Read the passage to determine the meaning of the underlined word. With now the rainy month stood close at hand, to fresh Kutaja blooms he adds his plea, and asks most courteously the cloud bring news of welfare to his loved–one—words that she, revived to hear of him, will understand. –Meghaduta, Kalidasa (translated by Colin John Holcombe) What does the word plea mean in this passage? a rainstorm
a request
a flower
a message

A request.

Explanation:

According to the dictionary, plea means "to request something in an urgent or emotional manner." We can also see in the passage that the man "asks most courteously" - the word ask implies that the man is requesting something.

the qing dynasty placed strict limits on foreign merchants' ability to trade in china.

the answer is "focused on"

lol gave an answer 1 week that's the answer for those who need it in the future xd