"Dongcha Jilue" is a five-volume notebook written by Yao Ying, a scholar in the Qing Dynasty, when she was serving in Taiwan. Yao Ying, nicknamed Shi Fu and nicknamed Ming Shu, was one of the representatives of the Tongcheng School. She served as Taiwan Coast Guard Commissioner, Kavalan General Magistrate, and Taiwan Affairs Bureau. She had personal experience in Taiwan's government and society. This book is a collection of his experiences and thoughts during his thirteen years in office, covering institutional evolution, local governance, social customs and historical events.
The first few volumes of the book describe the establishment and system of the Kavalan region, such as the management of communes, the selection of general officials, the regulation of tenancy relationships, tax collection methods, etc., And put forward the key points of governance, showing that he tried to reconcile the conflicts between Han people and aborigines through systems. The fourth volume contains his memorials and letters on Taiwan's civil service, military service, and defense. The text contains criticisms of the chronic abuses in local officialdom and suggestions for military and political reform. The fifth volume records in detail the course of the "Chen Zhouquan Rebellion" in the 60th year of Qianlong's reign. From its origin, process to pacification, it is both narrative and reflection, revealing Taiwan's civil conflicts and institutional problems.
"Tongcha Chronicle" is not only a record of government affairs, but also a social observation. The book describes the topography, customs and habits, and the social status of the indigenous people in detail, and the language is simple and pragmatic. It not only provides valuable historical materials for future generations to study the society and governance of Taiwan in the Qing Dynasty, but also reflects the sense of responsibility and depth of thinking of a Tongcheng School scholar when serving on the frontier.
