592 liao
Dowager arrived at the Sung court to congratulate on the New
Year’s Day of Feb.10 (Sung shih 15:8b; Hsü Tzu-chih t’ung-chien ch’ang-
pienp.2264).
On May 15, 1073,^174 envoys from Tao-tsung and from the Empress
Dowager arrived at the Sung court to congratulate on the birthday
of Shen-tsung^175 (Sung shih 15:9b; Hsü Tzu-chih t’ung-chien ch’ang-pien
p.2278).
On Sep.5, 1073,^176 Shen-tsung sent envoys to the Liao court to
congratulate on the birthday of Tao-tsung (Sung shih 15:10a).
On Sep.16, 1073, Shen-tsung appointed an envoy to congratu-
late Tao-tsung on the New Year’s Day of Jan.30, 1074, another to
congratulate the Empress Dowager on her birthday, and another
to congratulate her on the New Year’s Day (Hsü Tzu-chih t’ung-chien
ch’ang-pienp.2306).
On Jan.27, 1074, envoys from Tao-tsung and from the Empress
Dowager arrived at the Sung court to congratulate on the New Year’s
Day of Jan.30 (Sung shih 15:10b; Hsü Tzu-chih t’ung-chien ch’ang-pien
p.2334).
On Apr.17, 1074, two Liao envoys arrived at the Sung court to
confer on border demarcation. They were received in audience. On
Apr.23, the border discussion took place. On Apr.25, Sung sent a
goodwill mission in response (Sung shih 15:11a; Sung hui-yao kao 5257:
60a, 60b; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 346:24b).
In May 4, 1074, envoys from Tao-tsung and from the Empress
Dowager arrived at the Sung court to congratulate on the birthday of
Shen-tsung^177 (Sung shih 15:11a; Sung hui-yao kao 5257:61a;Hsü Tzu-chih
t’ung-chien ch’ang-pien p.2368).
In the 4th month (Apr./May) of 1074, the Assistant Commissioner of
the Bureau of Military Affairs arrived as Liao envoy in Sung to discuss
border demarcation. Shen-tsung sent the Junior Master of Ceremonies
to meet with him in northern Shan-hsi, i.e. near the disputed border
(Sung shih 15:22b; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 346:24b).
In the 8th month (Aug./Sep.) of 1074, Shen-tsung sent envoys to
the Liao court to congratulate on the birthday of Tao-tsung and on
(^174) Sung shih has May 13, but considering the chronological pattern which will
be discussed below May 15 is the more probable date.
(^175) It fell on May 19.
(^176) By Hsü Tzu-chih t’ung-chien ch’ang-pien p.2306 dated Sep.16.
(^177) It fell on May 8.