明知故问

to ask a question, already knowing the answer

Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) / surname Ming / Ming (c. 2000 BC), fourth of the legendary Flame Emperors, 炎帝[Yan2 di4] descended from Shennong 神農|神农[Shen2 nong2] Farmer God

bright / opposite: dark 暗[an4] / (of meaning) clear / to understand / next / public or open / wise / generic term for a sacrifice to the gods

to be fully aware of / to know perfectly well

to know / to be aware

happening / instance / reason / cause / intentional / former / old / friend / therefore / hence / (of people) to die, dead

to ask / to inquire

to ask; to inquire