Entry

Li Guan, an assistant surveillance commissioner in Yun-nan, memorialized: "Initially, Mu-bang and other pacification superintendencies and Meng-gen and other prefectures were established in Yun-nan. They were intended only to restrain (覊縻) the distant peoples. Recently, Wa Dian and other Chief's Offices have been placed under the jurisdiction of the provincial administration commission and Teng-chong Subprefecture has been established. Native officials have been appointed without adequate investigation and they have been pressed for payment of gold and silver in lieu of labour. The yi people have thus been stirred up and this has resulted in them cherishing anger, feuding and killing each other. This has produced the troubles of the South-west. I believe that although gold and silver are sought after, they have no real value. Year after year, the fan ministers extort riches from their people and put what they gain in their own pockets. The Court obtains no benefit. It is requested that all previously agreed payments of gold and silver be cancelled and that they only be required to bring local products as tribute to the Court at fixed intervals. This will demonstrate the Court's grace in showing kindness to those in the distance, and will bring an end to the border troubles." The memorial was passed to the Ministry of Revenue, which advised: "The gold and silver payments are an old system dating from the Hong-wu reign (1368-98) and it is difficult to abolish them. All that is required is that the Yun-nan Provincial Administration Commission investigate those fan ministers who are extorting from their people and memorialize, so that they can be punished." This was approved.