Entry

Imperial orders were sent to the Yun-nan Regional Commander and Commissioner-in-Chief of the Left Mu Ang, the deputy regional commander and Commissioner-in-Chief of the right Wu Liang, the assistant regional commissioner of the left and Assistant Commissioner-in-Chief Ma Xiang and the assistant regional commander of the right and Assistant Commissioner-in-Chief Zhang Rong. The orders read: "Your memorial, duly received, notes that you have led the army on expedition to eliminate the rebellious Lu-chuan bandit Si Ren-fa, that you reached the region of Long-ba, which is very near the bandit's lair, but were unable to achieve success and you returned. How is this intended to awe the bandit's hearts into submission! When these orders arrive, you Ang are to remain in Yun-nan as regional commander and grand defender. Xiang will coordinate with you and assist you with military matters. Liang is to speed to the capital to plan and discuss the border matters. Rong's mistakes are difficult to pardon under the law. However, now he is being especially pardoned and is also ordered to return to the capital. You, Ang, and the others are to give very strict warnings to the government troops guarding Jin-chi requiring that they be very careful in their defence and that if there is an emergency, they should plan their tactics as the situation demands. In this way, mishaps will be avoided. Also, supervise the Yun-nan Military Commission, Provincial Administration Commission and Provincial Surveillance Commission in transferring grain to the Jin-chi granaries in preparation for use. When considering the labour to be used, examine the situation well and ensure that the people are not excessively troubled, but that grain is sufficient. In this way, you will be according with the importance of the task with which you have been commissioned."