英文摘要 |
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, works recording the diplomatic missions of courtiers and generals to the imperial frontier make up a substantial proportion of travel writings from the period. These diplomatic accounts provide an important perspective for assessing the growth and decline of imperial power. For example, the mission led by Songgotu 索額圖 (1636-1703), which included a military contingent of about one thousand soldiers, is regarded as an important prelude to the signing of the “Treaty of Nerchinsk” 尼布楚條約 by China and Russia in 1689 (the 28th year of Kangxi’s 康熙 reign). Two records of Songgotu’s mission – the Fengshi Eluosi riji 奉使俄羅斯日記 and the Chusai jilüe 出塞紀略 - which were written by the Administrative Officer of Military Affairs Zhang Penghe 張鵬翮 (1649-1725) and the Military Officer Qian Liangze 錢良擇 (1645-1710) respectively, represent the earliest records from the Qing dynasty of Han officials travelling beyond the frontier as envoys. The diplomatic journals composed by Zhang and Qian provide important clues for understanding this first mission led by Songgotu, which in turn is essential to recovering the whole story regarding Kangxi’s expedition to the Mongol tribes and the signing of the “Treaty of Nerchinsk.” In addition to examining the historical information found in these diplomatic travelogues, this article analyzes the multiple literary and cultural meanings found within their pages. |