Great points. I think that the Jurchens were not just examples of Sinicisation, per se, but self-conscious sinicization, that is to say, they were not unwittingly seduced by the glory of ‘Han’ culture (as some history books might have it) but made a political calculation to appeal to new constituencies under their rules. In this way, I think your correct in bringing Kangxi into the discussion.

Second, the patronage of Buddhism by several of the dynasties and rulers during this period, as well as the general state of society at the time, played a large role in the spread and institutionalization of Buddhism at this time.

As for the relationship between the Xianbei, Jurchen, and the Choson, I’m not really informed enough to comment. Certainly they emerged from the same general area. The ‘academic annexation’ of some parts of Korean history, culture, and even territory by a few scholars in China who argue that the founders of certain Korean ruling houses were in fact “Chinese” is all a bit dodgy though.

Thanks for the great comment.