Entry

The three offices of Yun-nan memorialized that Si Ren-fa, the pacification superintendent of Lu-chuan Pacification Superintendency, had occupied territory under Nan Dian Subprefecture and other areas, and they requested that troops be despatched to punish his crime. The Emperor said: "Since ancient times, the man and the yi have engaged in mutual feuding and killing. Just send people with instructions of pacification." Subsequently, Imperial orders were sent to the Qian-guo Duke and Regional Commander Mu Sheng, the three offices of Yun-nan and the regional inspecting censor requiring them to deliberate on the matter and despatch persons with instructions of pacification requiring Si Ren-fa to return the land and people and requiring that all look to their own affairs and guard their own borders. If he did not mend his ways, the facts were to be memorialized. Also, Imperial orders were sent to Si Ren-fa noting: "I have taken on Heaven's mandate and rule all under Heaven. I do not differentiate between those near and those far away, simply desiring that all be at peace in their lives and their occupations. Those who are able to respect the way of Heaven, demonstrate sincerity and move towards culture will indeed reap the benefits. Those who violate the Way of Heaven, go against orders and obstruct culture will indeed meet calamities. During the Hong-wu reign (1368-98), your father Si Lun-fa went to the capital and laid plaint, as he had been attacked by Dao Gan-meng and others. Our Tai-zu Gao Emperor took pity on him and especially ordered the Si-chuan and Yun-nan government troops to escort him back to Lu-chuan. He was also appointed as pacification superintendent. Dao Gan-meng and the others were captured and beheaded as a warning to the people. Your father died and it was ordered that your elder brother Si Xing-fa inherit his position, protect the land, keep the people secure and bring tribute to the Court at regular intervals. Your brother also died and it was ordered that you inherit the post. The Court has treated your father and his sons with great grace. Now, you have not tried to repay this grace and have not looked to your own affairs and acted in accordance with principles. Rather, you have dared to act violently and attacked Nan Dian, Teng-chong, Lu-jiang and other areas. You have killed and carried off people, stolen livestock and property and seized the chieftain Ban Dao-han and others and forced them, under threat, to follow you. How can such actions be seen as a way to preserve yourself and your family? The three offices of Yun-nan have memorialized requesting that troops be despatched to punish your crimes. I feared that good and upright people would be hurt in the fighting and thus did not grant their request. Now, I am especially sending a person with Imperial orders of instruction for you. If you are able to renounce your past wrongs, demonstrate sincerity, acknowledge your crimes, return all the land and people you have taken and, from now on, guard your borders and respect the Court's laws, then you and your family will be long protected. If you persist in your ways and do not repent, it will be necessary to despatch troops to eliminate you and it will not be possible to protect your parents, wife or children. At that time, it will be too late for regret! Consider this well."