Why did educated gentry men join Zhu Yuanzhang’s movement?

Educated gentry men joined Zhu Yuanzhang’s movement primarily because they saw in him a leader capable of overthrowing the foreign Yuan dynasty and restoring a traditional Chinese way of government.12

Under Mongol rule, the status of Confucian scholars had declined significantly, particularly after the literary examinations—the traditional path to official careers and social privilege—were discontinued for many years. As Zhu Yuanzhang’s rebel forces expanded into the Yangtze River delta, he encountered members of the educated gentry class. Recognizing the value of their expertise, Zhu sought their guidance, which provided several key benefits:3

• Intellectual and Administrative Guidance: These scholars taught Zhu the rudiments of the Chinese language, the Confucian Classics, and the principles of government, helping him transition from a rebel leader into an effective administrator.2
• Political Legitimacy: The gentry persuaded Zhu to present himself as a national leader fighting against foreign rule rather than merely a popular bandit leader.2
• Strategic Development: With their advice, he established an effective administration in the Nanjing area and moved away from aimless plundering toward more stable, state-building practices.2