Entry

An envoy was sent with instructions for the Xi-ping Marquis Mu Ying. The instructions read: "Your report has recently been received and it is known that you have destroyed the Bai-yi and that Si Lun-fa has fled. You are now to move the troops and exert gradual pressure on Jing-dong. However, the yi are by nature obstinate and barbaric. If they do not accept guilt and offer to surrender, they will indeed engage in more intrusive attacks. Ding-bian is distant from the Yun-nan lake by at least 10 days by slow march. If the troops proceed there at a fast march, they will find it difficult to do battle. You should ensure security, state farms should be opened up, and firm walls should be erected so that battle can be done with them. When the Great Army is collected and ready, the advance should begin. In a victory before this, the minor commander Wu Liang was left to guard a small stockade. He was almost subject to elimination. You must be careful not to treat the yi lightly. While remaining careful and firm, you must grasp any opportunity to seize victories and destroy their lairs. You will be rewarded for this. If they want to offer tribute and request that the troops be withdrawn, you should instruct them in the Great Precepts of Right Conduct, require them to repay the funds (Alt: food) we have expended and have them present to the Court 15,000 horses and the troops who were killed in Jing-dong. They are also to be instructed to offer as tribute 500 elephants, 30,000 buffalo and 300 elephant attendants. If they listen to orders and offer tribute in the amounts specified, their request to surrender should be allowed."