Entry

Imperial orders were sent to the Qian-guo Duke Mu Sheng, regional commander of Yun-nan, the Grand Defender and Commissioner-in-Chief Mu Ang and others. The orders read: "Previously, I received your memorial noting that you had crossed the river and defeated the bandit forces, destroying their lair. This can be considered an achievement. You also memorialized that the Commissioner-in-Chief Fang Zheng advanced the troops along a separate route but was defeated. The reason for this was that you failed in your command responsibilities and Zheng, thirsty for achievements, acted rashly and too hastily. I am greatly saddened by this. I have been considering the matter. The bandits will indeed have increased in strength and ferocity. You should consider keeping the army at Jin-chi where they can make defence preparations. However, you are 10,000 li away from the capital and it is difficult to make decisions from afar. Now, I am ordering that the Assistant Censor-in-Chief Ding Xuan and the Embroidered-Uniform Guard commander Ni Zheng go and make plans with you. If the army is to advance this winter, it will be necessary for Yun-nan to select 50,000 troops and have them await deployment. As to other arrangements, it will be necessary to transfer a certain amount of grain and fodder sufficient for some time. You must be united in your actions. Deliberate fully on these matters and advise."