Chapter 57 of 100
Chapter 57
12 min read3,005 words
New book, seeking recommendations, seeking support.
On his second visit to Windsor Castle, John Brown, the butler, sent a carriage to Zhu Jishi's new home, Roman Villa, to pick him up. Zhu Jishi and his attendant, Bai Wen, went together, carrying a large bag of "Wan You Jie," a white pill containing heroin.
On the way, Zhu Jishi didn't idle. He took the opportunity to ask Bai Wen about the situation in the Qing Dynasty, especially the people's attitudes towards Western learning and the West.
"Lord, in the Qing Dynasty, the imperial examinations have always been the orthodox path. What is studied is the teachings of Confucius and Mencius. Western learning... has always been of interest only in Guangzhou, mainly among the merchants... the Thirteen Factories, Lord, have you heard of them?"
Zhu Jishi nodded, "The Thirteen Factories, I know of them."
Bai Wen smiled, "The Thirteen Factories, because they deal with foreign merchants, naturally have to learn foreign languages and some Western techniques, but their knowledge is very superficial, not comparable to yours, Lord."
"What about the scholars? Are they not interested in Western affairs?" Zhu Jishi was a bit disappointed, but this was expected.
"Scholars?" Bai Wen laughed, "Lord, there are many scholars. The path of studying and becoming an official is like a thousand troops crossing a narrow bridge. Even I have taken the exams, but unfortunately, I didn't even pass as a scholar... In fact, in the Qing Dynasty, anyone who has the means to read a bit and is eligible to take the imperial examinations will try their luck. Even if they don't pass as a scholar, they can still be considered a scholar, right?" He paused and added, "If you mean those with official titles, then there are far fewer. By the way, Lord, do you know what an official title is?"
"Official title?" Zhu Jishi had heard of it, but he wasn't sure what it specifically referred to.
"An official title refers to the titles or positions obtained through the imperial examinations," Bai Wen's face showed a look of longing, "Even passing as a scholar makes one a person above others."
A scholar might not seem like much, and it's not even a formal examination, but it's not easy to pass. Even Hong Jiaozhu, with his great abilities, didn't pass. In fact, most people who have studied the classics can't even pass as scholars. If Zhu Jishi hadn't been a scientist in Europe and had returned to the Qing Dynasty to take the imperial examinations, with his background in classical Chinese, he definitely wouldn't have passed either.
As for the next level, the juren (scholar-official), it's even more difficult. Most scholars spend their entire lives without passing the juren examination. Those who do pass, according to the Qing Dynasty's imperial examination system, can register with the Ministry of Personnel and theoretically obtain a certain official position, such as a county magistrate. However, they are only reserve county magistrates, and the chances of getting a real position are very slim.
Above the juren is the gongshi (tribute scholar). The gongshi examination, also known as the metropolitan examination, is divided into regular and special sessions. Regular sessions are held every three years, while special sessions are held irregularly and are very rare. All juren from across the country can participate in the metropolitan examination, and each session selects between one hundred and four hundred candidates, averaging about two hundred.
Above that is the palace examination, the final test for all those who have passed the gongshi examination. Theoretically, it is conducted by the emperor in the palace to question the gongshi candidates and determine their rankings. However, in practice, it is often overseen by ministers on behalf of the emperor. Those who pass the palace examination are called jinshi (advanced scholars), and their rankings are divided into first, second, and third grades. The first grade is called "jinshi jidi" (advanced scholar of the first grade), with the top three being the zhuangyuan (top scholar), bangyan (second scholar), and tanhua (third scholar)—these three titles are what all scholars in the Qing Dynasty most desire! The second grade is called "jinshi chushen" (advanced scholar by birth), and the third grade is called "tong jinshi chushen" (equivalent to an advanced scholar by birth).
"Lord, in the Qing Dynasty, there are countless scholars and many with official titles, but only those who have passed the third grade of the jinshi examination are the most respected and have the best prospects. They are the ones who can rise from peasants to high officials. As for the juren, they are barely considered gentlemen, and scholars... young scholars are still okay, but old scholars are often poor and bitter."
Bai Wen, who couldn't pass as a scholar, couldn't help but feel a bit sour when talking about scholars.
"Let's talk about their interest in Western things." Zhu Jishi found it a bit boring and asked Bai Wen to get to the point.
"Yes, Lord." Bai Wen thought for a moment and said, "Leaving aside those without official titles, among those who have passed as scholars and above, they are actually divided into two schools: the School of Principle and the School of Practicality. The School of Principle, also known as the School of Dao, is essentially the study of great principles, promoting the teachings of Zhu Xi from the Song Dynasty. As for the principles of the School of Principle... I haven't read much, so I can't explain it clearly.
The School of Practicality, on the other hand, is a branch of the School of Principle, also known as the Hunan School of Principle. However, the Hunan School of Principle is not theoretical but practical, emphasizing the unity of theory and practice, and focusing on the ways to protect oneself, one's family, one's country, and the world. I believe the Hunan School of Principle would have some interest in Western learning.
Of course, whether it's the School of Principle or the Hunan School of Principle, they are all about studying to become officials and make money. The School of Principle is just a stepping stone. If the emperor likes Western learning, everyone below will study England and France."
Zhu Jishi smiled faintly. It seemed that the imperial power in the Qing Dynasty was quite strong, which might not be a bad thing for reform. He thought for a moment and asked, "What about the Manchu-Han conflict?"
Bai Wen's eyebrows twitched slightly, and after a pause, he said, "The Manchu-Han conflict... is not in the court but in the江湖 (jianghu, a term often used to describe the world of outlaws and rebels)."
"What do you mean by that?"
Bai Wen smiled, "Han scholars who have passed the juren or jinshi examinations are all loyal to the emperor and the Manchus. Even if they are mistreated by the Manchus, they can endure and maintain the overall situation. However, among those who have not passed, many blame their misfortunes on the Manchus and Han. In fact, even if the Qing Dynasty were to treat Manchus and Han equally, how many more juren or jinshi positions could there be? Those who don't pass are the majority, let alone those who can't even pass as scholars."
This was a harsh truth. Those who passed the jinshi examination and became high officials were all loyal to the Qing Dynasty. Only those who didn't pass but had studied and had ambitions to become officials and do great things used the Manchu-Han conflict as a vent and a banner. Throughout the Qing Dynasty, there were always such people opposing the Qing Dynasty, and they were the greatest source of social instability.
Bai Wen continued, "Han scholars who have passed are all pillars of the Qing Dynasty. Those who don't pass stir up trouble in the jianghu. Groups like the Hongmen, Tiandihui, and White Lotus Society are all led by failed scholars. In my hometown, Guangzhou, the Hongmen and Tiandihui are everywhere. They call for the overthrow of the Qing and the restoration of the Ming, forming gangs or occupying mountains, committing all sorts of heinous crimes. Previous governors-general of Guangdong and Guangxi, the governor of Guangdong, and the general of Guangzhou have all made great efforts to suppress these Hongmen rebels, but they keep rising again and again, with no real improvement. The root cause is these failed Han scholars."
As they spoke, the carriage had already entered the gates of Windsor Castle and stopped by the guard post. Zhu Jishi and Bai Wen got out of the carriage and saw John Brown, the butler of Windsor Castle, frowning. Seeing that there was another Chinese person behind Zhu Jishi, he coughed lightly.
Zhu Jishi understood his meaning and turned to Bai Wen, "Give me that package, and wait here."
Bai Wen looked around and realized it was not an ordinary place. He quickly handed the large bag of Wan You Jie to Zhu Jishi. "Lord, please walk carefully, I'll wait here."
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---