Wentasi

Overview

Wentasi, also known as Wentasi, appears in Volume 56 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, under the entry for the Pusu clan. He belonged to the Bordered White Banner, and his family had lived in Yehe for generations. The year of his submission is unknown. He once served as a Minister of the Imperial Household, and the original entry noted his transfer from the Plain Yellow Banner. Ministers of the Imperial Household were high-ranking officials within the Qing Dynasty's system of imperial guards and attendants, distinct from ordinary local officials.

His son, Moerhong, served as a Blue-Lanyard Imperial Guard. His grandchildren held positions such as Xiaoqixiao, Zuoling, Fuhujun Canling, and Fangyu. His grandson, Qishi, participated in the Tibetan campaign as a Zuoling, and for his meritorious service, he was awarded the title of Yunqiwei and appointed Xieling. After his death, his son, Dangse, inherited the position, while Dangse also served as Fangyu. Hereditary titles, military service, and military posts should be attributed to the individual; it is inappropriate to list all of his descendants' positions in Wentasi's own resume.

Zuoling managed household registration, land ownership, and military records; Xieling participated in the management of garrison commanders; Yunqiwei was a hereditary title based on merit; the heir did not automatically succeed his father as Xieling. Tupusu was a Manchu clan, and Yehe was their ancestral home. The system and responsibilities of the Sanzhi Ministers varied over time, and it cannot be inferred from their titles that Wentasi commanded a fixed army. Further evidence is needed regarding the date of the banner change, the war in Tibet, their specific Sanzhi titles, and their expected terms.