Entry

The Yun-nan defence officials memorialized: "Both Laos and Ba-bai have written in Mian script, stating that Jiao-zhi has already withdrawn its troops to its own country. However, we are afraid that this is a rumour obtained by those spies who report on yi affairs or a forced interpretation by the translators of yi scripts, and probably has no basis. The various officials along the borders should all be instructed to be on guard." The memorial was sent to the Minister of War, which requested that the proposal be accorded with and advised: "It is very far from Ba-bai and Laos to Yun-nan. If by any chance the Jiao people have feigned withdrawal and are looking for an opportunity to advance again, these two territories will be the first to suffer attack. We should instruct the border officials to send orders to the various yi requiring them to prepare troops in defence. Also, the officials should supervise the careful preparation of defences within the country. In particular, the guards at Lin-an Prefecture should restrain our people, so that they do not cross the border and thereby give rise to border troubles. Annam's people must also be closely watched to ensure that they do not enter our borders and cause trouble or annoyance." This was approved.