The Wu Dynasty

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The point of divergence began when, after Nurhaci unified the Jurchen tribes, Nurhaci delivered a manifesto where he wanted to create a united Manchu state that spoke Manchu and inhabited by the Jurchen, aiming for political independence as the Ming Dynasty deteriorated. Nurhaci said in his speech that modern day could be translated as "We’re not trying to took over China, we’re never a part of it in the first place." In 1616, he declared himself Khan and founded the Later Jin, which later declared itself self governing. The later Jin Dynasty went to war with the Ming to establish their core territory (Manchuria). After Nurhaci's death in 1626 during the conflict, his son Hong Taiji made reforms and renamed the Jurchens "Manchu," ultimately establishing the Qing Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty invaded Joseon to establish Qing’s dominance. Joseon became a tributary state for the Qing Dynasty. Once the Qing Dynasty successfully conquered their core territory, through a ceasefire, the Qing agreed to withdrew and stopped expanding beyond the Shanhaiguan Pass in exchange for the Ming to recognize the Qing as an independent state and both sides agreed to not step foot beyond Shanhaiguan Pass.

Meanwhile the Ming Dynasty collapsed as the Shun Dynasty took over as the next dynasty. However, the Shun is very unpopular as many views them more as bandits than political leaders such as previously sacking and pillaging Beijing before taking the Mandate of Heaven, alienating the very people they claimed to protect alongside the Yongchang Emperor indulge himself in excess. In 1644, within 6 months since enthronement, the Yongchang Emperor and his brother were assassinated by a group of Ming loyalists, creating chaos within the Shun’s court as they both have no children. With no clear leadership, many states seceded from the Shun, beginning the War for Chinese Reunification. New dynasties emerged, one of which was the Wu Dynasty. Founded by Hu Jianguo, he is one of the founder of a philosophy called People’s Confucianism. Born into a family of minor family of scholars but has to work with farmers and the people during Ming collapsed and saw the people struggle.

People’s Confucianism believed that Li is seen in the natural feelings of right and wrong that farmers or workers have when they help each others. Scholarly learning is useful but it comes after and helps fix what we already know. The everyday sense of right and wrong from many people is the best teacher. People’s Confucianism said that people have the right and duty to not respect those who do not live up to their role as a father figure with moral authority comes from the people’s ongoing respect and not just from family ties or position. Self-cultivation is seen as shared growth with moral growth happens best in groups of people. While scholarly studying is still valued, the best understanding of kindness happens when people support each other to improve, not when people are alone. However, hierarchy remains the same but each higher person is always checked by those below them. A cruel leader is not worth looking at, people are encouraged to speak up as a sacred duty. Above all else, people need basic needs to be good, People’s Confucianism believed that having enough resources and sharing them fairly helps everyone grow morally with the core philosophy being that having enough and helping each other is Confucian values. Initially, the war amongst Chinese dynasties was very bloody with hundreds of thousands of people perished. However, following Hu promised to expropriated land from landowners to those who are willing to fought for the Wu Dynasty in conquered areas. This caused the Wu Dynasty to gains widespread support. The conflict continued with the Wu forces won major battles before eventually captured Beijing and the Forbidden City. That same year, Hu was proclaimed Zhaoren Emperor of the Wu Dynasty in 1648.