英文摘要 |
The change in intellectual atmosphere that occurred during the reigns of the Jiaqing and Daoguang emperors in the mid-Qing is a phenomenon which has received considerable scholarly attention. This article argues that the true impetus for this change was the Tianli Sect Incident of 1813, which sent shockwaves through the imperial court. The author first investigates the spread of the news of the incident around the capital, the various rumors that followed, and the fear felt by people as yet unaware of the complete picture. Secondly, by investigating the sensitive nature of this incident, the frequency of imperial edicts promulgated by the court, the holding of provincial-level examinations and transfers of troops, the alteration of titles given to Guan Di and so forth, the author explores the different channels by which the news was disseminated in each region and the lasting interest this attracted. In the final section, the author discusses the concerns and reflections of the literati regarding the incident, as well as the emergence of a trend for political discussion and criticism of court policy, which led to the institutions of government themselves becoming the targets of reflection and reform. Related decrees issued by the court urging scholarly discussion and two final imperial examination essay questions about the incident were taken by the literati as an opportunity to express radical opinions, and even attack court policy. This not only clearly indicates that the Qing court had no time for implementing high-handed policies suppressing scholarly discourse and expression, but also that a key shift had occurred in public opinion and intellectual atmosphere since the reigns of the Yongzheng and Qianlong emperors. |