Clan and Banner Background
The Zhaojia clan is recorded in volume 31 of the Qianlong-sponsored Comprehensive Genealogy of Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners. The genealogy says that Zhaojia was originally a place-name later adopted as a surname, and locates families around Hupucha, Ermin, and other areas. Shusai of the Hupucha line belonged to the Bordered White Banner, submitted early, and administered a newly established niru. His son Dusha held an administrative household office and company command; Tushita was a first-class imperial guard. Other descendants served in guards, banner commands, and ministry posts.
Family Service and Distinctions
Wudachan, a grandson of Shusai's paternal uncle Etai, earned a baturu bravery designation and the hereditary title qidu wei for his role in taking a Shandong city. His son Mang'itu served as commander of the guard units and as General Who Suppresses the South. The military title, bravery honorific, and inheritable award had different meanings. Later transmission of the hereditary award included removal of increments previously conferred by imperial favour.
Kinship, Succession, and Evidence
The genealogy identifies Shusai as kin to Juese of Ermin, who belonged to the Plain White Banner, and describes transfers of certain relatives between banners. Surname, locality, and registration therefore did not correspond one-to-one. The historical sites of Hupucha and Ermin, changes in banner affiliation, and the detailed sequence of hereditary succession remain to be examined.
Sources and Bibliography
References reproduce links supplied with the Chinese research manuscript. Individual historical claims have not all been independently verified against the primary sources.
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