Entry

Envoys were sent carrying proclamations with which to instruct the countries of Yun-nan, Ba-fan, the Western Regions, Xi-yang, Suo-li (Alt: Xi-yang Suo-li), Java and Wei-wu-er. The proclamation read: "From ancient times, those who have been lords of all under Heaven have looked on that which is covered by Heaven, that which is contained by the Earth and that on which the sun and moon shine, and regardless of whether the place was near or far, or what manner of people they are, there was no place for which they did not wish a peaceful land and a prosperous existence. It is natural that when China is governed peacefully, foreign countries would come and submit (來附). In recent times, the Yuan lord Tuo-huan Tie-mu-er, dissipated and dulled, did not pay attention to the people. Powerful local leaders occupied territory on the four sides and of every ten prefectures and counties, eight or nine were in their hands. I felt sorry for the people who were suffering such misery and thus raised a righteous army and eliminated the disorder. The soldiers and people of all under Heaven honoured me and I became Emperor, took on the dynastic title of Great Ming and adopted the reign title of Hong-wu. The year before last, we conquered the Yuan capital and the four sides were successively pacified. The countries of Annam, Champa and Korea have all come to Court and offered tribute. This year I sent a general to patrol the Northern borders. It was only then that I found out that the Yuan lord had died. We protected his grandson Mai-di-li-ba-la, and enfeoffed him as the Chong-li Marquis. In imitation of the way in which the former Emperors ruled all under Heaven, I only wish that the people of China and abroad are all happy in their places. However, I am anxious that, as you are secluded in your distant places, you have not yet heard of my will. Thus, I am sending envoys to go and instruct you, so that you will all know of this."