This article do a textual research on the content and features of written discussions between Sin Xiyu from Chosun dynasty and the literati of Qing dynasty. Sin Xiyu went to Qing with the identity of winter solstice ambassador in October 1860. He met ...
This article do a textual research on the content and features of written discussions between Sin Xiyu from Chosun dynasty and the literati of Qing dynasty. Sin Xiyu went to Qing with the identity of winter solstice ambassador in October 1860. He met a number of the literati in Qing Dynasty and left a great number of materilas, such as Yeon Heng Rok, letters, written discussions, poetries and so on. However, there were only four written discussions with six people including Lee Wenyuan, Shen Bincheng, Xie Zeng, Chen Gongshou, Song Shuxing and Song Shuxun. The contents of written discussions between Sin Xiyu and Lee Wenyuan were mianly about the family friendship between Sin Xiyu and Lee Boheng, bemoaning for Lee Boheng and enquiries related issues of Taiping movement.
The contents of written discussions among Shen Xiyu, Shen Binchengand Xie Zeng were mainly about introduction to each other and making an appointment to catch up at Zhongheju on the 3rd of the first month of lunar year. The written discussions between Sin Xiyu and Chen gongshou were mainly about the admiration for Chen Gongshou, the return date of the emperor, contemporary issues about Taiping movement and the Nian army, and introduction of and Evaluation on famous painter Kin zhenxi and Zhao xilong who come from Chosun. The discussions between Sin Xiyu and Song Shuxing, Song Shuxun were mianly about what he saw and heard in Songjiazhuang on the way to Beijing. Song family was rich and built barriers to protect themselves from Qing’s entry. Many Chosun Dynasty ambassadors knew this story and they all visited Song. Sin XiYu mainly visited the building in songjiazhuang and inquired about their ancestors’ stories, related text materials and the issues for ritual and dressed.
From the written discussions between Sin Xiyuan and literati in Qing Dynasty we can see that Sin Xiyu actively communicated with literati in Qing Dynasty, who have communicated with Chosun Dynasty, and new friends in Qing Dynasty. Furthermore, he also actively inquired the contemporary issues in Qing Dynasty. Although the written discussions are not long, it has rich contents. The written discussion between Sin Xiyuan and liberati in Qing Dynasty is signficiant to investigate literati communication between Qing and Chosun Dynasty in 19th century, to enrich communication between Qing and Chosun Dynasty, and to explore the truth and the details for social history at that time, with evidence. Therefore, they are of great literature value in studies about literati relationship History between China and Korea.