liao 559about the well-being of the new emperor. They also announced that
their state was under attack by Sung (Liao shih 8:2b; 70:6b).
On Nov.11, 971, Northern Han envoys to the Liao court offered
gifts (Liao shih 8:3a).
On Feb.19, 972, Northern Han envoys to the Liao court congratu-
lated on the birth of an imperial son (Liao shih 8:3a).
In the 1st month (Feb./Mar.) of 973, Northern Han envoys to the
Liao court offered gifts (Liao shih 8:3b).
On July 16, 973, Northern Han envoys were received at the Liao
court to confer on a joint policy against Sung (Liao shih 8:3b).
In the 3rd month (Mar./Apr.) of 974, Sung envoys to the Liao
court requested peace. Ching-tsung sent a Palace Attendant to Sung
to discuss it (Liao shih 8:4a).
On Feb.14, 975, the New Year’s Day, Sung envoys congratulated
at the Liao court (Liao shih 8:4b).
On Apr.4, 975, a Military Commissioner from Northern Han was
received at the Liao court and offered regional objects (Liao shih 8:
4b).
On May 10, 975, 28 Liao envoys to the Sung court presented a letter
with a peace proposal. On May 12, T’ai-tsu received them in audience
and presented garments, golden belts, black gauze caps, silver horse
trappings etc. The envoys were given garments, [porcelain] vessels,
and silk, in accordance with their ranks. They were invited to watch
archery practice by horsemen. On May 13, they were given a banquet
(Sung shih 3:7b; Sung hui-yao kao 5257:2a; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 346:20a).
On Aug.19, 975, T’ai-tsu sent the Audience Commissioner and an
Assistant of the Grand Master of Ceremonies as envoys to the Liao
court (Sung shih 3:8a; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 346:20a).
On Sep.30, 975, the General-in-chief of the Guards of the Left,
sent by Liao as an envoy to the Sung court, presented garments, jade
belts, and fine horses. T’ai-tsu gave him ample presents and invited
him to a hunt in which the emperor himself participated (Sung shih 3:
8b;Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 346:20a).
On Dec.23, 975, T’ai-tsu sent a Gentleman of the Construction
Office and two Palace Eunuchs as envoys to the Liao court to con-
gratulate on the New Year’s Day of Feb.3, 976 (Sung shih 3:9b).
On Feb.8, 976, a goodwill mission from Sung was received at the
Liao court (Liao shih 8:4b).
In the 2nd month (Feb.Mar.) of 976, T’ai-tsu watched archery on