Zhaolang

Overview

Zhaolang is listed in Volume 51 of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners*, under the entry for the Wendu clan in various regions. He belonged to the Plain Yellow Banner, and his family had lived in Suifen for generations. He submitted to the Qing dynasty at the beginning of the dynasty and served as a Xiaoqixiao (a military officer). The Wendu clan was a Manchu clan, and its members were not limited to Neyinjiang. Zhaolang's branch in Suifen should be preserved in an individual entry.

His eldest son, Aita, served as a scribe. His second son, Niyahu, was appointed acting military officer and participated in battles in Yunnan and Guizhou, receiving the title of Yunqiwei (a military rank), which was later inherited by his son, Yatu. Zhaolang's grandsons, Gunchu and Mantu, both served as scribes. The military achievements in Yunnan and Guizhou belong to his second son, Niyahu, and cannot be included in his father's Xiaoqixiao record.

The term "appointed acting" indicates that the position was acting in a position and could not be directly converted into a formal, substantive appointment as a military officer. Yunqiwei was a hereditary title of merit, different from the actual military rank of military officer. The Manchu word for scribe, *bithesi*, is related to *bithe* meaning "book" or "document," and involved handling official documents and related written affairs. This family held both military and administrative positions. Historical records do not specify the exact organization of the clerks, nor do they list the modern settlement of the Sui branch or the start and end dates of each person's tenure. Therefore, it is not appropriate to add any unverified details.