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Imperial orders were sent to Li Qing, the Minister of War and Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, noting: "It has now been ordered that the An-yuan Marquis and regional commander Liu Sheng and others lead troops from Guang-xi, that the Qian-guo Duke and Grand Mentor Mu Sheng lead troops from Yun-nan and that, by attacking along these two routes of advance, they are to subdue and eliminate the rebellious Jiao-zhi bandits. You, Minister, have long years of experience. I am especially ordering that you assist in military matters. All matters must be handled in a coordinated way and should not be implemented until they are completely decided upon. You should pay special attention to looking after the troops and people, so as to accord with the important task with which you have been commissioned. Wait until Sheng arrives in Nan-jing and then proceed together. All those clerical and administrative personnel required to accompany the expedition can be selected from the officials of the various offices in Nan-jing. When these people have been selected, advise of their posts and names."