Entry

The Censor-in-Chief of the Right Zhu Ying, grand coordinator of Guang-dong/Guang-xi, and others, memorialized on matters in the country of Annam. They advised: "Qin Subprefecture has reported that there are absolutely no external alarms on the border, but Long Subprefecture and Ping-xiang County have reported that the Jiao people are marshalling troops. It is feared that they may have evil plans." They also noted: "The Jiao people who have fled into China from across the border have said that their king has annexed Laos and is levying very severely. The reports from the two areas are very different and we do not know which is true. After Annam received Imperial orders, it sent an envoy to admit guilt. However, at that time, we had already sent instructions there. If the reports are correct, then it must be the case that the envoy did not return, as he feared punishment. Further, the native officials on our borders have long been engaged in quarreling and feuding with the external yi. The reports which they have sent are contradictory and thus we know that some advice is false. We should again send orders of castigation and instruction for their king, requiring him to soothe old enmities and dispel doubts, so that he can protect his borders and rest the people." The memorial was sent to the Ministry of War which advised: "Recently, Yun-nan conducted an investigation and made a report. It also held that much of what the yi say is guileful. An Imperial letter cannot be lightly despatched. We should send despatches to the defence officials in Yun-nan and Guang-dong/Guang-xi requiring them to exercise strict supervision over their subordinates in properly preparing border defences. If the external yi should rebel, military operations in defence should be carried out as the situation requires, and persons should be sent to memorialize on the actions. The defence officials of Guang-xi should also warn the yi of Long Subprefecture and other areas to effectively guard the border and not welcome fugitives or accept bandits, as these actions will incite border troubles." The proposal was approved.