Chapter 185 What is a Heroine?
The next day, Zhao Honghua came again with a dozen people.
The dozen or so people with colorful feathers and beautiful stones hanging around their necks should be from the "aristocratic" class of Tamra Kingdom.
These people all spoke halting Chinese, and the oldest old woman could actually speak fluent Mongolian.
Apparently, when the Yuan Dynasty was still politically stable, they tried to use the geographical advantages of the island to try a better life, such as doing business, so they were able to master Chinese and Mongolian.
Unfortunately, all the economic benefits that rely on a big country will be destroyed with the collapse of the big country, and may even make their lives worse.
But all this will no longer happen when they become part of a larger nation, because if things get tough here, they can retreat to shore.
The most important thing for a great power is strategic depth. Strategic depth is not only useful for fighting wars, but also for ensuring that its people can preserve the flame of civilization under the most extreme circumstances.
Zhu Biao was distracted for a while, thinking about some random things, and then he heard the energetic and even noisy voice of the lady named Zhao Honghua.
Yang Xian temporarily left Jeonra Island and returned to Nanjing to gather his former subordinates. Zhu Biao forcibly brought Liao Yongzhong to discuss military farming and reform with these representatives of the new Ming citizens.
As a tribal state, Tamra retains many bloody and brutal systems that civilized society cannot tolerate. These systems will be swept into the dustbin of history after it becomes the territory of the Ming Dynasty - no matter how brutal feudal society is, it is better than tribal slavery.
Liao Yongzhong could not speak Mongolian, but Zhu Biao forced him to communicate with the nobles of Tamra through gestures.
Zhu Biao would let these people undergo labor reform for a period of time, just like the refugees outside Yingtian City, and then gradually give them the treatment of Ming Dynasty citizens.
If they refuse to give up their aristocratic power, the Ming Dynasty will have to take some tough measures.
Fortunately, these dozen people had no objections at the moment. Perhaps the people of Tamra were living in such a miserable state that even the "nobles" could barely survive.
Liao Yongzhong was so exhausted he didn't want to work so hard. But he had to obey the Crown Prince's request. He also knew that as the "Marshal of the Navy" the Crown Prince had envisioned, he needed to possess the ability to interact with people from different countries, even if they didn't speak the same language.
Fortunately, the Ming Dynasty was vast and rich in resources. If there was no written language, there would be no difference between people from different places communicating in dialect and in a foreign language, so Liao Yongzhong was already accustomed to contrast.
Zhu Biao was concentrating on receiving Ms. Zhao Honghua, whose experience could be written into a novel, and listened to a middle-aged woman's chatter like a kid next door.
Zhu Biao's natural affinity and his former identity as "Chen Biao" made it easy for Zhao Honghua to let go of her worries and show off her experience.
Before going to bed last night, Zhu Biao imagined what kind of person Zhao Honghua was.
He thought that Zhao Honghua must be a very powerful heroine, a great woman whose means and vision surpassed those of the current era.
Now after a detailed conversation, Zhu Biao found that he was wrong.
Zhao Honghua was completely innocent in front of him. She was easily tricked by him and proudly showed off her cleverness repeatedly.
Yes, she was able to survive only by relying on the cleverness of ordinary people, some of which was even dishonorable.
But she thought it was glorious, otherwise she would not have told Zhu Biao.
Zhu Biao was multitasking. While listening to Zhao Honghua's boasting with a smile, he was thinking that if he were to find an image similar to Zhao Honghua in his memory, it would probably be... the square dance auntie who had worked her way from the countryside or small towns to the big city.
They possess life experiences that many young people scoff at, and their natures are neither great nor despicable, just ordinary. But they have indeed risen from adversity and created a "miracle" for themselves that many people with lofty ambitions, and high moral standards can hardly imagine.
Among Zhao Honghua's fellow townspeople, there are undoubtedly many who are better-off, more attractive, and more educated than she is. But if these people were placed in Zhao Honghua's situation, they, or even they, would not necessarily have the life she has now.
If you say it was fate or luck, there was a little bit of that, but Zhao Honghua's own ability was the foundation of her life.
Even if these skills do not seem noble or excellent.
"Actually, I thought about returning on a merchant ship, but I had no money, so I couldn't come back." Zhao Honghua finished bragging and sighed, "After I followed that cripple back, life got better... It's better now."
Zhao Honghua called her first husband, who protected her during the shipwreck, a short-lived ghost, and her second husband, who picked her up and saved her life, a cripple. These words were so vulgar that she seemed heartless and ungrateful.
But there was still pain in her eyes when she talked about the short-lived ghost, and a sweet smile on her face when she talked about the lame man.
This is a selfish woman who does not fit the world's definition of a heroine.
But what does it mean to be a heroine?
This woman survived extreme hardship and went from being a distressed Ming seaman to the queen of the small country of Tamra. Now she is leading a group of Tamra citizens who can't survive down the mountain to seek refuge with the Ming Dynasty, and in the future she will help the Ming Dynasty manage and restrain the people of these islands.
Whether now or in later history books, she is a well-deserved heroine.
Zhu Biao couldn't help but think of his student Chang Wei.
Whether it was him, Chang Wei's parents or her two masters, they all wanted Chang Wei to become a heroine. Chang Wei's talent and family background also gave her the potential to become a heroine.
Now Zhu Biao is thinking, is it Chang Wei's nature that this group of people want to make Chang Wei look like a heroine?
If not, does Chang Wei herself want to become such a stereotyped "heroine" and be a clay sculpture placed on a lotus pedestal?
Although he was forced to become an educator, Zhu Biao's sense of responsibility as an educator made him think of his students when doing anything, thinking about how to teach these things to his students, inspire their thoughts, and regulate their behavior.
Zhu Biao believed that he did a very good job of teaching students in accordance with their aptitude, and most of the students who attended his classes also agreed with this.
Meeting a Ming Dynasty citizen in a foreign land made Zhu Biao start to reflect. He treated other students like this, but did he have a lot of personal "prejudices" towards Chang Wei?
He wanted to make Chang Wei like the ones in later generations... no, even in later generations, she would be exceptionally outstanding, a heroine picked out of thousands.
In addition to the banner of such a heroine, which is beneficial to his implementation of many policies, as a time traveler, he probably also has a sentiment of "collecting cards" or "cultivating" a heroic figure who does not exist in history.
But even in modern society, women face greater difficulties in military service than men due to their physical conditions. Not every woman has the fortitude to join the military, let alone those with a good family background and a secure future .
Not to mention, Chang Wei probably joined the barracks when he was about ten years old, and might even have been on the battlefield, even if it was just a spectator.
You can imagine what a dirty and messy place an ancient military camp was. It was also filled with strange men, which was definitely not a comfortable environment for a little girl.
In modern times...
In modern times, a country that sends ten-year-olds to war is either facing a critical moment of life and death or should be doomed. Sending children to the battlefield is shameful, and the Ming army also recruited soldiers from the age of fifteen.
Zhu Biao couldn't help but complain.
Chang Wei's past, present and future are all on the path arranged by others. No one has ever asked her if she is willing, and she herself may not like it, so there are so many discordant things during her internship - but even if she is unwilling, she has completed the tasks she was given relatively well, making herself ignore Chang Wei's feelings until now.
Not everyone has the right to choose their own life. Most people walk on the path set by others.
But the disciples recognized by Zhu Biao should have the right to choose their own lives.
He treated other disciples this way, and he should treat Chang Wei the same way.
At the parent-teacher meeting after returning home, I will have a good talk with Chang Wei and Uncle Chang.
When Zhu Biao was multitasking and reflecting and making a decision, Zhao Honghua's boasting had ended.
She suddenly felt embarrassed and said with shame, "Sir, should I not tell you this?"
Zhu Biao shook his head: "There's nothing wrong with that. I've worked hard over the years."
Zhao Honghua was stunned for a moment, then her nose felt sore: "Not really... No, it is indeed a bit hard. My lord, if you ask me to go home, I'm afraid I can't go back."
Zhu Biao asked, "Because of remarriage?"
Zhao Honghua smiled bitterly: "He saved my life, but in order to survive, I married someone else."
Zhu Biao pursed his lips and smiled, "You know Chang Yuchun, the military governor of the Ming Dynasty, right?"
Zhao Honghua nodded. "Of course. Who doesn't know Marshal Chang? He's one of the kindest men in the world!"
Zhu Biao's expression was odd. The kindest person in the world...ah.
"Uncle Chang once rescued Zhang Shicheng's wives and concubines who were buried alive with him when Zhang Shicheng was defeated. He seemed to be a little stimulated after he came back, and went to drink with my father. After getting drunk, he asked my father to help his wife if he died in the battle, and not to let her be buried alive with him, and to remarry if possible." Zhu Biao couldn't help laughing when he thought of this.
Zhao Honghua asked nervously, "B-then what?"
Zhu Biao tried harder to suppress his laughter. "My father said that you will be a Duke in the future, and your wife will be a Duke's wife. After you die, your wife can live as an old lady in the Duke's Mansion, which is better than being married. My father also said that the Duke's wife has many children, and after her husband dies, she might live a better life than Uncle Chang did when he was alive."
Uncle Chang, who was half drunk at the time, showed for the first time the expression of wanting to hit someone, but he managed to hold it back with great difficulty. Zhu Biao almost died of laughter.
It's really a miracle that my stupid dad is still alive and not beaten to death by his brothers.
Zhao Honghua's face froze.
Zhu Biao couldn't help but chuckled a few times, covering his mouth. Then he said, "It's human instinct to want to live. As long as you don't hurt others while living, it's not wrong. When he saved you, he didn't say that you couldn't get married again, right?"
Zhao Honghua choked up: "He asked me to remarry, this is not my excuse, he really..."
Zhu Biao comforted her, "He risked his life to save you. I don't think he cares if you remarry. But you have a point. His family might not accept it. If you don't want to go back, then don't go back. I'll bring some gold and silver back for you and help him settle his family."
Zhao Honghua wiped her tears, stood up and knelt down, wanting to kowtow to Zhu Biao.
Zhu Biao quickly helped Zhao Honghua up: "Alright, I'm not used to people kneeling to me. You've been to the Yingtian refugee camp, so you should know my habit."
Zhao Honghua quickly stood up and kept bowing awkwardly to Zhu Biao. "Yes, I know. Thank you, sir. Sir... just say that I'm dead too. And bring something for my family."
Zhu Biao nodded. "Okay. I'll say you and your husband made a fortune in business, but you were shipwrecked and drifted to this island, where you later died of illness. You two helped the islanders a lot, and they helped keep these valuables. When they met us, they asked us to bring them back for you."
Zhao Honghua choked up again: "Thank you, sir."
Zhu Biao looked at King Tamra who was walking hurriedly towards him.
The King of Tamra muttered a series of questions. After Zhao Honghua answered, he immediately patted his chest, not knowing what to promise Zhao Honghua.
Zhao Honghua immediately showed a somewhat embarrassed but happy smile, and then pinched the soft flesh on King Tamra's waist.
Zhu Biao watched all this with a smile, thought of his parents, and felt a little homesick.
There are also Brother Zheng and Brother Zhong. I wonder how their battles are going.
When Zhu Biao thought of Brother Zheng, he couldn't help but feel a pain in his head. He had the urge to punch him up and down, left and right, and beat up the laughing illusion of Brother Zheng in his head.
However, it is not time to go back yet. Zhu Biao needs to settle the people of Tamra and clear out the nearby Japanese pirate nests.
The matter of beating up Zheng Ge could be put aside for now. When he got home, Zhu Biao would settle the score with Zheng Ge.
The Japanese pirates' nest is indeed nearby.
There is an island called Tsushima Island near Tamra Island. The Tsushima clan has controlled Tsushima Island for generations and is nominally loyal to the shogunate.
Like Tamra Island, Tsushima Island has very little arable land, and the islanders of Tsushima Island mostly rely on transit trade with Korea and Japan for their livelihood.
But for the Japanese, trade means doing business when there are goods, and becoming pirates when there are no goods or when they see that the other party does not have enough strength to protect themselves.
So according to the accurate information provided by the residents of Tamra Island, the entire island of Tsushima is a den of Japanese pirates, and men, women, young and old are all involved in Japanese pirate activities.
They also specifically warned the Ming army not to trust the women and children of Tsushima Island, because when the Japanese pirates on Tsushima Island robbed people, they would often send women and children to come first, and sometimes they would pretend to be in trouble to arouse sympathy, so that they could sneak into the island or the fleet, and then act as spies to lure the pirates.
Zhu Biao and Liao Yongzhong were not surprised.
No matter where the bandits' den is, there will be no innocent people except those who are captured to do hard labor and infants who are unable to work.
The same was true in the Ming Dynasty. Liao Yongzhong had wiped out entire villages and villages of bandits many times.
"Those pirate leaders are truly dishonest," Liao Yongzhong cursed. "The intelligence they provided didn't include Tsushima Island!"
Zhu Biao said, "This shows that they are living in extreme misery. They can't even stay in Kyushu, and can only use the scattered islands south of Kyushu as their base."
Liao Yongzhong asked, "They all said they were deceiving us into going to Kyushu. Are they trying to get us to go to war with the Japanese islands?"
Zhu Biao smiled and said, "They're not lying to us. Tsushima Island is a den of Japanese pirates, so isn't Kyushu also a den? Some of these pirates might even be under the command of the Emperor or the Shogun. Uncle Liao should be well aware that those officials in our court who keep shouting about maritime bans, yet their own clansmen control more than one fleet, have also had their fleets become pirates at times."
Liao Yongzhong's expression suddenly darkened. But soon, his expression brightened, and he smiled, "Those people thought they could hide this from the Emperor. Who could they possibly hide this from? A bunch of clowns. Biao'er, do you think I should go to Tsushima Island or Kyushu first?"
Zhu Biao said calmly, "Why choose? Why not go to both? Tsushima Island is just a small island where the nobles defeated by Japan settle. A few ships can stop them. There's no need to worry about them escaping into the mountains. We can just bombard their coastal villages, drive them into the mountains, and burn their houses and fields... This time, I'll allow you to plunder and use it to supplement the construction of Tamra Island."
Liao Yongzhong had never experienced this kind of battle before: "Why don't we fight on land?"
Zhu Biao shook his head. "Uncle Liao, you have to get used to it. From now on, the navy won't be going ashore during battles. Going ashore is the job of the army. If there's a war that requires land combat, you'll only be responsible for transporting troops. To make an army stronger, we need more specialized professions. Navy, cavalry, infantry, firearms... People have limited energy and time. Only by building many specialized professional arms can we better enhance the army's strength. The army is already doing very well, and the navy is just getting started."
"We don't even go ashore... I'm not used to it." Liao Yongzhong scratched the back of his head. "But Biao'er, you're definitely right. Biao'er, you can train soldiers? Then why don't you ask His Majesty for some troops to train with? You're so capable, you'll definitely be able to train a strong army!"
Zhu Biao was speechless.
I am now a civil official, and also the governor of Northern Zhili, a frontier official.
Not only am I a frontier official, but I also ask the emperor for a private army to train myself. Isn't this rebellion?
Seeing Liao Yongzhong say this as if it was a matter of course, Zhu Biao felt very strange.
Even if he is the crown prince, doing this...
Well, if my biological father is...
Comrade Zhu Guorui's signature silly smile flashed through Zhu Biao's mind, and he suppressed this terrible thought.
"I'm a civil official, I can't train soldiers," Zhu Biao said, "but I told Brother Zheng and Brother Zhong to give it a try."
Zhu Biao complained again. Why hadn't he realized before that even though Zheng and Zhong were the emperor's adopted sons, they were still blood relatives of the Chen family. If the Hongwu Emperor brought these three together, wouldn't Northern Zhili be the domain of the Chen family?
There are so many loopholes, why didn’t I think of it?
Oh, who would have thought that! My father and I even knelt before Zhu Yuanzhang!
Zhu Biao suddenly felt tired and didn't want to talk about this topic anymore, so he changed the subject, "Just keep harassing Tsushima Island. Fuel and ammunition will be delivered by ships from Northern Zhili every five days. As for Wo Island, when Uncle Yang returns with his men, send two ships to escort the Ming envoys to the Northern and Southern Dynasties respectively, and ask them if they want to declare war on the Ming."
Liao Yongzhong was very excited: "Can we fight now?!"
Zhu Biao held down the excited Liao Yongzhong and said, "No! Just scare them! To gain some benefits for the Ming Dynasty and some time for development! You are only allowed to scare them, not fight! We have no money! We have no money, don't you understand? Uncle Liao, if you start a war without authorization, I will definitely report you to His Majesty!"
Liao Yongzhong sighed deeply: "I know, I won't."
I really want to fight!
