Speaker: Chang Xu, Assistant Professor, Department of Transnational Asian Studies, Rice University
Description: Against the backdrop of the 1785 Qing–Russian trade embargo, reports of rhubarb smuggling in southern Xinjiang in 1788 prompted the Qianlong Emperor to impose a swift, empire-wide ban on rhubarb exports. Regarded by the Qing as an essential good in high demand in Russia, rhubarb became a tool of diplomatic leverage, with control over its circulation used to press Russia into meeting Qing’s demands. Yet as a vital medicinal substance, the complete ban soon clashed with local welfare needs, forcing the court to navigate between diplomatic goals and people’s livelihood. This text-reading focuses on edicts and memorials documenting Qianlong’s changing assessments of rhubarb’s medical necessity in Taiwan, Ryukyu, Manchuria, and Xinjiang, tracing how the state’s view of rhubarb evolved in step with shifting imperial priorities. We will also examine how the Qing wove diverse borderland realities into a coherent foreign policy, while applying regionally differentiated regulations to manage rhubarb circulation.

To join virtually: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/95438676960?pwd=328BU5VeyWZh3D2Z7fD8G9zYqUc48…

About Cornell Classical Chinese Colloquium
The group meets monthly during the semester to explore a variety of classical Chinese texts and styles. Other premodern texts linked to classical Chinese in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese have also been explored. Presentations include works from the earliest times to the 20th century. Workshop sessions are led by local, national, and international scholars. Participants with any level of classical Chinese experience are welcome to attend.
o At each session, a presenter guides the group in a reading of a classical Chinese text. Attendees discuss historical, literary, linguistic, and other aspects of the text, working together to resolve difficulties in comprehension and translation.
o No preparation is required; all texts will be distributed at the meeting.
o Refreshments will be served.