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Shi Kefa's courtesy names were Xianzhi and Daolin, and he was born in Xiangfu, present-day Kaifeng, Henan province.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms Shi Kefa's courtesy names as Xianzhi and Daolin, and his birthplace as Xiangfu, in present-day Kaifeng, Henan province.
Shi Kefa's early career was significantly influenced by his mentor, Zhang Guowei.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa's mentor was Zuo Guangdou, not Zhang Guowei. Zhang Guowei recommended Shi Kefa for a promotion to *yushi* in 1637.
Shi Kefa earned his *jinshi* degree in 1638, a decade after it was essential for government service.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa earned his *jinshi* degree in 1628, not 1638.
Following his *jinshi* degree, Shi Kefa's initial government appointments included posts in Xi'an and within the Ministry of Revenue.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that after obtaining his *jinshi* degree, Shi Kefa was initially appointed as an official in Xi'an and later held positions within the Ministry of Revenue.
In 1635, Shi Kefa assisted General Lu Xiangsheng in suppressing widespread peasant revolts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that in 1635, Shi Kefa followed General Lu Xiangsheng to suppress widespread peasant revolts.
Shi Kefa was promoted to *yushi* in 1637 due to his successful management of the Caoyun system.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa was promoted to *yushi* in 1637 on the recommendation of Minister Zhang Guowei, not due to his management of the Caoyun system, which he was entrusted with in 1641.
As a *xunfu*, Shi Kefa governed regions including Anqing, Luzhou, Taiping, Chizhou, and various counties in Henan, Jiangxi, and Huguang provinces.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source lists Anqing, Luzhou, Taiping, Chizhou, and various counties in Henan, Jiangxi, and Huguang provinces as regions Shi Kefa administered as a *xunfu*.
The Caoyun system, managed by Shi Kefa in 1641, was essential for supplying the imperial capital and other regions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that the Caoyun system, which Shi Kefa managed in 1641, was the essential grain transport system vital for supplying the imperial capital and other regions.
What were Shi Kefa's courtesy names?
Answer: Xianzhi and Daolin
Explanation: The source identifies Shi Kefa's courtesy names as Xianzhi and Daolin.
In what year did Shi Kefa achieve his *jinshi* degree, a crucial qualification for government service?
Answer: 1628
Explanation: Shi Kefa achieved his *jinshi* degree in 1628, which was essential for entering government service.
Who served as Shi Kefa's mentor during his early career?
Answer: Zuo Guangdou
Explanation: The source states that Shi Kefa was mentored by Zuo Guangdou.
Which of the following was NOT a region Shi Kefa governed as a *xunfu*?
Answer: Beijing
Explanation: The source lists Anqing, Luzhou, Taiping, Chizhou, and various counties in Henan, Jiangxi, and Huguang provinces as regions Shi Kefa administered as a *xunfu*. Beijing is not listed.
What critical logistical system was Shi Kefa entrusted with managing in 1641?
Answer: The Caoyun grain transport system
Explanation: In 1641, Shi Kefa was entrusted with the management of the Caoyun system, the essential grain transport system.
In what year was Shi Kefa entrusted with the management of the Caoyun system?
Answer: 1641
Explanation: In 1641, Shi Kefa was entrusted with the management of the Caoyun system.
Which general did Shi Kefa assist in 1635 to suppress widespread peasant revolts?
Answer: Lu Xiangsheng
Explanation: In 1635, Shi Kefa followed General Lu Xiangsheng to suppress widespread peasant revolts.
The Chongzhen Emperor committed suicide after Beijing fell to Qing forces in 1644.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Chongzhen Emperor committed suicide after Beijing fell to rebel forces led by Li Zicheng, not Qing forces.
Wu Sangui's defection to the Qing dynasty and opening of Shanhai Pass enabled Qing armies to seize control of Beijing from Li Zicheng's rebel forces.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Wu Sangui's defection to the Qing dynasty and the opening of Shanhai Pass allowed Qing armies to take control of Beijing from Li Zicheng's rebels.
After the Chongzhen Emperor's death, Shi Kefa immediately facilitated the enthronement of Prince Zhu Yousong as the Hongguang Emperor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa faced difficulty in deciding on a successor, and it was primarily Ma Shiying and other officials who supported Prince Zhu Yousong's enthronement as the Hongguang Emperor.
Ma Shiying replaced Shi Kefa as the effective head of the Southern Ming government after the Hongguang Emperor's enthronement.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that following the Hongguang Emperor's ascension, Ma Shiying gained imperial favor and replaced Shi Kefa as the effective head of the Southern Ming government.
Shi Kefa's strategic policy was to first eliminate the Qing dynasty and then address internal rebel forces.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa advocated a policy of first allying with the Qing dynasty to eliminate internal rebel forces, and then subsequently driving the Qing armies back to the north.
Disunity among officials and their prioritization of personal interests significantly weakened the Southern Ming imperial court's capacity to respond to threats.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source highlights that the Southern Ming imperial court suffered from severe disunity, with officials prioritizing personal interests, which significantly weakened the dynasty's overall effectiveness.
What event directly led to the Chongzhen Emperor's suicide in 1644?
Answer: The capture of Beijing by rebel forces led by Li Zicheng.
Explanation: The source states that the capture of the Ming capital, Beijing, by rebel forces led by Li Zicheng in the third lunar month of 1644, tragically led to the Chongzhen Emperor committing suicide.
How did the Qing dynasty gain control of Beijing after its initial fall to rebel forces?
Answer: Wu Sangui defected to the Qing and opened Shanhai Pass.
Explanation: The source explains that Wu Sangui defected to the Qing dynasty and opened Shanhai Pass, allowing Qing armies to take control of Beijing from Li Zicheng's rebels.
Who ascended to the throne as the Hongguang Emperor of the Southern Ming, primarily supported by Ma Shiying?
Answer: Zhu Yousong
Explanation: The source states that Prince Zhu Yousong was supported by Fengyang's Viceroy Ma Shiying and other officials to take the throne, becoming the Hongguang Emperor.
What was Shi Kefa's proposed strategic policy for confronting both internal rebel forces and the Qing armies?
Answer: First eliminate internal rebel forces with Qing aid, then drive Qing north.
Explanation: Shi Kefa advocated a policy of first allying with the Qing dynasty to eliminate internal rebel forces, and then subsequently driving the Qing armies back to the north.
What was a significant internal problem that weakened the Southern Ming imperial court?
Answer: Disunity among officials prioritizing personal interests.
Explanation: The source indicates that the Southern Ming imperial court suffered from severe disunity, with officials prioritizing their personal interests over collective action, which significantly weakened the dynasty.
Shi Kefa died at the age of 54 in Nanjing, which was under Qing control at the time.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa died at the age of 44 in Yangzhou, not Nanjing, and Yangzhou was under Qing control at the time of his death.
Shi Kefa successfully established a robust northern border defense after being dispatched there, thanks to strong cooperation among Ming generals.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite his efforts, Shi Kefa was unable to establish a strong northern border defense due to internal conflict and a lack of cooperation among Ming generals.
In April 1645, Zuo Liangyu led an army to attack Ma Shiying and Ruan Dacheng, but was ultimately defeated by Shi Kefa.
Answer: False
Explanation: Zuo Liangyu was ultimately defeated by Huang Degong, not Shi Kefa.
After Xuyi and Sizhou fell, Shi Kefa retreated to Nanjing to continue his resistance against the Qing invaders.
Answer: False
Explanation: After Xuyi and Sizhou fell, Shi Kefa retreated to Yangzhou, not Nanjing, to continue his resistance.
The Qing forces that besieged Yangzhou in May 1645 were commanded by Prince Dorgon.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Qing forces that besieged Yangzhou in May 1645 were led by the Manchu prince Dodo, not Dorgon.
During the siege of Yangzhou, Shi Kefa received significant reinforcements from Liu Zeqing and Liu Zhaoji.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the siege, Liu Zeqing fled, and only Liu Zhaoji came to Shi Kefa's aid, indicating a lack of significant reinforcements.
Shi Kefa's reply to Qing regent Dorgon's demand for surrender was noted for its servile and overbearing tone.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa's written reply to Dorgon's demand for surrender was recognized for its dignified and resolute tone, explicitly noted as neither servile nor overbearing.
Yangzhou fell on the 24th day of the siege, after which Shi Kefa successfully committed suicide.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yangzhou fell on the 24th day of the siege, and Shi Kefa attempted suicide by slitting his throat but was unsuccessful.
Shi Dewei tearfully refused his godfather's command to kill him, demonstrating his deep distress and loyalty.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source describes Shi Dewei tearfully refusing Shi Kefa's command to kill him, unable to even look up, which demonstrated his deep distress and loyalty.
Shi Kefa was captured by Qing forces after he identified himself by shouting, 'I'm Military Inspector Shi. Quickly kill me!'
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Shi Kefa identified himself by shouting, 'I'm Military Inspector Shi. Quickly kill me!' and was subsequently captured by Qing forces.
Prince Dodo offered Shi Kefa a position to help conquer northern China after his capture.
Answer: False
Explanation: Prince Dodo offered Shi Kefa a position to help conquer Jiangnan, not northern China.
Shi Kefa's final defiant statement to Dodo expressed his willingness to serve the Qing if his city was spared.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa's final defiant statement to Dodo expressed his unwavering resolve to fall with the city and implored Dodo not to harm Yangzhou's populace, not a willingness to serve the Qing.
The Yangzhou massacre was ordered by Prince Dodo due to the heavy casualties his army sustained during the city's conquest.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Prince Dodo, infuriated by the heavy casualties his army sustained during the conquest of Yangzhou, ordered the entire city to be put to the sword.
Why was Shi Kefa unable to establish a robust defense on the northern border despite his request to be dispatched there?
Answer: Internal conflict and lack of cooperation among Ming generals.
Explanation: The source states that internal conflict and lack of cooperation among the Ming generals along the border prevented Shi Kefa from establishing a strong and unified defense.
Who ultimately defeated Zuo Liangyu's military campaign in April 1645?
Answer: Huang Degong
Explanation: Zuo Liangyu was ultimately defeated by Huang Degong, and his army subsequently surrendered.
After Xuyi and Sizhou fell to Qing forces, where did Shi Kefa relocate to continue his resistance?
Answer: Yangzhou
Explanation: After Xuyi and Sizhou fell, Shi Kefa moved back to Yangzhou to continue his determined resistance against the Qing invaders.
Who commanded the Qing forces that laid siege to Yangzhou in May 1645?
Answer: Dodo
Explanation: The city of Yangzhou was besieged by Qing forces led by the Manchu prince Dodo in the fifth lunar month of 1645.
What was the outcome of Shi Kefa's plea for reinforcements during the siege of Yangzhou?
Answer: Only Liu Zhaoji came to his aid, while Liu Zeqing fled.
Explanation: During the siege, Shi Kefa's subordinate Liu Zeqing fled, and only Liu Zhaoji came to his aid.
How was Shi Kefa's written reply to Qing regent Dorgon's demand for surrender characterized?
Answer: Dignified and resolute
Explanation: Shi Kefa's written reply, *Reply to Dorgon's letter*, was recognized for its dignified and resolute tone, neither servile nor overbearing.
What was Shi Kefa's immediate action after Yangzhou fell to Qing forces?
Answer: He attempted suicide by slitting his throat.
Explanation: After Yangzhou fell, Shi Kefa attempted suicide by slitting his throat, but was unsuccessful.
How was Shi Kefa ultimately captured by the Qing forces?
Answer: He identified himself by shouting his name and rank.
Explanation: Shi Kefa identified himself by shouting, 'I'm Military Inspector Shi. Quickly kill me!' and was subsequently captured by Qing forces.
What offer did Prince Dodo make to Shi Kefa after his capture?
Answer: To serve the Qing dynasty and help conquer Jiangnan.
Explanation: Prince Dodo attempted to persuade Shi Kefa to surrender and serve the Qing dynasty, suggesting he could help conquer Jiangnan.
What severe consequence did the city of Yangzhou face after its fall and Shi Kefa's execution?
Answer: Prince Dodo ordered the entire city to be put to the sword.
Explanation: Infuriated by heavy casualties, Prince Dodo ordered the entire city of Yangzhou to be put to the sword, an event known as the Yangzhou massacre.
Shi Kefa was primarily recognized for his contributions as a calligrapher and his service as the Minister of War in Nanjing.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates Shi Kefa is primarily remembered for his service as Minister of War in Nanjing and his defense of Yangzhou, and also notes his identity as a calligrapher.
Shi Kefa instructed his adopted godson, Shi Dewei, to bury his remains at Plum Blossom Ridge after his death.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Shi Kefa entrusted his adopted godson, Shi Dewei, with his funeral arrangements, expressing a clear wish to be buried at Plum Blossom Ridge.
Shi Kefa's full remains were located and buried at Plum Blossom Ridge a year after his death.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa's remains were never located; a year after his death, his headdress and garments were buried at Plum Blossom Ridge.
The *Tale of Plum Blossom Ridge* by Qing writer Quan Zuwang describes events related to Shi Kefa's burial and the fall of Yangzhou.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Qing writer Quan Zuwang authored the *Tale of Plum Blossom Ridge*, which describes events surrounding Shi Kefa's burial and the tragic fall of Yangzhou.
Shi Kefa is currently honored at a memorial located in present-day Nanjing.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa is honored and remembered at the Shi Kefa Memorial, which is located in present-day Yangzhou, not Nanjing.
The Southern Ming dynasty bestowed the posthumous name Zhongjing upon Shi Kefa, meaning 'loyal and peaceful.'
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the Southern Ming dynasty granted Shi Kefa the posthumous name Zhongjing, which conveyed the meaning of being loyal and peaceful.
The Qianlong Emperor granted Shi Kefa the posthumous name Zhongzheng, signifying 'loyal and upright,' nearly a century after his death.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that nearly a century after his death, the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty granted Shi Kefa the posthumous name Zhongzheng, which signified being loyal and upright.
Shi Kefa's literary works were compiled into *Lord Shi Zhongzheng's Collections* by his contemporaries.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa's literary works were collected and compiled into *Lord Shi Zhongzheng's Collections* by his descendants, not his contemporaries.
Shi Kefa's calligraphy was characterized by a preference for long compositions executed in a flourishing manner, typical of late Ming literati, often employing cursive and semi-cursive scripts.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source describes Shi Kefa's calligraphy style as typical of late Ming literati, frequently employing cursive and semi-cursive scripts, and showing a preference for long compositions executed in a flourishing manner.
For what primary role is Shi Kefa most remembered in the late Ming dynasty?
Answer: His service as the Minister of War in Nanjing and defense of Yangzhou.
Explanation: The source states that Shi Kefa is primarily remembered for his service as the Minister of War in Nanjing and for his valiant defense of Yangzhou against Qing forces.
What specific instruction did Shi Kefa give his adopted godson, Shi Dewei, concerning his funeral?
Answer: To be buried at Plum Blossom Ridge.
Explanation: Shi Kefa expressed a clear wish to be buried at Plum Blossom Ridge after his death, entrusting his adopted godson, Shi Dewei, with these arrangements.
What became of Shi Kefa's physical remains after his death?
Answer: They were never located, so his headdress and garments were buried.
Explanation: Shi Kefa's remains could not be located after his death; a year later, his adopted godson buried his headdress and garments at Plum Blossom Ridge.
Which Qing writer authored the *Tale of Plum Blossom Ridge*, chronicling events related to Shi Kefa?
Answer: Quan Zuwang
Explanation: The Qing writer Quan Zuwang authored the *Tale of Plum Blossom Ridge*, which describes events surrounding Shi Kefa's burial and the fall of Yangzhou.
Where is Shi Kefa honored and remembered in the present day?
Answer: In Yangzhou, at the Shi Kefa Memorial.
Explanation: Shi Kefa is honored and remembered today at the Shi Kefa Memorial, a shrine located in present-day Yangzhou.
What posthumous name, meaning 'loyal and peaceful,' was bestowed upon Shi Kefa by the Southern Ming dynasty?
Answer: Zhongjing
Explanation: The Southern Ming dynasty granted Shi Kefa the posthumous name Zhongjing, which conveyed the meaning of being loyal and peaceful.
What posthumous name did the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty grant Shi Kefa, signifying 'loyal and upright'?
Answer: Zhongzheng
Explanation: The Qianlong Emperor of the Qing dynasty granted Shi Kefa the posthumous name Zhongzheng, which signified being loyal and upright.
How were Shi Kefa's literary works preserved for future generations?
Answer: His descendants collected and compiled them into *Lord Shi Zhongzheng's Collections*.
Explanation: Shi Kefa's descendants collected his various writings and compiled them into *Lord Shi Zhongzheng's Collections*.
What personal qualities were said to be reflected in Shi Kefa's calligraphy?
Answer: Energy and integrity
Explanation: Shi Kefa was described as possessing great energy and integrity, qualities notably reflected in his calligraphy.
What was the posthumous name granted to Shi Kefa by the Southern Ming dynasty?
Answer: Zhongjing
Explanation: The Southern Ming dynasty granted Shi Kefa the posthumous name Zhongjing.
Shi Kefa was appointed as the Minister of War in Nanjing in the fifth lunar month of 1644.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa was appointed as the Minister of War in Nanjing in the seventh lunar month of 1643, not the fifth lunar month of 1644.
Shi Kefa served as Senior Grand Secretary under the Chongzhen Emperor.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa served as Senior Grand Secretary under the Hongguang Emperor (Zhu Yousong), not the Chongzhen Emperor.
Li Jiantai held the position of acting Senior Grand Secretary immediately before Shi Kefa.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Li Jiantai, in an acting capacity, held the position of Senior Grand Secretary immediately before Shi Kefa assumed the role.
Gao Hongtu succeeded Shi Kefa as the Senior Grand Secretary in 1644.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that Gao Hongtu succeeded Shi Kefa as the Senior Grand Secretary after his tenure in 1644.
Shi Kefa served as Minister of War in 1644 under the Hongguang Emperor.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that in 1644, Shi Kefa served as Minister of War under the monarch Zhu Yousong, the Hongguang Emperor.
Zhang Jinyan succeeded Shi Kefa as the Minister of War in 1644.
Answer: False
Explanation: Zhang Jinyan preceded Shi Kefa as Minister of War in 1644, while Ma Shiying succeeded him in that role.
Shi Kefa held the position of Minister of War for the Southern Capital under the Chongzhen Emperor from 1643 to 1644.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Shi Kefa served as Minister of War for the Southern Capital under the Chongzhen Emperor during the period of 1643–1644.
Ma Shiying preceded Shi Kefa as the Minister of War for the Southern Capital.
Answer: False
Explanation: Xiong Mingyu preceded Shi Kefa as the Minister of War for the Southern Capital, while Ma Shiying succeeded him in that role.
Shi Kefa held the acting position of Minister of Personnel for the Southern Capital under the Hongguang Emperor between 1643 and 1644.
Answer: False
Explanation: Shi Kefa held the acting position of Minister of Personnel for the Southern Capital under the Chongzhen Emperor, not the Hongguang Emperor, between 1643 and 1644.
When was Shi Kefa appointed as the Minister of War in Nanjing?
Answer: The seventh lunar month of 1643
Explanation: Shi Kefa was appointed as the Minister of War in Nanjing in the seventh lunar month of 1643.
Under which monarch did Shi Kefa serve as Senior Grand Secretary?
Answer: The Hongguang Emperor (Zhu Yousong)
Explanation: Shi Kefa served as Senior Grand Secretary under Zhu Yousong, the Hongguang Emperor of the Southern Ming dynasty.
Who held the position of acting Senior Grand Secretary immediately before Shi Kefa?
Answer: Li Jiantai
Explanation: Li Jiantai, in an acting capacity, held the position of Senior Grand Secretary immediately before Shi Kefa.
Who succeeded Shi Kefa as the Senior Grand Secretary in 1644?
Answer: Gao Hongtu
Explanation: Gao Hongtu succeeded Shi Kefa as the Senior Grand Secretary after his tenure in 1644.
Under which emperor did Shi Kefa hold the position of Minister of War for the Southern Capital?
Answer: The Chongzhen Emperor
Explanation: Shi Kefa served as Minister of War for the Southern Capital under the Chongzhen Emperor from 1643 to 1644.
Who held the position of Minister of War for the Southern Capital before Shi Kefa?
Answer: Xiong Mingyu
Explanation: Xiong Mingyu preceded Shi Kefa as the Minister of War for the Southern Capital.
What acting ministerial position did Shi Kefa hold in the Southern Capital between 1643 and 1644?
Answer: Minister of Personnel
Explanation: From 1643 to 1644, Shi Kefa held the acting position of Minister of Personnel for the Southern Capital.
Who succeeded Shi Kefa as the Minister of War in 1644?
Answer: Ma Shiying
Explanation: Ma Shiying succeeded Shi Kefa as the Minister of War in 1644.