Although research works on the four books of the Qing dynasty are considerably well-stocked; however, to think it through, we found that almost all research works are conducted under Chinese-language documents, which makes the studies on the four books too rigid. At the second international conference on archives of the Qing dynasty in 2005, Mr. Mark C. Elliott, a scholar at the Harvard University, U.S.A., introduced a concept of the New Qing History, which among those methodologies is a leading method using documents in other languages instead of Chinese as research materials. In which, the Manchu language is the first and the most worthy one to be brought up, because it used to be one of the two official languages in Qing dynasty. And only when Manchu language is well-understood and direct interpretation is used, will one touch the world with a new vision and acquire more profound knowledge in academic field.
Therefore, the initial motive of this paper is to understand, objectively, the different thoughts and culture exchange among races, rather than discuss the thoughts of Chinese localization that is Chinese-ethnic-centered. It is hereby to develop more diversified viewpoints and to discover problems never seen before. The thought context used on discussion is to begin with the Manchu point of view and to figure out, as the ruler of China, how and what the emperor should do to comprehend the Chinese culture? Daily scripture study was the most important communication channel at that time. Since this scheme was launched, there had been a book published in Manchu-Chinese language titled "daily lecture on the four books," then another translated copy came out in both languages from Qianlong dynasty called "the four books with translation edited by the emperor" which was later included in the book, titled "The Siku Quanshu” (imperial collection of four). By comparing with typical copies translated in Kang and Qian dynasties, we could trace the development of Manchu language and then be able to identify different time periods by expressions used in Manchu translation. Moreover, the Manchu edition of the four books was the major study and test materials for Manchu students; it gave a lot of inspiration and had great impacts on people.
First of all, the emperor Kangxi came to realize one theory that "to rule by Confucian doctrine is to rule by governance." It means that Confucian doctrine is passed on to people and followed as guidelines, so the whole nation is united and governed, which is proven evidence that China is ruled by the emperor.
Secondly, the emperor Yongzheng mentioned something from the works of Mencius that the emperor Shun is an alien race (yi) from the east and the emperor Wen is an alien race (yi) from the west, but their alien (yi) identities won't change who they are. The Manchu is also an alien race (yi) from the east. Why can't they rule China? So this is another reasonable explanation that alien races (yi di) can rule China.
Thirdly, the emperor Kangxi pointed out five virtues in Chinese culture: loyalty, filial piety, kindness, justice, and honesty, and they all came from Confucianism. The examples given to explain five virtues in the “Qing Wen Jian” (Manchu dictionary) at that time were all from Confucian analects and the works of Mencius. We can tell that the Manchu were so inspired by the four books.
There are three points should be considered when talking on the value of Manchu edition of the four books. First, it is a valuable material for research of phonetics in Qing. Second, it is a piece of evidence on promoting social morality by official, due to the rise of the textual research in Qing. Third, the five concepts from Confucianism are self-cultivation, regulating the family, governing the state, and making the kingdom peaceful and happy. And the five virtues are loyalty, filial piety, kindness, justice, and honesty. These concepts and virtues have been transmitted to the thoughts and culture of Manchu. The exploration on the four books with Manchu translation not only helps us understand thoughts, culture, and surroundings of daily life of Qing, but also be good experiences for people to follow.