662 chin
the spring of 1211 the Mongols had begun their raids into its north-
Chinese territories. The envoy was unable to proceed and returned
(Sung shih 39:8a, 8b).
On Feb.5, 1212, the New Year’s Day, Southern Sung envoys
congratulated at the Chin court. They had received their orders on
Nov.5, 1211. On the same day, Chin envoys congratulated at the
Southern Sung court. They had arrived on Feb.1 (Sung shih 39:8a,
8b;Chin shih 13:5b).
In the 8th month (Aug./Sep.) of 1212, Southern Sung envoys
to the Chin court congratulated on the birthday of the ruler. They
had received their orders on July 8. Because of deep inroads by the
Mongols at this time, the traditional banquet was omitted. (Sung shih
39:8b;Chin shih 13:6a). On Nov.10, 1212, Chin envoys arrived at the
Southern Sung court to congratulate on the birthday of Ning-tsung^81
(Sung shih 39:9a).
On Jan.24, 1213, the New Year’s Day, Southern Sung envoys
congratulated at the Chin court. They had received their orders in
the 9th month (Sep./Oct.) of 1212. On the same day, Chin envoys
congratulated at the Southern Sung court. They had arrived on Jan.20
(Sung shih 39:9a).
On June 27, 1213, Ning-tsung ordered envoys to congratulate the
Chin ruler on his birthday. But the Mongols blocked the roads, and
the envoys had to return (Sung shih 39:9b).
On Sep.10, 1213, the Chin ruler (King of Wei-shao) was overthrown.
On Sep.11, he was removed from the palace and subsequently assas-
sinated. On Sep.22, Chang-tsung’s older brother was enthroned. This
was Emperor Hsüan-tsung, born in 1163 (Sung shih 39:10a; Chin shih
13:6b, 7a, 7b, 10a; 14:1b).
On Nov.15, 1213, Ning-tsung attempted to congratulate Hsüan-
tsung on his enthronement, but the envoy was also unable to proceed
because of the Mongols and had to return. Official announcement of
the ascension of Hsüan-tsung did not reach the Southern Sung court
until Dec.11 (Sung shih 39:10a).
On Nov.27, 1213, Ning-tsung sent envoys to the Chin court to
congratulate on the New Year’s Day of Feb.12, 1214. They could not
proceed because of the Mongols. However, Chin envoys did reach
(^81) It fell on Nov.13.