Entry

The Regional Commander and Dong-xi Marquis Jiang Gui took leave of the Court. It was ordered that he take on the seal of "General for Pacifying the Man". Imperial orders were also conferred upon him. They read: "As the rebellious Lu-chuan bandit Si Ren-fa has scurried away and is in hiding in Ava-Burma and his son Si Ji-fa has again occupied Lu-chuan and is engaged in aggression and disturbance, I am especially ordering that you again lead the army on an expedition to eliminate them. These bandits must be completely destroyed so as to bring peace to the border areas. All matters will be handled as they were on the first expedition. In respect of those things which need to be done, but have not yet been arranged, you should consult with Wang Ji and the others and make appropriate arrangements. You must not be dilatory or careless." Further Imperial orders were sent, reading: "Ava-Burma has held Si Ren-fa for a long time. If they continue to hold him and refuse to send him to the capital, order the yi troops of Mu-bang and such areas to attack them. The land of Ava-Burma will be given to those who realize achievements. Si Ji-fa has occupied Meng-yang. If the Meng-yang chieftains can capture him and present him to the Court, they will be greatly promoted and richly rewarded and the son or grandson of the former pacification superintendent will inherit the post and govern the tribes-people (部署). If they firmly refuse to accord and insist on being bandit followers, immediately despatch yi troops to attack and capture them. Those who realize achievements in this will also be given their land. However, this is not something which can be planned from afar. Now, Gui and Ji, I am handing this matter over to you for your assessment and deliberation. Act only after comprehensive planning and thought. Only you two are to know of this matter. Do not let details leak out."