560 liao
horseback by Chinese cavalry and Liao envoys in the Northern Park
(Sung hui-yao kao 5257:3b).
In the 2nd month (Mar./Apr.) of 976, a Liao envoy arrived at the
Sung court to congratulate on T’ai-tsu’s birthday^50. He presented gar-
ments, jade belts, fine horses, and white falcons (Sung shih 3:9b).
On June 18, 976, T’ai-tsu sent an Assistant Audience Commis-
sioner and others to Liao to congratulate Ching-tsung on his birthday.
These congratulations were offered on Aug.4 (Sung shih 3:11a; Liao
shih 8:5a).
On Sep.5 and 11, 976, Northern Han envoys were received at the
Liao court. On Oct.14 and 20, other envoys reported a Sung invasion.
Ching-tsung sent troops in support. On Nov.2, Northern Han envoys
thanked the Liao for having forced the Sung army to withdraw (Liao
shih 8:5a-5b).
On Nov.14, 976, Emperor T’ai-tsu died, aged 50, and was succeeded
by his younger brother. This was Emperor T’ai-tsung. On Nov.26,^51
T’ai-tsung sent a Gentleman of the Editorial Service and an Adjunct
to announce the news to the Liao court. This mission was received on
Dec.7. On Dec.22, Ching-tsung sent a Court Attendant and others
as envoys to Sung to condole. On Jan.2, 977, he sent another envoy
to congratulate T’ai-tsung on his ascension.^52 On Jan.18, Liao envoys
arrived at the Sung court to contribute 30 horses, three trained horses,
horse trappings of real gold, garments, and two golden belts toward
the funeral expenses of T’ai-tsu (Sung shih 3:12a; 4:2b; Liao shih 8:5b;
Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 346:20a).
On Jan.22, 977, the New Year’s Day, Liao envoys congratulated at
the Sung court. They offered garments, golden belts, weapons adorned
with gold and silver, 100 horses, and jade horse trappings. The 82
envoys and attendants were given garments, belts, [porcelain] vessels,
and silk, each in accordance with his rank (Sung hui-yao kao 5257:4a).
Meanwhile, on Jan.7, 977, Northern Han envoys to the Liao court
had reported an attack by Sung. They also requested grain (Liao shih
8:5b).
On Mar.1, 977, Sung envoys to the Liao court presented T’ai-tsu’s
testamentary gifts (Liao shih 9:1a).
(^50) The date of his birth is not known.
(^51) Correcting chi-ch’ou to yi-ch’ou.
(^52) This mission was received at the Sung court on Mar.16, 977 (Sung shih 4:3a).