"Jingtan Spring and Autumn"

Author: Wu Rui
Editor-in-Chief: Yu Jinlan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1997-08-01
Features: Excerpt: "I have heard that the harm of factionalism often begins in the grassroots among the people and gradually spreads to the court. If there are many cliques among the common folk, those who hold office will inevitably engage in forming alliances. For instance, during the late Ming Dynasty, the official path was divided into factions, with differing opinions. At that time, forming associations became fashionable, and scholars were, like the Furen Society, where each alliance often had thousands of members. They would praise each other, and the gentry and officials also wanted to make more connections and broaden their support. Between the court and the common people, everyone was planning for their own interests, leading to exclusion and retaliation, which resulted in the neglect of state affairs. Our Emperor, learning from the past, has specially instructed his ministers to cultivate their character, abide by the law, and fulfill their duties, and not to doubt or speculate, opening the door to factional disputes. Like the officials of the late Ming Dynasty, who prioritized personal gain over public interest, aligning with their own factions and attacking others. The Emperor's wise decree aims to promote public loyalty and integrity, and to block the path of collusion. Who among the high and low officials would dare not cleanse their hearts and diligently fulfill their duties, living up to the Emperor's care? I believe that the root of the problem lies in strictly prohibiting associations. If the vices of these associations are not eliminated, factional disputes cannot be resolved. I have heard that the practice of forming associations is widespread, but it is particularly severe in Suzhou and Songjiang in Jiangnan and in Hangzhou, Jiaxing, and Hu in Zhejiang. Initially, the idea was to seek fame, but in reality, it became about forming cliques. Thus, families called themselves association leaders, and individuals were known as alliance masters. They swore oaths to the gods and spirits, composed poems and essays to pursue fame, and inscribed thousands of surnames, holding endless banquets. In general, the moment they put pen to paper, they would compete and boast. If there was a disagreement over just a few words, they would turn against each other. Once they had differing opinions, their desire to align grew stronger, and the practice became fashionable, gradually becoming unsustainable. There were also unworthy individuals who feigned fame, associating with officials and controlling government offices, interfering in public affairs. This is why the scholarly conduct has declined and people's hearts have become corrupt. The Emperor's decree to prohibit associations is not unclear or severe, but I fear that officials may view it as an old routine, and scholars may be difficult to change their habits. If we do not strictly enforce it, how can we prevent the spread of such practices? Please instruct the relevant departments to reiterate and strictly implement the regulations, genuinely carrying them out to, preventing them from arbitrarily forming associations. Their correspondence must also not use the words 'association' or 'alliance.' Those who violate the rules will be punished. If the officials in charge do not enforce the regulations effectively, they will be impeached and punished together. Then, these vices can be eliminated, and the roots of factionalism will be destroyed, showing the Emperor's great intention to uphold justice." After the memorial was submitted, it indeed received the appreciation of Shunzhi. From then on, the practice of forming associations was no longer dared to be conducted openly. However, it is not easy to restrain the minds of all people under heaven. The lecture meetings initiated by Huang Zongxi and his peers were a major reaction against the early Qing Dynasty's university policies.