命 + Person + Verb + Object
The noun 命 (mìng) can mean "command," "order," or "life/fate" depending on context. When used as a verb meaning "to command," it describes ordering someone to carry out a task. In the pattern 命 + person + verb, it functions similarly to 命令, meaning "to order someone to do something."
将军命士兵立刻出发。
Jiāngjūn mìng shìbīng lìkè chūfā.
The general ordered the soldiers to set out immediately.
国王命大臣去调查此事。
Guówáng mìng dàchén qù diàochá cǐ shì.
The king ordered the minister to investigate this matter.
老板命手下准备好明天的会议材料。
Lǎobǎn mìng shǒuxià zhǔnbèi hǎo míngtiān de huìyì cáiliào.
The boss ordered his subordinates to prepare the meeting materials for tomorrow.