As predicted by Liu Yunke, in the first year of Xianfeng (185 1), the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Movement, which later swept over most of China, broke out in Jintian Village, Guangxi. Liu Yunke was glad that he left in time.
For more than ten years at home, Liu Yunke has been devoted to calligraphy copying and research, except occasionally boating in Wangnan Lake, Shushan Lake and Mata Lake. His calligraphy works are vigorous and powerful, which is quite beneficial to Liu Gongquan and Ou Yangxun. In addition, he used to be a border official. At that time, the title of the book spread far away, and even businessmen from North Korea and Ryukyu were not far from Wan Li. They came to see Mo Bao in person, so they were lucky enough to get it. Liu Yunke is completely different from some reserved bureaucrats. No matter who comes to ask for a book, he will answer. Today, in Fujian, Zhejiang and southwestern Shandong, their ink is still regarded as a treasure by the people and passed down from generation to generation. His representative works include The Story of Rebuilding Wenchang Pavilion at Xiaobakou in Wenshang. The inscription on the reconstruction of Wenchang Pavilion still exists today. This monument is now in the Wenshang County Museum.
In the early years of Tongzhi (1862), the emperor summoned Liu Yunke to Beijing and entrusted him with four titles. Liu Yunke refused to speak on the grounds of deafness, blindness and age. After three years of Tongzhi (1864), Liu Yunke finally arrived at his hometown in Wenshang at the age of 73.
Liu Yunke, Xu Jishe and the Real Shenguang Temple Incident in Fujian
In the thirty years of Daoguang, Lin Zexu, Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe had different views on the Shenguang Temple incident in Fujian. Historians generally regard the Shenguang Temple incident as the struggle of Fuzhou people against the British invaders entering the city, and say that this struggle failed because of the destruction of honest officials. At that time, Governor Liu Yunke of Zhejiang and Governor Xu Jishe of Fujian were considered as representatives of compromise and capitulationism. The Shenguang Temple incident made Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe lose power and influence politically, while Lin Zexu, who was ill, came back to life and became an imperial envoy to suppress the peasant uprising in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Although Lin Zexu, Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe were all advanced figures who opened their eyes to see the world in modern China, their evaluations were quite different. The former was a national hero in the anti-British struggle, while the latter was an official who surrendered and compromised. This seems to have been decided. In recent years, the author consulted relevant files and found that this conclusion is biased and inconsistent with historical facts, so it is necessary to clarify it. This paper intends to research and analyze the case-solving of Shenguang Temple with archival materials, and discuss the differences of opinions among Lin Zexu, Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe in the Shenguang Temple incident, so as to draw a more historical conclusion. ①
Before discussing the Shenguang Temple incident, we must first make clear what is the core idea of Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe's foreign negotiation activities in Fujian after the Opium War. In April of the 23rd year of Daoguang, Xu Jishe was transferred from Guangdong and Guangxi provincial judges to Fujian deployment ambassador. In May, Liu Yunke was transferred from the Governor of Zhejiang to the Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang. During his seven years as governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, Liu Yunke basically relied on the dispatch of Xu Jishe (later governor) in diplomacy. In the 26th year of Daoguang1October 20th, Liu Yunke received an imperial edict, supplemented by Xu Jishe, governor of Guangxi, and Jin Gyeong, minister of Fujian. Liu Yunke immediately made a 10% discount on "People who Need Secrets". Liu Yunke believes that Fujian's foreign affairs are "slightly less than Guangdong's, but more difficult than Jiangsu and Zhejiang". The reason is that "it is not difficult for Jiangsu and Zhejiang to exchange markets, and it is far from the provincial capital, and it is maintained by counties." Fujian and Zhejiang trade with each other, one is in Nantai, near Huiyuan, and it is the gateway to the province; One is in Xiamen, and the other is hanging overseas alone, which is the throat of Taiwan Province. "In addition," British and foreign consuls have lived in the provincial wall again, which is a bit unfinished, but it is difficult to ensure that there will be no complications. "Liu Yunke said:" I have been deeply worried since I arrived in Fujian. Fortunately, I have just been awarded the title of Governor of Xu Jishe. I am familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of Bamin, and I am also familiar with each other's feelings. When I am in trouble, I am familiar with the secret business, and I will instruct Heng Chang at Xiamen Road. Therefore, although there is a breach of contract between the British and foreigners, or foreigners are cunning in paying taxes, or China and foreigners quarrel because of language barriers, they can always find ways to reconcile and live in peace. After praising Xu Jishe, Liu Yunke expressed his dissatisfaction with Zheng Zuchen, the governor of Fujian: "Foreign prejudice is unacceptable to people who are not used to believing. Therefore, it has been half a year since Zheng Zuchen, a courtier, took office, and the British consul has never reported anything, and he will never go to the department for an interview. "So, the British" always ask the local officials about everything and bring it to the Francisco for discussion. Once they were inspired by Xu Jishe's camera, they were persuaded. The method of enlightenment is consistent with the opinions of ministers. "Liu Yunke said frankly:" Even in the westernization of Fujian Province, the Japanese affairs are heavy, and they can be upright and peaceful for several years. Nine times out of ten, the strength of Xu Jishe, I really dare not take other people's beauty for myself. "It's really hard to choose someone who wants to be like Xu Jishe. ".Liu Yunke finally wrote:" For the urgency of foreign affairs, I take the liberty to write a secret message and beg the emperor's imperial edict. I am not afraid to stand by and watch! " On December 25th, 26th year of Daoguang, Daoguang wrote Zhu Pi on Liu Yunke's secret performance: "State affairs are important, so why take the liberty!" Liu Yunke's opinion was adopted. Immediately under the imperial edict, Xu Jishe, the new governor of Guangdong and Guangxi, exchanged information with Zheng Zuchen, the governor of Fujian. (2) As mentioned above, we can see that the actual central figures of Fujian's foreign negotiation activities are Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe.
For a long time, people have always thought that Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe implemented a foreign compromise policy of "benefiting foreign countries and fierce people" when they were in power in Fujian. This conclusion is biased. A few years ago, the author discovered a secret film in Daoguang, which was played by Liu Yunke, Governor of Fujian and Zhejiang Province, in March 15, 2005. At the end of this secret film, Liu wrote: "All ministers and other officials have been preparing for Fuzhou's foreign affairs for more than a year, and they have been speculating on foreign affairs for many years. Because it is confidential, it is not convenient to tell the story inside. I want to attach a detailed film to help you learn. In addition, the affairs of ministers and other officials are not known to anyone except the San Francisco Department, because they are cunning and good at prying. After the emperor saw it, he begged to stay in China. " Regarding the film The Secret, Daoguang criticized: Everything you see and do is good, and it is important not to let foreigners feel it. And secretly told Liu Yunke: "The matter of controlling foreigners is very secret. Don't make excuses for any clues." (3) According to Liu Yunke's secret films and Daoguang Emperor's letters, we can draw the following three points: 1. The secret film said that no one knew about it except Francisco Xu Jishe, which proved that this strategy was formulated after Liu Yunke and then political envoy Xu Jishe. 2. Daoguang Emperor fully agreed with this strategy. 3. Daoguang Emperor repeatedly emphasized secrecy, indicating that this foreign policy was unknown not only to the British, but also to the ruling class in Qing Dynasty.
When China and Britain signed the treaty of nanking, Daoguang could agree to the aggressor's claim for compensation, but he didn't want Fuzhou to open a port for trade. There are two reasons. First of all, Fuzhou is the provincial capital, and the mixture of Chinese and foreigners naturally affects the political prestige of the ruling class. Maintaining the supreme "glorious image" of China's ruling class is the cornerstone of Daoguang Emperor's foreign policy. Therefore, when Yingjie said: "If you refuse, you can change to another place, and the barbarians use Tianjin as an excuse for fear of adding chaos", Daoguang Emperor immediately softened. If the British open a port in Tianjin, their political influence will naturally be much greater than that in Fuzhou. Take the lesser of the two evils. At this time, Daoguang had to agree to Fuzhou to open a port for trade. Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe believe that the British asked Fuzhou to open a port for trade in order to buy tea. If the British tea trade is cut off, "Fuzhou is like nothing, and barbarians can't open the market, and its situation will not last long." In general, it can be sacred enough to calm the sea. " Therefore, before the British arrived in Fuzhou, they said, "Tea merchants can bypass everywhere and set up checkpoints one by one, so that mainland tea sellers can get in the way first, and then they will not want to, or they will sell to eastern Guangdong and other provinces for marketing and never come back." In May of the 24th year of Daoguang, Horatia Nelson Lay, an Englishman, arrived in Fuzhou, and Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe "secretly sent military and political officials to inspect all parts of the country, without any leakage. On the one hand, he appointed a familiar member to explain to Jamie, a giant businessman inside and outside the provincial capital, that trading with foreigners in the provincial capital is not good for the local government. It is always a long-term policy to persuade all businessmen not to get the common market so as not to stay here. " (4) Because Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe secretly ordered Chinese businessmen not to trade with British businessmen, which made British businessmen in trouble, Fuzhou opened its ports for many years and actually did not carry out foreign trade.
The entry of the British into the city is an important event after the opening of Fuzhou. People think that "Liu Yunke, governor of Fujian and Zhejiang, allowed British consul Horatia Nelson Lay to set up a consulate outside the city because of the opposition of Fuzhou people." This statement is untrue. In September of the 24th year of Daoguang, when Davis, an Englishman, came to Fuzhou to inspect the wharf, he asked Horatia Nelson Lay to move to the city on the grounds of poor accommodation. Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe examined the original peace treaty, which contained the language that the consul was allowed to live in the city. The word "Yuncheng City" originally refers to the city, but the demands made by the Yi people are not a breach of contract, especially the provincial wall, which is different from the counties outside the province, and the Baita Temple referred to is densely populated, which is inconvenient to be in the wrong place with the Yi people. Therefore, the term "city within the scope of the peace treaty" is used to refer to both inside and outside the city. Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe explained to the British that when the Yi people came to trade, they should live outside the city. At the same time, they "secretly made the gentry and the people wait for years and jointly wrote a letter to protest, so that foreigners could know that public opinion was not going well, or stop it." In addition, local officials "found several spacious houses in Nantai and brought Li Taiguo to Du Xiang". The above measures are all "preparations for war" by Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe. Originally, they were supposed to be refused entry to avoid confusion between Chinese and English. 6. That is to say, in order to prevent the British consul from entering the city, and there must be justified reasons, Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe ordered the gentry and the public to petition to prevent the British consul from entering the city. This is the inside story of the so-called Fuzhou people's opposition to the British consul's entry into the city at the beginning of Fuzhou's opening.
In December of the 24th year of Daoguang, British consul Horatia Nelson Lay privately rented several rooms from the monks of Jicui Temple in the city and moved in. Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe did not refuse. Six years later, when Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe were dealing with the incident of Shenguang Temple, they revealed to Emperor Xianfeng the true feelings of British consul Horatia Nelson Lay when he moved into Jicui Temple in the city. Xu Yue said, "When Daoguang returned to the state in the 24th year, the British and foreigners sent consul Li Taihou to garrison. Horatia Nelson Lay wants to rent a house in the city. Xu Jishe, a minister, is still in Francisco's office. After close consultation and business consideration by Liu Yunke, I allowed him to live in a city. Although it has been included in the treaty, the city is an important place to mix ugly things. The urgent task is to find a way to refuse, so that Fang Zhen can be properly treated. However, if the official blockade is prohibited, foreigners will use the violation of the treaty as an excuse and must reach a secret agreement with the gentry residents and the public to block it. Then ministers will incite those dangerous words with public dissatisfaction and public anger, or dare not stop. Bao Tai of Houguan County secretly reported to the gentry and the people, and signed a letter, asking the county to take care of it. As soon as Li Taiguo entered the city, he invited many people and insisted on resisting outside the south gate, so that the ministers and others dared not use words. Although there were more than 200 co-hosts, on the day Li Taihou entered the city, no one went out to stop him. The servants in Minxian tried to dissuade them, but they almost broke up. Li Taiguo rented a house with him in Jicui Temple in Wu Shishan. " ⑦ This shows that Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe opposed the British consul's living in Jicui Temple in the city, and secretly arranged for Fuzhou gentry and people to stop it. However, at the critical moment when the British consul entered the city, none of the gentry and nobles in Fuzhou came out to stop the British consul from entering the city. This reality broke the original ideas and arrangements of Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe, and forced him to give up the plan of using the people's power to stop the British from entering the city. In the confidential document given to Daoguang in March of the 25th year of Daoguang, Liu Yunke explained three reasons why he agreed to the British consulate in Jicui Temple in Wu Shishan: 1. The Jicui Temple and the Monk Temple proposed by the British are desolate and secluded places in the city, which are not adjacent to residential buildings and have no worries of China people and foreigners. In addition, there are only two or three British consuls in the city, and they are not worried about disturbing the people. People didn't mean to stop the British from entering the city. This is not the intention of the gentry and the people to stop the petition, but the secret order of the minister and other officials. Most importantly, the British have failed to open the market in Fuzhou, which is unprofitable, and it is difficult to guarantee that they will not seek another dock in order to give five places. This reminds Daoguang Emperor. He immediately wrote on the secret film: What he saw was thoughtful. In his imperial edict, he said: "The feelings of Yi Tusi are deceptive and insatiable. We can only try our best to control them properly." The British asked to rent Jicui Temple, "they should be allowed to stay temporarily to accommodate foreigners". I totally agree with Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe. Today, when Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe allowed the British consul to rent the Jicui Temple in Wu Shishan in the city, they also agreed with the British consul that only consular personnel were allowed to live in the city, and the renting of houses by British businessmen would not take effect until they were sealed by local officials.
The above shows that, after the Opium War, Liu Yunhe did not pursue the foreign policy of "benefiting the outside world but killing the people", but pursued the foreign policy of "respecting righteousness and restraining yin". As Liu Yunke said in the secret document: "I will try my best to deal with Francisco (that is, the secret document is to clamp down so that Yi can't do whatever he wants." Outside, we still have to show goodwill and kindness, so that we will be lost, and there is no way to avoid complications by borrowing words. If you can rely on the emperor's blessing, Fuzhou will not trade. After a few years, the barbarians will flinch and leave, and the provincial capital will be an important place. Therefore, people who do not belong to our race will not be forced to do so, which will be very lucky. " Pet-name ruby that is to say, on the surface, we still abide by the treaty, and the people live in peace with foreigners, so that the British can't find an excuse to provoke border disputes, but they set up checkpoints privately to stop mainland tea vendors from coming to Fuzhou, and told the giant businessmen inside and outside the provincial capital not to trade with the British, so that the British could not trade in Fuzhou, and finally forced them to flinch and leave Fuzhou.
After understanding Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe's foreign strategic thoughts, we will further investigate their performance in the Shenguang Temple incident. In the thirty years of Daoguang, the British consul in Fuzhou, Johnson, returned to China, and the translator Jin Zhier handled the trade affairs on behalf of the consul. In June, an English missionary and a British doctor came to Fuzhou. Jin Zhier rented a room for them from a monk at Xiashenguang Temple in Wushi Mountain, and sent the lease to Houguan County for seal. Xing Lian, the magistrate of Houguan County, "recalled that last year a foreigner rented a temple house in the city to store his luggage, which was mistaken for the same thing, that is, he stamped the lease before handing it in."
As mentioned above, Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe agreed that British Consul Horatia Nelson Lay and other consular staff should live in Jicui Temple in Fuzhou, but it is still forbidden for other foreigners to live in Fuzhou. Now Hou Guan county magistrate Xing Lian has stamped the lease for half a year and admitted that it is legal for other British people to live in the city. At this time, Liu Yunke was studying outside. After learning the news, Xu Jishe took the county's Xinglian as a mistake and severely reprimanded it. Xinglian explained his mistake to the British official Jin Zhier and ordered him to move according to the contract. At this time, Jin Zhier asked for a note. According to the treaty agreed between Xu Jishe and the British, Xing Lian sent a note to Jin Zhier to let the British living in Shenguang Temple rent a house outside Fuzhou. Jin Zhier copied the note to Wen Han, the governor, for verification, and replied to Xing Lian, the county magistrate, saying that whether the British want to leave the city should be handled after Wen Han's approval. Later, the gentleman in Fuzhou wrote an official letter, handed it to Houguan County, and handed it over to Jinzhier, so that the British people in Shenguang Temple could move out immediately. Soon, Shenguang Temple became a place where local Shenguang Temple attended classes, and it was difficult for Rong Ying people to rent it. You should go to the temple together on every date, reason with the British and admit your crimes. At the same time, a post-it note appeared on the streets of Fuzhou, "One day I will sit at the top of the list of foreigners." Jin Zhier received the announcement and saw the announcement and the white note. He wrote to the governor's yamen twice, claiming that whether to recover the lease of Shenguang Temple needed the approval of the Governor of Hong Kong, England, and asked the Governor of Fujian to protect it. On the surface, Liu Yunke and Xu Jishe asked Qu Cunying to send military service to patrol near Shenguang Temple, but at the same time they noticed that Jin Zhier "has no fixed place to live and teaches foreigners." Can't bear to be forced to move, leading to exposure. However, the gentry in the province did not want to live in peace for a long time, so they had to stay in Shenguang Temple temporarily and were not allowed to rent it. Once a suitable house is found outside the city, it will be returned. On the one hand, he wrote to the book gentry, saying that "if these two foreigners are expelled at this time", Britain "will certainly use this as an excuse to disturb the port with warships. "In addition, the sheriff secretly ordered the birth of children, and slowly tried to make the British" willing to be persuaded to act on their own, which is the right thing to do. It is absolutely inappropriate to rush in, so as not to cause complications. "
Let the children think more and stop making trouble. Before long, the baby was born. Liu Yunhe adopted a two-sided approach, so that "the mystery of Yi has been solved, and a gentleman is no different". As for the mistake made by the post-official county magistrate in handling Xinglian, it was culpable of punishment. Xu Jishe "recorded the major demerits first, but still instructed him to make calm arrangements and ordered foreigners to leave voluntarily". If he is ashamed, he "has been mishandled, that is, he must strictly follow the example of participation."
After reading the news of Ng Wui Province, Liu Yunke found that he was quietly handling this matter, secretly planning, and determined to let the Yi people move out of the city, unmoved by the number of gentry who advocated forced expulsion. I think Xu Jishe's approach is very appropriate. Liu Yunke and knowing that the temple house rented by the British was very shabby, he ordered Lu Zechang to instruct Fujian and Hou counties and member Guo Xuexuan, "Whoever dares to build a temple house with barbarians will be tied up and severely punished, and their house will be torn down, telling mud carpenters and others, as well as telling the residents in the city. They still use public discussion as their word. When the newborn delivered the official report, they passed the report to the department "to restore the previous secret information for reference, and told them to vote alone, and all the newborns left happily." "And Lu Ze wrote a long note to the British official Charlie, saying that" public anger is hard to offend, and it is difficult to understand and enlighten foreigners ".