Zhuerku

Overview

Zhuerku was a member of the Zhaojia clan of the Bordered Red Banner during the early Qing Dynasty. Volume 31 of the official Qing Dynasty genealogy, *The Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, records that his family originally resided in the Ula region and submitted to the Qing Dynasty at its inception. His grandson, Mengkui, served as Deputy Commander-in-Chief; his great-grandson, Wushiha, served as a Guardsman; Xifune served as a Military Commander; and his great-great-grandsons, Suozhu, served as a Cavalry Commander; Huli served as a Ceremonial Officer; and Xiyong served as a Registrar. The original genealogy listed official positions by generation, making it impossible to include all titles in one person's resume.

The Deputy Commander-in-Chief assisted in managing banner affairs; the Guardsman managed the military affairs of his subordinate guards; the Military Commander and Cavalry Commander were responsible for leading and managing their respective units; the Ceremonial Officer was involved in government office etiquette; and the Registrar was responsible for official documents and records. Military, ceremonial, and clerical positions were described separately and not lumped together as a single type of banner officer.

The historical location of Ula can be referenced to the relevant sites in Ula Street, Longtan District, Jilin City today. This is only a regional location and not proof of the Zhuerku family's ancestral home. The connection between Meng Kui's residence, Xi Yong's registrar's office, and relatives of each generation is yet to be verified. The original genealogy indicates the "original position" based on the time of compilation, without specifying the year of office.