Huangming

Chapter 162 The Debate Between Chinese and Barbarians: A Sharp Awl Splits a Circle

During the Ming Dynasty, the six central government ministries were concentrated on both sides of the Qianbu Corridor south of Chengtianmen, forming a strict directional system: the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites were located on the east side, while the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Works were located on the west side.

At this juncture.

Xu Guangqi, the newly appointed Director of the Arsenal Department of the Ministry of War, was just beginning his new post when he stepped into the Ministry of War's office located on the west side of the Thousand Steps Corridor.

When he stepped into the Ministry of War's office for the first time, wearing a brand-new scarlet official robe and a jade belt bestowed by the emperor, all the officials inside were already standing at attention to welcome him.

The crowd bowed in unison, their voices booming: "Congratulations to Physician Xu on his new appointment, overseeing the innovation of firearms!"

Xu Guangqi quickly returned the greeting, his expression humble: "I am unworthy of the kindness shown to me by my colleagues. This time, it is entirely thanks to His Majesty's wisdom and the cooperation of the craftsmen of the Ministry of Works that we were able to forge the might of the Red Barbarian Cannons."

Zhang Jingshi, the Left Vice Minister of War, stepped forward, stroked his beard, and said with a smile, "President Xu is too modest! A few days ago, the cannons at the drill ground shook the four barbarians, and even the Mongol envoy turned pale. Such an achievement is truly an honor that our Ministry of War has not seen in decades!"

Xu Guangqi was deeply favored by the emperor, and was praised by the emperor at such a grand occasion as the spring hunt. People in the court had long regarded Xu Guangqi as a favorite of the emperor.

Even though he was just a minor official in the Ministry of War, as the second-in-command of the Ministry of War, Zhang Jingshi did not dare to underestimate him. On his first day in office, he had officials from the Ministry of War come to greet him.

"Such praise from Lord Zuo is truly too much for this humble official."

"We both work in the Ministry of War, so there's no need for this. We should work together with one heart."

Zhang Jingshi stroked his beard and turned to Xu Guangqi, saying, "Since you are in charge of the Armory, you should first get to know my colleagues in the four departments of the Ministry of War."

He then raised his hand to indicate: "This is Xing Jie, the Director of the Bureau of Officials, in charge of territorial maps and border defense. He was a veteran who once led the defense of Korea against the Japanese pirates. Although he is nearly sixty years old now, he is still vigorous and has sharp eyes."

"Greetings, Physician Xing." Xu Guangqi bowed to Xing Jie.

Xing Jie stroked his white beard, nodded, and returned the greeting, saying, "Greetings, Physician Xu."

His attitude was not obsequious at all; in fact, there was a hint of disdain in his eyes.

How could a favored minister, a colluder with foreign barbarians, be ranked alongside him?
Xu Guangqi was not surprised by Xing Jie's cold attitude.

Zhang Jingshi continued his introduction.

"This is Wang Silun, the Director of the Military Selection and Appointment Office, who is in charge of selecting and appointing military officers and awarding them merits."

"Greetings, Physician Wang!" Xu Guangqi's etiquette was impeccable.

Wang Silun smiled and said, "You're too kind, Physician Xu. We'll be working together in the Ministry of War from now on, so please give me your guidance."

This doctor treated Xu Guangqi much better.

Next, Zhang Jingshi introduced the remaining officials of the Ministry of War.

After speaking, Zhang Jingshi led Xu Guangqi into the inner hall of the Armory Department and pointed out his subordinates:
"These gentlemen are He Tingshu, Assistant Director of the Arsenal Administration; Song Xian, Principal Clerk; and Zhao Shizhen, Treasurer."

Upon seeing that it was Xu Guangqi who had entered, the men quickly bowed to him and said, "This humble official greets the venerable sir!"

Their expressions and tone carried a hint of obsequiousness.

Xu Guangqi knew that these officials, including the Assistant Minister, the Chief Clerk, the Treasurer, and the Clerk, would become his subordinates.

He didn't put on airs, but returned the greetings one by one, saying gently, "You are all pillars of the nation. I am new here and hope to receive your guidance in the future."

Zhang Jingshi stroked his beard and laughed, "Physician Xu is too modest! With you in charge of the Armory, the Ministry of War's firearms innovation will surely reach new heights!"

"Lord Zuo, would you like a cup of tea before you leave?"

Zhang Jingshi shook his head and said solemnly, "The Ministry of War has many matters to attend to, so I will not stay any longer. The Arsenal is a complex and complicated place, especially the innovation of firearms, which is an important task for the court. I hope you will take good care of it. If you have any questions, you can come to the main hall to discuss them with me at any time."

Xu Guangqi cupped his hands and replied, "Rest assured, Your Excellency, I will do my utmost to live up to the trust placed in me by the court."

Zhang Jingshi nodded in satisfaction, then solemnly addressed the officials of the Armory Department: "You must do your utmost to assist Physician Xu. If you are negligent, the department will not let you off lightly!"

The officials bowed and agreed, their expressions becoming even more respectful.

After giving his instructions, Zhang Jingshi turned and stepped out of the inner hall of the Armory, returning to the main hall of the Ministry of War along the corridor.

As his figure receded into the distance, the atmosphere in the hall eased slightly. Assistant Minister He Tingshu stepped forward and said solicitously, "Sir, I will now take you to review the documents and files of the Armory Department in recent years so that you can familiarize yourself with the affairs as soon as possible."

Xu Guangqi smiled gently: "Thank you for your trouble, Master He."

At the same time, in the main hall of the Ministry of War, as soon as Zhang Jingshi, the Left Vice Minister, stepped into his duty room, he saw Xing Jie, the Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs, standing in front of his desk, seemingly waiting.

Upon seeing him return, Xing Jie snorted coldly and said in a low voice, "Zhang Zuotang treats Xu Guangqi with such courtesy. Does he really think that he can revitalize the military of our Great Ming Dynasty with his foreign weapons?"

Zhang Jingshi frowned slightly, raised his hand to dismiss those around him, and said in a deep voice, "Physician Xing, be careful with your words! Physician Xu is deeply favored by the Emperor, and the power of the cannons he presented is evident to all. We, as subjects, should prioritize the affairs of the state."

Xing Jie flicked his sleeve and sneered: "National affairs? I'm afraid some people will use this opportunity to form cliques and pursue their own interests!"

After saying this, he turned and left without waiting for Zhang Jingshi's response.

Zhang Jingshi watched Xing Jie's retreating figure, shook his head and sighed softly, then composed himself and picked up his pen to review the official documents on his desk.

Xu Guangqi is a controversial figure.

As for the reason, it's simple.

He is a Catholic.

Xu Guangqi had already befriended the Italian missionary Matteo Ricci as early as the Wanli era (1600), and under his influence, he converted to Catholicism and took the Christian name "Paul".

This move sparked controversy in the court, with conservative Confucian officials criticizing him for deviating from Confucian teachings and advocating foreign religions, citing the argument that "those who are not of our race must have different hearts."

During the Ming Dynasty, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexisted, and most scholars and officials revered Confucius and Mencius and studied Cheng Yi and Zhu Xi. However, Xu Guangqi alone believed in Catholicism spread by the Jesuits, and was regarded as a "heretical and misleading follower" by the upright officials in the court.

Some even secretly mocked him for "abandoning the orthodox teachings of the Chinese and following the heretical doctrines of the Western barbarians," making a big fuss about the "distinction between Chinese and barbarians," believing that his actions disgraced the integrity of scholars.

In the 44th year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, Shen, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites in Nanjing, launched a missionary case, submitting a memorial requesting the expulsion of missionaries on the grounds that Catholicism was "secretly harming the imperial civilization."

Upon hearing the news, Xu Guangqi immediately wrote "A Treatise on the Defending of Learning" to defend the missionaries, which caused a great uproar in the imperial court.

Although the turmoil surrounding the missionary case in the first year of the Tianqi reign had subsided somewhat, anti-Christian sentiments still lingered beneath the surface in the court.

Xu Guangqi was regarded as a "traitor" by conservative officials such as Xing Jie because he publicly defended Catholicism.

Furthermore, his rapid promotion based on his contributions to firearms innovation made him a favored minister in the eyes of those old officials who adhered to the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism.

Just like when they first met at the Ministry of War, Xing Jie, the Director of the Bureau of Military Affairs, outwardly returned the courtesy, but his eyes betrayed his disdain.

This veteran official, who had participated in the fight against Japanese pirates, already harbored resentment towards Xu Guangqi's close ties with Westerners. Now, seeing him gain favor through his strange and frivolous skills, he naturally felt even less favorably toward him.

While the officials under the Arsenal appeared outwardly obsequious, many privately discussed how it "deviated from sacred teachings."

Of course, there were also officials in the court who held an enlightened attitude towards Xu Guangqi.

The pragmatic scholar-officials, represented by Sun Chengzong and Yuan Keli, valued his outstanding contributions to practical application of knowledge rather than being fixated on ideological disputes.

Xu Guangqi introduced the Hongyi cannon in the military field, which significantly improved the Ming army's combat power; his book "Complete Treatise on Agriculture" is a great compilation of agricultural science.

These tangible achievements earned him the deep admiration of many enlightened officials for his knowledge and talent.

Just as Wang Silun, the Assistant Director of the Military Selection Department of the Ministry of War, was enthusiastic when they first met, some of his colleagues chose to downplay their criticism of his Catholic faith and instead focus on his practical achievements that benefited the country and its people.

This pragmatic approach, under the increasingly severe pressure from border troubles, is gradually diluting the rigid thinking of the conservatives regarding the distinction between "Chinese and barbarians".

However, all these disputes had little to do with Zhang Jingshi.

As the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, he only needed to perform his duties diligently and handle matters reliably for the emperor.

At present, all he is thinking about is waiting for Sun Chengzong to enter the cabinet so that he can naturally take over the position of Minister of War.

If one can win the emperor's favor, perhaps one can fulfill the dream of entering the cabinet before one dies—that would be enough.

As for Xu Guangqi's disagreements with the conservatives and the open and covert struggles in the court, he was unwilling to get too involved as long as it did not affect his own career.

After all, in Zhang Jingshi's view, who had been navigating the treacherous political landscape for decades, only by taking steady and solid steps could one remain invincible in this ever-changing political situation.

After a busy day, Xu Guangqi returned home from his shift. As soon as he stepped into the mansion, the steward hurriedly came forward, bowed, and reported: "Master, Father Long Huamin, the president of the Chinese Jesuit Society, along with Jesuit missionaries Yang Mano and Tang Ruowang, and your disciple Sun Yuanhua, have been waiting in the flower hall for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangqi's tired face immediately relaxed, and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes: "Quickly lead me to see him."

Xu Guangqi met Long Huamin, the president of the Jesuit mission in China, Jesuit missionaries Yang Mano and Johann Adam Schall von Bell, and their disciple Sun Yuanhua in the flower hall.

Of the four, three looked like foreigners.

Long Huamin is an Italian, around fifty years old, with a lean face and deep-set eyes.

Johann Adam Schall von Bell was German, with blond hair, blue eyes, and a high-bridged nose, making him stand out in a crowd. Yang Mano also had a hooked nose.

"We have come here today for three reasons: first, to congratulate Your Excellency on your promotion to an important position in the Ministry of War; second, because the first translation of 'Western Water Management' has been completed and we would like Your Excellency to proofread it; and third, because we have a secret to tell you."

Long Huamin slowly handed the manuscript of "Western Water Management" to Xu Guangqi.

Xu Guangqi took the blueprints and examined them closely. His brows relaxed as he said, "This design is indeed superior to the current standard of the Ministry of Works."

In some respects, Western learning still far surpasses that of the Ming Dynasty.

"Teacher, I think we should talk about these things after Mass and confession," Sun Yuanhua quickly reminded Xu Guangqi, seeing that he was about to delve into academic matters again.

Xu Guangqi nodded upon hearing this.

Academic research takes several hours to yield results.

There's no rush.

He immediately ordered his servants to close the gates of the mansion tightly and strictly prohibit outsiders from disturbing him.

"Everyone follow me."

Xu Guangqi personally led everyone through the corridor to a secluded room in the backyard.

This place has long been transformed into a secluded little chapel, with images of the crucifixion of Jesus hanging on the walls, white silk embroidered with cross patterns covering the altar, and candlesticks burning with a faint flame on both sides.

Father Long Huamin gently touched the silver cross on his chest and said with satisfaction, "Brother Paul, though he holds a high position in the church, does not forget the Lord's grace. He is truly a model for our organization in China."

Xu Guangqi solemnly replied, "Sacred affairs are the nourishment of the soul; how could I dare to neglect them because of worldly matters?"

After saying this, he gestured for Sun Yuanhua to stand guard outside the door, while he and the three priests changed into the priestly robes that had been prepared in advance.

Yang Mano took out a Latin Mass from the sandalwood box, while Tang Ruowang lit frankincense.

Amidst swirling incense smoke, Long Huamin recited in a deep, fluent Latin: "In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti."

Xu Guangqi knelt before the altar, clasped his hands together, and silently recited the Rosary in Shanghainese.

As the priest held up the bread symbolizing the Eucharist, the sound of the night watchman's clapper suddenly came from outside the window. Everyone paused slightly, and Sun Yuanhua immediately pressed himself against the window crack to observe. Only after the watchman's footsteps faded into the distance did he make a safe gesture to the inside of the room.

During the confession, Xu Guangqi stayed alone in front of the statue and whispered to Long Huamin, "A few days ago during the court meeting, an official publicly denounced Western learning as a 'tactic to bewitch the people,' and I failed to refute it in time. This is the sin of cowardice."

Long Huamin made the sign of the cross in the shadows: "My child, it takes courage for you to hold fast to your faith even in the lion's den. Remember the words of the Apostle Paul—'I endure all for the gospel.'"

Inside the sanctuary, where incense smoke curled, Xu Guangqi slowly opened his eyes.

The relief after confession washed over him like a warm current, and he subconsciously touched the silver cross on his chest—which Father Long Huamin had personally placed on him during his baptism.

As the candlelight flickered, he gazed at the casket of the Holy Sacrament on the altar, his thoughts drifting back to that spring day in the 28th year of the Wanli Emperor's reign.

When Matteo Ricci pointed to the "Complete Map of the World" and explained the theory of a spherical Earth to him, the shock of having his understanding overturned is still unforgettable.

From that moment on, he understood that these red-haired, blue-eyed Western scholars held the key to saving the Ming Dynasty from its weakness.

"Brother Paul?" Long Huamin's voice pulled him back to reality.

The old priest gently touched his forehead with a cypress branch dipped in holy water, and the Latin prayers echoed wonderfully in the closed sanctuary.

Xu Guangqi lowered his eyelids and responded to the prayer in fluent Shanghainese.

No one noticed that his clasped hands tightened slightly—just as he always did when he received the translated manuscript of Euclid's Elements from the missionary.

This precious knowledge requires the utmost sincerity to acquire.

"Amen."

The candlelight flickered, and the scent of frankincense in the sanctuary had not yet dissipated.

Long Huamin put away the silver cross, looked at Xu Guangqi with a deep gaze, and slowly said:

“Brother Paul, you are now deeply trusted by the Emperor. If you can take this opportunity to convert His Majesty to our Lord, the Gospel will surely spread widely in China.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangqi frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then shook his head, saying, "Father, this matter should not be rushed."

Long Huamin leaned forward slightly, his tone fervent: "Why not? If we can gain the Emperor's support, our missionary work will be twice as effective!"

Xu Guangqi's gaze was calm as he said in a low voice, "That's precisely why we need to be even more cautious. Although His Majesty values ​​Western learning, the upright officials in the court regard Catholicism as a 'foreign religion.' If we rashly persuade them to convert, it will only provoke greater opposition."

Johann Adam Schall von Bell couldn't help but interject, "But if we miss this opportunity, when will we be able to truly bring the Gospel into the court?"

Xu Guangqi shook his head, his tone firm: "Many officials in the court now regard me as a 'traitor to the outside world.' If we rashly push His Majesty to convert to Christianity, it will only make the Jesuits the target of everyone's criticism. At that time, not only will our missionary work be hindered, but even our existing achievements may be destroyed."

Long Huamin frowned, still unwilling to give up: "Then at least recommend a few missionaries to serve as officials in the court, so that they can speak up for us in the court."

Xu Guangqi smiled wryly: "Father, do you know that even I, a 'Paul,' am secretly ridiculed in the Ministry of War? If a blond-haired, blue-eyed priest were to stand in the court, how could those conservative ministers tolerate it?"

He paused, his tone softening yet firm: "The work of missionary work should be like spring rain nourishing the earth, subtly influencing and transforming people. If we force things to be quick, it will only backfire."

Long Huamin remained silent for a long time before finally sighing, "Perhaps you are right, but the gospel of the Lord ultimately needs someone to spread it."

Xu Guangqi nodded: "That's precisely why we need to proceed cautiously and steadily. First, we should win the court's trust with our scholarship and technology, and then we can talk about faith when the time is right."

Long Huamin looked at him deeply, and finally nodded: "May the Lord guide your way."

Xu Guangqi smiled slightly, but secretly thought to himself: 'If I really allow the missionaries to enter the court, I'm afraid even my own position will be in jeopardy.'

His religious faith stemmed entirely from his access to advanced Western knowledge and technology, not from any particular devotion to the faith.

Like most Chinese people, he only worships gods that are useful to him; why would he worship those that are not?

Just as Xu Guangqi was still pondering, Long Huamin's voice rang out again.

"Brother Paul, there is another matter I have come to tell you."

Seeing his solemn expression, Xu Guangqi leaned forward slightly and said, "Father, please speak."

Long Huamin took out a secret letter from his sleeve and handed it over: "These are the exam questions for this year's examination. They were purchased by the Jesuit candidates. You can share the questions with all the Jesuit candidates."

Upon hearing this, Xu Guangqi's pupils suddenly contracted, and his fingers trembled slightly, but he did not immediately take it.

He said in a deep voice, “Father, this is not appropriate. The imperial examination is the foundation of the country. If the leak of the exam questions is exposed, it will have far-reaching consequences and may even endanger the foundation of the Jesuits in China.”

Long Huamin, however, remained resolute: “Precisely because the imperial examination is of paramount importance, we must seize this opportunity. If you can use this to cultivate confidants in the court, you may be able to speak to His Majesty in the future and gain royal recognition for Catholicism.”

Xu Guangqi frowned and shook his head, saying, "Father, this matter is too risky. Although His Majesty values ​​Western learning, he has always abhorred cheating in the imperial examinations. If it is discovered, not only will I be in danger, but the Jesuits will also be regarded as heretics who are disrupting the court."

If you're going to your deaths, don't drag me down with you!

I am currently enjoying great favor from the emperor, and I have no need to do such a foolish thing.

Johann Adam Schall von Bell couldn’t help but interject, “But without the support of the imperial court, our missionary work will be impossible to carry out.”

Xu Guangqi took a deep breath and said firmly, "The missionary work should be carried out in the right way. If we rely on fraud to gain trust, even if we gain power for a time, it will eventually backfire."

Long Huamin gazed at him and slowly said, "Brother Paul, have you ever considered what a great merit it would be if Catholicism could gain the Emperor's support and all the people of the Ming Dynasty could be bathed in God's grace?"

The Jesuit president was still not satisfied.

He still wanted to persuade Xu Guangqi to influence the emperor in the hope that he would convert to Catholicism.

Xu Guangqi remained silent for a moment, then finally shook his head: "Father, forgive my bluntness, but matters of faith cannot be forced. If His Majesty truly agrees with Catholic doctrine, he will accept it; if he tries to force it through power, it will only backfire."

Seeing his resolute attitude, Long Huamin sighed and said, "Very well, let's leave this matter for now."

Xu Guangqi nodded slightly, but a sense of unease crept into his heart: 'The Jesuits are ultimately too hasty.'

They will stop at nothing to spread their faith.

I feel like I should keep my distance from them.

另外
How could the exam questions have been leaked?

Xu Guangqi looked at the exam questions in Long Huamin's hand, his heart heavy.

If this is true, it is likely that another bloody storm will break out in the imperial court.

(End of this chapter)