Question

Read this excerpt from "Letter to George III, 1793" by Emperor Qian Long:

Answer 1

Answer:

I would say the correct answer is B. To give the English king a graceful way out of what could be an  awkward situation.

Explanation:

The emperor's letter is a perfect example of a well-balanced political message. He clearly states his political position while still paying due respect to his counterpart. Translated to modern, everyday English, this passage would mean: "Your request is unreasonable and goes against all principles and rules of my great empire; still, I will be gracious enough to assume that you meant no offence." This way, the emperor turns down a request without making an enemy.

True, the emperor refuses King George's request to intensify trade connections between the two countries. But he doesn't go so far as to warn the English king of anything. His tone remains polite throughout the letter. Therefore, A) isn't correct.

On the other hand, C) isn't correct because Qian Long presents his current political stance and the politics of his empire as definite and immutable. Therefore, there is no room for change - not now, not ever.

Finally, D) isn't correct because the emperor knows very well that an ambassador always speaks on behalf of his sovereign. Therefore, it is absolutely impossible that a political envoy would take liberty to speak on his own terms.