Entry

The Guang-dong Regional Inspector Li Ying-kui examined and appraised the claim that the Grand Coordinator Dai Yao had fostered rebellion in Qin Subprefecture. He noted: "During the 35th year of the Wan-li reign (1607/08), Weng Fu of the Mo clique gathered 4,000 men and sent a despatch noting that he would be temporarily residing (借居) in the Si-lin dong. There they set up markets and sold grain. The bandits being able to attack Qin Subprefecture stemmed entirely from this. They attacked time and again, each time becoming more wild. The three bandit leaders including Fu An who were forwarded to the Court by Li Wei-xin were not forwarded in response to Imperial instructions. At that time, after Qin Subprefecture had been attacked, the tribute envoy whom Li had sent did not return. He was concerned that his envoy had been taken hostage. Thus he captured and presented these three bandits. After presenting tribute, Li departed from the pass. Orders were then sent requiring him to despatch troops. However, they did not come. When they did eventually come, they did not engage in elimination. Now the bandit leader Weng Fu is still free. As there had been carelessness and perfunctory performance of duties, [Dai Yao] was demoted to commoner by Imperial order. What more can be said? However, when he carried his crimes and followed the expedition, not all his actions were inappropriate. Today, we certainly cannot speak of achievements, and the calamities did have causes. His achievements thus do not make up for the losses. I do not dare suggest belittling previous crimes or exaggerating later achievements."