Shoumin

Overview

Shoumin is a figure from the Eight Banners under the Kang clan title in Volume 77 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*. He belonged to the Bordered Yellow Banner and was a bondservant under the jurisdiction of the Guanling (YiYi) official. His family had lived in Shenyang for generations, but the year of their arrival is unknown. His son, Sige, once served as a warehouse clerk, and his grandson, Sahalian, once served as a scribe. The Kang clan is the family classification in the genealogy, while Shoumin is a retained personal name; the entry cannot be changed to Kang Shoumin simply to add a surname.

A warehouse clerk was a personnel responsible for warehouse affairs, distinct from administrative positions such as treasurer or warehouse manager. The Guangchu Division of the Imperial Household Department managed warehouses for silver, leather, porcelain, satin, clothing, and tea, employing different staff. This system explains why warehouse clerks were involved in material affairs; however, Sige's warehouse is not specified in the genealogy, so he cannot be identified as a silver warehouse staff member.

A scribe was a clerical official; the Manchu title bithesi is related to bithe (book, document), and involved in copying, registration, and official document affairs. The son's position in the treasury and the grandson's position in the clerical office reflect two different job areas, while Shoumin himself has no clearly defined position. The fact that he was a subordinate only indicates his organizational affiliation; it cannot be inferred from this that he held the position of internal steward, nor can the etymology of the name Sahalian be added without verification in Manchu.