Entry

On the basis of a memorial by the Yun-nan regional inspector, and joint proposals by the grand defender, the Grand Coordinator Wang Ning and others, the Ministry of War submitted an abridged version of the proposals. The proposals were as follows: "1. The yi ways are difficult to restrain with Han laws. Now there is a desire to return the seals and warrants to them, and to confer Court calendars upon them. If without reason we transmit orders, it will only cause concern and suspicion. Ava-Burma's seal and warrant are stored at Yong-chang, while Si Ge's seal has long been taken away. If we wait for them to come to allegiance and to request that they be provided with a seal or be allowed to inherit the ruling position, it will not be too late. 2. The three pacification commissions lie not far from Teng-yue. Rumour-mongering and deception are the constant natures of the persons in these places. We have already helped those in trouble and calmed the disaffected. There is certainly no need to promise assistance. They can be enticed with rewards. It is appropriate to just keep them on a loose rein, as this will be sufficient to let us sleep in peace. 3. When erecting buildings in the yi areas, both funds and labor are difficult to find. Thus, only Teng-chong has been treated as a strategic place, and a fort and walls have been added there. In respect of the three pacification commissions and other areas, arrangements should be made as necessary. At the appropriate time, brief instructions should be issued, urging people to come to offer allegiance. In this way, they will find pleasure in realizing achievements while externally they can block surprise attacks. 4. On accumulating grain and raising troops. We should send those offenders who have been spared death in exchange for permanent military service to serve in this region, and allow the recruiting of native persons to be drilled in the various camps. 5. The prohibition on communication with the yi should of course be strictly enforced, but violations of the prohibition should be considered in terms of their seriousness. If passes and permits are provided, they could easily give rise to troubles. There should be careful consideration [when they are issued] so as to interdict evil persons who might seek contact with the yi. Any major changes in the yi situation must be reported and must not be hidden. 6. When yi officials inherit posts, decisions must come from the interior (腹裏司分). They should continue paying taxes at the old level, but it might be considered reducing the taxes payable by the six pacification superintendencies and the three pacification commissions by half and completely exempting the poor areas without the capacity to pay. Also registers should be created in advance in order to reduce the number of investigations which have to be conducted. 7. Si Ge has been able to offer tribute and he should be urged to request headwear and a belt and permission to inherit the post. As to Han Ba of Mu-bang, he was originally subordinate to the interior. However, recently, he has become frightened and suspicious. We should carefully try to sway and instruct him and, in general, we should be particular with those within and lenient on those outside. We should govern them by not directly governing them. In dealing with special customs and yi sentiments, we should act firmly as the circumstances dictate." This was approved.