Entry

The Censor-in-chief Wu Ding, grand coordinator of Yun-nan, submitted a memorial of impeachment against the Regional Commander and Grand Defender Mu Chang-zuo for acting improperly and ruining matters: "Recently, He Zheng, the son of Han Chu linked up with the troops of Ava-Burma and engaged in rebellion. Through a memorial sent through the ministry it was approved that those who took heads were to be promoted and rewarded beyond normal standards. Chang-zuo employed the military officials who had previously been subject to impeachment and fixed a day on which they were to advance the troops. Then, an urgent secret message was sent in which it was noted those who claimed to be "Law-abiding farmers" (耔粒良民), would avoid later regrets. The bandits then wrote on a yellow banner the four characters "Zi-li-liang-min" ("Law-abiding farmers") in response. The various commanders thereupon withdrew their troops. His crime of improper arrogation of authority can thus be seen. The grand defender must select a valiant and strategically-competent military official to take temporary charge." Ding also requested permission to leave his own post. The Emperor said: "When there are problems in the localities, the military and civil officials have to coordinate their efforts. Wu Ding is to carry out his duties as before and Mu Chang-zuo is leniently being ordered to thoroughly examine and reform himself. As to handling the offenders noted in the memorial, have the regional inspecting censor conduct a thorough investigation and memorialize on this."