Military Authority

Those who receive orders from the Wagon Commander original: 車正 Chezheng, the officer responsible for the tactical positioning of combat wagons but fail to align the camp correctly—whether by mismatched elevations of the terrain or other errors—shall be held strictly accountable . Next, the Blue Flag Inspectors original: 藍旗 Lanqi, military police responsible for maintaining discipline and order shall pass through the ranks to oversee the distribution of orders .

During daily drills, if there is clamor and a lack of solemnity; if the ranks are uneven when pitching camp; or if the formation is disrupted during the march by those pushing ahead or falling behind , these are all offenses. Likewise, if upon facing the enemy one acts against orders, or kills a foe only to have the head The practice of taking heads as trophies for military reward was a common but often disruptive practice in Ming warfare, frequently leading to infighting forcibly snatched away by others ; or if, after the battle is over, one recklessly slaughters those who have surrendered — all such wicked deeds and violations of the code are for you, the officers, to handle and punish. On the battlefield, if the wagon shields original: 牌 Pai; likely referring to the protective wooden screens mounted on the war-wagons are removed or lost in the heat of combat, the battle is already lost .

Upon the return of the troops, investigate the facts and distinguish between light and heavy offenses to carry out military law . If you intentionally overlook such acts or extort the soldiers for your own gain, you yourselves shall be punished for these crimes . Once the distribution of orders is complete, assign each officer to their respective post beneath their banners . Then, strike up the "Victory Music" with great drums and horns . Listen for the signal to return to camp; each Sentry Officer original: 哨將 Shaojiang shall sound the horns and flutes in unison .

As soon as the orders are issued from the command platform, it is acceptable for the gongs and drums of the various units to be heard together without concern of interference .

Once the Sentry Officer has finished distributing the orders, the Lieutenant original: 千總 Qianzong shall use a flag to signal the Squad Leaders original: 把總 Bazong and those beneath them to distribute their orders in the same manner .