In the late Yuan Dynasty, as the imperial court grew increasingly corrupt, peasant uprisings broke out across the land, opposing the Yuan rule. At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang had already led his troops to capture Heshang in Anhui and was preparing to advance south.

On New Year's Day, he and his general Xu Da crossed the Yangtze River from the north bank in a small boat. The boat was owned by an old couple. The boatman, recognizing the famous Zhu Yuanzhang, loudly chanted a festive rhyme to congratulate him, saying: 'The Son of Heaven is escorted by six dragons, and the great general displays an imposing presence from all directions!' Zhu Yuanzhang understood these were words of imperial congratulation and was very pleased. He and Xu Da subtly kicked their feet, exchanging congratulatory glances.

Later, Zhu Yuanzhang unified the country, established the Ming Dynasty, and became the renowned Emperor Taizu of Ming. Emperor Taizu later sought out the boatman and bestowed rewards upon him, also painting his small boat vermilion as a mark of his meritorious service.