Entry

During the Zheng-de reign (1506-21), maritime yi, by name the Fo-lang-ji, drove away Su-duan Ma-mo, the king of the country of Melaka, and occupied his territory. They then sent the envoy Jia-bi-dan Mo and others to offer tribute and request enfeoffment. Not long after, Wei-xi-ying, an envoy from the country of Melaka, also came to offer tribute and requested that the kings of the various countries be advised and instructed and that commanders and supplementary troops be sent to assist in the recovery of his country. The Ministry of Rites had already proposed that the Fo-lang-ji be refused and that their tribute envoy be sent back. At this time, Guang-dong further memorialized: "Among the ocean-going ships, there are some which claim to be from the country of Fo-lang-ji, bringing food and clothing to supply their envoys. Permission is requested to proportionately tax (抽分), in accordance with the regulations, the fan goods they have brought." The matter was referred to the Ministry of Rites which further memorialized: "Fo-lang-ji is not a tribute-bringing country. Further, it has invaded a neighbouring fief, acted barbarously and violated the laws. Now their people have brought goods to engage in trade and are falsely claiming that they have come to provide supplies. The yi sentiments are difficult to predict. They have been encamped for a long period and it is suspected that they are spying and looking for opportunities. The grand defender and grand coordinator should be Imperially ordered to quickly drive them away so that they do not enter the borders. In future, if the various overseas fan come to offer tribute, and their arrival is in accord with the stipulated tribute frequency, they are to be proportionately taxed in accordance with the regulations. If they do not carry a tally-slip or come with goods at other than the stipulated frequency, they are to be refused. As to Melaka's request for assistance, the matter should be submitted to the Ministry of War for deliberation. Subsequently, the Ministry of War proposed: "It is requested that Imperial orders of castigation be sent to the Fo-lang-ji, instructing them to return Melaka's territory. Also, Siam and the other various yi should be instructed in the righteousness of assisting those in distress and showing sympathy for their neighbours. If the officials who are engaged in maritime patrols and those engaged in defence against the Japanese pirates do not swiftly memorialize when they hear of changes in the situations of the yi, they should be arrested and prosecuted." The Emperor approved all of these proposals.