which of the following was an important continuity from the ming dynasty to the qing dynasty in the seventeenth century? responses the ongoing assimilation of manchu cultural traditions by the imperial elite the ongoing assimilation of manchu cultural traditions by the imperial elite maintenance of the silk roads to promote cultural exchanges with the middle east maintenance of the silk roads to promote cultural exchanges with the middle east the use of the examination system and other confucian bureaucratic practices the use of the examination system and other confucian bureaucratic practices financial support for maritime expeditions similar to those led by zheng he