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| Wang Guowei’s Service in Nanshufang and His Political Attitudes |
| Peng Yuping |
| Department of Chinese Language and Literature, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China |
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Abstract In April 1923, after a year of mediation by Sheng Yun, Luo Zhenyu and other former officials of the late Qing dynasty, Wang Guowei and three others were summoned to serve as “Nanshufang Xingzou” (a literary attendant in the South Chamber) for the abdicated Qing Emperor Puyi. This abruptly ended Wang’s peaceful and solitary life of study and research at the Guangcang Academy in Shanghai, being forced to enter a specific political center and involved in various conflicts and struggles within the abdicated Qing court. In addition to fulfilling his duties of Nanshufang Xingzou by providing reading instructions to the emperor, he also submitted memorials under the meticulous arrangements of Luo Zhenyu, hoping to secure better living conditions for the royal family and laying the foundation for the restoration of the monarchy. However, Wang and Luo did not entirely share the same political aspirations, with Wang being more concerned with Puyi’s immediate safety and the enhancement of his cultural and political awareness, while Luo focused more on the grand goal of restoration. Consequently, disagreements gradually arose between the two regarding the contents, timing, and manner of their memorials. With the deepening rift, Wang found it so difficult to manage that he was even unwilling to submit memorials that essentially reflected Luo’s intention and finally developed a desire to escape from the Forbidden City. The unexpected “Jiazi Incident” brought an end to Wang’s service in the abdicated court and his political conflicts with Luo, which became a crucial moment for him to return to the life of academia. Perhaps influenced by his father, Wang Naiyu, Wang Guowei was concerned with politics both at home and abroad throughout his life. He paid attention to the political changes from his young age while living in his hometown Haining in Zhejiang Province, and subsequently engaged in discussions about international and domestic political trends with close friends such as Xu Jiaxing, Suzuki Torao, Luo Zhenyu, and Shen Zengzhi. Essentially a scholar, Wang Guowei observed the political landscape of China and the world, both present and future, through the lens of his academic pursuits. His clear, precise, and somewhat prophetic political commentary earned him the respect and admirations of his friends. The position in Nanshufang altered Wang’s previously marginal political identity, directly involving him in the political controversies of the abdicated court, which became an unbearable burden in his life and inevitably led to his complex and heavy state of mind. An analysis of the different psychological reactions towards this position reveals a striking contrast between Wang’s calmness and Luo’s eagerness, behind which are their different political mentalities. Exploring Wang’s behaviors and mentalities after his appointment provides insights into his political attitudes, the political ecology of the abdicated Qing court and the political tendencies of the Republic of China.
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Received: 12 March 2024
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2024, Vol. 54 
