Yao Lan

Overview

Yaolan was a member of the Shumulu clan of the Bordered Red Banner of the Manchus in the early Qing Dynasty. He was of the same clan as Yechen, the son-in-law of Hule'e, and his family had lived in Zhusheli for generations before submitting to the Qing Dynasty. Volume Six of the official clan genealogy compiled during the Qianlong reign, *The General Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, records that his son, Mara, participated in the wars in Zhejiang, Fujian, and Yunnan as a military officer, distinguishing himself in battles at Shimenkan and Huangcaoba, and was awarded the title of Yunqiwei (a military rank). This title was later inherited by Mara's son, Sange.

A military officer was a junior officer in the military system, while Yunqiwei was a hereditary military rank. Sange inherited a hereditary title, but this does not automatically mean he succeeded his father as a military officer. Sange also held a separate guard post within the prefectural guard system, which should be understood separately from palace guards and ordinary military battalion positions.

Yaolan's grandson, Changde, served as Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, responsible for matters related to court ceremonies; his great-grandson, Yongshao, served as an assistant minister; Yongfu served as a scribe; Yongtai, Yongan, and Yongning were students of the Imperial Academy; and his great-great-grandson, Changmin, was also a student of the Imperial Academy. Being a student of the Imperial Academy (jiansheng (Imperial Academy student status)) signifies a qualification for enrollment in the academy or academy, but does not equate to being granted an official position. Clerical, ceremonial, and other civil service positions within the departments and bureaucracy are matters of experience for descendants. Zhusheli is the original place of residence and cannot be replaced by the Yunnan battlefield location. The individual's official rank, specific year of submission, and original guard rank title still need verification.