Obai

Overview

Ebai was a member of the Xilin Gioro clan, Bordered Blue Banner, whose family had lived in Wangqin for generations. Volume 17 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* clearly identifies his father as Tuyantu, his grandfather as Tumen, and his great-grandfather as Tuntai, noting that he served as a secretary in the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works, and as the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy. A secretary was an official in a central government office, responsible for the affairs of their respective department; the specific duties varied depending on the institution: the Ministry of Revenue handled household registration, taxes, and finance, while the Ministry of Works was responsible for engineering and construction. These two positions should not be confused. The Imperial Academy was the central educational institution of the Qing Dynasty, where the Chancellor and the Director of Studies oversaw teaching and management, and participated in rituals such as the sacrificial ceremony. Although the title of Chancellor includes the word "wine," their duties were educational management, not brewing or providing food. The original genealogy provides detailed accounts of Ebai's studies, his relationships with his brothers, and his retirement and education of his children, especially mentioning Zhu Xi's *Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government*, demonstrating that official genealogies also reflected the family's moral character. His son, Ortai, posthumously bestowed titles upon his father and grandfather, but this is not evidence that Ebai actually served as a Grand Secretary during his lifetime. The resumes of the six sons must be distinguished one by one, and in particular, Orchi's position as Minister should not be included in Obai's life.