Narbu

Overview

Narbu was a member of the Guarjia clan of the Manchu Plain Blue Banner. His family had lived in Suwan for generations and were of the same clan as Danbu, submitting to the Qing dynasty at the beginning of the dynasty. Volume 1 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* lists Narbu's entry, followed by a list of his descendants' official positions; however, it does not record Narbu's specific appointments.

His eldest son, Ganglin, was awarded the title of Bakshi for his extensive knowledge of literature and served as a Grand Secretary of the Hongwen Academy before being convicted of a crime. His fourth son, Chabuhai, served as Vice Minister of Rites, and his fifth son, Changnai, served as Minister of Personnel. The Hongwen Academy was a central government agency for document preparation and compilation in the early Qing dynasty, and Grand Secretaries were high-ranking civil officials. The Ministry of Rites was responsible for rituals and other administrative affairs, while the Ministry of Personnel handled official selection and appointment; Vice Minister and Minister were high-ranking officials in these ministries. Therefore, the positions of his three sons cannot be combined into Narbu's resume.

His grandson, Tao Dai, served as Vice Minister of Revenue, and Chafu and Chashou served as Principal Clerks. His great-grandson held various positions, including scribe, secretary, bodyguard, and defense officer. This branch is found simultaneously in the central financial administration, document affairs, and banner system. The original text's use of "same clan" only indicates a clan relationship with Danbu, without specifying the degree of kinship. The detailed case of Ganglin's conviction and the original context of the title Bakshi still need to be verified; one cannot infer Narbu's own career path based on the official positions and punishments of later generations.