A Study of Officials Responsible for the Management of Military Rations at Shanhai Pass in the Late Ming Dynasty

Yuhan  Wang; Letian  Shen; Yan  Chen

doi:10.54691/c5qvf455

Authors

Yuhan Wang
Letian Shen
Yan Chen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54691/c5qvf455

Keywords:

Shanhaiguan; military provisions administration; military rations.

Abstract

After the Liaodong Incident in the 46th year of Wanli, the situation in Liaodong worsened. The fall of Liaodong and Shenyang in the first year of Tianqi made Shanhaiguan the frontline against the Jurchens and a strategic gateway to the capital. The concentration of troops and changes in maritime grain supply caused a sharp rise in military provisions revenue and expenditure around Shanhaiguan, overwhelming existing institutions. To improve provision management, the court set up specialized agencies including the Shanhaiguan Provisions Bureau and Maritime Transport Office in the first year of Tianqi. Under the supervision of the Governor-General and Provincial Governor, the Provisions Bureau oversaw the collection, allocation, registration and budgeting of military supplies, while the subordinate Maritime Transport Office managed in-kind procurement, financial affairs and maritime transportation. This system enhanced logistics efficiency in Shanhaiguan and coastal areas, eased supply shortages in Liaodong, and supported the temporary stabilization of the military situation there in the late Tianqi and early Chongzhen periods.

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