Alai Clan

Overview

The Alai clan is a Manchu surname recorded in Volume 62 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, which states that the clan originally resided in the Weng Gol City area. This entry traces its ancestry back to Heshen, a member of the Bordered Blue Banner, noting his submission to the Qing dynasty at the beginning of the dynasty. It also mentions that his grandson, Guo Jina, served as an infantry officer; and that Sanyatu, the grandson of Heshen's younger brother, Lexi, served as a guard officer. These two branches of the family trace their origins back to the brothers Heshen and Lexi.

Guo Jina and Sanyatu held military positions in different organizations. The infantry officer managed infantry soldiers, and their role was related to city gate guarding, street patrols, and security duties; the guard officer was involved in the training, leadership, and guard duties of the guards. Both titles end with "Xiao," indicating officer positions, not educational institutions.

The value of this entry lies in simultaneously providing clues about the two branches of the family: Sanyatu was Lexi's grandson, so he cannot be written as Heshen's grandson; Lexi was not Guo Jina's younger brother. The description of the Bordered Blue Banner indicates the family's banner system, while the description of Wengguo Luocheng indicates the ancestral home. Neither of these are recorded by any official. The modern equivalent of this city, the complete lineage of the two brothers' branches, and the specific officials involved require further verification. The original entries and names have been preserved.