hsia 485On Apr.3, 1004, envoys from Te-ming to the Liao court presented
Chi-ch’ien’s testamentary gifts. On July 21, Sheng-tsung recognized
Te-ming as king of Hsia and Hsi-p’ing. On Dec.13, envoys from Te-
ming thanked for the recognition (Liao shih 14:4b-5a, 5b; 115:7b ).
In early 1005,^9 envoys from Hsia to the Liao court announced a
conquest of Sung territory (Liao shih 14:6a; 115:7b). During the same
year, Hsia also offered gifts to the Sung court (Sung shih 7:10a).
In 1006, Te-ming sent a communication to Chen-tsung of Sung.
The emperor entitled him a Specially Advanced and Meritorious
Subject, appointed him Military Governor of Hsia, Acting Inspector
of Hsia, Supreme Pillar of State, and Military Commissioner of the
Army Which Fixes Difficulties, and recognized him as king of Hsi-
p’ing. He presented him with garments, golden belts, silver horse
trappings, 10,000 ounces of silver, 10,000 bolts of pongeee, 30,000
strings of cash, and 20,000 catties of tea. He also demanded that Te-
ming send sons and younger brothers as hostages to the Sung court.
Te-ming offered 725 horses and 300 camels but refused to provide
hostages (Sung shih 485:9b-10a).
In 1007, Te-ming offered 500 horses and 300 camels to the Sung
court and received garments, golden belts, vessels, and silk (Sung shih
7:15b, 485:10a).
Te-ming’s mother having died,^10 Chen-tsung of Sung sent envoys
to condole and sacrifice in the 5th month (May/June) of 1007. Sheng-
tsung of Liao did the same on Aug.23 (Sung shih 485:10a; Liao shih
14:7b, 115:7b). When the lady had been buried, Te-ming requested
Chen-tsung to let him worship and make offerings at the ten Bud-
dhist Temples on the Wu-t’ai Mountain in northern Shan-hsi. The
emperor agreed and sent an Audience Usher to escort Te-ming and
make arrangements for the sacrifices. When Te-ming reached the
mountain, he presented 500 horses (Sung shih 485:10a-10b).
In 1008, Chen-tsung appointed Te-ming a Meritorious Subject
Who Observes Correctness. Te-ming sent envoys to thank. He was
then appointed Concurrent Prefect of the Palace Writers (Sung shih
485:10b).
On Dec.30, 1009, Sheng-tsung sent envoys to Hsia to announce
that his mother, the Empress Dowager, had died on the previous day
(Liao shih 14:8a; 115:7b).
(^9) The text says 2nd month, ting-ssu, which date did not exist.
(^10) Missions announcing her death are not recorded.