders will work together to seek a solution acceptable to both sides to maintain the unity and harmony of the entire Xiongnu nation." After hearing this, Zhu Biao had a deeper understanding and respect for Xiongnu culture: "I have benefited a lot from your explanation. It seems that to truly understand a nation, you must have a deep understanding of their culture and beliefs."

He stood up and bowed deeply to the scholars: "Thank you for your generous teachings. This valuable knowledge will be of great benefit to me in my mission to the Xiongnu."

Upon seeing this, the scholars quickly stood up and returned the greeting, their eyes full of admiration and satisfaction.

"It is a blessing for the Xiongnu and the Ming Dynasty that Your Highness has such profound insights." The elderly Xiongnu scholar said with emotion, "In fact, the religious beliefs of us Xiongnu people are not only reflected in the worship of Changshengtian, but are also deeply rooted in our lifestyle and social structure."

Zhu Biao's eyes sparkled with curiosity when he heard this. He bowed slightly and asked sincerely, "I would like to hear the details. Please enlighten me, sir."

The scholar nodded and continued, "In Xiongnu society, each tribe is a small autonomous unit. The tribal leader is not only a military leader, but also an arbitrator of the tribe's internal affairs. The priests are responsible for inheriting culture and religious rituals. They strengthen the sense of belonging and faith of tribal members by telling myths and legends. This structure enables Xiongnu society to maintain unity while maintaining the autonomy of each tribe to a certain extent."

Zhu Biao nodded as he listened, and gained a deeper understanding of the operating mechanism of Xiongnu society. After thinking for a moment, he raised his own question: "So, in Xiongnu society, how to ensure balance and harmony among tribes and prevent conflicts caused by competition for resources?"

"This is indeed an important question." Another scholar took over the conversation. "In Xiongnu society, in addition to relying on the mediation of priests and leaders, we also developed a complex system of covenants and exchanges. Tribes would strengthen their ties and trust with each other through signing covenants, exchanging gifts, and sending envoys to each other. This system alleviated the pressure of resource competition to a certain extent and promoted peaceful coexistence among tribes."

Zhu Biao heard this and a glimmer of enlightenment flashed in his eyes: "I see. It seems that the Xiongnu society does have unique wisdom and methods in maintaining internal stability and promoting harmony among tribes."

The scholars nodded in agreement, and they were pleased that Zhu Biao could understand the essence of Xiongnu society so quickly. The older scholar said with emotion: "Your Highness can understand our culture and social structure so deeply, which is rare. I believe that with your efforts, the friendship between the Ming Dynasty and the Xiongnu will become even deeper."

Zhu Biao smiled modestly and said, "No, no, I have benefited a lot from your generous advice. I know very well that only by truly understanding and respecting each other's culture can we establish true friendship and trust. During this mission to the Xiongnu, I will contribute my utmost sincerity and efforts to the peaceful coexistence between the two countries."

During the days and nights of preparing for the mission to the Xiongnu, Zhu Biao knew that a deep understanding of Xiongnu culture was the key to success, so he frequently communicated with scholars and merchants who had a deep understanding of the Xiongnu, as well as envoys who had had contact with the Xiongnu, striving to not miss any details.

One evening, Zhu Biao had a long conversation in his study with an old merchant named Li Weng, who had traveled between the Ming Dynasty and the Xiongnu for many years. The flickering candlelight in the study illuminated the focused and serious faces of the two men.

Zhu Biao picked up the teacup, took a sip, and slowly said, "Mr. Li, do you have a deep understanding of the political system of the Xiongnu? I am about to go on a diplomatic mission, and I am very nervous about this."

Li Weng put down his pipe, a trace of memory flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness asked about this matter, and I do have some experience. The Xiongnu is based on a tribal alliance. Each tribe is relatively independent, but they are connected together in some way to resist foreign enemies together."

"Oh? Then how are they connected?" Zhu Biao asked, with curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

"This involves their leadership." Li Weng continued, "Each tribe has a leader. Most of these leaders are warriors in the tribe. They are not only skilled in martial arts, but also have leadership qualities to win the support of the people. They have absolute authority in the tribe, and all decisions are made by them, whether in military operations or daily life."

"Then how do the tribes coordinate with each other?" Zhu Biao asked further.

"Although there were disputes between tribes, in most cases they would communicate and negotiate through priests," Li Weng explained. "Priests had a very high status in Xiongnu society. They were not only the executors of religious ceremonies, but also the bridge of communication between tribes. When making important decisions, the opinions of priests could often influence the decisions of tribal leaders."

Zhu Biao nodded thoughtfully after hearing this: "I see, then is there a unified leader in the entire alliance?"

Li Weng shook his head. "The Xiongnu did not have a centralized government like the Central Plains. They maintained the balance between tribes through alliances and exchange systems. For example, when a tribe encountered difficulties, other tribes would lend a hand, barter and help each other. This spirit of mutual assistance was also an important reason why the Xiongnu was able to survive for a long time."

"So, what do the Huns think about loyalty?" Zhu Biao asked.

"The Xiongnu's loyalty to their tribe and Eternal Heaven is the cornerstone of their survival," Li Weng said solemnly. "They believe that only by following the will of Eternal Heaven can the tribe prosper. Therefore, when facing foreign enemies, they can quickly unite and resist together."

Zhu Biao's mind suddenly became clear after hearing this. He stood up and bowed deeply to Li Weng: "Li Weng's words have benefited me a lot. During this diplomatic mission, I will treat people with sincerity, respect the Xiongnu culture, and strive for peaceful coexistence."

Li Weng also stood up and returned the greeting: "Your Highness has the world in your heart, and I admire you. I hope your Highness will have a smooth journey and build a bridge for peace between the Ming Dynasty and the Xiongnu."

As Zhu Biao gained a deeper understanding of Xiongnu culture, he became increasingly aware of the importance of mastering the Xiongnu language. This would not only help him communicate during his diplomatic missions, but also reflect the Ming Dynasty's respect and sincerity for Xiongnu culture. So he decided to systematically learn the Xiongnu language.

One morning, Zhu Biao came to the study early. On the table were already placed the Xiongnu language textbooks and a detailed dictionary. Next to him sat Mr. Li, who was in charge of teaching the Xiongnu language and was a scholar who had studied Xiongnu culture.

"Your Highness, today we will start learning from the basic vocabulary." Mr. Li said respectfully, flipping the textbook in his hand and pointing to the first word. (End of this chapter)