明清时期赴华身故越南使臣研究

Research on the Vietnamese Envoys Deceased in Their Missions during the Ming and Qing Dynasties

明清时期,中越两国建立了制度化的朝贡关系。奉命北使多被越南文士引以为荣,然而朝贡出使却潜藏着种种人身风险。有的越南使臣由于积劳成疾、病剧不治、交通意外、政局动荡等原因,不幸丧亡于中国。对使华身故的越南使臣与随行人员,明清朝廷依例遣官治丧、谕祭赐赙、置地安葬或派人护送棺柩回国,越南亦按例赐祭、追赠官爵,递运其棺柩归贯安厝。这既体现了明清“体恤远人”的一贯原则,又反映出中越两国为维系朝贡体系所承受的较大负担。由此可理解中越朝贡关系政治需求的实质,以及出使一事安危相易、祸福相生、荣辱与共的多维属性。

During the Ming and Qing Dynasties,China and Vietnam established tributary relationship.Vietnamese officials usually feel honored for being selected as envoys to China.However,some Vietnamese envoys died in China due to various reasons.As a common practice,the Ming and Qing governments would send officials to handle the funeral affairs for the deceased Vietnamese envoys,offer sacrifices,and provide compensations accordingly.Some of their remains were buried in China,while most were escorted back to their hometown in Vietnam.The Vietnamese government would also rewards the deceased with respect,items,and titles.These measures reflect that both China and Vietnam made great efforts to maintain the tributary relationship.