In the time that followed, Emperor Chongzhen explained to the members of his Cabinet his idea of implementing a system of garrisons and fortified outposts within Mongol territory.
This system bore a striking resemblance to the Eight Banners system of the Qing. Both relied on the demarcation of territory. Small tribes would be organized into "hundred-household" outposts, each consisting of one hundred households. Ten such outposts would form a "thousand-household" battalion, and above these would be a "garrison," led by a Garrison Commander.
Taking the Tumet tribe as an example, the territory would be divided based on population into the Tumet Left Garrison, the Tumet Central Garrison, and the Tumet Right Garrison. Above these three, a Regional Military Commission would be established, led by one Regional Military Commissioner and two Vice Commissioners. The Tumet leader, Ömöbei, would serve as the Regional Military Commissioner, holding supreme command over both military and civil affairs. Meanwhile, the Imperial Court would appoint two Vice Commissioners from within the tribe itself. Because these Vice Commissioners would be selected by the Court, Ömöbei would find it difficult to trust them. Conversely, these two Vice Commissioners would harbor little loyalty toward Ömöbei. They would be locked in mutual suspicion and infighting. And if they failed to fight among themselves? Simple: replace them.
Chapter 693