Entry

Tao Ji-rong, a native-official prefect and others from Xuan-hua Prefecture in Jiao-zhi, came to Court to offer tribute of local products. He advised that his grandfather and father had been hereditary officials in Shui-wei County. In the fourth year of the Yong-le reign (1406/07), as Jiao-zhi had come to allegiance, he was appointed as magistrate of this county. In the fifth year (1407/08), he realized achievements in killing bandits and was thus promoted to magistrate of Gui-hua Subprefecture. In the eighteenth year (1420/21), he was promoted to vice prefect in Xuan-hua Prefecture. As he did not follow Li Li in his rebellion, he was promoted to prefect of Xuan-hua Prefecture. Li Li sent the chieftain Huang Lei to induce him to support him, but Ji-rong seized Lei and, carrying his own seal, hastened to Meng-zi County in Lin-an Prefecture, Yun-nan. From there, he sent Lei to the regional commander and was rewarded with a saddled horse and various other goods. He was then sent to lead militia troops and guide the Imperial army vanguard troops. When they arrived at Shui-wei, they did battle with the bandit general Ruan Wu and four heads were taken. He was again rewarded for his achievements. At this time, he said that his old area had fallen to the bandits and he had nowhere to return to and thus he had respectfully come to the Court with the native-official Assistant Magistrate Kong Wen-sai, the native functionary Chen Xiao-zhong and the chieftain Tao Xi. The Emperor praised them and ordered that silver, silks and clothing be conferred upon them in accordance with the precedent for Wu Xiao-xian, and that arrangements be made for them to reside at the capital. Ji-rong and the others said that they wished to live near A-mi Subprefecture in Yun-nan. This was approved. It was also ordered that the relevant offices provide them with housing and fields and regularly show concern for them so that they did feel out of place.