I Used Marxism to Change the World of Great Ming

Shen Mingyuan, a professor of Marxist theory, unexpectedly transmigrates into the Hongwu era of the Great Ming dynasty as Zhu Yunlan, the emperor’s eldest princess. After witnessing starving corpses strewn across the countryside and officials colluding with merchants, this imperial noblewoman, who should have lived a life of luxury, resolves to use Marxism as a weapon and ignite change under feudal autocracy. Taking advantage of her status as the emperor’s eldest legitimate daughter, Zhu Yunlan teaches women’s virtue, combining the ancient teachings of the Mencius with historical materialism. She successfully persuades Zhu Yuanzhang to establish a Bureau of Public Sentiment. Amid the succession struggle between Crown Prince Zhu Biao and Prince of Qin Zhu Shuang, she keenly spots the class conflict beneath the surface, navigates between the two factions using dialectical analysis, and secretly cultivates reformers from humble backgrounds. When Zhu Yuanzhang falls gravely ill, Zhu Yunlan convenes a nationwide assembly of the cabinet, gathers representatives from every class, and promulgates the Great Ming Constitutional Code, establishing a republican system and curbing imperial power. After ascending the throne, she abolishes the chancellor system, nationalizes land, establishes a People’s Welfare Oversight Council, and experiments with self-governance. When the vassal princes rebel, she personally leads the troops into battle, crying, “Fight for the Great Harmony!” In international affairs, Zhu Yunlan conducts diplomacy on the principle of equality, sends Zheng He abroad to spread her ideals, and defends maritime sovereignty. In her later years, she brings Marxism together with the ideal of Great Harmony. Though she does not fully achieve communism, she pioneers the “Great Ming Republican System,” proving that the truth of Marxism can break through the shackles of feudalism and guide society toward a brighter future.