Entry

The Ministry of War re-submitted a memorial from the Yun-nan Grand Coordinator Chen Yong-bin: "Si Zheng's family has for generations resided at Man-mo and they were yi subject to us. On this basis, he acted violently and truculently against neighbouring territories and much grievance and hate was nursed against him. Yong Han and other chieftains then banded together with Ava-Burma, engaged in a revenge attack, and defeated him. Subsequently, Si Zheng fled to the inner territory through the passes and the Ava-Burma troops followed in pursuit. It was not possible to abandon or discard him and likewise not possible to protect him and resist them. The peace or otherwise of the border towns depended on our actions and thus there was no option but to remove Si Zheng, so as to soothe the anger of the people and also drive off the Ava-Burmese so as to guarantee the security of the area. We respectfully received the Court's orders to handle matters as appropriate. Although we have been unable to fully display the country's might, we seem to have reduced the danger and, on this account, it appears appropriate to consider rewards for the civil and military officials. However, the Ava-Burma rogues are still occupying the place and arrangements still need to be made. We must completely eliminate the external bandits and make suitable arrangements for the inner territory. Only then should achievements be examined and rewards issued. It is requested that the route commanders and other officials be Imperially ordered to mobilize and deploy the troops and cavalry, strengthen defences and ensure security. They must not allow even one mistake and certainly must not stir up troubles or invite calamities. Likewise they must be forbidden from inviting insults and bringing harm to Imperial majesty. Also, in all matters, as stipulated in the previously-issued Imperial orders, arrangements should be made as the situations require. There should not be any intermediate interference. When an overall situation of peace is restored, liberal rewards for the previous achievements should be arranged. If lax defence ruins things or there are tactical mistakes which lead to calamity, the regional inspecting censor should be permitted to submit specific memorials of impeachment against individuals." This was approved.