The "fourth-class system" and "nine confucianism and ten beggars" of the Yuan Dynasty were systems and phenomena about social hierarchy and identity, which are explained below:
"Four-class system": The Yuan dynasty implemented a clear social hierarchy that divided the people into four classes. The highest rank was the Mongols, the ethnic group of Yuan rulers, who enjoyed political, military, and economic privileges. The second class is the Banyi, which includes other Mongols and some foreigners, who also enjoy certain privileges and treatment. The third estate is the Han Chinese, who are the main ethnic group in China, with a lower status and limited political and economic rights than the Mongols and Banyi. The lowest class is the Southerners (indigenous people of the South), who have the lowest status and are subject to more severe discrimination and oppression.
Nine Confucianism and Ten Beggars": This expression describes the decline of Confucianism and the rise of beggars during the Yuan Dynasty. The rulers of the Yuan Dynasty had a repressive attitude towards traditional Confucianism, which was severely restricted politically, culturally, and educationally. At the same time, the emergence and development of the social organization of the beggars is related to factors such as social unrest, increased taxation, and poverty among the people. Beggars organized themselves at the bottom of society and played the role of helping the poor and inspiring social discontent.
These two systems and phenomena reflect the discrimination and oppression faced by the Han Chinese during the Yuan Dynasty, as well as the associated social upheaval. However, it should be noted that the historical evaluation should be comprehensive and objective, and the Yuan Dynasty should not simply be reduced to a dark period, and in-depth research and analysis should be carried out according to the historical background and specific circumstances.