122 korea
engraved axes (Chiu T’ang shu 3:6a; Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5024).
On June 29, 641, envoys from Fu-yü Yi-tz’u informed the T’ang
court that his father, the king of Paekche, Chang, had died. T’ai-tsung
wore mourning and shed (diplomatic) tears for him. He contributed
200 items to the funeral expenses and sent envoys to recognize Fu-yü
Yi-tz’u (Uija Wang) as king of Tai-fang commandery and Paekche
(Chiu T’ang shu 3:7b; 199A:7b; Tzu-chih t’ung-chien p.6168).
In the 1st month (Feb./Mar.) of 642, envoys from Paekche offered
regional objects (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5024).
On Oct.21, 643, envoys from Silla to the T’ang court announced
that it was under attack from Paekche and Koguryo, that it had lost
more than 40 of its towns, and that the route was cut on which it’s
envoys travelled to China. It asked for support. T’ai-tsung sent an
Assistant of the Minister of Agriculture, urging the kings of Paekche
and Koguryo not to attack Silla (Chiu T’ang shu 199A:2b, 7b, 11a;
Tzu-chih t’ung-chien p.6204; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 326:54b; 55b).^13
On the New Year’s Days of 643 (Jan.26) and 644 (Feb.14), envoys
from Paekche presented regional objects. On the New Year’s Day of
645 (Feb.3), envoys from the heir-apparent of Paekche, Fu-yü K’ang,
congratulated and offered regional objects (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5024).
When T’ai-tsung in 645 attacked Koguryo, Paekche and Silla were
his allies (Tzu-chih t’ung-chien p.6215).
In 648, Paekche attacked Silla and took more than ten of its towns
(Chiu T’ang shu 199A:8a; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 326:54b).
After Kao-tsung had been enthroned on July 10, 649, Paekche sent
envoys and the emperor answered with a letter (Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao
326:54b).
In 650, Paekche was attacked by Silla (Chiu T’ang shu 199A:11a-11b;
Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 326:55b).
In 651, Paekche envoys to the T’ang court offered gifts. Kao-
tsung rejected the mission, blaming the political tensions in Korea
on Paekche. He sent a letter, warning Paekche not to attack Silla and
Koguryo. “Otherwise, I will mobilize troops and punish you” (Chiu
T’ang shu 199A:8a; Tzu-chih t’ung-chien p.6277).
On Feb.15, 655, the New Year’s Day, Paekche envoys presented
gifts (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5025; Tzu-chih t’ung-chien p.6277).
(^13) Chiu T’ang shu and Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao date the attack of Paekche and Koguryo
642.