Some Preliminary Observations on Chen Jian’s Thought Regarding Statecraft in Huangming Tongji

Abstract

This paper attempts to examine the writing style, writing purpose, and philosophy of Chen Jian 陳建’s Huangming tongji 皇明通紀 (Comprehensive Annals of the Imperial Ming, HMTJ).* The paper has two main sections. The first points out that although this book imitates the Zizhi tongjian 資治通鑑 (Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government), it differs from that book’s top-down approach to positive governance. The second section inquires into the ultimate purpose of HMTJ and into the reasons behind the order of publication of Chen’s three books. HMTJ had an extremely enlightening role in arousing the contemporary layperson’s awareness of current affairs, and this role added the basis of public opinion to further consolidate Chen’s complete statecraft thought.