korea 125missions are recorded to the Liang and Ch’en from 521-578, and two
to the Northern Ch’i in 564 and 572.^15 This changed dramatically
in T’ang times.
In 594, Silla envoys offered regional objects to the Sui court.
Emperor Wen appointed its king, Chin Chen-p’ing (Chinp’yong Wang)
as Supreme Commander Unequalled in Honour, entitled him duke
of Lo-lang commandery, and recognized him as king of Silla (Sui shu
81:8a;Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 325:55a).
On Feb.4, 615, the New Year’s Day, envoys from Silla offered
presents and participated in a great banquet at the Sui court (Sui shu
4:9b).
In the 7th month (July/Aug.) of 621, Silla envoys offered gifts to
the T’ang court. Emperor Kao-tsu dispatched a Cavalier Gentle-
man-in-Attendance for Comprehensive Duty as his envoy to Silla
with a letter stamped with the imperial seal and 300 items of painted
movable door screens and brocades (Chiu T’ang shu 199A:10b; Ts’e-fu
yüan-kuei p.5023).
In the 10th month (Oct./Nov.) of 623, Silla envoys offered gifts
(Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5023).
On Feb.8,^16 624, Kao-tsu sent envoys and appointed Chin Chen-
p’ing as Pillar of State, entitled him king of Lo-lang, and recognized
him as king of Silla (Chiu T’ang shu 1:8a; 199A:10b; Tzu-chih t’ung-chien
p.5976;Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 326:55b).^17
In the 11th month (Dec./Jan., 626) of the Chinese year 625, and
in the 7th month (July/Aug.) of 626, Silla envoys brought offerings
(Chiu T’ang shu 2:8a; Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5023).
In 626, Silla, Paekche, and Koguryo attacked each other. The
T’ang court sent a Supernumerary Cavalier Attendant as a media-
tor, whereupon all three states made peace and informed the court
(Chiu T’ang shu 2:8a; 199A:2b, 7b; Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5023; Tzu-chih
t’ung-chien p.6030; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 326:54b).
In the 6th month (July/Aug.) of 626, in the 11th month (Dec./Jan.,
628) of the Chinese year 627, and in the 9th month (Sep./Oct.) of
629, Silla envoys offered gifts (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5023).
(^15) See my Six Dynasties, vol.II, p.96.
(^16) Correcting chi-yu to yi-yu.
(^17) Tzu-chih t’ung-chien dates the appointments Mar.1.