Entry

The Ministry of War deliberated on and re-submitted a memorial from the Yun-nan Grand Coordinator and Regional Inspector Sun Shi-you and others, noting: "In respect of the transmission and inheritance of native-official posts, it is noted that the predecessors of the holders of these posts realized achievements and that the state reins in (羈縻) the border regions by using yi to govern yi. Thus, the system cannot be abolished. In recent years however, the verification examinations (保勘) and inheritance procedures have not been completed in a timely way. Externally, this is a result of the difficulties they have in coming to Court, while internally it is a result of the feuding between various clans. As a result, there is no precedence in rank among the various members of the native-official ruling families and, if there is an alarm, and we have to mobilize their forces, their troops will not necessarily obey the orders given. It is requested that, in accordance with the precedent dating from the Hong-zhi reign (1488-1506), relating to the inheritance of a ruling post by a member of the native-official ruling family, the grain payment due be converted to silver, and that it be considered increasing the amount due, with five qian of silver being due in place of each shi of grain. For example, a pacification superintendent of the lower third grade would originally have paid 800 shi of grain. Now this should be raised by 200 shi. The due silver will thus be 500 liang. Those lower than this rank would have originally paid 500 shi. The amount due from them should be 300 liang. From prefect down, including the proof-readers, clerks, postal relay station masters and salt tax office deputies, all should be subject to graded increases. This should be paid to the provincial administration commission, which will re-submit their memorials requesting permission to inherit the post. They can then be exempted from coming to the capital. The provincial administration commission will yearly pay the silver to the ministry, which will transmit it to the Court of the Imperial Stud, where it will be retained to purchase horses. Those native-official due heirs who are very poor should be allowed a little reduction in these amounts. Those who are rich and can travel to the capital should follow the old regulations. For those whose predecessors committed crimes, and who have requested permission for their successor to inherit the post, we should observe the previously-noted increased rates. This system should be maintained until the 40th year." This was approved by Imperial command.