482 hsia
Sung territories. On Feb.22, 991, his envoys announced another vic-
tory over Sung (Liao shih 13:1b, 2a, 2a; 115:6b).
On Dec.28, 990, Sheng-tsung of Liao once more recognized Li Chi-
ch’ien as king of Hsia. On June 11, 991, an envoy from Chi-ch’ien
thanked for the recognition. On Sep.3, his envoys informed the Liao
court that he had recovered territory from the Sung. On Nov.15, his
envoys acquainted Sheng-tsung with correspondence he had received
from the Sung court (Liao shih (Liao shih 13:2a, 3a; 115:6b).
At the very end of 991, Chi-p’eng reversed his previous Sung-
friendly policy and sought a rapprochement with Liao. Sheng-tsung
appointed him Commander Unequalled in Honour, Acting Grand
Master, and Concurrent Palace Attendant and recognized him as king
of Hsi-p’ing (Liao shih 115:6b). Chi-ch’ien responded by also changing
sides and making an approach to the Sung. T’ai-tsung granted him
the given name of Pao-chi (Maintaining Auspiciousness). His son and
future successor Te-ming was given a nominal office (Sung shih 485:
6b). This did not pass unnoticed in Liao, and Sheng-tsung sent the
Commissioner of Bandit Suppression, Han Te-wei, to reprove Chi-
ch’ien. When Te-wei arrived in Hsia, Chi-ch’ien refused to see him,
under the pretext of illness. Te-wei then looted the countryside, took
prisoners, returned to Liao, and handed in his report in the 2nd month
(Mar.) of 992 (Liao shih 13:3a-3b; 115:7a).
In spite of the chilled relations, Chi-ch’ien did not burn his bridges
to Liao, and on Apr.1, 992, envoys offered his explanations to Sheng-
tsung. The emperor responded with a letter. On Nov.9, envoys from
Chi-ch’ien offered gifts to the Liao court (Liao shih 13:3b; 115:7a).
In the 1st month (Feb./Mar.) of 994, Chi-p’eng informed the Sung
court prematurely that he had patched up his quarrel with Chi-ch’ien
and presented 50 horses. However, the latter made a surprise attack
on him by night and captured his light baggage. Chi-p’eng fled and
was brought by the Chinese to K’ai-feng. He remained there until his
death, which made Chi-ch’ien the unchallenged king of Hsia. T’ai-
tsung presented Chi-p’eng with caps, belts, vessels, and silk, and his
mother with gold and silver vessels. Chi-ch’ien, on his part, played the
Liao and Sung against each other. On Sep.3, he presented horses to
the Sung court. Subsequently, a younger brother of his offered horses
and camels. In the 11th month (Oct./Nov.), T’ai-tsung sent a eunuch
to present Chi-ch’ien with vessels, silk, garments, tea, and drugs. But
during the same year, Chi-ch’ien also offered gifts to the Liao court
(Sung shih 5:19b; 485:4b-5a, 6b; Liao shih 115:7a).