Question

Which of the following statements best reflects the Ming dynasty’s critique of Chinese government and society under the Yuan dynasty in Source 1?
A The Yuan dynasty rejected Buddhist teachings.
B The Yuan dynasty failed to embrace trade and technology.
C The Yuan dynasty had upset the Confucian social order in China.
D The Yuan dynasty allowed China to be overrun by a foreign power.

Source :
"Previously, during the final years of the Yuan dynasty, there were many ambitious men competing for power who did not treasure their sons and daughters but prized jade and silk, coveted fine horses and beautiful clothes, relished drunken singing and unrestrained pleasure, and enjoyed separating people from their parents, wives, and children. I also lived in that chaotic period. How did I avoid such snares? I was able to do so because I valued my reputation and wanted to preserve my life. . . .

For fourteen years, while the empire was still unpacified, I fought in the cities and fields, competing with numerous heroes, yet never did I take a woman or girl improperly for my own pleasure. The only exception occurred after I conquered the city of Wuchang. I was enraged at Chen Youliang’s invasion, so after I took over the city, I also took over his former concubine. Now I am suddenly suspicious of my own intentions in that case. Was it for the beauty of the woman? Or was it the manifestation of a hero’s triumph? Only the wise will be able to judge.”

Hongwu, Chinese emperor, imperial edict on civil servants, 1368

Answer 1

Answer:

C. The Yuan dynasty had upset the Confucian social order in China.

Answer 2

Answer:

A. The Yuan dynasty rejected Buddhist teachings

Explanation:

The paragraph mentions alcoholics ("men who....relished drunken singing"), people who treasure goods above their children ("ambitious men competing for power who did not treasure their sons and daughters but prized jade and silk") and men taking women improperly for their own pleasure. These all go against Buddhist teachings, and Hongwu (the emperor who wrote the passage) is criticising how the Yuan dynasty does not follow Buddhist teachings.