Entry

As there had been unusual weather portents, and as he had received Imperial orders, the Minister of War Li Cheng-xun submitted a proposal detailing five matters in respect of border defences: "....4. Since the An Quan rebellion, in the region of Yun-nan the military and civilians have been in distress and difficulties. Recently, it has been advised that bandits have risen in Lin-an Prefecture, and that they are extremely wild and lawless. Also, the king of the country of Annam lost the hearts of his people and thus his uncle took sole control of the country. He was thus called the "old king" (老王). Recently, he drove off the grandson, who was the due heir, and the grandson fled to Laos to seek shelter. This matter is now being investigated by the grand defender and grand coordinator, but their report has not as yet arrived. Within the country, bandits are repeatedly rising and the native officials are ripe for rebellion. Externally, the southern yi are not at peace and border troubles will likely erupt. The ancients said: `The wise observe that which has not yet taken shape.' The situation is already clear. We should have the grand defenders and grand coordinators harmonize and coordinate things here and there, make joint efforts to maintain effective administration, act sincerely and fairly and engage in soothing and capture activities concurrently. They are not to lightly have external contacts, which will induce annoyance from the petty yi....."