Bayartu

Overview

Bayartu was a member of the Irgen Gioro clan of the Plain Yellow Banner during the early Qing Dynasty. His family had lived in the Yehe region for generations and submitted to the Qing Dynasty at its inception. Volume 12 of the official clan genealogy compiled during the Qianlong reign, *The General Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, records that he was initially granted the title of Cavalry Captain. He distinguished himself in capturing a bridge during the conquest of Liaodong and was promoted to Third-Class Light Cavalry Captain. He later died in battle during the attack on Ningyuan. These are his personal military achievements and death, and should not be confused with the lengthy hereditary titles inherited by his descendants.

The titles of Cavalry Captain and Light Cavalry Captain belonged to the Qing Dynasty's hereditary system of meritorious officials and were not equivalent to specific military command positions. His eldest son, Azhai, inherited the title but was later dismissed, and it was succeeded by Azhai's younger brother, Ese. Ese was further granted additional titles due to military merit and imperial favor. Later, the title was sometimes divided and sometimes reduced. Divided inheritance refers to the system allowing the distribution of titles and ranks among descendants; it should not be interpreted as Bayartu simultaneously granting the same rank to every descendant.

Yehe is a historical name for both the Jurchen tribe and a region. Jilin cultural and tourism data confirms the existence of the ruins of the Yehe tribe's royal city in Yehe Manchu Town, Tiedong District, Siping City, which helps in understanding the regional background, but cannot determine the specific royal city or village where Bayartu lived. His descendants are recorded as having positions such as military officer, physician, guard, and astronomy student; these should be interpreted according to their generational order. "Astronomy student" should not be considered a modern astronomy degree, and the specific institutions and terms of office still need verification.