Entry

Previously, the retired Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent and Minister of Rites Zhou Hong-mo, had memorialized on 10 matters for ensuring stability in China and settling the yi in the four directions: "....7. On expeditions to the Yun-nan border regions. Laos and other areas in Yun-nan have extremely poisonous miasmas. Those who enter are certain to die. If there is no option but to proceed on expedition against it, we must deploy the native troops of various areas, provide them with rations and promise them promotions and rewards. This is like when the Tang Court deployed Yi Mou-xun of Yun-nan on expedition against Tu-bo. That was far outside the borders and still he achieved a great victory. How much easier it will be in areas close to Yun-nan. 8. On regulating the area's outside the Yun-nan borders. South of Lin-an County in Yun-nan, there is an area of wild people (野人). They are not subordinate to Yun-nan nor to Jiao-zhi. We should properly instruct their chieftains, establish offices for them and have them recommend stockade leaders who are worthy of official posts, as prefects and such officials. The names of such persons should be memorialized for decision. They should only have to offer tribute of horses once every three years and they should be exempted from all payments in lieu of labor. Thus, internally, they will serve as a screen for Yun-nan and externally will protect against Jiao-zhi...." The Emperor ordered that the relevant offices deliberate on the proposals. At this time, Hong-mo had already died at his home.