Ming Wei-Suo System

Timeline

1. 1368–1398Ming capital and surroundings · ChinaZhu Yuanzhang reformed the late-Yuan military system, establishing the wei-suo structure, hereditary military households, and the military colony system, with inner and outer guards set up, laying the foundation of Ming military administration.
2. 1403–1420Northern frontier and capital region · North ChinaThe Yongle Emperor campaigned against the Mongols and moved the capital to Beijing, strengthening northern guard garrisons and the Five Armies system of the capital camps; wei-suo units bore both frontier garrison and capital defense duties.
3. 1421–1500Nationwide wei-suo network · ChinaThe wei-suo system remained the military foundation nationwide through the fifteenth century, but problems such as desertion of military households and abandoned military farms gradually emerged, and the court repeatedly issued orders to rectify them.