the turkic tribes 439ranks. The populace poured out to watch it. The cortège travelled
slowly, since it was not until the 11th month (Nov./Dec.) of that year
(821) that it was met at the border by 760 Uighurs with camels, horses,
and chariots (Chiu T’ang shu 195:12a; Tzu-chih t’ung-chien p.7796).
The escort of the princess returned to Ch’ang-an Nov.18, 822, and
reported on the marriage ceremony. The Chinese envoys selected an
auspicious day. On that day, the qaghan sat on a tower facing east.
A felt tent had been set up for the princess below the tower. A num-
ber of Uighur princesses instructed the Chinese princess about their
customs. She then removed her Chinese clothing and put on Uighur
garments. She came out of the tent, stood in front of the qaghan,
and saluted him facing west. Reentering the tent, she changed to the
apparel of a qatun, a crimson robe and mantle, and a golden deco-
rated headdress, pointed in front and straight in the back. She came
out again and saluted the qaghan as before. Nine ministers, one each
from the nine tribes of the Uighurs, carried her in a sedan chair nine
times clockwise around the tower. She then ascended the tower and
sat with the qaghan facing east. When ministers and courtiers made
their obeisances, they henceforth saluted both the qaghan and the
qatun. She had her own headquarters, where she gave a banquet for
the departing Chinese officials and wept. On the last day, the qaghan
presented the envoys with ample gifts (Chiu T’ang shu 195:12b; Hsin
T’ang shu 217B:1a-1b).
In the 2nd month (Feb./Mar.) of 822, the emperor paid 50,000 bolts
of pongee as the price for Uighur horses (Chiu T’ang shu 195:12a).
In the 3rd month (Mar./Apr.) of 822, Uighur envoys offered gifts.
The same month, the emperor paid another 70,000 bolts of pongee for
Uighur horses. Also in the 3rd month, Uighur troops entered China
and offered support in suppressing unrest. The court feared a repeti-
tion of their behaviour in 757, and the emperor sent a eunuch asking
them to return. They refused to do so until they had been presented
with still another 70,000 bolts of silken fabrics (Chiu T’ang shu 195:12a;
Hsin T’ang shu 217B:1b; Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5033).
In the 10th month (Oct./Nov.) of 822, a Uighur envoy offered gifts,
including six “bed women” (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5033).
In the 12th month (Jan./Feb., 823) of the Chinese year 822, Uighur
envoys offered gifts (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5033).
In the 12th month (Dec./Jan., 825) of the Chinese year 824, Uighur
envoys offered gifts (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5033).
In 824, it had become known at the T’ang court that the Teng-lo-