Entry

Imperial orders were sent to the Minister of War Wang Ji, chief minister in the Court of Judicial Review and concurrently supreme commander of Yun-nan military affairs, and to the Ding-xi Earl and Regional Commander Jiang Gui. The orders read: "Your memorial advising that Lu-chuan has been pacified has been received, and it can be seen that you have acted with the utmost loyalty and put forth great efforts. Your encouragement of the generals and troops has led to this great success. I am greatly pleased. As to sending back the government forces of the various military commissions and appointing chieftains to guard and defend the border areas, the arrangements are good. However, Yun-nan has seen the use of troops for repeated years and the troops and people have seen much suffering. You should pay special attention to comforting them. In all matters, make plans together with the Vice Commissioner-in-Chief Mu Ang and the three offices. In appointing officials to guard the border areas, you must select those who are good at strategy and who take good care of the troops. Have them drill the troops in defence strategies so as to prevent the remnant evil-doers from engaging in troublesome activities. As to the grain stores and state farms, make arrangements together with Ang and the Assistant Censor-in-Chief Ding Xuan. Ensure that the border stores are sufficient. When arrangements being made by Xuan for the state farms are completed and the transport of grain being arranged by the Minister Xu Xi is finished, send both these persons back to the capital. You have taken on an important commission from me. You must exert all your efforts in this and handle state matters like they were family matters. In all matters involving Yun-nan military affairs or border defence, joint deliberation on appropriate measures is required. Each matter must be handled and plans decided separately. After the plans are decided, memorialize the details. You are all then to return to the capital. You must find appropriate persons for posts and ensure that both the military and the civilians are in their place. In this way, the border areas will be at peace and long without problems. In this way, you will have carried out the important task with which I have commissioned you."