Xifaqi Clan

Overview

The Xifaqi clan is a Manchu surname recorded in Volume 62 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, an official compilation from the Qianlong reign. They resided in the Suifen region and belonged to the Plain Blue Banner. The genealogy traces its ancestry to Yisihu, stating that he submitted to the Qing dynasty at its beginning. It lists his great-grandson, Sige, as having served as an infantry officer, and Bashiliu as a guard officer during the compilation of the genealogy. Both Sige and Bashiliu belong to the generation of Yisihu's great-grandsons, and their names and positions are listed consecutively.

The infantry and guard were distinct military units within the Qing dynasty's banner system. The infantry's primary tasks included guarding city gates, patrolling streets, and maintaining order; infantry officers were the lowest-ranking officers. The guard system, on the other hand, was associated with palace guarding, protection, and escort duties; guard officers were responsible for managing and performing duties within their unit. This distinction helps in understanding the official positions held by the two descendants, preventing the simplistic translation of both "school" titles as mere school staff.

The Plain Blue Banner was one of the Eight Banners that managed the household registration of military and civilians. Yisihu's banner affiliation refers to his identity and organizational affiliation, while his official titles of Sige and Bashiliu refer to his personal official appointments. The genealogy does not yet provide the specific locations, terms of office, or ancestral villages of the two individuals. This information needs further verification, and we do not consider general regulations as a specific task they performed.