Entry

The Qian-guo Duke Mu Shao-xun advised:

"In Yun-nan there are many troubles. It is requested that in the subordinate native offices, when due heirs have long been unable to inherit the post either because the incumbents have died of illness, because they have been involved in offences which have not yet been cleared up of because their father or grandfather have bequeathed troubles, then provided that it is ascertained that they are not rebellious sons or grandsons, the provincial administration commissioner should be instructed to order the heir to carry the crimes and to provisionally issue him with headwear and a belt and supervise him in administering his area. Then the inheritance should be investigated and he should either request Imperial orders of instruction or I should be allowed to make arrangements."

The memorial was sent to the Ministry of War, which noted:

"Procedures for the inheritance of native-official posts are included in the statutes (令典). Since the Hong-zhi reign (1488-1505), it has always been the case that the grand coordinator, the regional inspector and the three offices investigate and memorialize a request. The regional commander cannot participate in this matter. Shao-xun's request cannot be lightly approved. When a native official cannot inherit his post or the investigation officials delay matters so as to avoid having to take blame, the grand coordinator and regional inspector should urgently propose arrangements."

The Emperor said:

"The reason Yun-nan is not at peace is that the native officials cannot inherit their posts. This results in the yi people not being governed and this will eventually lead to troubles and produce major calamities. Then it will be impossible to avoid the use of troops on expeditions against them. When the grand coordinator and regional inspector order the three offices to jointly investigate and memorialize their recommendation, it often occurs that they want to avoid charges against them. The investigation thus goes on and on, sometimes extending for over 10 years. Or else, they seek improper benefits. How can this manifest the Court's will to show kindness to the distant peoples! The grand defender who is concurrently regional commander is not permitted to decide these matters himself. How could this not result in unexpected decisions! In future, in the matter of inheritance, the grand defender, grand coordinator and regional inspector are to have the three offices recommend and investigate a person in accordance with the regulations. If such persons have previously committed violations, they are to be punished."

Subsequently, Shao-xun memorialized again and the Ministry of War re-submitted the memorial noting:

"When the son or grandson of a native official has the ability to pacify the native people, he should be permitted to submit a claim himself. Then, without awaiting the confirmation investigation, he should be allowed to proceed to the grand coordinator, regional inspector and the three offices, and will then submit a memorial requesting permission to inherit the post."

This was approved.