Throughout the thousand years of feudal system, each dynasty has formed its own characteristics, but the final outcome is very similar, after being overthrown by the new regime, a new dynasty is established, although it is still continuing feudal rule, but the owner has obviously been replaced.
At the time of the demise of these dynasties, there were often large numbers of loyal people who were loyal to the previous dynasties and believed that the forces that overthrew the regime were rebels, so they wanted to change the status quo through their own efforts.
However, due to the poor foundation in the early stage, it was difficult to achieve the goals of these loyal soldiers, so many martial artists would lose their lives as a result, and where would the loyal scholars of the former dynasty go? Relying solely on politics cannot subvert a dynasty.
Therefore, when the dynasty fell, it would appear useless, so after the Song Dynasty was overthrown, a large number of scholars chose to commit suicide by throwing themselves into the sea to commemorate the mingzhi, but the Ming Dynasty scholars chose to surrender to self-preservation.
First, the reasons for the formation of Dr. Song Mingshi's different choices
1. The Song Dynasty scholar chose to throw himself into the sea
As we all know, the reason why the Southern Song Dynasty was overthrown was mainly due to the influence of the Mongolian Yuan, although the fundamental reason was the internal problems of the Southern Song Dynasty, but the most direct reason was the arrival of the Mongolian Yuan. Therefore, for the Southern Song Dynasty, the Mongolian Yuan was the culprit of the destruction of the country and also a hostile regime.
Under such circumstances, for the scholars, if they were to throw themselves into the name of Meng Yuan at this time, it would be equivalent to traitors, so they would rather throw themselves into the sea than give in. In their view, to devote themselves to Mongolian Yuan is to surrender to the enemy and treason, which is not in line with their high literary popularity.
What's more, for the Southern Song Dynasty, the Southern Song Dynasty that The Mongolian Yuan defeated through battle was equivalent to the enemy who destroyed his homeland and was also a conqueror, so in this case, no one could endure it.
Not only will they not surrender to him, but they will even secretly accumulate strength and try to regain their country again against Meng Yuanyi. With such a mentality, not only will it not yield to the Mongolian Yuan, but it may even launch a counterattack at any time to express its loyalty to the Ming Dynasty.
2. The Ming Dynasty scholars and doctors chose to surrender to Qing for self-protection
Unlike the Southern Song Dynasty, although the Ming Dynasty was also overthrown by force, the power to overthrow the Ming Dynasty was not the Manchu Qing, but was defeated by the invading army, and it was the peasant uprising that was dissatisfied with the status quo of the Ming Dynasty that overthrew its regime, and for ordinary people, the Ming Dynasty should be overthrown.
The Manchu Qing dynasty only entered the Central Plains in the follow-up, and it can be said that the establishment of the Qing Dynasty was the most gentle of all feudal dynasties, occupying the highest center of power in the most gentle way. Therefore, under such circumstances, the Ming Dynasty scholars and doctors not only did not feel dissatisfied, but also aspired to become officials in the Manchu Qing Dynasty and continue to serve the country.
In the eyes of these scholars, the Ming Dynasty has become a thing of the past, and the Manchu Qing is the best imperial court that can lead ordinary people to the future, and devote themselves to the Manchu Qing in order to develop better. For the Ming dynasty scholars, the Manchus were not enemies, but an opportunity to help them prosper again.
Second, the Manchu Qing won the supreme power
1. The Manchu Banner is well chosen
For the Qing soldiers at that time, Li Zicheng, the king of Chuang, had already overthrown the Ming Dynasty, but at this time, the people of the whole country did not recognize their power, so this was a good opportunity to take advantage of the situation. So in the absence of anarchy in China, the Qing soldiers came decisively.
And under the banner of revenge for the Chongzhen Emperor, he could get more recognition and help from loyal people of the Ming Dynasty, and finally entered the city of Beijing smoothly. It can be said that the Qingbing's strategy at that time was extremely successful, otherwise it would not have been so smooth.
2, the partner is well chosen
For the Qing soldiers at that time, the total strength of the army was only a hundred thousand, and it was not easy to defeat Li Zicheng, so they joined forces with Wu Sangui to "avenge" the Chongzhen Emperor, obviously with the existence of Wu Sangui, the banner of revenge was more justified.
More importantly, in order to show the determination to reunite for Chongzhen, the Chongzhen Emperor was also buried thickly, which did achieve the effect of winning people's hearts, and naturally the remnants of the Ming Dynasty had no hostility and suspicion towards the Qing soldiers.
3. Gradually turn positive from temporary
After entering the city of Beijing, the Qing soldiers did not rush to establish a political power, but organized a provisional government with Wu Sangui and former Ming people, which seemed to become justified. At this time, the Southern Ming regime and Li Zicheng became a puppet regime because of this operation.
Not only does it not have any right to speak, but it will also become the target of the whole country at any time. It was under such circumstances that the Qing soldiers gradually changed from the initial provisional government to the Manchu Qing government and established their own political power.
Under such circumstances, the Qing army relied on the original strength, coupled with the subsequent mobilization of the strength of the whole country, gradually increased the power, from the initial invincible development to the follow-up gradually eliminated the people's army and the Southern Ming, becoming the real master.
It also made the Qing Dynasty the most gentle dynasty in history, and the means of establishing a new dynasty, although there will be wars, but it is much gentler than other dynastic changes, and at the same time there will be much less opposition.
For the scholars of the Southern Song Dynasty, if they devoted themselves to the Mongol Qing, it was equivalent to betrayal and an insult to their own personality, but for the Ming Dynasty scholars, devoting themselves to the Manchu Qing would not have any impact on their integrity.
It was only this situation that did not last long, and with the Qing Dynasty forcibly implementing the shaving order, it made ordinary people realize that the Qing Dynasty was not as kind as imagined, but just changed a way to get the world.
Reference: "Kiyoshi's Article"