1、 Introduction

This article introduces the historical background of the failed negotiations between the Roman Catholic envoy Doro and Chinese etiquette during the Kangxi Dynasty, as well as the role of the translation and publication of Manchu archival documents in recent years in promoting research on the issue of etiquette disputes. The author discovered Manchu archival documents related to the Rites Controversy at the First Historical Archives of China. These documents involve the first papal envoy to China and Chinese Christians, and are valuable research materials. The article will use these documents and Manchu testimonies of missionaries to explore in depth the situation of Christians who were arrested by Emperor Kangxi to assist the special envoy team, as well as their impact on Jesuit missionaries.

2、 Arrest Christians

In the forty fourth year of Kangxi's reign, the Roman Catholic envoy Doro arrived in Guangdong, accompanied by internal medicine and surgery doctors. I was surprised by this, Jesuit Minming. Dorote found Father Bi Tianxiang as a translation secretary in Guangzhou, who was the first person to send missionaries into Beijing. Emperor Kangxi summoned envoys three times, but the etiquette negotiations were deadlocked. After Doro left Beijing, Emperor Kangxi ordered the arrest of Bi Tianxiang and the expulsion of Yan Yue. In the 45th year of Kangxi's reign, Sichuan Governor Nengtai reported that he was ordered to arrest Bi Tianxiang, who had caused chaos in Sichuan, and investigate and handle him. At the same time, Christian assistants Wang Xia, Gu Chi, and Chen Xiu hired by the envoy after coming to China were arrested and exiled to Shengjing for their careless words and disturbing the peace. After the failure of the papal envoy's protocol negotiations in Beijing, the Catholic missionary work in China is facing a crisis. In 1708, Jesuit Francis was sent to Europe to bring relevant documents to explain Chinese rituals to the Pope, including the testimonies of three Christians after their arrest. During his southern tour, Emperor Kangxi was repulsed by Wang Xia's reckless behavior, and they assisted the envoy team during their stay in Beijing. After the failure of etiquette negotiations, Emperor Kangxi ordered the trial of Christians such as Wang Xia who confused Chinese and Western etiquette and caused riots. Zhao Chang and He Shiheng were ordered to arrest Wang Xia and Gu Chi, but Zhang Cheng strongly opposed the arrest of Christians by officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

3、 Christian Wang Xia's testimony

Detailed records were made of the interrogation testimony of Christian Wang Xia during the Kangxi Dynasty, revealing the religious conflicts and ritual disputes among European missionaries in China at that time. Wang Xia confessed his understanding of the disputes between Europeans, including the differences between Jesuits and Dominicans, as well as the controversy caused by Bishop Yan Yue's attempt to change the Chinese Christian tradition of worshipping Confucius and ancestors. He mentioned the roles of Bishop Luo Wenzao and Bishop Yan Yue, as well as the opposition of Jesuits to Yan Yue's ban. Wang Xia also discussed Emperor Kangxi's views on the etiquette of respecting Confucius and ancestors, as well as his own experience of studying European culture in Macau. In addition, Wang Xia described his interactions with Jesuits and his understanding of Bishop Yan Yue's purchase of church property. During the interrogation, the prince and others asked Wang Shan about his criticism of Chinese etiquette with foreigners and his purpose of living in the palace. Wang Xia's confession reflects the complexity of religious and cultural exchanges between China and Europe at that time, as well as the attitude and policies of the Kangxi Dynasty towards the activities of Catholic missionaries.

4、 Confessions of Christian Gu Chi and Chen Xiu

Detailed records were made of the testimonies of Christians Gu Chi and Chen Xiu. Gu Chi admitted that he believed in Christianity, but knew nothing about the reasons for Yan Yue's expulsion and the controversy among Europeans. He only had contact with Duo Luo and Bi Tianxiang for money and denied any communication with Yan Yue. Chen Xiu confessed that he knew very little about Christian scriptures and had a reverence for the emperor. He also described in detail how he was involved in the affairs of Doro and Yan Yue, including being ordered to copy Yan Yue's manuscripts. Chen Xiu emphasized his favoritism towards Jesuits and denied provoking disputes or distorting facts. He also mentioned his relationship with Jesuits and his role in the mission. In addition, the chapter also involves other figures related to the case, such as Sha Guoan and Bai Jin, as well as their conflicts with the Dorote Mission. Chen Xiu's confession revealed his role in the Jesuits, as well as his relationship with Doro and Yan Yue, while also showcasing the status and role of Christians in Chinese society at that time.

5、 The Jesuits' views on the Three Disciples

Discussed the tense relationship between Jesuits and the Roman Catholic envoy, as well as the Jesuits' views on Chinese Christians assisting the envoy's work. The Jesuits once planned to poison the envoy, but were unsuccessful. Father Zhang Cheng praised Wang Boduo as a talented person, while Min Ming criticized him for damaging the reputation of missionaries. Yan Yue reminded the priests to avoid provoking Wang Boduo. Wang Xia violated the interests of Jesuits by investigating their high interest loans. Three Christians were sent to the Ministry of Justice for punishment, Chen Xiu received a light sentence for bribing officials, and Wang Boduo was seriously injured. After interrogation, Wang Boduo was believed to have confessed to things that were detrimental to evangelism. Emperor Kangxi ordered them to be exiled to Shengjing and placed in service under the Three Banners of Shengjing. The letter reflects the doubts and concerns within the church about the Dorote envoy and the order within the church. Jesuits in Beijing were concerned that exiled Christians would continue to harass local Christians in Liaodong, but were unable to travel to Liaodong. The doctor of the special envoy group forwarded money to Chen Xiu's wife. The local people in Quzhou believe that Chen Xiu was exiled and punished for persuading the emperor to follow his teachings in Beijing. Three Christians were punished for two crimes and served as soldiers in Shengjing, becoming victims of inter church struggles. After the Doro Incident, the court adopted a compromise policy towards Western missionaries, and those who did not receive their tickets were expelled from the country.

6、 Conclusion

The Qing Dynasty inherited the system of the Ming Dynasty, protected the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, and tolerated the legacy of the previous dynasty. Western science and technology were introduced to China, and Jesuits such as Matteo Ricci and Julius Caesar made outstanding contributions. Emperor Shunzhi highly valued Western Jesuits such as John Tang and continued to work in the Imperial Observatory. Emperor Kangxi attached great importance to the cause of science, utilized Western scientific knowledge, and tacitly allowed religious dissemination. Emperor Kangxi recognized and tolerated Catholicism, and bestowed the plaque "Respectful to Heaven". The controversy over etiquette involves the conflict between ancestor worship and traditional filial piety. Jesuits respect Chinese culture, while Paris missionaries do not agree, causing controversy. The Pope sent envoys to resolve ceremonial issues, and the Catholic Church opposes Jesuit missionary activities. During the envoy's stay in Beijing, Chinese Christians assisted in investigating and gathering intelligence, which had a negative impact on the interests of Jesuits. After being arrested, Christians were exiled to Shengjing, and Jesuits were wary of framing local Christians in the garrison. Catholicism focuses on the lower classes of society, and naturalized Christians become innocent victims of religious cases. The missionary work of Jesuits faces severe difficulties and tests, and Christian oppression and persecution are even more complex.