← Back to 清史稿

卷520 列傳三百七 藩部三 四子部落 茂明安 喀尔喀右翼 乌拉特 鄂尔多斯 阿拉善 额济纳

Volume 520 Biographies 307: Frontier Dependencies 3: Dorben Khuukhed, Muminggan, Ka Er Ka You Yi, Urad, Ordos, Alashan, Ejin

Chapter 520 of 清史稿 · Draft History of Qing
← Previous Chapter
Chapter 520
Next Chapter →
1
西 西
The Dorben tribe lay beyond Zhangjiakou, nine hundred and sixty li from the capital. It extended two hundred and thirty-five li from east to west and two hundred and forty li from north to south. To the east and north lay the Sonid; to the west, the Tumet of Guihua; to the south, the Chahar Bordered Red Banner grazing grounds.
2
Noyan Tai, a fifteenth-generation descendant of Khabutu Hasar, younger brother of Genghis Khan, and his elder brother Kundulen Daiqing grazed their herds in Hulun Buir; both were known as Aru Mongols. The descendants of Kundulen Daiqing are covered in the Ar Khorchin tribe biography. Noyan Tai had four sons. The eldest, Sengge, took the title Mergen Khoshuu; the second, Sonom, styled Darhan Taiji; the third, Emebu, styled Buku Taiji; the fourth, Irzamu, styled Mergen Taiji. The four sons grazed in separate districts, and in time their divisions gave the tribe its name.
3
In Tiancong 4, the chiefs of the Aru tribes submitted. Irzamu presented camels, horses, and sable pelts, was feasted, and was seated to the right of the great beile Daišan in special honor. In the fifth year, Sengge joined the campaign against the Ming at Dalinghe, routed the Jinzhou relief army, and presented more than a hundred captives. They were rewarded with wine, and armor and weapons captured in the field were granted to them. In the sixth year, Sengge joined the expedition against the Chahar. In the seventh year, Sonom, Emebu, and Irzamu presented camels and horses in turn and received armor, carved saddles, belts, and silks. In the eighth year, Emebu and Irzamu again presented camels and horses, and the beiles were ordered to feast them in succession. Soon afterward a minister went to Shuangong Keer to fix the grazing boundaries of the banners, with Dudumdad Tenggerik and Edor Tai as the tribe's pasture borders. In the ninth year, summer, Irzamu followed the main army to receive Erje, son of the Chahar khan, and all his followers surrendered. In winter he presented camels, horses, and sable pelts. In Chongde 1, when an edict was sent to Korea, Yiersunde of the tribe carried the dispatch; he met Ming troops from Pidao, killed two men, and on his return received generous rewards. That year Emebu was appointed zasak and placed in command of the Dorben tribe. In the third year, Irzamu joined the Shandong campaign. In the fourth year he joined the Songshan campaign. When the army returned, because the troops he had sent earlier fell short of the quota and he had failed to attend the New Year audience, officials proposed stripping him of his households. The throne ordered the lighter penalty of a fine in livestock. In the fifth year he came to court and received armor, bows and arrows, and silks. In the sixth year the emperor led a personal campaign against the Ming and besieged Songshan; the tribal commander Dorbai followed the main army in ambush at Gaoqiao and Sangerzhai Fort and pursued fugitives from Xingshan until they were taken.
4
調西 調西 西調
In Shunzhi 1 he followed the army through Shanhai Pass and attacked the rebel Li Zicheng. In the fourth month of the sixth year, Ang'an of his tribe was rewarded posthumously for guiding Emebu and others in submission, and a hereditary office was granted. In Kangxi 10 the tribe suffered crop failure; an edict ordered grain from the Xuanfu and Guihua stores distributed to them. In the thirteenth year troops were sent to help suppress the Shaanxi rebel Wang Fuchen, and they were commended for marching as soon as the order came. In the fourteenth year they advanced from Ningxia against the rebels and were then assigned to garrison Taiyuan and Datong. In the fifteenth year they were moved to Henan and, at the Jiangxi army's order, joined the campaign against the rebel prince Wu Sangui. In the seventeenth year, after Oirat Erdeni Khoshuu and others raided Urad pastures, they were ordered to tighten frontier defenses. In the twenty-first year an edict released grain from Datong and Xuanfu stores to poor households of the tribe, and Chahar pasture products were again allotted for their relief. In the twenty-ninth year selected troops were sent to scout Galdan along the Tula River. When Galdan pursued Gombojab of Khalkha along the Khalkha River, troops were ordered to Guihua but soon withdrawn. In the twenty-fourth year they were told to keep troops ready for assignment by the western-route army. In the thirty-fifth year they followed Grand Marshal Fiyanggu in defeating Galdan at Jao Modo, and another hundred men were chosen with a hundred from Muminggan to guard Prince Shanba of Khalkha's post. In the thirty-sixth year the northern deserts were pacified, and silver was granted to campaign officers and soldiers and to those who manned relay posts and guarded pastures.
5
In Yongzheng 9 they joined the campaign against Galdan Tseren. In Qianlong 11 relief was granted for disaster in the tribe. In the eighteenth year, when a campaign against Dawachi was planned, they were ordered to supply camels and horses for the army.
6
西 西 西 西 西
The tribe comprised one banner, based at Ulan Erji Po. Its noble rank was zasak Doroi Darhan Joliktu junwang. During the Tongzhi era, as Muslim rebels pushed east, Vice Commander-in-chief Dugar was ordered to station troops in their territory to guard the desert corridor. Calls for camels and horses for frontier defense and relay duty were heavier than in other tribes. In Guangxu 11, Chahar commander Shaoji, investigating a Tumet-Dorbet boundary dispute, passed through the tribe and reported: "The Dorben Wang banner's relay camels and horses, since Tongzhi citing northwestern warfare and heavy corvee, have quietly shifted to Muslim banners for more than ten years and ignore repeated summons. It was said seven or eight tenths of their subordinate tribes were privately opening land to cultivation. He asked the Court of Colonial Affairs to press them strictly." The throne approved. In the twenty-sixth year, when Boxers and Christians clashed, the tribe saw major unrest. After order returned, they were assessed one hundred and ten thousand taels of silver in church indemnities. In the twenty-ninth year a Wuchuan sub-prefect in Shanxi was created, and settled villages of the tribe with Muminggan and Khalkha Right Wing were placed under his jurisdiction. After the Muslim rebellion was suppressed, trained troops from the Shanxi Datong garrison were posted there with defense checkpoints. Later the Suiyuan general supervised reclamation, and Yigu repeatedly urged the banners to register opened land. In the thirty-first year the tribe reported a tract at Hujieritu pledged for debt and asked official reclamation. In the thirty-second year it reported the Chahan Ilu Geleitu tract for registered reclamation. It had twenty assistant commandants. The tribe allied with Muminggan, Khalkha Right Wing, and Urad in the Ulan Chab league. Because the Suiyuan general oversaw the Ulan Chab and Ike Zhao leagues, major affairs were reported by the general directly. The Muminggan tribe was beyond Zhangjiakou, one thousand two hundred and forty li from the capital. It measured one hundred li east to west and one hundred and ninety li north to south. To the east lay Khalkha Right Wing; to the west, Urad; to the south, the Tumet of Guihua; to the north, the desert.
7
Siratai, thirteenth-generation descendant of Khabutu Hasar and son of Ertu Nembu Yan, styled Tusiyetu Khan. He had three sons—Dorji, Gum Batulu, and Sang'arji Honggoer—who pastured in Hulun Buir and were styled Aru Mongols. Dorji styled himself Buyantu Khan. His son Chegen succeeded as chief of Muminggan. In Tiancong 7, together with Gulen Batulu and the taiji Darmadaigun, Ubasi, and others, he brought more than a thousand households to submit and presented camels and horses. In the eighth year the taiji Yangguhai Dulun, Ubahai, Darhan Batulu, Huleng, Dural, Batma, Erxin Daiqing, and Abutai arrived in turn; all were feasted and given armor, carved saddles, and silver. In the ninth year Ubahai, Darhan Batulu, and Dural rebelled and fled to Khalkha; troops sent along the Onon River reached Agu Koktele and beheaded more than a thousand rebels; the pursuit continued to Khamniha and all captives were brought back. In Chongde 3, Batma, Huleng, and others joined the campaign against the Zasakhtu Khan of Khalkha; when he fled they returned. They later supplied troops for campaigns in Shandong and against the Sonid and Khalkha.
8
調西 調西
In Kangxi 3, Chegen's eldest son Sengge was appointed zasak to command the tribe. In the thirteenth year troops were sent to suppress the Shaanxi rebel commander Wang Fuchen. In the fourteenth year they garrisoned Datong. In the fifteenth year they were moved to Henan and, at the Jiangxi army's order, joined the campaign against the rebel prince Wu Sangui. In the nineteenth year, because the Oirat Lob
9
西
zang Dan Taiji and others had raided the tribe's herds, officials were sent to instruct the Oirat to investigate and restore the plunder. In the twenty-seventh year, when Galdan invaded Khalkha, they were ordered to tighten frontier defenses. In the twenty-ninth year Galdan attacked Gombojab of Khalkha, crossed the Uldza River, and selected troops were posted at Guihua. In the thirty-fifth year they followed the western-route main army against Galdan. In the thirty-sixth year the northern deserts were pacified and silver was granted to campaigning officers and soldiers. In the fifty-fourth year the tribe suffered crop failure and grain from Hutang and Hoshuo stores was distributed to them. In Yongzheng 9 they joined the campaign against Galdan Tseren and detachments garrisoned Gurban Saikhan. In the tenth year they moved to Boerger. In the thirteenth year they were withdrawn.
10
西 西
The tribe had one banner pasturing at Chete Seeri, subordinate to the Ulan Chab league. Noble ranks were two: one first-class taiji zasak and one attached doroi beile. In Daoguang 12, in a boundary dispute with the Tumet, Songyun was sent to investigate. In the eighth month the follow-up reported that pasture disputed by Muminggan and the Darhan beile with the Tumet had Qianlong cases, maps, and boundary cairns, which were shown to the taiji in turn until all acquiesced. They were ordered to graze within the old boundaries and not encroach. During Tongzhi, as Muslim rebels raided eastward, the tribe was harassed. In the twelfth month of the ninth year, Suiyuan general Ding'an reported capturing and executing the Muminggan banner horse-thieves Baga'aner and others. In the tenth year the Muminggan zasak Chokbadarhu and others were punished for breaching the battery-station agreement. That year, when Suzhou Muslim rebels raided east into Urad territory, Ding'an sent guardsman Chengshan with Jilin cavalry to the tribe. Late in Guangxu, Suiyuan general Yigu supervised reclamation and urged land registration. In the thirty-third year it reported the Shuigou and Zhangfangta tracts for registered reclamation. In practice the tribe had leased much land to Han merchants for cultivation, and Han villages within its borders were numerous. It had four assistant commandants. The Khalkha Right Wing tribe was beyond Zhangjiakou, one thousand one hundred and thirty li from the capital. It measured one hundred and twenty li east to west and one hundred and thirty li north to south. To the east lay the Dorben tribe; to the west, Muminggan; to the south, the Tumet of Guihua; to the north, the desert.
11
西
Gersenjazai Erkhuutaiji, a sixteenth-generation descendant of Genghis Khan, had seven sons who formed the seven Khalkha banners on eastern, western, and central routes under three khans. His third son Nonuho Wezheng Noyan had two sons—the eldest Abatai, styled Okilai Sain Khan, ancestor of the central Tusiyetu Khan— and the second Abuhu, styled Mergen Noyan. He had three sons: Anggahai inherited the Mergen title; Rahuri, styled Dalai Noyan, fathered Bental, Bashixi, Serji, Zhamusu, and Elinqin; and Tuhaoken, styled Kundulen Nolun, whose line through Cheyandulang and Gunbu were central-route Khalkha taiji under the Tusiyetu Khan.
12
In Shunzhi 10, second month, Bental, at odds with Tusiyetu Khan Gunbu, submitted with brothers Bashixi, Zhamusu, Elinqin, and Gunbu, bringing more than a thousand households. Serji stayed in Khalkha; his grandson Litaer later submitted and was made zasak taiji. See the Tusiyetu Khan tribe biography. In the third month Bental was enfeoffed zasak hoshuo Darhan qinwang, granted Tarluhun pasture, and ranked with inner zasaks as Khalkha Right Wing. Khalkha Left Wing was beile Gunbu Iledeng, who submitted after Bental; see the separate accounts.
13
調 西 西 調
In Kangxi 25 the Khalkha Zasakhtu Khan Shara feuded with Tusiyetu Khan Chakhundorji; a minister mediated at Kulun Berkeqi'er with grain from Guihua, and local zasaks were told to supply transport camels. In the twenty-seventh year frontier troops were chosen to scout Galdan. In the twenty-ninth year they went to the Tula River, leaving half the force at Guihua. In the thirty-first year Shashikou store grain was released to poor households of the tribe. In the fifth month of the thirty-fifth year they followed Fiyanggu's western army to defeat Galdan at Jao Modo; on return, surplus camp grain was given to the tribe. In the tenth month thin campaign horses were left to graze and recover. In the thirty-sixth year Fiyanggu ordered tribal troops to the rendezvous at Prince Shanba of Khalkha's border. After the campaign, silver was granted to the soldiers who had marched. In the third month of the fifty-fourth year, after snow ruined pasture, Hutang and Hoshuo grain was distributed. In Yongzheng 9, during the campaign against Galdan Tseren, selected troops garrisoned Guihua. In the tenth year they again followed Ordos prince Zhamuyang to Urad's western border. In the thirteenth year they were withdrawn. In Qianlong 4 a minister inspected ready troops and granted graded rewards.
14
西 西 西 西
The tribe had one banner based on the Tarluhun River. Noble ranks were four: one zasak doroi darhan beile, reduced from prince; one attached gushan joliktu beizi, reduced from junwang; one gushan beizi; and one fuguo gong. In Daoguang 12, in a Tumet boundary dispute, Songyun surveyed and upheld the old line. In Tongzhi 11, as Suzhou Muslim rebels raided into Urad, Dugar sent Yongde to block them at Helinguo'er in this tribe. In the fourth month Dugar pursued rebels in the Alibitegong banners and ordered this tribe and Dorben to hire civilian camels for the army. Late in Guangxu, western-league reclamation was discussed. The tribe reported the Chokusulata tract for registered reclamation. It had four assistant commandants. The Urad tribe was west of Guihua, one thousand five hundred and twenty li from the capital. It measured two hundred and fifteen li east to west and three hundred li north to south. To the east lay Muminggan and the Tumet of Guihua; to the west and south, Ordos; to the north, Khalkha Right Wing.
15
Bulunhai, fifteenth-generation descendant of Khabutu Hasar, pastured in Hulun Buir and named his tribe Urad. He had five sons: Laige, Buyangwu, Arsahu, Bultu, and Barsei. Urad was later split three ways among Emebu (Laige's line), Seleng (Barsei's line), and Tuba (Hanitai's line), all styled Aru Mongols.
16
In Tiancong 7 they submitted with their followers and presented camels and horses. In the eighth year they joined the Ming campaign, entered by Kara Ebo through Desheng Fort, raided Datong, and took three forts and one platform. On return, Naiman and Ongniud were fined camels and horses for disobedience; the penalties were divided among Urad. They later sent troops to Korea, Khalkha, and Ming Jinzhou, Songshan, and Jizhou. In Shunzhi 5, Emebu and Seleng being dead, Tuba held the middle banner, Eban the front, and Bakbahai the rear; each received zasak and ranked enfeoffments.
17
西
In Kangxi 26 the emperor reviewed troops at Lugou Bridge and had visiting tribesmen watch. In the twenty-seventh year, when Galdan invaded Khalkha, they were ordered to tighten defenses. In the twenty-ninth year Galdan attacked Gombojab of Khalkha, crossed the Uldza, and troops were posted at Guihua. In the thirtieth year the Oirat defector Horoli rebelled and fled; five hundred troops were ordered to pursue. In the thirty-first year Horoli surrendered and the troops returned. In the thirty-fifth year they followed the western army to defeat Galdan at Jao Modo. In the thirty-sixth year the northern deserts were pacified and the emperor returned triumphant from Ningxia. Fourth-rank taiji Nanchun congratulated the victory, was promoted to first-rank taiji, and campaign and support troops were generously rewarded. In the thirty-eighth year, with poverty driving some to banditry, zasaks were told to educate and support their people. In the fifty-fourth year crop failure brought relief grain from Hutang and Hoshuo. In Yongzheng 9, during the campaign against Galdan Tseren, they were told to select troops to guard pastures. In Qianlong 19 they were ordered to supply camels and horses for the campaign against Dawachi.
18
沿 使
The tribe had three banners based at Hadama'er. Noble ranks were three: two zasak fuguo gong and one fuguogong. This tribe opened land to cultivation earliest. By Qianlong 30 riverside pasture was already leased to Han farmers. In the fifty-seventh year, to cover a twenty-thousand-tael merchant debt, five years of tenancy were allowed. In Daoguang 12, zasak Batu Oqir lost the Ulan Chab league headship for bypassing Guihua officials in a land dispute with Muminggan. In Xianfeng 3, Suiyuan general Shengkan reported: "The three Urad duke banners are multiplying and growing poor. They cannot repay Han debts or relay loans and have privately leased dozens of tracts, each tens or hundreds of li wide. Flexible rules are proposed for what to forbid and what to open. The responsible offices were ordered to act.
19
西 使 退 西 西
In Tongzhi 7, Muslim rebels raided the rear banner; Datong commander Ma Sheng defended Kun Dulun and Goutailiang. In the ninth year general Ding'an wrote: "Urad's north-bank rear banner is famed for grain produced by Han farming on Mongol pasture. Jinshun, Zhang Yao, Old Hunan, and Zhuosheng armies all buy grain there. He proposed temporarily allowing all opened pasture of the three banners to be farmed, with rent per mu reserved for corvée. The harvest would feed the armies. Muslim rebels then held Dengkou and raided the rear-banner area. In the second month Ding'an was ordered to send Song Qing to clear northern raiders at Shetai. Soon Ordos prince Uernasun drove them off. In the sixth month Ding'an was urged to encourage Urad farming for food security. In the twelfth month Jinshun was told to guard the three Urad banners against roaming rebels. In the tenth year, third month, rebels from Amir Bitegong raided middle-banner Hongkule Tara. In the sixth month they raided middle-banner Shibaketai. Dugar reported victories at Bute and Benbamiao and Chahongga'ermiao. After Suzhou rebels were pacified, Urad was finally quiet. Since the anti-rebel war, western dispatches and army camels were relayed through Urad to Alxa. When the far west was pacified, the old relay system returned. (End of memorial.)
20
西 西 西西 西西 西
In the twenty-third year governor Hu Pinzhi proposed colonizing Urad's Sanhuwan. Approval came, but the Court of Colonial Affairs blocked it when leagues said pasture would suffer. In the twenty-ninth year Zhao Erxun and Wu Tingbin created a Wuyuan sub-prefect over Urad and Ordos Dörbet and Hanggin settlements. Vice Minister Yigu then supervised reclamation and urged registration. In the thirty-third year the three banners reported specific tracts for reclamation and canal works west of the Yellow River. With few officials and many settlers, Mongols often sued over water and blocked reclamation. The middle banner had sixteen assistant commandants, the front twelve, and the rear six. The Ordos tribe lay within the Ordos loop, one thousand one hundred li from the capital. To the east lay the Tumet of Guihua; to the west, Alxa; to the south, the Shaanxi Great Wall; to the north, Urad. Rivers bounded it on three sides over more than two thousand li.
21
Barsuborot, a sixteenth-generation descendant of Genghis Khan, first settled the loop and became Ordos jiyang. His son Gunbiligtü Mergen succeeded him. He had nine sons who pastured apart; today all seven Ordos zasak banners descend from them. The eldest, Noyan Dara, took the jiyang title and founded the banner of zasak prince Erinchen; the second, Bayas Khulang Noyan, founded the banner of zasak beile Sandan; the third, Weidarma Noyan, founded the banners of zasak beizi Shakja and gushan gong Xiao Jamusu; the fourth, Nom Taniwa Taiji, founded the banner of zasak beizi Erinchin; the fifth, Boyang Khulidgar Daiqing, founded the banner of zasak taiji Dingzanashi; the sixth, Bayara Weijeng Noyan, founded the banner of zasak beizi Seleng; the seventh, Batma Samba O; the eighth, Namdara Darhan Noyan; the ninth, Wengalan Iliden Taiji—all were jiyang under Chahar.
22
西
When Lin Dan khan grew cruel, jiyang Erinchen and the chiefs of Kharchin, Abaga, and other tribes routed forty thousand Chahar troops at Zhaocheng in Tumet. In Tiancong 9 the main army was to receive Lin Dan khan's son Erje at Toliutu west of the Yellow River; before they arrived, Erinchen secretly allied with Erje and split off part of his following. Our troops overtook them and demanded the plunder; Erinchen, afraid, surrendered more than a thousand Chahar households. Thereafter the tribe submitted and treaty regulations were issued.
23
西 使
In Shunzhi 1 troops were sent with Prince Ying Aijige to Shaanxi against the rebel Li Zicheng. In the second year the army returned and was richly rewarded. In the sixth year taiji Daa Jamusu and Dorji rebelled and robbed our envoy Tuluxi. An edict ran: "Hearing of your rebellion, I am ready to send troops at once. But you have enjoyed my favor for years, and lives are precious; I cannot bring myself to war so quickly. If you repent and come to court, I will pardon you and show favor. If you trust in difficult ground and refuse to submit, I will send troops to hunt you down and will not let you survive in hiding. By then Erinchen, with kinsmen Gulu Daiqing Sandan, Xiao Jamusu, Shakja, Erinchin, Seleng, and others, had moved from Alak Ola in Eji to pasture at Boluotuohai. The throne praised their refusal to join the rebels and enfeoffed them as prince, beile, beizi, and gushan gong in due rank, granting zasak over six banners. In the seventh year Daa Jamusu surrendered and was pardoned. Dorji was ordered to surrender; he refused. In the ninth year troops captured and executed Dorji in Alxa.
24
調西 竿 西 便 調
In the winter of Kangxi 13, three thousand five hundred tribal troops joined the campaign against Shaanxi rebel Wang Fuchen. In the fourteenth year Shenmu, Dingbian, and Huamachi were retaken; zasak titles were raised and each taiji promoted one rank. In the twenty-seventh year, when Galdan invaded Khalkha, two thousand troops were ordered to the frontier. In the thirty-fifth year the emperor marched in person against Galdan; at the tribal border the zasak crossed the river with their followers to attend the imperial camp and present horses. The emperor told the crown prince: "In Ordos I found the people courteous and still true to old Mongol custom. Every banner lives in harmony; there is no theft, and camels, horses, cattle, and sheep need no guard. Their livelihood is secure, their herds abundant—they are richer than other Mongols. They hunt well, and pheasants and hares are plentiful. The horses they presented are wonderfully tame—one needs no lasso, only to take them by hand. Water, soil, and fare all suit them well. In the thirty-sixth year the zasak were allowed a relay station at Aduhai; dispatches and grain transport all went that way. The zasak then escorted the imperial procession with troops and received gifts of white silver. That winter the Court of Colonial Affairs charged them with late grain delivery; the throne pardoned them. In the fifty-first year the throne ordered: "Ordos has suffered famine after famine and people have scattered; send officials at once to investigate and restore each to his livelihood. In the fifty-second year pasture boundaries for the tribe were fixed by edict. Earlier Prince Songlab had asked to graze temporarily at Chahantuohui; Minister Mu Helun surveyed the site and allowed temporary pasture beyond the four stations Liubi, Gangliubi, Fangbi, and Xibi. Ningxia commander Fan Shijie then reported: "Chahantuohui is mapped imperial territory; Mongol grazing mixed with civilian woodcutting is unworkable. I ask that the Yellow River again serve as the boundary. Surveyors were dispatched and Shijie's request was granted. In the fifty-fourth year two thousand troops were ordered to join the main army against Tsewang Araptan. In the fifty-fifth year, after a poor harvest, relief was sent to more than seven thousand nine hundred households and thirty-one thousand persons. In Yongzheng 1 relief was ordered again. In the tenth year, of three thousand troops sent to Gurban Saikhan, five hundred proved useless and more than four hundred deserted on the march; General Darji impeached them and the princes, beile, and beizi were demoted. Their titles were soon restored in turn.
25
西 西西 椿
In Qianlong 1 one banner was added under first-rank taiji Dingzanashi, who received zasak. That year Shaanxi settlers at Yulin, Shenmu, and elsewhere were allowed to farm surplus Ordos loop lands on the border at full rent. In the forty-ninth year governor Fukangan reported: "The Yellow River now runs westward, leaving people who were west of the river on its east bank. Ordos Mongols, seeking profit, treat the river's present course as the boundary and accuse settlers of occupying tribal pasture. Vice Minister Saiyinboerke was sent to survey; the boundary was reset to the old river course and marked with stakes and steles.
26
西 西
Its seven banners formed their own league, Ike Juu. They stood with Jirem, Josotu, Juu Uda, Xilingol, and Ulaanchab among the Inner zasak leagues. The left front banner, or Junggar banner, was stationed at Legu. The left middle banner, or prince banner, was stationed at Aoxixifeng. The left rear banner, or Dorbet banner, was stationed at Barhason Lake. The right front banner, or Uxin banner, was stationed at Baha Chi. The right middle banner, or Ötok banner, was stationed at Xilabliidu Chi. The right rear banner, or Hanggin banner, was stationed at Erjihu Po. Later a banner was added—the left front rear banner, also called the zasak banner. Titles numbered eight: one zasak duoluo prince; one attached fuguo gong; one zasak duoluo beile; four zasak gushan beizi, one raised from gushan gong; one zasak first-rank taiji.
27
西西 西 西 沿
This tribe was earliest to open land to cultivation. After Qianlong, settlers near Shaanxi fell under the Shenmu and Dingbian sub-prefects and the counties of Shenmu, Fugu, Huaiyuan, Jingbian, and Dingbian. Those near Shanxi were assigned to Salaqi, Toketu, and Qingshuihe departments and the counties of Pianguan and Hequ. Land disputes arose from time to time as well. In Daoguang 8 the Dorbet banner tracts of Caiji and Boluotara were leased to merchants for five years to settle debts. In the fourteenth year Suiyuan general Yande reported: "Dorbet taiji had settlers farm relay-station pasture illegally, encroaching across boundaries; the banner beizi went in person to drive them off. Settlers, trusting their numbers, hacked and wounded second-rank taiji Sayinjiya and others. The throne ordered Shanxi governor Eshun'an to send men to arrest and punish them. Afterward some farmed under ministry permits, some on leases from taiji, and some on leases from temple lamas. Reclamation spread widely and grain harvests grew strong.
28
調 西 退 西 退 沿 西 西 西
When the Tongzhi Muslim rebellion began, militia and grain stores alike drew on this region. That year Ordos troops were sent to Gansu to join the campaign. In the sixth year rebels crossed the border repeatedly and were beaten each time by beizi Zanegerdi's troops. In the seventh year, first month, after Ningtiaoliang in Shaanxi fell, rebels poured into the pastures from Yikeshabaer south to Gurgin Chaidam north, burning and looting almost everywhere. Strongpoints such as Gucheng, Dalazhai, and Shilichangtan were all lost. Mongol troops could not hold and repeatedly asked to pull back. In the fourth month Suiyuan general Delek Dorji ordered Zanegerdi to pick five hundred elite Mongols, join them with five hundred Junggar banner men and five hundred Chahar cavalry under one command, and hold Shenmu passes to strike when chance allowed. Five hundred Dorbet banner troops were posted separately on central pasture. The court ordered Ningxia vice commander Jinshun to reinforce them. In the sixth month Jinshun pushed deep into Mongol lands and won fights at Yehujing, Menjialiang, and Wangjiagou. Commander Zhang Yao of the Songwu Army also came to help, beat them repeatedly, and rebels at Gucheng and Shilichangtan fled. Zhang Yao defeated rebels again in the Dorbet banner and moved up to Gucheng. Rebels who had slipped into the Hanggin, Uxin, and prince banners were also beaten by Darji's force from Suiyuan. This was the first clearing of the seven Ordos banners. General Ding'an then asked to send one thousand nine hundred Ike Juu troops home to guard their pastures, leaving five hundred picked men under Zanegerdi to hunt rebels. In the twelfth month Dengkou in Alxa fell and rebels poured in again, ravaging Zhaoyanhai and Chanjin. Rebels then came by water from Dengkou; vice commander Dugar sent Chengshan and Uertunasun to Chanjin and Wulanmutou in Alxa banner, and the rebels were routed. In the sixth month Zhang Yao marched from Gucheng, winning at Chahan Nuur and Shajintuohai and pursuing to Helan Mountain while Darji and Zanegerdi wiped out rebels in the Hanggin, Dorbet, and prince banners. The court sent Song Qing's army west in further support. In the eighth month rebels in the prince banner were beaten at Dongling, raiders in the Uxin and Ötok banners were repulsed, and the advance reached Halazhai. Jin Shun held Dengkou and Zhang Yao held Ningxia, and government troops were posted all along the line from Shetai through Sandaohe and Shizuishan. That winter Song Qing hunted down rebels around Junggar and Zhaoyan Salt Lake and wiped them out. In the ninth year the Jinjibao Muslim rebels, hard pressed by government forces, raided north from Shizui to cut our supply lines. Rebel horsemen then raided west of Shajintuohai, and the Junggar, Hanggin, and Ötok banners were thrown into turmoil once more. Song Qing, Darji, and the other columns pushed forward again and won one victory after another. In the seventh month Chiledorji, the Uxin banner officer, fell suppressing rebels at Huolimumiao, though the banners also beat back repeated raids. Meileng zhangjing Zhadongba and others received special rewards for driving off rebels beyond Huaiyuan in Shaanxi. The tribe was pacified again. Not until Jinjibao was fully suppressed did the frontier alarms finally die down. Mongol banner officers and men killed in the fighting, and those who had served with distinction, were consoled and rewarded as each case arose. In the Chanjin region and elsewhere, Shanxi continued to keep troops on guard.
29
西 西西 西 西 西 使
In Guangxu 2 frontier bandits ravaged the border; Dorbet, Hanggin, and the other banners saw their settlers and merchants worst hit, their canals ruined and fields left waste beyond recovery. In the tenth year league chief beizi Zana Jerdi of Ike Zhao presented: "The Junggar banner, after years of famine, asks to open a tract of unused pasture eighty li from east to west and fifteen li from north to south, collect rent for relief, and succor impoverished Mongols. It was referred to the Court of Colonial Affairs for deliberation and action. Settlers were to be recruited and registered under Hequ in Shanxi and Fugu in Shaanxi. Guihua Tumet and the Dorbet banner were then disputing their boundary after the Yellow River shifted; acting Shanxi governor Kuibin and Dalisi vice-president Geleminbu impeached the Suiyuan general for a ruling that favored Tumet. Chahar commander Shaoqi was sent to investigate; following the Qianlong 51 ruling that took the river's former course as the boundary, forty percent of the land south of the channel went to Dorbet and sixty percent north of it to Tumet. The survey fixed Dorbet's share at six hundred forty-eight li in circuit, from the Urad boundary north to the Junggar boundary south. In the twelfth year Ili assistant commander Chang Geng proposed opening colonization at Chanjin and other such places. Shanxi governor Gangyi replied: "Chanjin is Caijidi, on the north bank in the rear banner within the grazing lands of the Dorbet and Hanggin banners of Ike Zhao league. Once the river turned south, Mongols began inviting merchants to rent and farm the land, and main irrigation channels were dug. West lay Chanjin with five trunk canals; east lay the rear banner with three; the network ran some two hundred li, with branch channels too numerous to count. Bandit raids later left only a handful of shops at Chanjin and Niuba, and barely two hundred households on either side of the rear banner. Dorbet had once taken in one hundred thousand taels of rent a year; lately it collected less than three thousand strings of cash. On an inspection tour at Baotou in Salarqi he met league chief beizi Zanagird and agreed to make clear to every banner that its grazing lands would not be allowed to slip permanently into civilian hands. He then submitted three colonization proposals: dividing the land into sections, repairing the canals, and appointing officials. It was referred to the relevant offices for review and blocked. In the Boxer year twenty-six, Dorbet, Ötok, Uxin, Junggar, and the other Ordos banners all bore heavy responsibility for the disturbances. Once order was restored, indemnities were discussed. Dorbet alone was assessed three hundred seventy thousand taels. The churches demanded cash while the Mongol banners wanted to settle in land, and the dispute dragged on.
30
調 西 西西
In the twenty-eighth year Yigu of the Ministry of War was put in charge of Shanxi frontier reclamation; the Urad and Ike Zhao league chiefs were called to Guihua to negotiate, yet they never appeared and asked the Court of Colonial Affairs to drop the scheme. The court ordered the bureau to press the league chiefs to confer with Yigu at once and forbid further evasion. Yigu and his staff therefore began by redeeming two thousand qing of mission land already under cultivation in Dorbet for one hundred seventy thousand taels. In the twenty-ninth year Dorbet and Hanggin sent men to negotiate reclamation; the prince, Ötok, Uxin, Junggar, and Jasak banners followed with their own reports, yet Hanggin beizi Arbin Bayar, then league chief, still sought delay and refused to issue the land-surrender seals. In the thirtieth year Yigu impeached him for defiance that stalled the entire project and had Uxin vice-chief beizi Chak Dor Seleng serve as acting league chief. In the third month rear-banner bandits rose in revolt, and Shanxi militia put them down. In the ninth month Chak Dor Seleng and others offered for reclamation a stretch of common land between the Uxin and Jasak banners from Abaisu north to Bagai Bulak south, honoring the empress dowager's seventieth birthday. Chak Dor Seleng received the title of prince, and Shak Dorjab the title of defender of the state. In the second month of the thirty-first year Arbin Bayar submitted a statement of repentance and offered a tract at Baga in Hanggin. Yigu reported that Urad and Ike Zhao lands were feudal domains, not county-style holdings like Chahar's, and set pledged wasteland rent at half to the government and half to the Mongols, with canal costs charged apart. The court directed the relevant offices to act accordingly. In the seventh month Yigu memorialized: "Hanggin and Dorbet settlers have turned their existing canals over for public reclamation; Changsheng was renamed Changji and Chanjin Yongji, and once dredged deep and open, canals such as Laoguo followed in turn, irrigating about ten thousand qing. Rear-banner land depends on canals; as the canals multiply, so does the cultivated area. Every sum now collectible should be poured back into the work until the project is complete. He requested that pledged wasteland rents and other government shares from the banners be held back for the time being to pay for major canal work. In the ninth month Danpier, assistant taiji of the Junggar banner, resentful of reclamation, rallied men to obstruct it, raided the bureau, and Yigu dispatched troops to seize and punish him. In the thirty-second year Yigu fixed the annual rent on pledged dry land in the prince's banner and the other four banners. Shaanxi governor Enshou joined in proposing Dongsheng sub-prefecture for reclaimed land in the prince and Jasak banners, under Shanxi's Guihua circuit. In the thirty-third year Yigu fell from imperial favor, and Arbin Bayar was reinstated as league chief. Xin Qin, Ruiliang, and others served in turn as reclamation commissioners.
31
西
Reclamation work in the tribe went on without halt. Zuoling numbered seventeen in the left middle banner, eighty-four in the right middle, forty-two each in the left and right front banners, forty in the left rear, thirty-six in the right rear, and thirteen in the left front terminal banner. The Alxa Oirat department lay five thousand li from the capital. East lay Ordos, west Ejin, south Ningxia, Liangzhou, and Ganzhou, and north across the Gobi it adjoined the Sayin Noyon and Jasaktu leagues. The department ran more than seven hundred li; Mongols grazed along the Helan range.
32
西西 西
Their line went back to Khabtugh Khasar, Genghis Khan's younger brother, and they shared clan with the Khoshut. The Khoshut were once one of the four Oirat tribes, which is why the department was called Oirat. In the nineteenth generation from Khabtugh Khasar came Tursibayhu, who took the title Gushi Khan. He had a son, Bayan Abukhai Ajushi, whom his elder brother Baibagas at first reared as his own child. He later fathered two sons of his own: the elder Ejeit and the younger Abalai. They grazed in the Western Hetao west of the Yellow River and were known as the Western Hetao Oirats. Bayan Abukhai Ajushi took the title Dalai Ubashi. Sixteen sons followed him; those in the Western Hetao were Helori, Morgen, Erke, Dulal, Hashiha, Tuoyin, Tuxietu Lobzang, Bodi, Dorji Jab, Norbuzamsu, Aibogote, and Ebum. Helori styled himself Batu Erke Jiyang; on submitting he received the zasak appointment, was given Alxa for pasture, and his brothers, sons, and kinsmen were placed under his rule. Those who settled in Qinghai were Zhab, Ananda, Itegele, and Batba. Zhab received the zasak appointment and headed his people. See the account of the Qinghai Oirat department. Ejeit took the title Sechen Khan and had three sons: the eldest Erdeni, whose son was Galdan Dorji; the second Galdiba, whose son was Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan; and the third Iraguk San Bandi Khutukhtu. In time all these lines ended without heirs. Abalai's line was seized by the Dzungars and is omitted here.
33
使 使
In Shunzhi 4 Ejeit sent tribute envoys with camels and horses. In the sixth year Abalai came in turn. In the seventh year Ejeit's envoy came; learning that the Khalkha had stirred Sunite chief Tenggis to rebellion, he reported: "If I am able to destroy the rebels, I shall move when the time is ripe. If not, I shall still keep tribute as before and dare not cherish the least disloyal thought. He was instructed to sever ties with the Khalkha and make no private overtures. Afterward Erdeni, Galdiba, Iraguk San Bandi Khutukhtu, and their taiji, zaisang, and other followers arrived one after another with tribute.
34
西 使 西
Dzungar taiji Galdan grazed at Altai, styled himself Botoktu Khan, and sought to lead the Oirats. Ejeit married his granddaughter Anu to him, yet they soon quarreled. In Kangxi 16 Galdan marched on the Western Hetao, killed Ejeit, and shattered his tribe. Ejeit's wife was Dorji Rabtan; Khalkha Morgen Khan Erlek's wife was likewise a sister of Torghut Khan Ayuki. Erlek's grandson Chahur Dorji styled himself Tuxietu Ji Khan; seeing that Galdan's army could not reach Ejeit in time, Dorji Rabtan fled to the Torghuts. Galdan sent envoys with captives, and the throne replied: "Sechen Khan Ejeit and Galdan both once paid tribute. Now Galdan has attacked and killed Ejeit and offers the bows, arrows, and other spoils; I cannot bring myself to receive them. Send them back! With the Western Hetao Oirats routed, some took refuge with the Dalai Lama while others were seized by Galdan. Helori withdrew with his people to Dacaotan, where more than ten thousand tents gathered; border guards drove them off, yet they still followed pasture and water, clinging to the outer marches.
35
使 使 使
One Chuwur Ubashi was Galdan's uncle. He had five sons: the eldest Bahabandi, the second Ananda, the third Lobzang Khutukhtu, the fourth Luozhang, and the fifth Lobzang Erinchen. Galdan, nursing a private grievance, struck down Bahabandi, then seized Chuwur Ubashi, Lobzang Erinchen, and the rest and imprisoned them. Bahabandi's son Han'u, Helori's nephew, was only thirteen. His man Erdeni Hoshoi escaped with him and four hundred troops, looted Urad families and herds, and went to Helori on the Ejin River. Khalkha taiji Bimrijirdi sent word of what he had discovered. Qinghai Morgen taiji and others also examined the booty taken by Erdeni Hoshoi; envoys confirmed they were Dzungar followers, and Galdan was ordered to seize Erdeni Hoshoi for punishment, return Helori to his grazing grounds, or explain if they were not under his authority. In the twenty-second year Galdan reported that Helori and his people had come back and that the Dalai Lama had summoned them, setting the fourth month of the yichou year as the limit. That year was indeed a boar year. In the twenty-third year Han'u and Erdeni Hoshoi sent tribute envoys begging forgiveness for raiding Urad; Helori's kin had also once looted Muminggan and other tribes, but were spared after confessing guilt. At this the throne ordered: "Helori having already been pardoned, Erdeni Hoshoi and his men shall be forgiven as well. Their tribute was accepted."
36
西 綿
Earlier, fleeing Galdan, Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan had taken refuge in Tangut. On the Dalai Lama's recommendation he petitioned to settle at Longtoushan and bring the Western Hetao refugees under his authority. Raduhu, a Board of War apprehension officer, was dispatched to inspect the site. He reported: "Longtoushan — the Mongols' Arak Ola — is the great massif northeast of Ganzhou, with ranges running along the frontier. The pass itself is a border station; Xiakou Fort stands there, five li from Zhichuan Fort; The range ends at Ningyuan Fort, a li or so from Longtoushan, bounded by Changning Lake. Han soldiers and settlers have farmed and grazed there for years; newly submitted Mongols should not be placed there. The emperor approved.
37
沿 西
Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan moved his herds to Bulungir, and Chahur Dorji, Tuxietu Khan of Khalkha, married a daughter to him. On hearing this, the emperor told his ministers: "When Galdan killed Ejeit, his grandson Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan had asked the Dalai Lama where to settle; the Lama directed him to Arak Ola, and that was the basis of the petition. Ejeit's nephew Helori had grazed along the border at Zengeng; Galdan was ordered to receive them so Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan and the Khalkha could pin him from two sides. If Galdan marched on Helori and his men, he feared the Khalkha would harry him from the rear; if he marched on the Khalkha, he feared Helori and his men would strike from behind. This was plainly beyond what Galdan could seize by force alone. In the twenty-fourth year Helori asked for an imperial patent and seal to govern his people. The court, finding their grazing grounds still unsettled, deliberated and refused. An edict ran: "Helori and his people fled disorder and came to the frontier, where they raided Muminggan, Urad, and other tribes — they deserved immediate destruction. I remembered Ejeit's generations of loyal tribute and faithful service, and that hunger and hardship had driven them, and so I pardoned their crimes. Moreover Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan is Ejeit's grandson and Helori's nephew; they should be gathered in one place. Send officials to proclaim My will, find fit pasture for their consolidated settlement, grant titles, and bestow a golden seal and patent to show My intent to restore the fallen and carry on the broken line. Arani, minister of the Court of Colonial Affairs, was sent to deliver the imperial message. Helori memorialized: "Your Majesty's command to gather us together is extraordinary grace. The Dalai Lama also said Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan's Bulungir pasture is cramped and the grass poor, and that he would do better to live with me. We wish to encamp around the northern face of Arak Mountain to check raiders and quiet the frontier. We would move our people north from here to the grazing grounds of Khalkha taiji Bimrijirdi — within Garbayan Lake, the Ejin River, Guranai River, Yabrai Mountain, Bayannur, Karzhan, Buringut, and Hongguor Olong, bordered on the east by Khalkha Danjin Lama's pasture and on the west by the Gaoge River."
38
使 使使
When the memorial arrived, envoys told the Dalai Lama: "When Galdan destroyed Ejeit, Helori, Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan, and the rest fled in disorder to the frontier and, pressed by hardship, raided recklessly. I pardoned their crimes and did not send troops at once to destroy them. Helori and his people also received My grace, repeatedly begged for patents and seals, and obeyed My command. I had earlier ordered Galdan to receive them; he fixed the fourth month of the yichou year as the limit, and that limit is now months overdue. Kin are divided and scattered without a home — My heart is deeply moved with pity! Ejeit has long guarded your faith, Lama — how can you ignore his sons and clan in such destitution? Now I wish to gather and settle them; you, Lama, must send envoys with Mine to settle the matter!"
39
使 使 西沿椿西
In the twenty-fifth year the Dalai Lama reported that he had sent envoys; the emperor dispatched Raduhu to meet and survey the ground. Raduhu and the Dalai Lama's envoys summoned Helori to the north of the Eastern Mountains and told him: "The Garbayan Lake country you named is yours to graze. Beyond that, from Salakalashan Pass west of Ningxia's Yuquan Camp back to the Helan northern slope at Bulinhasutai Pass; and from Woboling Pass north of Ningxia's Yuquan Camp through Nuhunnuru Mountain to Ganzhou's Zhenfan Pass, then north along Taolantai, Sala, Chunji, Leihui, Xili, and the like, southwest to the Ejin River — the boundary shall lie sixty li from the border throughout, and the line shall be marked on the ground. It was agreed: Mongols who kill frontier subjects shall be put to death; those who steal livestock or seize food shall be flogged; those who graze inside the border without permission — taiji and zaisang shall be fined livestock in proportion; for one offense by a subordinate, ji-nong livestock shall be fined on the five-nine scale. At the time Han'u and Erdeni Hoshoi asked to graze together with Helori. Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan learned that his sister Anu was leading a thousand troops to Tibet by the road outside Jiayuguan; fearing an attack, he made ready and did not move at once. When Raduhu's memorial arrived, an edict ordered the settled boundaries and penalties sent to the Gansu frontier officials. From this time Helori's followers were first assigned pasture at Alxa.
40
使 使 使使 使
In the twenty-seventh year Galdan invaded Khalkha; Helori wished to go to their aid, and Chahur Dorji begged the court for troops. At the time an edict had already ordered Galdan to cease hostilities. The envoys were already on the road when an edict refused Helori's request. But Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan himself led troops to aid Khalkha; meeting Our envoys on the road, he accepted their proclamation and withdrew to Bulungir. Chahur Dorji was soon defeated by Galdan; the emperor again sent envoys to instruct Galdan, and before they set out ordered them: "If Galdan asks about Helori, recount the yichou-year agreement and say that though the Dalai Lama once sent envoys to settle the matter and ordered Helori and Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan gathered and settled together, they have still not lived together. Although Helori grazes on the frontier, no banners or companies have yet been organized for him. Formerly, when Khalkha and the Oirats were at enmity, Helori once asked for troops to punish you. I still sent word: 'I only wish you to dwell safely on your pastures — would I give you troops?' Tell him this and order him to cease hostilities. Galdan would not comply.
41
In the twenty-eighth year Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan died, and sacrificial offerings were granted. His wife and zaisang and others asked to summon Galdan Dorji to govern the tribesmen; this was granted. At the time Galdan Dorji was grazing on the Dzungar border; an edict said: "Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan's people have submitted; the tribesmen he left behind may flee and scatter. Galdan Dorji is still young; if summoned he may not arrive at once. Helori is to go to Bulungir and temporarily keep the people in order. When Galdan Dorji arrives he shall return to his own place. They must support one another and not encroach on one another's followers. Galdan Dorji, his tribesmen starving, reported that he could not move at once. An edict granted him the title of noyan; Hanlin reader Dahu was sent to relieve the poor among his tribesmen. His mother Zamsu brought Galdan Dorji; an edict placed Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan's people under his rule on Alxa pasture.
42
One Baida, a follower of Han'u, together with Erdeni Hoshoi persuaded his master to abandon Helori and privately led a thousand Oirat troops to raid frontier tribes. The border guards reproved them; they killed the guards and also resisted the government troops. Gansu commander-in-chief Sun Sike posted troops on the frontier and was about to suppress them. Han'u was afraid; an edict then pardoned the offense and allowed him to remain grazing at Alxa. His uncle Lobzang Erinchen soon came from Dzungar, reporting that Galdan had held him for more than ten years; when Dzungar and Khalkha were at war he seized the chance to escape with more than a thousand wives, children, and followers, and begged to live with his brother's son Han'u; this was granted.
43
In the thirtieth year Helori, having failed to obey the order to move pasture to Guihua, feared punitive troops and rebelled and fled. Galdan Dorji, Lobzang Erinchen, Han'u, and others followed him and fled by separate routes. General Niyahan and others induced the surrender of more than fifty households of Galdan Dorji's follower Namkabandar and Helori's brother-in-law Keqi with twenty-one followers; an edict ordered them settled at Guihua. At the time Helori's younger brother Bodi was grazing beyond Zhongwei on the frontier, more than three hundred li from Alxa; hearing his elder brother had rebelled and fled, he wished to join him and scout. Vice-general Chen Zuochang and others were stationed at Changning Lake; Bodi sent his son Sonom to the army, falsely claiming he sought passage to inquire about the southern mountains, otherwise asking to graze horses at Changning Lake. Zuochang saw this as a delaying tactic and ordered him to bring his followers to Guihua. He refused; they attacked and killed more than five hundred; Bodi barely escaped, fled to Yibai, met Helori's taiji Qiqike to borrow grain and horses, and fled to the Ejin River. In the thirty-first year Helori repented and submitted; he was ordered to graze at Alxa again. Lobzang Erinchen, Han'u, Qiqike, and others submitted with Helori. Before long they rebelled and fled again. Commander Sun Sike pursued with troops to Kuletu and killed more than forty. Qiqike was captured; an edict spared his life and allowed him to graze with Helori. Lobzang Erinchen and Han'u escaped; meeting Khalkha taiji Ahaidai Qingbandi returning from Qinghai, they plundered his goods and fled again toward Hami. Lobzang Gunbu Alakhabtan had a younger sister named Ahai; she had first been betrothed to Tsewang Alakhabtan, but Galdan seized her. Tsewang Alakhabtan was enraged; Galdan moved to Ergen Khobirga. When the emperor heard of this, he sent Department Director Ma Di with an imperial patent ordering him to break with Galdan. On the road through Hami, Lobzang Erinchen, Han'u, and others together with Galdan's followers Tuketi Hashiha, Har Hai Dayan Erke, and others waylaid him with troops; they broke through the border wall at Dacaotan and fled, were struck down by Qinghai taiji Erdeni Namjazal, and perished in flight. In the thirty-third year Helori's younger brother Bodi led more than a hundred followers to submit, begging to graze again with his elder brother; this was granted, and he was ordered to gather his scattered followers. Before long Qiqike rebelled and fled again. Helori sent Mangnai Hashiha and others in pursuit to Zhunuo'erge Mountain; they urged him to submit, and when he refused they attacked and killed him.
44
西椿 使 使 西 沿
In the thirty-fifth year the tribesmen followed the western-route main army in defeating Galdan at Jao Modo; Vice-commandant Ananda was ordered to set outposts, with Helori's followers — zaisang Malai Erke Hashiha of Blingachidarhan, Qilaomergen Sari Hunaqin Qilun Hutahan Hashiha, Budiri Dural Hoshoi, and others — posted separately at Ebugte, Amugte, Khundlun, Ejin, Bolochunji Aoqi of Bulungir, Kar Mangnai, and other places. At the time Galdan Dorji had fled outside Jiayuguan. There was one sentry Baige, one of his followers. Ananda summoned him and sent him back to tell Galdan Dorji: "The emperor's grace toward you is very great; he will nurture you — yet can you rebel and flee? When Helori abandoned his pasture you could not keep your followers together, and so you followed him. The emperor knows your circumstances clearly; remembering your grandfather Ejeit, he will see you through — think on this! Galdan Dorji sent word: "The emperor, mindful of my grandfather and elder brother, ordered me to live adjoining Helori. I was ignorant and followed Helori in rebellion and flight; now I repent and wish to die. I am still young; my mother is only a woman and cannot speak for herself. I beg you to report my circumstances in my stead." Ananda, wishing to fix his mind on inner submission, sent the envoy back, fixed a date to meet at Suzhou, ordered outposts set to support Hami, and again instructed Hami beg Ebedula: "If Galdan reaches your lands, call Galdan Dorji to your aid at once — harbor no further doubts." Galdan Dorji sent zaisang Ayue and others with a surrender memorial, which reached Suzhou. The emperor happened to be reviewing troops at Ningxia when Ananda's urgent memorial arrived; an edict ordered special relief for his people. Soon afterward the Tangut depa stirred the Qinghai taijis to league at Chagan Torohai and furnished them with weapons. He was ordered to march with troops but refused; he sent envoy Oji to sound out Tsewang Rabtan and himself brought a hundred men to join Ananda at Bulungir. Ananda learned that Galdan had died and his nephew Danjila had fled into the desert; he sent Galdan Dorji's man, Khoshid taiji Lobzang, and others with camels toward Gas, while he himself followed with Galdan Dorji and troops. At Serteng they met Oji on his return, who reported that Danjila was about to leave Guoman Lama's seat and submit to Tsewang Rabtan. He therefore recalled the Gas detachment and sent Galdan Dorji back to Bulung to man outposts; but his followers Aledar Hashiha, Gongge, and others stirred him to revolt. At Xixin Post they seized camels and horses and fled with his mother Zamsu by way of Jier Kar Usu. Ananda sent four hundred men in pursuit but could not catch them; he won over followers Maohai, Unaen Batu, Alam Zamba, Alamba, and Khoshid taiji Lobzang and sent them back to Alxa. Lobzang later migrated to Khalkha and became the Oirat zasak under the Jasaktu Khan league. That year Helori, his people having rebelled several times, asked that they be registered into company officers on the model of the forty-nine banners. Court officials proposed relocating them to the Urad frontier; the throne replied: "If Helori is moved to graze nearer the border, there are many other Mongol tribes along the marches — can they all be relocated? Besides, governing Mongols depends on doing it well, not on whether the land is near or far. Let the relocation cease; they shall continue to pasture in Alxa." Helori was made Doroi beile and granted the zasak seal. Galdan Dorji having fled to Dzungaria, the throne instructed Tsewang Rabtan: "Galdan Dorji came leading his followers in surrender and was settled to cultivate the land. Now he has suddenly abandoned his followers and fled in secret; there must be reasons beyond his control — investigate immediately and report fully. I have no wish to reproach Galdan Dorji, and have already ordered his remaining people collected. Should he reach your lands, receive him kindly and provide for him. If he wishes to move within the empire, send him back immediately." At this time Galdan Dorji openly submitted to Tsewang Rabtan but secretly turned disloyal. Tsewang Rabtan was preparing to attack the Kazakhs; Galdan Dorji pretended to march with him, then broke away midway to Kucha and was killed by the local Muslims. His mother Zamsu fled with more than nine hundred followers to Qinghai; the Qinghai taijis delivered them to the court. An edict settled them at Shibaertai under Chahar.
45
西
In the forty-third year Helori's son Aboo, already a prince of the second rank, was made imperial son-in-law and given a mansion in the capital. In the forty-eighth year he inherited the beile title. In the fifty-fourth year, serving as assistant minister, he joined Xi'an General Guangzhu at Barkul and struck the Dzungars at Ile Bulin Khoshuu, Aqtas, Urumqi, and elsewhere — all successfully. In the fifty-ninth year, as assistant minister under Pacification General Yanxin, he helped rout the Dzungars at Kehe, Qinogol, Chuomala, and other battles, and escorted the Dalai Lama into Tibet. On imperial instruction Nian Gengyao sent him back to graze his herds. Soon afterward he came to court; moved by his service, the throne enfeoffed him as Doroi junwang.
46
In Yongzheng 2, once the main army had pacified Qinghai, princes and ministers held that Alxa was a key point beyond the Ningxia frontier; Gushi Khan's descendants had long pastured north of the mountains, but some had now shifted south — they asked that Alxa zasak junwang Aboo be instructed to return the Qinghai tribes to the northern slopes, and this was approved. Aboo memorialized: "My ancestor Gushi Khan came over in sincere submission; a century has passed since then, and the dynasty's favor has been boundless. When my Qinghai brothers raised arms in rebellion, the court invoked Heaven's judgment; I should have offered myself for punishment. Yet I was again spared and allowed to pasture in peace — gratitude beyond repayment. I beg that vacant Qinghai pasture be granted me to keep the tribes in hand, so that no disloyal thought may arise again." An edict granted him the Bolochunke grazing grounds left by Qinghai beile Danzhong, and Pacification General Nian Gengyao was ordered to send men with rations to help the migration. Bolochunke is the Huangshui River mentioned in the Han shu's "Treatise on Geography." In the seventh year Aboo, finding Bolochunke too cramped, privately requested a move to the Ulan Moron and Ejin River frontier; officials proposed demoting him as punishment. Before long he was ordered reinstated. An edict sent him back to graze in Alxa; he was no longer to live in Qinghai. Aboo's son Gunbu, in the eighth year, marched his tribesmen to Barkul to block Dzungar relief for Fan Ting; the enemy withdrew. In the ninth year his merit was recorded and he was made fuguo gong. In the tenth year he was raised to beizi.
47
歿
In Qianlong 6 Sonom Dorji, who had succeeded to a lowered title, was reduced to gurun gong. In the twenty-first year second-rank taiji Dawa Cheleng joined the main army against fugitive Oirat bands, was ambushed at Boluoqi, fought hard, and died on the field. An edict granted posthumous honors and enshrined him in the Zhaozhong Shrine. Earlier Aboo's man Damarin had followed Frontier-pacifying General Furdan against the Dzungars at Khoto Khorkhanor and was taken captive. Now he arrived with his family and more than forty households of followers, including Bokule, at commander Yalhishan's camp and asked to return to their former Alxa grazing grounds. An edict approved the request; the people were nevertheless settled at Ili.
48
西
The tribe comprised one banner. Three titles: zasak hoshoi qinwang, raised from beile by succession; with two attached gurun gong — one by demotion from beizi, one by promotion from fuguo gong. Aboo's second son Lobzang Dorji first succeeded to the beile title. In Qianlong 21 an edict ordered him to the northern front. In the twenty-second year, for capturing the rebel Bayar, he was raised to junwang and made assistant minister. In the twenty-third year, for defeating and capturing the rebel zaisang Enketu, he received the double-eyed peacock plume. In the twenty-fourth year, for taiji Dawa, company officer Budai, and others in suppressing Mahaxin and the rebel Muslim Buranidun, he received special rewards. In the thirtieth year Lobzang Dorji was raised to qinwang. In the eleventh month of the thirty-seventh year, because Gansu civilians were illicitly mining gold on Habutahara Mountain in the Alxa banner, Le-erjin was ordered to seize and punish them. In the forty-sixth year the main army crushed Sarlar's rebel Muslims at Hualin Temple; in the forty-ninth year it again defeated rebels at Shifeng Fort and Didian. The tribe furnished troops in each campaign and all distinguished themselves. In the fifty-first year Alxa salt was allowed to be transported by water to Qikou in Lin County, Shanxi. In the fifty-sixth year the tribe's salt income came to eight thousand taels of silver. Lobzang Dorji's son Wangqin Bambal inherited the qinwang title. He later served once as Ningxia General, but was removed for favoring his followers in a boundary survey.
49
使 西 便 沿 便 使使 西西 退 沿 西 西
In Jiaqing 4 Shaanxi-Gansu Governor Chang Lin memorialized that this tribe's troops sent against the Teaching-bandits should be returned to the banner. In the fifth year Gansu Surveillance Commissioner Jiang Kaiyang reported: "Beyond the Zhongwei frontier lie large and small salt ponds, now under the Alxa prince; the salt is bright, white, and hard, and inland people all favor it. About six-tenths of Gansu's salt consumption is Alxa salt, and Shanxi accounts for another three-tenths. I am told the Alxa prince only stations officials at the two ponds to collect tax, and Mongols and Han alike may transport freely — which makes it very convenient for the people. Smuggling is rampant — camels, cattle, and mules travel in bands of tens and hundreds, club-fighting as they go, while clerks and runners dare not intervene. It is proposed that frontier counties establish tax offices at each pass where salt enters, levying according to the size of each load. They collect pond tax; we would collect transit tax — this would not harm the Alxa prince, yet would turn smuggling into official trade — a course that serves both sides." In the eleventh year, because Hui smugglers were breaking the salt laws, the Alxa prince offered his ponds for official operation; a transport intendant was stationed at Dengkou. The Alxa prince was granted eight thousand taels of silver annually; the ponds were placed under the Ningxia circuit. In the seventeenth year the ponds were turned over to merchant management; crossing points were fixed and limits posted; the Dengkou commissioner became the Huangfuchuan commissioner for inspection alone. Ji salt by water was limited to Huangfuchuan; the ponds were returned by edict to the Alxa prince, his yearly payment ceased, and more than eighty-seven thousand ji salt quotas were folded into Lu quotas, with Lu merchants paying the Ji levy in bulk. In the seventh month of Xianfeng 4 the prince offered to open silver mines at Khalejin Kucha as a contribution. Gansu was authorized to collect merchant tax on Alxa salt to fund military supplies. At the start of the Tongzhi era, when Muslim rebels broke out, this tribe's troops were repeatedly called to help suppress them. In the third year Alxa qinwang Gunsangjuermete, rebels having disturbed Ningxia, petitioned the Court of Colonial Affairs for relief. Alarms were frequent on the western route; the tribe established relay stations, carrying dispatches south from Gan and Liang and west from the Ejin Torghut through Urad to Guihua. In the fourth month of the fourth year Duxinga's army crushed the Muslim rebels at Pingluo and Baofeng, and the banner's assistant taiji Abuli also defeated rebels who had forced into Moshi Pass. An edict commended Gunsangjuermete and again ordered every pass strictly guarded, with camel transport maintained as well. In the seventh year Gunsangjuermete bought grain and wheat to supply Mutushan's army at Zhongpu, and lent more than a hundred plow oxen to the poor so they could farm in season. The memorial arrived in the fourth month, and the throne again commended him. In the twelfth month Muslim rebels from Pingluo broke into the tribe and looted widely; they occupied Dengkou, besieged the princely mansion, and killed and wounded troops. Gunsangjuermete again petitioned Mutushan for relief. In the eighth year Ding An sent the Mongol officer Urgunnason to the tribe's Ulan Mutou district to suppress overland Muslim rebels. In the fourth month he repeatedly routed Muslim rebels at Lower Yonghejiang and Upper Yonghejiang. The rebels holding Dengkou fled back into Shaanxi territory. That month Dong Mayuan Muslim rebels entered the tribe's lands, besieged Dingyuan Camp, and destroyed graves, mansions, and temples. Routes to Ordos and the Ejin River Torghut were severed; Gunsangjuermete commanded Mongol troops in defending the city under siege. On the ninth day of the seventh month Regional Commander Zhang Yao sent officers Yang Chunxiang and others to relieve Dingyuan; the rebels fell back to Guangzong Temple, were beaten again, and escaped over the mountains. The following day Yang Chunxiang and his men marched toward Helan Mountain. In the eighth month Jin Shun marched on Dengkou and then stationed at Pingluo. In the ninth month Zhang Yao arrived at Ningxia; imperial troops were stationed along the way at Shajintuohai, Sandaohe, Dengkou, Shizuishan, and other points. In the eleventh month of the ninth year Muslim rebels again broke into the Hongjing area on Alxa's southern frontier; Gunsangjuermete sent deputy company officer Eken to join Vice General Hao Yonggang and others in defeating them. The rebels fled toward Yongdengkou, plundered Alxa, and eleven relay stations were set up again. In the fifth month of the tenth year Jin Shun reported: "Behind the mountains west of Ningxia, in Alxa banner, raiders from the west have been looting the country. We are now arranging to post detachments at the key north-south crossings—Dengkou, Hengcheng, and the like—to block them." In the eleventh year Muslim rebels from the Sayin Noyon Alimbiit banner broke into the Sharza region. At the Alxa prince's request for troops to suppress them, Zhang Yao ordered Sun Jinbiao to station a detachment around Liulin Lake, with an eye to Mongol lands as well. In the eighth month of that year Shaan-Gan Governor-General Zuo Zongtang memorialized and received approval that Mongol salt would still be marketed only along the route from Yitiao Mountain and Wukasi Temple to Gaolan, Jingyuan, and Tiaocheng, then through Anding, Huining, Longxi, and Qinzhou for sale in the Han south, with eight fen each in tax silver and lijin silver levied per hundred jin. In the fourth month of the thirteenth year Yuan Baoheng reported: "Ningxia grain collection and transport must run through Alxa and Ejin Mongol pasturelands to reach Barkol. Yet Ejin grazing grounds have been ravaged by rebels more severely than anywhere else in recent years and offer nothing to draw on; Alxa camels must be the mainstay. The Alxa assistant taiji will be instructed to send men to Ningxia to work out the details. Together with banner secretary Mani'arde'na I have planned thirty-four relay stations along the route, devoted entirely to guiding travelers. We shall also hire fifteen hundred Mongol camels and five hundred civilian ones, five hundred carrying each leg in rotating relays. Each run can move eight hundred shi of official grain, reaching Barkol within forty months, with a convoy leaving Ningxia every twenty days." The court ordered Zuo Zongtang to judge the situation and dispatch officers to Ningxia to take over. In the seventh month of Guangxu 4, with order restored inside and outside the passes, the relay stations set up in Alxa were abolished.
50
西西 西 西
In the twenty-sixth year the Boxers stirred up trouble, and Alxa saw an anti-missionary case as well. In the third month of the twenty-seventh year officials in every province who had failed to protect missions the year before were punished; the Alxa prince Gunsangjuermete was called in to receive an imperial rebuke. Afterward, in the Sandaohe district of this department, church-leased acreage steadily increased; channels were drawn from the river and ten thousand qing of land opened, and the area grew richer by the day. In Xuantong 2 Supervising Salt Administrator Zaize reported: "For Mongol salt marketed in Shanxi, the western route depends chiefly on Alxa, with Ordos as supplement. It has mines, timber, and a vast territory. To the north it meets the southern banners of the Sayin Noyon league; to the south it neighbors nine Gansu counties including Zhenfan—a major tribe of Inner Mongolia. It stands as a department in its own right, without a league, and is subject to the Ningxia general. It had eight zuoling. Ejin was the former Torghut department, lying west of Alxa banner. East lay Gur Na; south, the Maomu sub-prefectural district of Gansu; north, Aji Mountain; southeast, Heli Mountain; and to the south, northeast, and northwest stretched great deserts. It stood beyond the frontier of Ganzhou and Suzhou prefectures in Gansu.
51
使
The line went back to the sixth-generation descendant of Ong Khan, known as Makachi Mongol. He had two sons: the elder was Beigu Oorlog, and among his descendants was a great-grandson named Shuku'erdaiqing. The fourth son was Namjiling, who fathered Nanzar Mamut—a kinsman of Torghut Khan Ayuqi. Khan Ayuqi grazed along the Elet River. In Kangxi 4 an edict enfeoffed Nanzar Mamt's son Alabuzhur as gushan beile and granted him pasture at Sereng. Earlier Alabuzhur had passed through Dzungar lands to visit the Dalai Lama. Later Ayuqi and the Dzungar Tsewang Araptan fell out again. Alabuzhur came back from Tangut, but with the Dzungar road cut he stayed beyond Jiayuguan and sent envoys to the capital. The emperor took pity on his homelessness, and so this appointment was made. In the fifty-fifth year Alabuzhur asked to serve in the field; he was ordered to lead five hundred men garrisoned at Gas. He died soon after, and his son Danzhong inherited the title.
52
In Yongzheng 7 he came to court and was raised to beile. In the ninth year, because Sereng pasture adjoined Chahan Qilaotu near Gas, he feared Dzungar raids and pleaded to move inward. Shaan-Gan Governor-General Zhalang'a ordered him to move his kin to graze at Alak Mountain, Altan Tebshi, and elsewhere; pasture was soon fixed along the Ejin River. In Qianlong 48 he was granted perpetual hereditary rank.
53
西 西
During the Tongzhi reign Muslim rebels rose in rebellion and took Suzhou. Because this department bordered them, the destruction was especially heavy. At that time dispatches on the western route were cut off; the department set up relay stations, handing messages on to Alxa and thence to Guihua. After the ninth year Suzhou Muslim rebels repeatedly harried the country north of this department, breaking into the Sayin Noyon and Jasaktu leagues and raiding Uliastai and Kobdo. Fu Ji, Ding An, and Zhang Tingyue reported in turn: "The bandits all issue from Torghut beile grazing grounds; we ask that Zuo Zongtang be ordered to send troops to guard against and suppress them." In the twelfth year the department's beile Dashiling fell in battle while holding Muslim rebels at bay. In Guangxu 5 Grand Secretary and Shaan-Gan Governor-General Zuo Zongtang petitioned for posthumous honors on his behalf. In the twelfth month he was posthumously granted the rank of junwang and awarded one thousand one hundred taels in condolence silver. In the thirtieth year Yan Qi and others escorted the Dalai Lama westward to Xining, traveling through this department. The terrain is mostly Gobi and poorer than the other departments; to the north it meets the southern frontier of the Jasaktu league. Each banner had one zuoling; no league chief was appointed, and the department answered to the Shaan-Gan governor-general.
← Previous Chapter
Back to Chapters
Next Chapter →