Entry

The Ministry of War re-submitted the memorial detailing eight proposals on military defences by the Vice Minister of the Right Xu Wen: "...8. Concentrating on internal governance so as to put an end to hostilities. Guang-dong/Guang-xi and Yun-nan/Gui-zhou were the areas beyond the frontiers in ancient times. The man and the yi reside there and wrangling and disputes are considered normal activities. The generals and officials guarding the borders are unable to pacify or tame these people and whenever there is a small alarm, they immediately propose an expedition of elimination. It then often happens that the bandits are not taken, but the people are subject to suffering. It is requested that in future the border officials be required to proclaim majesty and make known trust, while strengthening defences in strategic locations. All should handle their own affairs and provide careful defence. If the various yi engage in rebellion or engage in feuding and killing in the regions, in Guang-dong/Guang-xi, the "eagle-strike" (雕勦) method should be employed, while in Yun-nan/Gui-zhou, the method of pacification through soothing (挾撫) should be employed. All that needs to be achieved is that the various yi should cease their wrangling and be at peace in their occupations. Only if the persons under these administrations form gangs, engage in disorder and attack and pillage cities, prisons or storehouses or kill people should a request for a military expedition be submitted. If persons who are greedy for merit and Imperial favour display military might for no cause or despatch troops without permission and cause great harm to all living things, they should be punished without pardon." The Emperor approved the proposals.