History Detective: Finding Clues in Classical Chinese Texts

I am conducting research on the bureaucratic system of the Ming Dynasty in China from the 14th to the 17th century. I am often asked, 'As a Chinese person, why did you come to Japan to study Chinese history?' The answer is not easy to explain succinctly, but it is all about the research methodology.
When it comes to studying history, especially Chinese history, accurately deciphering classical Chinese texts is an essential task. The painstaking process of decoding primary historical sources, understanding the meaning of each character, and physically handling and reading materials stored in archives around the world is akin to a detective in a mystery novel investigating a crime scene and collecting clues to reconstruct the truth. While this work is by no means easy, overcoming each obstacle brings me closer to uncovering the truth. I've enjoyed every moment of it. When I first came to Tohoku University's Department of East Asian History, I was taught by professors and senior researchers how to read historical documents. I instantly fell in love with this research methodology and have been immersed in it ever since.
Let's embark on historical adventures together with everyone who loves classical Chinese texts and mysteries.