I. Introduction

This section introduces the interpersonal networks of Confucian Catholics during the Ming-Qing transition, emphasizing the significant roles of Wang Zheng from Jingyang, Shaanxi, and Han Lin from Jiangzhou, Shanxi, in the history of Sino-Western cultural exchange and Chinese Catholicism. As Confucian intellectuals, they engaged with Western missionaries, studied Western culture, translated Western texts, and were eventually baptized into Catholicism. While academic research on Wang Zheng and Han Lin's engagement with Western learning and Christianity has yielded considerable results, studies on the interactions between Han Lin and Wang Zheng remain insufficient.

II. The Friendship Between Wang Zheng and the Han Brothers

This section explores the friendship between Wang Zheng of Jingyang and the Han brothers—Han Lin and Han Yun—of Jiangzhou in the late Ming period. Wang Zheng underwent multiple imperial examinations before finally becoming a jinshi at the age of 52, during which he befriended Han Lin and Han Yun. The Han brothers, after passing the provincial examinations in Shanxi, also participated in the metropolitan examinations in the capital multiple times. Wang Zheng likely met Han Yun during the 1613 metropolitan examination in Beijing and later became friends with Han Lin. Both Wang Zheng and Han Yun were baptized as Catholics around 1616 in Beijing, and Han Lin's baptism likely occurred around the same time. Xu Guangqi, as the mentor of the Han brothers, played a significant role in their conversion. Wang Zheng and Han Lin may have first met during the 1619 metropolitan examination in the capital.

III. Correspondence Between Han Lin and Wang Zheng

This section examines the letters exchanged between Wang Zheng of Jingyang and Han Lin of Jiangzhou in the late Ming period. Han Lin included two letters from their correspondence in the "Gifting Strategies Chapter" of his work Shouyu Quanshu (Complete Book on Defense): "Incoming Letter from Surveillance Commissioner Wang Zheng" and "Letter to Surveillance Commissioner Wang Kuixin." Wang Zheng had served as a surveillance commissioner in Shandong, hence the title "Shandong Surveillance Commissioner." After completing the draft of Shouyu Quanshu, Han Lin sought Wang Zheng's feedback and incorporated his response into the book. In his postscript, Han Lin expressed admiration for Wang Zheng and cited a story from Zuo Zhuan to explain the origin of "gifting strategies." In the letters, Han Lin shared his views on military strategy and referenced materials from Wang Zheng's other works on military affairs. In his reply, Wang Zheng recounted his experiences and shared his thoughts on military, religious, and other topics, while also offering suggestions and additions to Han Lin's Shouyu Quanshu. Their correspondence not only reflects their friendship but also demonstrates the late Ming intellectuals' concern for national affairs and their in-depth discussions on military and cultural matters.

IV. Examination of the Han-Wang Letters

This section provides a detailed analysis of the correspondence between Wang Zheng of Jingyang and Han Lin of Jiangzhou in the late Ming period, revealing that the two letters were likely written in the ninth year of the Chongzhen era (1636). By analyzing the content of the letters, the section discusses the progress of compiling Shouyu Quanshu, noting that Han Lin mentioned in his letter that 80–90% of the book had already been printed. Upon receiving Wang Zheng's reply, Han Lin promptly incorporated their letters and other related materials into the "Gifting Strategies Chapter," suggesting that Shouyu Quanshu was published between the ninth and tenth years of the Chongzhen era. Additionally, the section explores Han Lin's concerns about the Liaodong frontier and peasant uprisings, as well as Wang Zheng's devotion to the doctrine of "revering Heaven and loving others," highlighting their exchanges and collaboration in military affairs and Catholic faith. Wang Zheng referenced several works in his letter, including Renie Lu (Record of Enduring Bitterness), Zhenfu Shizhi (True Blessings Explained), Qike (Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins), and Richao (Daily Excerpts), which reflect his struggles, understanding of Catholicism, and collaboration with missionaries. The section also briefly recounts the friendship between Wang Zheng and Han Lin, who complemented each other in military matters and jointly explored Catholic moral teachings, demonstrating their deep bond and shared intellectual pursuits.

V. Conclusion

The two letters reveal the connections and friendships among Confucian Catholics on both sides of the Yellow River in northern China during the late Ming period. Wang Zheng and Han Lin became close friends through their shared experiences in the imperial examinations, Western learning, and Christianity. The letters are crucial for determining the completion date of Han Lin's Shouyu Quanshu and revise previous understandings of the quantity of Wang Zheng's writings, supplementing Li Zhiqin's research. The letters discuss book compilation and military affairs, with Wang Zheng extending the discussion to matters of faith, emphasizing reverence for Heaven and love for others, with benevolence as the foundation. Han Lin, in Shouyu Quanshu, also pursued the ideals of "no warfare" and "the dissolution of militarism," incorporating the letters' content to elevate the theme toward the Heavenly Lord. Wang Zheng and Han Lin, devout in their Western faith, further developed the traditional Confucian philosophy of disarmament and peace.