continental south asia and the islands 23their value at 1,682 strings of copper cash. An edict ordered that the
repayment should be a liberal 2000 strings of cash. It was furthermore
reported that Kuang chou had received from Chiao-chih 5,300 cat-
ties of cassia bark. An edict ordered to estimate their value and make
a return payment. In 1027, envoys from Li Kung-yün again brought
presents. In the 3rd month (Mar.Apr.) of 1028, the high Sung officials
informed the emperor that Chiao-chih envoys had sold fragrant drugs
at the price of 3,060 strings of copper cash. An edict ordered to pay
4000 strings of cash in return (Sung shih 9:1b, 9a; 488:12a, 12b; Sung
hui-yao kao 10122:12b-13a; 10123:6a; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 330:5b).
On May 18, 1028, Li Te-cheng announced to the Sung court
that his father Kung-yün had died on Mar.31. As the new ruler, he
simultaneously offered gifts. The Sung court dispatched a mission to
Chiao-chih to condole and sacrifice. Kung-yün was given the posthu-
mous title of Palace Attendant and king of Nan-yüeh. Te-cheng was
recognized as king of Chiao-chih commandery and appointed Acting
Grand Commandant. This was followed by a violation of the Chinese
border on May 27, 1028 (Sung shih 9:10a, 11a; Sung hui-yao kao 10122:
13b;Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 330:5b).
In 1032, Li Te-cheng offered gifts and was appointed Jointly Man-
ager of Affairs with the Secretariat-Chancellery. In 1034, he presented
two elephants which were rejected (Sung shih 9:13a, 13b; 10:7a 488:
12b, 13a; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 330:5b).
Some time between 1034 and 1038, some 600 subjects of Li Te-
cheng attempted to defect to China. As had been the case throughout
previous Chinese history, governments were always eager to increase
their populations and deplored a decrease. A defection of this kind
was therefore a sensitive diplomatic matter. The Chinese government
decided not to make an issue of it and sent the fugitives back, but it
also appealed to Te-cheng not to punish them. Te-cheng sent envoys
to offer gifts and was appointed Acting Grand Master (Wen-hsien t’ung-
k’ao 330:5b).
In 1036, some Chiao-chih chiefs looted Chinese territory. The
Sung court protested and asked for the punishment of the culprits.
Li Te-cheng sent gifts. He repeated this in 1040. In 1043, he presented
five tame elephants, in the 7th month (Aug./Sep.) of 1046 ten tame
elephants, and on Dec.25, 1046, one tame elephant. At the last occa-
sion, he was given a purple robe and golden belt. In 1048, he once
more offered gifts The envoys of 1040, 1043, and 1046 were appointed
to nominal Chinese offices (Sung shih 10:9b; 11:6b, 11b, 14b; 488:13a;