Ming-Qing luncong : di yi ji 明清論叢 : 第一輯 = A collection of essays on the Ming and Qing dynasties / Zhu Chengru 朱誠如 and Wang Tianyou 王天有, eds.

Qingdai peidu Shengjing yanjiu 清代陪都盛京研究 / Ding Haibin 丁海斌.

Contains bibliographical references.

The internal organization of Ch'ing bureaucracy : legal, normative, and communication aspects / Thomas A. Metzger, 1933-.

Walking elephants to Beijing manipulation, local bureaucracy, and the forging of peace in the Qing Southwest frontier, 1700–1800 / Wang Lianming 王廉明

Monumenta Serica, Volume 74, Issue 1 (2026), pages 147-190

Available through

Taylor & Francis

Abstract

This article contributes to the ongoing discussions on the Qing dominion over its southwest frontier by reassessing a series of elephant embassies. It focuses on the 1729 embassy from the kingdom of Nanzhang (Luang Prabang, present-day central-north Laos). The argument made is that the tribute affair was not an isolated diplomatic event, but rather a constructed narrative that followed the Qing invasion of the Sipsong Panna. Additionally, this embassy should be seen as one of the orchestrated events aimed at producing propitious omens, with the intention of solidifying the Yongzheng Emperor’s authority. Despite the complex logistical coordination involved, this article further uncovers a significant number of accidental expenses and losses, which expose the true costs of the Qing efforts to extend its reach to the remote southwestern fringe of the empire. By highlighting the active participation of various Southeast Asian polities and Yunnan native offices, this article concludes that the Qing investment in staging this ceremonial spectacle effectively achieved its goal of gaining access to the southwest during the gaitu guiliu period.