Chapter 950: Preparations before departure, princely style
Finally, the day of his mission came. Zhu Biao, dressed in gorgeous court clothes and holding his credentials, stood in front of the East Palace Gate, looking at the troops getting ready to go. He felt both sadness and firm belief in his heart.
Before leaving, Zhu Han came specially to see him off. He took Zhu Biao's hand and said earnestly: "Biao'er, you must be careful during this trip. The customs and customs in the land of the Xiongnu are very different from those in the Central Plains. You need to be vigilant at all times.
Don’t be careless in the slightest.”
Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes shining with determination: "Uncle Han, don't worry, Biao'er will follow the teachings and live up to his trust. If this trip can resolve the war and bring peace to the Ming Dynasty, Biao'er will die without regrets."
When Zhu Han heard this, a trace of relief and pride flashed in his eyes: "It's a blessing for Ming Dynasty that Biao'er has such determination. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, Ming Dynasty will always have your strong backing."
Zhu Biao knew that the task of sending an envoy to the Xiongnu was arduous. In order to better communicate with the Xiongnu, he was determined to have a deep understanding of the Xiongnu culture. After returning to the East Palace, he immediately summoned his staff to discuss how to more fully grasp the customs and customs of the Xiongnu.
In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting Zhu Biao's focused face. He looked around and said to everyone firmly: "This time we are sent as envoys 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 in depth, from customs to beliefs, from language to art."
A staff member in charge of cultural research stood up and said: "Your Highness is wise, understanding the Xiongnu culture is indeed a top priority. I have collected some Xiongnu classics and documents for your Highness's reference."
Zhu Biao nodded in approval: "Very good, you can sort out these materials immediately and send them to my study. In addition, I also need to understand the Huns' daily life, eating habits and their festival activities. These details are very important for establishing mutual understanding."
Trust is crucial.”
Another staff member added: "Your Highness, Wei Chen suggested that we invite several businessmen or envoys who have had long-term contacts with the Huns to come to the palace to explain the customs and customs of the Huns in detail. Their personal experiences will be precious to us.
material."
When Zhu Biao heard this, a hint of joy flashed in his eyes: "This is a wonderful plan! You should start making arrangements immediately, and be sure to invite a few reliable people who know the Xiongnu."
Then, Zhu Biao turned to the staff in charge of translation: "Mr. Li, you need to step up your study of the Xiongnu language to ensure that we can communicate directly during negotiations and reduce misunderstandings. At the same time, please also prepare a detailed Xiongnu language manual for reference by the accompanying personnel.
.”
Mr. Li bowed and obeyed the order: "As ordered, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to my trust."
Zhu Biao nodded slightly and his eyes became firmer: "In addition, I also hope to understand the religious beliefs and myths and legends of the Huns. These deep-seated cultural elements can often touch people's hearts and help us establish deeper connections."
An older staff member raised his hand and said: "Your Highness is far-sighted and far-sighted. Although I am not proficient in Xiongnu culture, I would like to collect relevant books and materials for Your Highness for research."
Zhu Biao glanced at the old staff with gratitude and said warmly: "Thank you all for your help. The success of this trip depends entirely on your efforts. We must not only go on a mission for peace, but also 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 grasslands for a long time. Hu merchant told about the hospitality and perseverance of the Huns, which deeply touched Zhu Biao.
"Your Highness, although the Huns have a generous temperament, they also attach great importance to commitment and trustworthiness." Hu Shang said sincerely, "If Your Highness can treat each other with sincerity, they will definitely repay you with sincerity."
Zhu Biao nodded, determination flashing in his eyes: "I am fully aware of the great responsibility of this trip, and I will strive for the peaceful coexistence of the two countries with the greatest sincerity and efforts."
When Hu Shang heard this, his admiration was beyond words: "Your Highness understands the righteousness so well, which is really a blessing for the Ming Dynasty. I am willing to accompany Your Highness as an envoy to contribute my small contribution to the peace between the two countries."
Zhu Biao held Hu Shang's hand gratefully and said, "With your help, sir, this trip will be smoother. I hope you will give me your advice on the day of my mission."
Inspired by Hu Shang, Zhu Biao became more interested in the religious beliefs and social structure of the Xiongnu.
In the study room, under the illumination of candlelight, Zhu Biao was having in-depth exchanges with several newly invited Xiongnu scholars. These scholars had a deep understanding of Xiongnu culture, and their arrival provided valuable information and insights for Zhu Biao's research.
"Gentlemen," Zhu Biao said respectfully, "I know that the religious beliefs of the Huns have a profound impact on their social structure and national character. Could you please elaborate on the Huns' belief system?"
An older Xiongnu scholar stood up, his eyes revealing his pride in his own culture: "What your Highness said is absolutely true. The Huns believe in the Immortal Heaven and believe that everything in the world is given by the Immortal Heaven. Our priests are among the tribes
With a high status, they are responsible for communicating with heaven and earth, praying for the blessing of the Immortal Heaven, and presiding over various sacrificial ceremonies."
Another scholar added: "Indeed, the Huns' faith is not only a spiritual sustenance, it is also deeply integrated into our daily life. For example, we will hold grand sacrifices before going on an expedition to pray for immortality.
Grant us victory and peace.”
Zhu Biao nodded, curiosity and understanding shining in his eyes: "So, how is the social structure of the Xiongnu combined with religious beliefs?"
The older scholar continued to explain: "Hongnu society is based on tribes, and each tribe has its own leader and priest. The leader is responsible for leading the daily life and military operations of the tribe, while the priest is responsible for maintaining the spiritual world of the tribe. The two complement each other.
, jointly maintaining the stability and prosperity of the tribe."
When Zhu Biao heard this, he suddenly understood: "I see. So, how do individuals, tribes, and religious beliefs interact with each other in Xiongnu society?"
Another scholar took up the topic: "In Xiongnu society, personal loyalty to the tribe and Changshengtian is crucial. We believe that only by following the will of Changshengtian can the tribe prosper. Therefore, whether it is war or peace,
Throughout this period, we have always maintained our unwavering loyalty to our tribe and beliefs."
Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and continued to ask: "So, how did the Huns face conflicts and disputes between different tribes?"
The older scholar smiled slightly and replied: "In Xiongnu society, although there are occasional disputes between tribes, we always believe that through communication and negotiation, we can always find a peaceful solution. Our priests and leaders will work together to
Seek a solution acceptable to both parties to maintain the unity and harmony of the entire Xiongnu nation."
After hearing this, Zhu Biao had a deeper understanding and respect for the Xiongnu culture: "I have benefited a lot from your explanations. It seems that to truly understand a nation, we 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 on this mission to the Huns."
Upon seeing this, the scholars quickly stood up and returned the greeting, their eyes full of admiration and relief.
"It is indeed a blessing for the Xiongnu and the Ming Dynasty that your highness has such profound insights." The older Xiongnu scholar said with emotion, "In fact, the religious beliefs of our Huns are not only reflected in the worship of Changshengtian, but also deeply rooted in the
in our way of life and the fabric of our society."
Hearing this, Zhu Biao's eyes shone with curiosity. He bowed slightly and sincerely requested: "I would like to hear the details and please give me some advice."
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 the arbiter of internal affairs of the tribe. The priests are responsible for passing on cultural and religious rituals.
By telling myths and legends, they strengthened the sense of belonging and beliefs of tribal members. This structure allowed Xiongnu society to maintain unity while maintaining the autonomy of each tribe to a certain extent."
Zhu Biao nodded while listening, having 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 the balance and harmony among tribes and prevent
What about conflicts over resources?”
"This is indeed an important issue." Another scholar took over, "In Xiongnu society, in addition to relying on the mediation of priests and leaders, we also developed a complex system of covenants and exchanges. Between tribes
The tribes will strengthen the connection and trust between each other by concluding alliances, exchanging gifts and sending envoys to each other. This system has alleviated the pressure of resource competition to a certain extent and promoted peaceful coexistence among tribes."
When Zhu Biao heard this, a flash of enlightenment flashed in his eyes: "I see. It seems that Xiongnu society does have unique wisdom and methods in maintaining internal stability and promoting inter-tribal harmony."
The scholars nodded in agreement. They were pleased that Zhu Biao could understand the essence of Xiongnu society so quickly. The older scholars even said with emotion: "It is rare for His Highness to understand our culture and social structure so deeply."
.I believe that with your efforts, the friendship between the Ming Dynasty and the Xiongnu will become even deeper."
Zhu Biao smiled humbly and said: "No, I have benefited a lot from the generosity of you gentlemen. I know that only by truly understanding and respecting each other's culture can we establish true friendship and trust. This mission to the Xiongnu
, I will definitely contribute my share to the peaceful coexistence between the two countries with the greatest sincerity and efforts."
During the days and nights in preparation for his mission to the Huns, Zhu Biao knew that an in-depth understanding of the Xiongnu culture was the key to success. Therefore, he frequently communicated with scholars, businessmen, and envoys who had had in-depth knowledge of the Xiongnu.
Strive to miss every detail.
One evening, Zhu Biao had a long conversation in his study with Li Weng, an old businessman who had traveled between the Ming Dynasty and the Huns for many years. The flickering candlelight in the study reflected the focused and serious faces of the two men.
Zhu Biao picked up the teacup, took a sip, and spoke slowly: "Li Weng, do you have an in-depth understanding of the Xiongnu's political system? I am about to go on a mission, and I am very worried about this."
Li Weng put down the pipe in his hand, and a flash of memory flashed in his eyes: "When Your Highness asked about this matter, I really have some insights. The Huns are based on tribal alliances. Each tribe is relatively independent, but they are connected together in some way.
, to jointly defend against foreign enemies.”
"Oh? How are they connected?" Zhu Biao asked, with curiosity shining 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 not only have strong martial arts skills, but also need to have leadership qualities in order to convince the crowd. They
He has absolute authority within the tribe, and all decisions are made by him, whether it is military operations or daily life."
"So, how do tribes coordinate?" Zhu Biao asked further.
"Although there are disputes between tribes, in most cases, they will communicate and negotiate through priests." Li Weng explained, "Priests have a very high status in Xiongnu society. They are not only the performers of religious rituals, but also the members of the tribe."
A bridge of communication between tribes. In major decisions, the opinions of priests can often influence the decisions of tribal leaders."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao nodded thoughtfully: "So that's the case, then is there a unified leader in the entire alliance?"
Li Weng shook his head: "The Huns did not have a centralized government like the Central Plains. They maintained the balance among tribes through covenants and exchange systems. For example, when a tribe encountered difficulties, other tribes would lend a helping hand and barter.
, helping each other. This spirit of mutual help is also an important reason why the Xiongnu can survive for a long time."
"So, what do the Huns think of loyalty?" Zhu Biao asked.
"The Huns' loyalty to the tribe and Changshengtian is the cornerstone of their survival." Li Weng said solemnly, "They believe that only by following the will of Changshengtian can the tribe prosper. Therefore, when facing foreign enemies, they
We can quickly unite and resist together."
After Zhu Biao heard this, his heart suddenly became enlightened. He stood up and bowed deeply to Li Weng: "Li Weng's words have benefited Biao a lot. During this mission, Biao decided to treat people with sincerity, respect the Huns' culture, and strive for peaceful coexistence."
Li Weng also stood up and returned the greeting: "Your Highness cares about the world, and I admire you. I wish your Highness a smooth trip and build a bridge for peace between the Ming Dynasty and the Xiongnu."
In the process of in-depth understanding of the Xiongnu culture, Zhu Biao became increasingly aware of the importance of mastering the Xiongnu language. This not only helped him communicate during his mission, but also reflected the Ming Dynasty's respect and sincerity for the Xiongnu culture. So,
He decided to study the Xiongnu language systematically.
One morning, Zhu Biao came to the study early. The textbooks on the Xiongnu language and a detailed dictionary were already placed on the table. Next to him sat Mr. Li, who was responsible for teaching the Xiongnu language and had extensive research on the Xiongnu culture.
scholars.
"Your Highness, today we will start learning from basic vocabulary." Mr. Li said respectfully, turning the textbook in his hand and pointing to the first word.