Da Jie

Overview

Da Jie was a bondservant of the Plain Blue Banner during the Qing Dynasty. His family had lived in Shenyang for generations, and the year of their submission is unknown. The official genealogy of the Manchu clans of the Eight Banners, compiled during the Qianlong reign, lists him under the Wan clan in Volume 78, noting that his son, Yong Sheng, held the *muchang* herd-management office, and his grandson, Te Song'e, served as a second-class guard. The titles of personal names and surnames are at different levels; the absence of the character "Wan" in "Da Jie" does not presume to change the name.

A *muchang* was an official in charge of livestock breeding. The "Draft History of the Qing Dynasty" records that herdsmen were in charge of cattle and horse breeding within the official system of princes' mansions. The Imperial Stables also had officials with the same title, but the institutions, ranks, and scope of work differed. Yong Sheng's original entry did not specify his affiliation, so the general horse administration system cannot be considered his complete career.

Guards in the official system of princes' mansions were responsible for guarding and accompanying the princes, with ranks of first, second, and third class; they should not be confused with the guards of the Imperial Guard. The description of Tesong'e's position as a second-class guard does not specify his rank or title, but it does not specify the princely residence he belonged to. The ranks of officials under the princely residence in the Qing Dynasty underwent changes over time, so it is inappropriate to directly state the later regulations regarding ranks as if the rank had already been confirmed at the time of his appointment.