The Jian Ye 尖夜 – Hidden Guardians of the Ming 明朝Dynasty
In the shadows of the Ming Dynasty 明朝, a covert force operated, their actions often shrouded in secrecy. Known as the Jian Ye 尖夜, these elite units were the eyes and ears of the empire, their mission to gather intelligence and protect its borders.
Comprised of two primary units, the Jian Er Shou 尖兒手 and Ye Bu Shou 夜不收, the Jian Ye 尖夜 were a formidable force. While their names might seem unfamiliar to many, their contributions to the Ming Dynasty’s 明朝 survival were invaluable.
The Jian Shao 尖哨: A Network of Spies
The Jian Ye 尖夜 were organized into units called Jian Shao 尖哨, each with a specific role. The Ming Shao 明哨, led primarily by Jian Er Shou 尖兒手, were active spies who infiltrated enemy ranks. They operated with a degree of autonomy, supported by Ban Ling 伴領, or “companion-guides,” who often consisted of defectors.
In contrast, the An Shao 暗哨, composed of both Jian Er Shou 尖兒手 and Ye Bu Shou 夜不收, were more passive observers. They maintained covert outposts and monitored enemy movements, serving as a crucial early warning system.
The Ye Bu Shou 夜不收: Masters of the Night
The Ye Bu Shou 夜不收, or “Unsheltered by Night,” perhaps “Unrestrained by Night,” were specialists in nocturnal operations. They manned warning towers, served as night watchmen, and engaged in reconnaissance and unconventional warfare deep inside enemy territory.
Recruitment and Training
Becoming a member of the Jian Ye 尖夜 was no easy task. Recruits were selected based on their physical fitness, stealth, and mental fortitude. The work was demanding and dangerous, but the rewards were substantial. Successful agents were generously compensated compared to the normal army units, and the families of those who lost their lives were taken care of.
Training for the Jian Ye 尖夜 was rigorous. Recruits learned the skills necessary for espionage, reconnaissance, and combat. They were taught to blend into different environments, gather intelligence discreetly, and operate in the dead of night. Some were taught long range tactics for operating ‘many hundreds of miles’ inside the enemy’s domain.
Equipment and Tactics
The Jian Ye 尖夜 were equipped for their various roles. Some carried traditional weapons, while others were given specialized tools for stealth and reconnaissance. They often dressed in the clothing of their enemy to blend in seamlessly.
Their tactics were as diverse as their equipment. They used deception, subterfuge, and sabotage to achieve their goals. Their ability to operate behind enemy lines and gather vital information was a testament to their skill and courage.
A Legacy of Service
The Jian Ye 尖夜 played a vital role in the Ming Dynasty’s 明朝 defense. Their intelligence gathering and early warning capabilities helped to protect the empire from threats. While their names may have faded into obscurity, their legacy lives on as a testament to the courage and dedication of those who served their country in the shadows.
References:
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Míng Yīngzōng Shílù 明英宗實錄, Táiwān Zhōngyāng Yánjiùyuàn Lìshǐ Yǔyán Yánjiū Suǒ 台灣中央研究院歷史語言研究所, 1962 nián 1962年.
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- [Míng] Liú Xiàozǔ zhuàn 劉效祖撰, Péng Yǒng, Cuī Jìlái děng jiào 彭勇、崔繼來等校, Sì Zhèn Sān Guān Zhì Jiàozhù 四鎮三關志校注, Zhōngzhōu Gǔjí Chūbǎnshè 中州古籍出版社, 2018 nián 2018年.
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Xíng Línglíng 邢玲玲, “Yè Bù Shōu” Shìyí “夜不收”釋疑, Ānkāng Xuéyuàn Xuébào 安康學院學報, 2008 nián dì 2 qī 2008年第2期.
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(zuòzhě: Hàorán Wénshǐ · Shénqǐ) 作者：浩然文史·神啓
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