Entry

As an expedition was being launched against the rebellious Lu-chuan bandit Si Ren-fa, officials were sent to offer sacrifices and announce the expedition to Heaven and Earth, the ancestral temple, the gods of the soil and of grain and the spirits of the mountains and rivers. It was also ordered that the Auxiliary Minister of War Wang Ji offer sacrifices to announce the expedition to the mountains and rivers within Yun-nan's territory. Imperial orders were sent to Xu Xi, vice minister of the left in the Ministry of Revenue. The orders read: "The Regional Commander and Ding-xi Earl Jiang Gui and the Minister of War and Supreme Commander of Military Affairs Wang Ji have now been ordered to proceed on expedition against the rebellious bandits in Lu-chuan. The Regional Commander and Vice Commissioner-in-Chief Mu Ang has been appointed as grand defender of the region and will also supervise the ration grain. I am especially ordering that you you go from Nan-jing, through Hu-guang, Si-chuan and Gui-zhou right to Yun-nan, and make arrangements for fodder and grain all along the route to be taken by the Imperial army, so that it is ready for use. When the army proceeds, you and the Assistant Censor-in-Chief Ding Xuan are to separately supervise the transport. I have entrusted this task to you as you are uncorrupted and able, diligent and careful. Put all your efforts into it day and night. Deliberate on the best course and make overall plans. Ensure that there are sufficient grain supplies, but do not cause trouble to the people. Respect this!"