Chongzhen revived the Ming Dynasty

Replace moralistic history with empirical history!
Qian Qianyi's proposal immediately caused a stir.

Not only were the Donglin Party members surprised that Qian Qianyi would so blatantly establish his own faction so quickly, but even his disciples were somewhat taken aback.

However, considering that the emperor had just thoroughly criticized and discredited the school of thought on moral philosophy and history, even implicating the two official histories, the New Book of Tang and the New History of the Five Dynasties.

They also felt that this was indeed a good opportunity:
Now is the time when moralistic historiography is collapsing and a new historiography is being established.

If practical learning can seize the initiative, it can take the lead in the new school of history and gain a stable position.

Even if it cannot surpass Neo-Confucianism and the School of Mind in the study of classics in the future, it will not be in danger of extinction.

Furthermore, due to the close relationship between classics and history, even if the practical school of thought suffered a temporary defeat, it could still use historical studies to penetrate classics and continuously vie for dominance in classics studies.

This is clearly a safer approach than directly competing with Neo-Confucianism and the School of Mind. The emerging school of practical learning needs to first find its place in history.

Once Qu Shisi and the others understood this, they immediately began to echo his sentiments.

Although Chen Jiru, Chen Renxi, and others decided to embrace science, they also agreed with the idea of ​​applying knowledge to practical use. Furthermore, they hoped that practical learning, as a new school of thought, would first challenge traditional learning.

They echoed this sentiment, advocating for the replacement of philosophical history with empirical history.

Needless to say, Huang Lijie and others were the ones who compiled the "Essential Records of Three Dynasties" and pronounced the death penalty on moralistic historiography. They naturally vehemently supported empirical historiography to avoid being attacked by those who supported moralistic historiography.

Practical learning, a relatively new field of study, began to emerge and take center stage in history.

Some people, seeing this scene, simply found it absurd—

Because empirical history is just an empty name, most people had never heard of it before.

Sun Qifeng, who endorsed the philosophy of mind and advocated the unity of mind and body, said:

"I am knowledgeable in the study of principles and history."

"But what is empirical history? Forgive my ignorance, I have never heard of it."

"May I ask, Mr. Qian, what is empirical history?"

This question hit Qian Qianyi where it hurt.

Because he had never considered what empirical history is.

He even heard the name from the emperor, and now he's just echoing the emperor and establishing his own position in the academic world.

It would be extremely difficult for him to formulate the concept of empirical history in a short period of time.

However, Qian Qianyi was quick-witted and very eloquent. At this moment, a thought struck him, and based on his previous statement, he elaborated:

"Empirical history requires two things: historical records and physical evidence."

"Only by combining these two approaches can we achieve truly credible history."

This answer, while not perfect, grasped the key points of empirical history. Zhu Youjian praised it, saying:
"Such verification can be called the double evidence method."

"It can even be broader, using all kinds of evidence, which is called the multiple evidence method."

"The most basic requirement is double evidence."

"This method should be used to evaluate all histories, whether official or unofficial, Chinese or foreign."

"Only evidence with two or more pieces of evidence can be called reliable history."

We use the double evidence method proposed by Wang Guowei in later generations, as well as the triple and multiple evidence methods that were later developed, as the methods of historical research in empirical historiography.

Upon hearing this, Qian Qianyi knew that the emperor was instructing him on his studies again, and he said with great delight:
"Empirical history does indeed require multiple pieces of evidence."

“Besides historical records and antiquities, there are other forms of evidence to verify this.”

"Whether it is official history or unofficial history, it must be verified in practice."

Establishing the multiple evidence method is a historical research concept and method of empirical history.

Any historical record must be verified using multiple evidence methods.

Those who previously thought that empirical history was just an empty name were now dumbfounded:
They never expected that empirical history would be perfected so quickly, and that specific methods would be determined so directly.

Moreover, this method sounds entirely feasible, and proven history would undoubtedly be more credible.

Some experts in epigraphy and antiques have begun to explore which historical records can corroborate their own collections of antiquities, thus practicing the method of multiple evidence.

It can be said that this method of historical research has perfected empirical history in one fell swoop.

Everyone can use the multiple evidence method to verify historical records.

With their support, empirical history will inevitably flourish and become increasingly sophisticated.

The decline of the school of moral philosophy and history was already evident, and it was not only because the emperor rejected this field of study.

Those officials who had devoted their lives to studying the classics and history found this hard to accept. Sun Qifeng said:

"Although the theory of moral history has its errors and omissions, its modeling of the Spring and Autumn Annals, its emphasis on orthodoxy, and its discussion of the principles of Heaven cannot be completely discarded."

"I believe that the error of selectively editing historical materials can be corrected, but when writing history, we should still prioritize moral principles."

Liu Zongzhou also said:
“The Spring and Autumn Annals begins: In the spring of the first year, the king’s first month.”

"Why speak of the first month of the reign of the king? It signifies the unification of the empire."

"This is also a matter of principle, and historical research should take this as the priority."

This viewpoint has garnered widespread support. Driven by conservatism, most believe that while historical revisionism can be undertaken, it need not be completely overturned.

Even Zhu Youjian could not oppose the principle of "great unification".

This is because it is the foundation of centralized power and the basis for China's ability to reintegrate after its division.

After careful consideration, he addressed his ministers:
"So-called moral history should be called a historical perspective."

"When discussing history, it prioritizes moral principles and ethical norms, and its status is subordinate to classical studies."

"Empirical history places greater emphasis on historical materials."

"First, we must analyze the historical materials, find their source, and determine their authenticity."

"Then, based on historical materials, we arrive at corresponding viewpoints that are independent of classical studies."

"So tell me, which is more important, historical perspective or historical materials?"

This question has remained unresolved for centuries. The historical perspective school and the historical source school have debated it for over a hundred years.

The same was true in the Ming Dynasty, where those who supported the theory of moral history used the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals to demonstrate the importance of historical perspective.

Those who support empirical history seize upon the errors of moralistic history in its selective editing and fabrication of historical materials.

Zhu Youjian listened to the debate between the two sides for a long time, and finally concluded:
"Historical perspective and historical materials are inseparable; neither is dispensable."

"Historical materials are the foundation of historical research. Only by distinguishing authentic historical materials can we draw correct conclusions."

"Historical research should be based on truth and facts; there are no forbidden zones."

This statement clearly emphasizes the importance of historical materials, which immediately brought smiles to the faces of Qian Qianyi and other supporters of empirical history.

Just as the proponents of moralistic history were about to continue their argument, the emperor spoke again:

"There are no forbidden zones in historical research, but discipline must be followed when disseminating information to the outside world."

"For example, the Bamboo Annals, whether true or false, have become part of history."

"Research on it should be disseminated with caution."

"Otherwise, it might corrupt people's hearts and cause instability in the world."

"These kinds of historical books cannot be circulated at will; only personnel related to the Hanlin Academy can access and exchange them."

This statement received unanimous support from the court officials.

The Bamboo Annals were too damaging to Confucianism, and no Confucian scholar wanted it to spread widely.

Articles researching it should naturally be sealed away and buried in the dustbin of history. Zhu Youjian used this as an example, continuing:

"The historical records of the border regions and the surrounding barbarian tribes should also not be disseminated at will."

“Some of these books praise separatism and division, while others stand on the side of barbarians, which is inconsistent with the distinction between Chinese and barbarians.”

"The ideals of unification, respecting the king and repelling the barbarians, and distinguishing between Chinese and barbarians all belong to the great principles of the Spring and Autumn period."

"Only historical records that conform to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals can be disseminated."

This can be considered a partial acknowledgment of the school of moral philosophy and history, as Liu Zongzhou stated:
"The great principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, which promote unity, emphasize the distinction between Chinese and barbarians, and clarify the defense between the Chinese and barbarians, should be respected by all."

"I believe that the study of history should prioritize the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, and discard anything that does not conform to them."

The aim is to elevate the importance of a moralistic historical perspective above empirical historical materials.

Qian Qianyi countered sharply, agreeing with the emperor's statement that there are no forbidden zones in historical research. He believed that historical materials should be studied and their authenticity verified.

Zhu Youjian did not want to hear them argue, and even less did he want the new school of thought he had supported to split internally before the Neo-Confucianism had been overthrown. He clearly stated to them:

"Historical research begins with historical materials."

"Whether we acknowledge it or not, the historical records are there."

"If you don't clearly distinguish and use historical materials, they may be used by others to attack you first."

“To cut and edit historical materials like the Song Dynasty Confucian scholars, and to turn a blind eye to historical materials that are not conducive to moral principles, is to bury one's head in the sand.”

"Fabricating historical materials for the sake of moral principles can be considered academic misconduct."

"The principles demonstrated in this way cannot guide practice, much less serve as a lesson."

“When barbarians invade, they don’t care about morality or reason.”

This is another heavy blow to the study of moral history.

After it was clarified that the fall of the Song Dynasty was a loss of the entire empire, the court officials discussed the reasons at length.

According to the emperor, moralistic and historical scholarship is also one of the reasons for the downfall of the empire:

The Song Dynasty Confucian scholars' understanding of history was fundamentally flawed, so they could not learn from history or draw lessons from it.

Such a mistake can be easily fooled in ordinary times. But when barbarians attack, it cannot withstand their swords.

Such a painful lesson silenced all those who supported moralistic history.

Empirical history has established its primary position in the field of history.

However, they are also subject to restrictions: they can freely study historical materials, but their dissemination to the outside world must conform to moral principles.

Only in this way can the world be kept stable and people's hearts not be thrown into chaos.

The theory of moral history continues to survive tenaciously in another form.

At the same time, the study of moral history also began to evolve, eliminating the need for selective editing and fabrication, and advocating for a balance of explicit and implicit statements in historical writing, while also protecting the privacy of those in positions of authority.

Writing about events that are inconsistent with moral principles or the subject's image in a subtle way still falls under the category of "Spring and Autumn Annals" writing, but it does not distort the facts. This technique is very popular in the writing of epitaphs and biographies of famous officials.

The two schools of thought, one adhering to historical materials and the other to historical perspectives, have been locked in a continuous struggle.
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However, for Zhu Youjian, once the general principles were established, the struggles within the historical community were no longer worth his attention.

His reason for exploring history was to annotate the Spring and Autumn Annals. Now that empirical history has been chosen to replace moralistic history, Huang Lijie's proposed method of annotating the Spring and Autumn Annals has also been recognized.

Zhu Youjian addressed his ministers:

"As Huang Qing once said, when annotating the Spring and Autumn Annals, one should first use the Yellow Emperor's era, then extract the events that occurred from classics such as the Zuo Zhuan, and then interpret the meaning by referring to the Gongyang Zhuan and the Guliang Zhuan."

"I wholeheartedly agree!"

"The Spring and Autumn Annals is both a classic and a history."

"To deal with it, we must first use empirical historical methods to verify its authenticity, and then interpret its subtle meanings."

"We must summarize the great principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals and determine which historical books conform to these principles and can be disseminated."

When this statement was raised again, the courtiers remained silent.

However, the Donglin Party members could not accept having Huang Lijie, a remnant of the eunuch faction, preside over the editing and annotation of the Spring and Autumn Annals.

Yao Shishen, Associate Director of the Supreme Court, said:
“Huang Zizheng presided over the compilation of the ‘Three Dynasties’ Essential Records’, which distorted the theory of moral history into a fallacy of historical theory. I believe that he should no longer be used to compile historical books.”

"His historical works, such as 'Chronicles of the Qing Dynasty' and 'A Concise Chronological History of China,' should all be handed over to others."

Based on the reasons why the theory of moral history was overthrown, Huang Lijie's qualifications are denied.

Those who already harbored resentment towards Huang Lijie now felt even more hatred towards him because his theory of moral history had been overturned.

Many people objected to this, believing that Huang Lijie's character was unworthy of compiling history.

Zhu Youjian appointed Huang Lijie to oversee the compilation of history so that Huang could make a name for himself through meritorious service; this was one of the rewards Huang Lijie bestowed upon him.

In order to maintain his credibility, he certainly wouldn't go back on his word.

However, the opinions of the courtiers should also be taken seriously, and they must be appeased.

Just as he was thinking about how to solve this problem, Zhu Youjian saw Huang Liji and said:

"I was previously deeply entrenched in moralistic historiography, which was distorted into a fallacious historiography without my knowledge."

"Now, thanks to the guidance of His Majesty and Lord Qian, I realize my past mistakes."

"I wish to follow Mr. Qian in annotating the Spring and Autumn Annals and study empirical history."

"The historical records I compile will be supported by empirical evidence."

He clearly stated that he wanted to follow Qian Qianyi and learn empirical history from him.

Upon hearing this, the courtiers immediately looked at him with new respect.

Unexpectedly, Huang Lijie, a former chief minister, was willing to follow Qian Qianyi, whose status was lower than his.

Such a supple body is truly unexpected.

At the same time, it made some people who hated him even more disgusted with him:
"Pooh!"

"Shameless!"

"Master Qian wouldn't take in someone like that."

Full of confidence, they awaited Qian Qianyi's refusal, but instead heard him say:
"If you know your mistakes and can correct them, there is no greater good."

"I am extremely pleased that Huang Zizheng was able to recognize the errors of moralistic history and the correctness of empirical history."

"However, the decision on the collation and annotation of the Spring and Autumn Annals rests with His Majesty."

They explicitly accepted Huang Lijie and even hoped that the emperor would allow them to jointly oversee the annotation of the Spring and Autumn Annals.

Zhu Youjian was extremely pleased with this and said with great joy:
"Your humility is no less than that of the sages of old."

"The annotation of the Spring and Autumn Annals was led by Mr. Qian, with the assistance of Scholar Huang and others."

"It is essential to annotate both its classical and historical aspects, making it both a classic text for classical studies and a model for historical studies."

Qian Qianyi and Huang Lijie were appointed to oversee the annotation of the Spring and Autumn Annals.

This outcome clearly surprised the court officials, and the Donglin Party members were even more incredulous:

They never imagined that Qian Qianyi, as a leader of the Donglin Party, would accept remnants of the eunuch faction.

Even if it's for the purpose of promoting empirical history, this is not the way to do it.

The divisions within the Donglin Party became even more severe, extending from academia to the political sphere.

Qian Qianyi's pragmatic school of thought was rising in academic circles, and the court faction centered around him began to grow independent from the Donglin Party. (End of Chapter)