Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Figures, Volume 14

Page Six

Bu-cioriginal: "不刺" (Bù-cì). This is a phonetic transcription. In Ming Dynasty records, this name is often associated with specific tribal groups or regions in the Western frontier, possibly related to the "Boci" or groups near the Tibetan borderlands. is a people belonging to the Western Fanoriginal: "西番" (Xīfān). A general historical term used by the Chinese to describe the various ethnic groups and polities residing in the high plateaus and mountainous regions to the west, primarily including the Tibetan peoples and their neighbors.. They produce and provide sheep and horses These were highly valued commodities in the Ming tribute system; horses were especially vital for the imperial military, while sheep were essential for food and textiles.. To travel from their lands to reach Yingtian Prefectureoriginal: "應天府" (Yìngtiān Fǔ). The Ming Dynasty name for Nanjing, which served as the empire’s capital during the early Ming period and remained a secondary capital and major administrative hub thereafter., the journey takes one year and eight months.