A study of Cheng Minzheng's Song yi min lu = Cheng Minzheng "Song Yimin lu" yan jiu

Abstract

Cheng Minzheng程敏政(1446－1499), widely regarded as one of the most prolific scholars in Ming dynasty, had accomplished hundreds of volume in history, philosophy and literature. His works had long shined new light on different spheres of academic research during the past centuries.

Song Yi Min Lu《宋遺民錄》, a book compiled by Cheng Minzheng in the reign of Emperor Xianzong憲宗(1447－1487, r.1464—1487), has been respected as the pioneer to name a work as “Yi Min Lu” in Chinese History. It has long been regarded as a monograph of “Song Yi Min宋遺民” (loyalists of the Song Dynasty) that provided valuable information for those aimed at re-writing or re-illustrating the history of the Song Dynasty. Actions taken by these “Yi Min” against the invaded Mongolian troops, and even Mongolian rule after the fall of the Dynasty were highly appreciated.

This thesis will take a detail research on the life and works of Cheng Minzheng. It will be followed by an in-depth study on the book Song Yi Min Lu. The background and process of its compilation will be examined and the“Yi Min” named in the book will be investigated. The patterns of historical development in the transitional period of the Song and Yuan Dynasties, as well as that of the reigns of the Emperor Yingzong英宗(1421－1464, r. 1435－1449, 1457－1464)and Emperor Jingdi景帝(1428－1457, r. 1449－1457)will all be studied in detail. Readerwillfind thatSong Yi Min Luwas compiled by Cheng Minzheng as a mirror to reflect his views on the unjust execution of Yu Qian于謙(1398－1457),a scholar-official who led the campaign against the invaded Mongolian troops in 1449 and sentenced to death by Emperor Yingzong in 1457. This showed that he actually respected those existing supporters of Emperor Jingdi after the restoration of Emperor Yingzong as another type of “Yi Min”.