Treatise on Armament Technology: Military Logistics and Provisions

Current System of Military-Agricultural Colonies

...half-rate examples are all differentiated based on whether the soil is fertile or barren, and whether the location is a strategic thoroughfare or a remote area. It is also ordered that the young and strong
defend the cities, while the old and weak engage in military-agricultural cultivation. Where there are many yudingSurplus adult males in a household who were not currently serving in the primary military rank, they are also permitted to collect according to the regulations.
Whether the figures increase or decrease, or whether payments are made in kind or converted to silver, all varies according to the specific time and location.

In the Capital: Fifty-four various WeiGuards and the Rear Chief Military Commission.

Original quota of military-agricultural land: 6,338 qingA unit of land area; during the Ming, 1 qing was approximately 15 acres, 51 muApproximately 1/6 of an acre, 8 fen, 2 li, and a remainder.

Current quota of military-agricultural land: 5,052 qing, 85 mu, 7 fen, 4 li. Number according to the audit of the 41st year of the Jiajing era (1562) Grain: 28,206 douA measure of dry volume, roughly 10 liters, 5 sheng, 3 ge, 7 shao. Silver from newly added lands and those recovered for the government: 2...