Entry

Imperial instructions were issued to the assembled ministers. The instructions read: "The Court's bestowal of rank and rewards is intended to reward achievements. Only the absolutely just can bring all under Heaven to submission. Recently, Annam departed from right and there was no option but to despatch generals to lead the army in carrying out Heaven's punishment. The officers and troops followed orders and, within a few months, they eliminated the evil leaders and consoled the people. The people gained rest and the land attained peace. It is thus very appropriate that rank and rewards be bestowed. On the Southern expedition, the Xin-cheng Marquis Zhang Fu proved a true regional commander, made plans in accordance with the situation, was clear-minded and able to take decisions. In leading his troops, he struggled valiantly, unconcerned with his own safety. In this way, the bandit leaders were captured alive and the rebellious were destroyed, while the loyal were swayed. Now, I am enfeoffing him as "Military Minister, Entrusted by Heaven to Pacify Troubles, Promote Loyalty and Take on Great Tasks, Lord Specially Promoted, Grand Master for Glorious Happiness, Right Pillar of the State, the Ying-guo Duke". He is to be given a grain salary of 3,000 shi and his male descendants are to inherit the title for successive generations. Headwear and clothing are to be conferred upon him and he is to be rewarded with 400 liang of silver, 1,000 ding of paper money and 40 biao-li of variegated silks. The Xi-ping Marquis Mu Sheng proved a true deputy to the regional commander, demonstrating sincerity and labouring tirelessly. His planning and coordination were commendable and he led the officers and troops in flying through dangers and realizing achievements in pacification. I am enfeoffing him as "Military Minister of Brilliant Loyalty, Assistant of Fate, Promoter of Sincerity, Undertaker of Great Tasks, Specially Promoted Master for Glorious Happiness, Right Pillar of the State and Qian-guo Duke". He is to be given a grain salary of 3,000 shi and his male descendants are to inherit the fief for successive generations. Headwear and clothing are to be conferred upon him and he is to be rewarded with 350 liang of silver, 900 ding of paper money and 38 biao-li of variegated silks. The Feng-cheng Marquis Li Bin and the Yun-yang Earl Chen Xu took on the duties of deputies. They realized achievements in assisting in the planning, but in facing the enemy, they were unable to avoid delays. The rewards for their achievements should be moderate. Each is to receive an additional salary of 500 shi of rice and be rewarded with 200 liang of silver, 200 ding of paper money and 15 biao-li of variegated silks." The relevant authorities made arrangements in accordance with the Imperial instructions.