Yi Clan

Overview

The Yi family is mentioned in Volume 78 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, under the section on Nikan surnames within the Manchu Banners, specifically in the account of Yi Daming's family. Yi Daming was a bondservant under the Plain White Banner, residing in Liaoyang. His year of submission is unknown, but he once served as a military officer (CanJiang). His son, Yi Yongshou, served as a scribe (BiTieShi), his grandson, Sangge, served as a stable master (LaoChang) at the time of compiling the genealogy, and Naqin served as a military commander (HuJunCanLing). His great-grandson, Qishiliu, also served as a scribe (BiTieShi).

A military officer (CanJiang) was a military commander, while a military commander (HuJunCanLing) managed the military organization and related affairs. A stable master (LaoChang) was responsible for the stables and horses. The different positions held by grandfather and grandson should be explained separately for each generation; Naqin's position as a military commander (HuJunCanLing) cannot be attributed to Yi Daming. Being a bondservant under a banner was a family's organizational and management status, and did not necessarily mean that everyone performed the same job.

"Bitter-staff" is a transliteration of the Manchu word "bithesi," which can be understood as a person responsible for handling written affairs, including document drafting, translation, and administrative writing within the government. This better describes the nature of Yi Yongshou and Qishiliu's work than simply stating "low-ranking civil servant." The original text only refers to Yi Yongshou as "abither," without specifying his past or present position; this text retains this undetermined status. Documents using Qin official titles also do not provide additional resumes. the original printed edition of names, positions, and specific duties is pending verification.