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Wu Sangui Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Wu Sangui: A Pivotal Figure in the Ming-Qing Transition

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Wu Sangui: A Pivotal Figure in the Ming-Qing Transition Study Guide

Early Career and Ming Service (1612-1644)

Wu Sangui became a first-degree military scholar at age fifteen and gained the position of guerrilla general before age 20.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui became a first-degree military scholar at age fifteen in 1627 and gained the position of guerrilla general before age 20.

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In 1639, Wu Sangui became the full general of Ningyuan and a guardian general of Liaodong, forming an elite battalion of 1,000 soldiers.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1639, Wu Sangui became the full general of Ningyuan and a guardian general of Liaodong, forming a fearless battalion of 1,000 elite soldiers.

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During the Battle of Xingshan, Wu Sangui's forces easily defeated the Qing army due to their superior numbers.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Battle of Xingshan, Wu Sangui's forces were surrounded by the Qing army and required rescue by General Liu Zhaoji, indicating they did not easily defeat the Qing.

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Wu Sangui was recognized as the most outstanding general in the Battle of Songjin for personally killing ten enemies and defeating Qing cavalry.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui was recognized as the most outstanding general in the Battle of Songjin for personally killing ten enemies and defeating Qing cavalry.

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After the Songjin defeat, Wu Sangui was immediately executed for fleeing the battle, as ordered by the Chongzhen Emperor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite being sentenced to death for fleeing the Songjin defeat, Wu Sangui was surprisingly promoted by the Chongzhen Emperor, then demoted but retained his general position, not immediately executed.

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Wu Sangui was described by late Ming dynasty historians as a valiant and handsome general of medium height with pale skin.

Answer: True

Explanation: Late Ming dynasty historians described Wu Sangui as a valiant and handsome general of medium height, with pale skin, a straight nose, big ears, and a scar on his nose.

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At what age did Wu Sangui become a first-degree military scholar?

Answer: Fifteen.

Explanation: Wu Sangui became a first-degree military scholar at age fifteen in 1627.

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What was Wu Sangui's significant achievement in Liaodong in 1639?

Answer: He became the full general of Ningyuan and formed a fearless battalion of 1,000 elite soldiers.

Explanation: In 1639, Wu Sangui became the full general of Ningyuan and a guardian general of Liaodong, forming a fearless battalion of 1,000 elite soldiers.

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Who rescued Wu Sangui's forces when they were surrounded by Jirgalang and Duoduo at the Battle of Xingshan?

Answer: General Liu Zhaoji.

Explanation: General Liu Zhaoji came to the rescue of Wu Sangui's forces when they were surrounded by Jirgalang and Duoduo at the Battle of Xingshan.

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What was the outcome for Wu Sangui after his flight from the Battle of Songjin?

Answer: He was sentenced to death but surprisingly promoted, then demoted but retained his general position.

Explanation: After fleeing the Battle of Songjin, Wu Sangui was sentenced to death but surprisingly promoted by the Chongzhen Emperor, and later demoted three levels but retained his position as full general.

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Defection and Alliance with the Qing (1644)

Wu Sangui allowed the Manchu to enter China proper through Shanhai Pass after Li Zicheng's rebel army conquered Beijing and captured his family.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui, garrisoning Shanhai Pass, allowed the Manchu to enter China after Li Zicheng's army conquered Beijing and captured his family.

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By early 1644, Wu Sangui's 40,000-man army at Ningyuan was Beijing's last defense against the Manchu army.

Answer: True

Explanation: By early 1644, Ningyuan, where Wu Sangui was stationed with his 40,000-man army, was indeed Beijing's last defense against the Manchu army.

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Li Zicheng successfully persuaded Wu Sangui to surrender by offering him a dukedom and releasing his captured family members.

Answer: False

Explanation: Li Zicheng attempted to persuade Wu Sangui with a dukedom and by capturing his family, but Wu was enraged by these actions and rejected the offer, killing Li's envoy.

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Wu Sangui initially resisted Dorgon's condition of submitting to the Qing, but a decisive defeat by Li Zicheng forced his alliance with the Qing.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui initially resisted Dorgon's condition of submitting to the Qing, but a decisive defeat by Li Zicheng on May 21, 1644, compelled him to form an alliance with the Qing.

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After the Battle of Shanhai Pass, Li Zicheng retreated to Beijing and immediately enthroned the Shunzhi Emperor.

Answer: False

Explanation: After the Battle of Shanhai Pass, Li Zicheng retreated to Beijing, executed members of Wu's family, held a coronation ceremony for himself, and then fled, allowing the Manchus to enter Beijing and enthrone the Shunzhi Emperor.

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The primary reason for Wu Sangui's initial defection to the Qing was his desire for a larger fiefdom than the Ming dynasty offered.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Sangui's initial defection was primarily motivated by his rage over Li Zicheng's actions in Beijing and the Ming's weakened state, not a desire for a larger fiefdom.

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What crucial strategic location was Wu Sangui garrisoning in 1644 that allowed the Manchu to enter China proper?

Answer: Shanhai Pass.

Explanation: In 1644, Wu Sangui was garrisoning Shanhai Pass, a crucial strategic choke point, which he allowed the Manchu to enter through.

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What was the size of Wu Sangui's army at Ningyuan in early 1644, making it a vital military power?

Answer: 40,000 men.

Explanation: By early 1644, Wu Sangui's army at Ningyuan numbered 40,000 men, making it a vital military power.

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What action by Li Zicheng most enraged Wu Sangui and led him to reject an alliance?

Answer: Li Zicheng's capture of his family and looting of Beijing.

Explanation: Wu Sangui was enraged by Li Zicheng's capture of his family and the looting of Beijing, which led him to reject an alliance.

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What was the immediate consequence of the Battle of Shanhai Pass in May 1644 for Wu Sangui's family?

Answer: Thirty-eight members of the Wu household, including his father, were executed by Li Zicheng.

Explanation: After the Battle of Shanhai Pass, Li Zicheng retaliated by executing thirty-eight members of the Wu household, including Wu Sangui's father.

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What was the primary motivation for Wu Sangui's initial defection to the Qing, according to the text?

Answer: His rage over Li Zicheng's actions in Beijing and the Ming's weakened state.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's initial defection to the Qing was primarily motivated by his profound rage over Li Zicheng's rebel army conquering Beijing, capturing his family, and looting the capital, combined with the Ming dynasty's weakened state.

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Consolidation of Power under Qing Rule (1645-1673)

The Qing rulers rewarded Wu Sangui with the title 'Prince Who Pacifies the East' for his assistance in establishing their dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Qing rulers awarded Wu Sangui the title 'Prince Who Pacifies the West' (Pingxi Wang), not 'Prince Who Pacifies the East'.

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Wu Sangui was pleased with his posting to Jinzhou in 1645 because it was a strategically important and prosperous region.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Sangui was displeased with his posting to Jinzhou in 1645 because it was a desolate rear area that had lost its military importance, making him feel marginalized.

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The rebellions by surrendered Han generals in 1648 led the Qing to adopt a strategy of 'using Han to rule Han,' which benefited Wu Sangui.

Answer: True

Explanation: The rebellions by surrendered Han generals in 1648 led the Qing to realize the importance of these generals and adopt the strategy of 'using Han to rule Han,' which allowed Wu Sangui to thrive again.

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In 1652, Wu Sangui was closely supervised by General Li Guohan while suppressing the Daxi army, which limited his ability to enhance his military strength.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1652, Wu Sangui was initially closely supervised by General Li Guohan, but after Li's death, Wu was able to rapidly enhance his military strength, not limited by supervision.

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Wu Sangui was given command of the border area in Yunnan in 1660 because the Eight Banners soldiers found it convenient to garrison the distant region.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Sangui was given command of the border area in Yunnan in 1660 because it was *inconvenient* for the Eight Banners soldiers to garrison the distant region, not convenient.

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Wu Sangui consolidated his rule in Yunnan by exaggerating threats and spreading rumors to gain imperial court approval for his invasion of Burma.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui consolidated his rule in Yunnan by actively preparing for the elimination of the Yongli Emperor and Li Dingguo's army, exaggerating threats and spreading rumors to persuade the imperial court to approve his invasion of Burma.

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Wu Sangui's invasion of Burma in 1662 resulted in the capture and execution of the Yongli Emperor, while Li Dingguo died of illness.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui's invasion of Burma in 1662 resulted in the capture and execution of the Yongli Emperor, and Li Dingguo died of illness.

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Wu Sangui used the massive annual subsidies from the central government to build up his army in anticipation of a future conflict with the Qing dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui received massive annual subsidies from the central government, which he strategically used to build up his army in anticipation of a future conflict with the Qing dynasty.

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In 1661, Wu Sangui's green-flag army in Yunnan numbered 60,000 soldiers, making it significantly larger than other generals' armies.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1661, Wu Sangui's green-flag army in Yunnan numbered 60,000 soldiers, which was significantly larger than the armies of other generals like Shang Kexi (7,500 soldiers) and Geng Jimao (7,000 soldiers).

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What title did the Qing rulers grant Wu Sangui for his assistance in establishing their dynasty?

Answer: Prince Who Pacifies the West (Pingxi Wang).

Explanation: The Qing rulers awarded Wu Sangui the prestigious title 'Prince Who Pacifies the West' (Pingxi Wang).

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Why was Wu Sangui displeased with his reward and posting to Jinzhou in 1645?

Answer: Jinzhou was a desolate rear area that had lost its military importance.

Explanation: Wu Sangui was displeased with his posting to Jinzhou because it was a desolate rear area that had lost its military importance, making him feel marginalized.

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The rebellions of Han generals like Jiang Xiang in 1648 led the Qing rulers to realize the importance of what strategy?

Answer: 'Using Han to rule Han' (以汉制汉).

Explanation: The rebellions of Han generals in 1648 led the Qing rulers to realize the importance of the strategy 'using Han to rule Han' (以汉制汉).

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What was the primary reason Wu Sangui was given command of the border area in Yunnan in 1660?

Answer: The Eight Banners soldiers found it inconvenient to garrison the distant border area.

Explanation: Wu Sangui was given command of the border area in Yunnan in 1660 because it was inconvenient for the Eight Banners soldiers to garrison the distant region.

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How did Wu Sangui secure imperial court approval for his invasion of Burma in 1662?

Answer: He exaggerated threats and spread rumors about the remaining rebel forces.

Explanation: Wu Sangui secured imperial court approval for his invasion of Burma by exaggerating threats and spreading rumors about the remaining rebel forces.

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What was the outcome of Wu Sangui's invasion of Burma in 1662?

Answer: He captured and executed the Yongli Emperor, and Li Dingguo died of illness.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's invasion of Burma in 1662 resulted in the capture and execution of the Yongli Emperor, and Li Dingguo died of illness.

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What was the military strength of Wu Sangui's green-flag army in Yunnan in 1661?

Answer: 60,000 soldiers.

Explanation: In 1661, Wu Sangui's green-flag army in Yunnan numbered 60,000 soldiers.

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The Revolt of the Three Feudatories (1673-1678)

The 'vassal kings' system under the Qing dynasty ensured that non-Manchu generals like Wu Sangui were fully trusted and held secure positions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'vassal kings' system meant non-imperial clan vassal kings were often not trusted by emperors and typically met unfortunate ends, making Wu Sangui's position precarious, not secure.

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The Kangxi Emperor decided to dissolve the states of the Three Feudatories because they were loyal but financially unsustainable.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kangxi Emperor decided to dissolve the states of the Three Feudatories because they were a significant financial burden and a potential threat to the Qing dynasty's stability, not because they were loyal.

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The Revolt of the Three Feudatories began in 1673 when Wu Sangui killed the governor of Yunnan and declared his rebellion with the aim of restoring the Ming dynasty.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Revolt of the Three Feudatories began in 1673 when Wu Sangui killed Zhu Guozhi, the governor of Yunnan, and declared his rebellion with the aim of 'against the alien and rebuilding Ming dynasty.'

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Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, actively supported his father's rebellion and joined him in Yunnan.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, disagreed with his father's rebellion and remained in Beijing, where he was later executed, not joining his father in Yunnan.

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By April 1676, Wu Sangui and his allies controlled 11 provinces, including Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan.

Answer: True

Explanation: By April 1676, the rebel forces under Wu Sangui and his allies controlled 11 provinces, including Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan.

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Wu Sangui's critical mistake during his rebellion was marching too quickly, which overextended his supply lines.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Sangui's critical mistake during his rebellion was halting his march south of the Yangzi River for three months, not marching too quickly.

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Why was Wu Sangui's position as a 'vassal king' inherently precarious under the Qing dynasty?

Answer: Non-imperial clan vassal kings were often not trusted by emperors and met unfortunate ends.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's position as a 'vassal king' was precarious because non-imperial clan vassal kings were often not trusted by emperors and typically met unfortunate ends.

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Who were the 'Three Feudatories' that the Kangxi Emperor decided to dissolve?

Answer: Wu Sangui, Shang Kexi, and Geng Jingzhong.

Explanation: The 'Three Feudatories' were Wu Sangui in Yunnan, Shang Kexi in Guangdong, and Geng Jingzhong in Fujian.

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What was the stated aim of Wu Sangui's rebellion, declared on December 28, 1673?

Answer: To 'against the alien and rebuilding Ming dynasty.'

Explanation: Wu Sangui declared his rebellion with the stated aim of 'against the alien and rebuilding Ming dynasty.'

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What was the fate of Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, after his father's rebellion began?

Answer: He was executed by the Kangxi Emperor along with his sons.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, disagreed with his father's rebellion and remained in Beijing, where he and his sons were executed by the Kangxi Emperor.

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By April 1674, which of the following provinces had Wu Sangui's army rapidly occupied?

Answer: Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guangxi.

Explanation: By April 1674, Wu Sangui's army had rapidly occupied Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guangxi.

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What critical mistake did Wu Sangui make during his rebellion that allowed the Kangxi Emperor to assemble forces?

Answer: He halted his march south of the Yangzi River for three months due to resource shortages.

Explanation: Wu Sangui made a critical mistake by halting his march south of the Yangzi River for three months due to a shortage of troops and financial resources, which allowed the Kangxi Emperor to assemble forces.

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How many provinces were controlled by Wu Sangui and his allies by April 1676?

Answer: Eleven provinces.

Explanation: By April 1676, Wu Sangui and his allies controlled 11 provinces.

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The Great Zhou Dynasty and Its Suppression (1678-1681)

Wu Sangui declared himself Emperor of China in 1674, but his rebellion was ultimately quelled in 1681 after his grandson's suicide.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Sangui declared himself Emperor of China in 1678, not 1674, though his rebellion did begin in 1673 and was quelled in 1681 after his grandson's suicide.

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Wu Sangui declared himself emperor of the 'Great Zhou' dynasty in 1678, adopting the era name Zhaowu.

Answer: True

Explanation: In 1678, Wu Sangui declared himself emperor of the 'Great Zhou' dynasty, adopting the era name of Zhaowu.

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The initial capital of Wu Sangui's Great Zhou dynasty was Kunming, which later moved to Hengzhou.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial capital of Wu Sangui's Great Zhou dynasty was Hengzhou (Hengyang), which later moved to Kunming, not the other way around.

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After Wu Sangui's death, his son Wu Yingxiong succeeded him as emperor of the Great Zhou dynasty.

Answer: False

Explanation: After Wu Sangui's death, his grandson, Wu Shifan, succeeded him as commander of his forces, not his son Wu Yingxiong.

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Wu Shifan, Wu Sangui's grandson, reigned under the era name Zhaowu.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Shifan, Wu Sangui's grandson, reigned under the era name Honghua, while Zhaowu was the era name adopted by Wu Sangui himself.

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The Great Zhou dynasty, established by Wu Sangui, primarily used Manchu as its common language.

Answer: False

Explanation: The common language of the Great Zhou dynasty was Chinese, not Manchu.

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When did Wu Sangui declare himself the new Emperor of China and ruler of Zhou?

Answer: 1678.

Explanation: Wu Sangui declared himself the new Emperor of China and ruler of Zhou in 1678.

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What was the era name adopted by Wu Sangui when he declared himself emperor of the Great Zhou dynasty?

Answer: Zhaowu.

Explanation: When Wu Sangui declared himself emperor of the Great Zhou dynasty, he adopted the era name Zhaowu.

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Who succeeded Wu Sangui after his death in October 1678?

Answer: His grandson, Wu Shifan.

Explanation: After Wu Sangui's death in October 1678, his grandson, Wu Shifan, succeeded him.

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What was the era name for Wu Shifan's reign as emperor of the Zhou dynasty?

Answer: Honghua.

Explanation: Wu Shifan, Wu Sangui's grandson and successor, reigned under the era name Honghua.

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What was the initial capital of Wu Sangui's Great Zhou dynasty?

Answer: Hengzhou (Hengyang).

Explanation: The initial capital of Wu Sangui's Great Zhou dynasty was Hengzhou (present-day Hengyang).

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Which of the following was NOT a common religious practice within the Great Zhou dynasty?

Answer: Islam.

Explanation: The common religious practices within the Great Zhou dynasty included Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Chinese folk religion, but not Islam.

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Historical Legacy and Cultural Depictions

Wu Sangui was initially a Ming general who later allied with the Manchu to establish the Qing dynasty, and eventually rebelled against the Qing.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that Wu Sangui transitioned from a Ming general to a Qing ally, and ultimately rebelled against the Qing, declaring himself emperor of the Wu Zhou dynasty.

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In Chinese folklore, Wu Sangui is primarily remembered as a loyal Ming general who bravely resisted the Manchu invasion until his death.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chinese folklore largely regards Wu Sangui as a disreputable Han Chinese traitor, not a loyal Ming general, due to his defection to the Manchu invaders.

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The Kangxi Emperor ordered Wu Sangui's corpse to be buried with full imperial honors after the rebellion was quelled.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Kangxi Emperor ordered parts of Wu Sangui's corpse to be sent to various provinces of China as a symbolic act of punishment, not buried with imperial honors.

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Wu Sangui's concubine, Chen Yuanyuan, is sometimes compared to Helen of Troy in Chinese culture due to her perceived role in historical events.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui's concubine, Chen Yuanyuan, is often romanticized in Chinese culture and sometimes compared to Helen of Troy, suggesting her beauty played a role in significant historical events.

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Wu Sangui's courtesy name was Changbai or Changbo.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui's courtesy name was Changbai or Changbo.

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Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, was married to Princess Jianning, who was the Kangxi Emperor's sister.

Answer: False

Explanation: Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, was married to Princess Jianning, who was the Kangxi Emperor's aunt (14th daughter of Hong Taiji), not his sister.

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Wu Sangui's temple name was Taizu.

Answer: True

Explanation: Wu Sangui's temple name was Taizu.

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Which of the following best describes Wu Sangui's overall historical trajectory?

Answer: A Chinese military leader who transitioned from Ming general to Qing ally, then rebelled as an emperor.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's historical trajectory involved serving as a Ming general, allying with the Manchu to establish the Qing dynasty, and later rebelling against the Qing to declare himself emperor.

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How is Wu Sangui generally perceived in Chinese folklore?

Answer: As a disreputable Han Chinese traitor.

Explanation: In Chinese folklore, Wu Sangui is largely regarded as a disreputable Han Chinese traitor due to his defection to the Manchu invaders and other actions.

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What was the Kangxi Emperor's symbolic act of punishment regarding Wu Sangui's remains?

Answer: He ordered parts of Wu Sangui's corpse to be sent to various provinces of China.

Explanation: The Kangxi Emperor ordered parts of Wu Sangui's corpse to be sent to various provinces of China as a symbolic act of punishment.

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In what popular wuxia novel do Wu Sangui and his son, Wu Yingxiong, appear as antagonists?

Answer: The Deer and the Cauldron.

Explanation: Wu Sangui and his son, Wu Yingxiong, appear as antagonists in the popular wuxia novel 'The Deer and the Cauldron' by Jin Yong.

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What was Wu Sangui's courtesy name?

Answer: Changbai or Changbo.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's courtesy name was Changbai or Changbo.

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What was the temple name associated with Wu Sangui after he declared himself emperor?

Answer: Taizu.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's temple name was Taizu.

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What was the relationship between Wu Yingxiong and Princess Jianning?

Answer: They were married, making her the Kangxi Emperor's aunt.

Explanation: Wu Yingxiong, Wu Sangui's son, was married to Princess Jianning, who was the Kangxi Emperor's aunt.

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Which of Wu Sangui's family members was romanticized and sometimes compared to Helen of Troy in Chinese culture?

Answer: His concubine, Chen Yuanyuan.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's concubine, Chen Yuanyuan, is often romanticized in Chinese culture and sometimes compared to Helen of Troy.

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What was the posthumous name given to Wu Sangui?

Answer: Emperor Kaitian Dadao Tongren Jiyun Tongwen Shenwu Gao.

Explanation: Wu Sangui's posthumous name was Emperor Kaitian Dadao Tongren Jiyun Tongwen Shenwu Gao.

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In the CTS drama 'Princess Huai Yu' (2000), how is Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, primarily portrayed?

Answer: As the best friend of the Kangxi Emperor and a love interest of Princess Jianning.

Explanation: In the CTS drama 'Princess Huai Yu' (2000), Wu Sangui's son, Wu Yingxiong, is prominently featured as the best friend of the Kangxi Emperor and a love interest of Princess Jianning.

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