Tong Zhenguo

Overview

Tong Zhenguo was a member of the Tongjia clan, a member of the Bordered Red Banner, and a relative of Tong Yangzheng. His family had lived in Tongjia for generations, and he submitted to the Qing dynasty from Guangning at the beginning of the dynasty. Volume 20 of the official *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* records that he was awarded the rank of Third-class Qingche duwei, and later, for capturing someone carrying a letter, he was promoted to Third-Class Baron.

Qingche duwei and Baron were hereditary titles of merit, with different ranks, and were different from the actual positions of zuoling (military commanders) who managed the banner people's household registration and military register. The imperial edict for promotion also differed from the basis of military conferment. His son, Tong Yipeng, inherited the title and was promoted to First-Class Baron and concurrently held the position of Yunqiwei (a military rank), but retired due to illness. His son, Tong Guangxian, inherited the title, and the position was passed down through several generations. When Tong Gui inherited the title, the promotion granted by the imperial edict was removed, and he inherited the title of Third-Class Baron and served as zuoling, which was then inherited by his son, Tong Zhaoxun. The original genealogy notes that this branch of descendants belonged to the Han Army Banner of this banner, and this historical organizational information must be preserved. Guangning is the source of my submission, while Tongjia is my ancestral home; they cannot be considered the same place name. This article is based on the original genealogy's bestowal of titles and inheritances; specific correspondence, dates of submission, and locations require further verification through archival documents.