Entry

Imperial orders were sent to the three offices of Yun-nan. The orders read: "Since coming to the throne, I have constantly been concerned with the well-being and security of the people and, in response to the people's difficulties, I have repeatedly shown sympathy and compassion. Yun-nan is a distant border area and many of the people under its control are yi people. Recently, as Lu-chuan had rebelled, troops were employed in an expedition against it. The transport labour required of the people caused them great trouble. When these orders arrive, payment of all the gold, silver and horses due in lieu of labour before the fourth year of the Zheng-tong reign (1439/40) is to be temporarily exempted and the recovery of government property (追官物) is to be halted. The salt-boiling prisoners are also allowed to purchase grain for salt at half the stipulated rates (納米例减半). You have all been carefully selected by the Court to look after the affairs of the region. You should manifest my wishes and respectfully act upon them. You must not be negligent in this."