Cangmi

Overview

Cangmi was a member of the Sakda clan of the Plain Red Banner during the early Qing Dynasty. Volume 35 of the official Qing Dynasty genealogy, *The Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, records that his family originally resided in Yehe, and that they submitted to the Qing Dynasty at the beginning of the dynasty. His sons, Shuose and Zhaose, served as cavalry commanders; Zhaose as Vice Minister of Works; Wale as City Gate Commandant; and Huase as Clerk. His grandsons, Walda and Eli, also served as Clerks, and Eli as a fourth-rank official. These names and official titles belong to different generations of descendants, each with its own specific role.

The cavalry commander was responsible for the military affairs of his assigned cavalry; the Vice Minister of Works participated in central government affairs such as engineering projects; the City Gate Commandant was responsible for gate security; and the Clerk handled official documents. The fourth-rank official designation only indicated a rank; without a specific post, one could not be promoted to Deputy Commander-in-Chief or Secretary, nor could one be promoted to a higher rank. The parallel civil and military positions did not necessarily mean serving in the same institution.

Yehe can be referenced to the historical area of ​​Yehe Manchu Town in Tiedong District, Siping City today. This is only a modern geographical reference and does not prove the family's ancestral residence. The surname is based on the Sakda clan chapter; one cannot automatically assume that someone has changed their surname to Cang simply because their given name is Cangmi. The ancestral village, the fourth-rank official position, and the Ministry of Works and clerical duties are pending review; the son's position as Vice Minister was not transferred to him.