Early Ming Pacification of Yunnan and Frontier Consolidation (1390s)

Timeline

1. 1391–1394Kunming · YunnanPrince of Qianning Mu Ying served as Commander-in-Chief of Yunnan, establishing weisuo garrisons and military farms in Kunming and elsewhere, relocating settlers to strengthen the frontier and building city defenses. The Ming court incorporated Yunnan into the provincial system while retaining partial tusi autonomy, forming a governance structure of 'coexisting appointed officials and tusi.'
2. 1394–1396Southwestern Yunnan frontier · YunnanThe Ming dynasty managed the tusi of Dai, Yi, and other peoples in southwestern Yunnan through investiture and tributary administration, delineating jimi boundaries and restricting wars of annexation among tusi. The center acknowledged local power through nominal titles such as Pacification Commission and Pacification Office, in exchange for political allegiance and tribute to the Ming court.
3. 1397–1398Luchuan (present-day Ruili area) · YunnanLuchuan Pacification Commissioner Silunfa rose in rebellion against Ming; Ming forces led by Mu Ying campaigned against him, defeating the rebels at Jiana Mountain and elsewhere. Afterwards the Ming divided Luchuan's power, establishing tusi such as Mangshi, weakening the strong western Yunnan vassal and consolidating southwestern frontier security.