Biographies CLX: Foreign Peoples, Part II: Silla, Second Half

¶Silla (Shiragi), second half. In the winter of the first year of Emperor Monmu's reign (697), the Silla envoys Ilgilchan Gim Juk-deok and Nama Gim Im-sang and others came to court and presented tribute. In the summer of the fourth year (700), Saeki-no-Maro and others were sent to Silla as envoys. In the winter of that year, Salchan Gim So-mo came to court; he had come to offer condolences on the death of the Silla king's mother. But Gim So-mo died of illness, so the court sent 150 bolts of coarse silk (ashiginu), 932 kin of floss silk, and 100 tan of cloth as funerary gifts. The deputy envoy, Geupchan Gim Sun-cheop-gyeong, and the others were each given presents and sent home. (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi.) In the third year of Taihō (703), the king of Silla, Ihong, died, and was given the posthumous title Hyoso. His younger brother Gim Heunggwang succeeded to the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) Silla sent Salchan Gim Bok-ho, Geupchan Gim Hyo-won and others to Japan to come to court and announce the death of the former king. The emperor issued an edict in reply: "The memorial of the Silla envoy, Salchan Gim Bok-ho, states: 'My lord, unfortunate, fell ill from autumn of last year, passed away this spring, and has taken his leave of the sacred court forever.' We reflect that, though he was the ruler of a vassal state and dwelt in a foreign land, in receiving the grace of Heaven and Earth he was truly the same as one of Our own beloved children. That life has its end is the way of the human world, yet on hearing this news Our grief is the deeper. Envoys should be sent to bring condolences and funerary gifts. The hardship of the envoy Bok-ho and his party in crossing the distant, stormy seas is to be pitied. Let the office concerned bestow generous gifts upon them." Accordingly Hata-no-Hirotari and Nukata-no-Hitotari were sent to Silla to offer condolences and sacrifices, and presented the king of Silla with two bolts of brocade and forty bolts of coarse silk. In the second year of Keiun (705), the tribute envoy Ilgilchan Gim Yu-gil came to court. In the third year (706), Gim Yu-gil returned to his own country. The rescript granted to the king of Silla on his return read: "The Emperor respectfully inquires after the king of Silla. Your envoys, Ilgilchan Gim Yu-gil and Salchan Gim Geum-go and others, have arrived, and the tribute goods offered have all been received. Since the king founded his state, tribute has never been wanting and envoys have come and gone without interruption; your sincerity is already clear, and Our joy is boundless. Though it is early spring, the cold lingers; We trust you are in good health. Within your realm all must be peaceful and without incident. As your envoys now return, We have had them convey Our fitting sentiments, and We send further gifts in addition." In the winter, Mino-no-Kiyomaro was sent to Silla bearing an imperial rescript: "The Emperor respectfully inquires after the king of Silla. Though of slender virtue, We have mistakenly inherited a radiant destiny. Lacking even the talent to mend the heavens by smelting stones, We vainly take up the mirror and bear the heavy burden of governing. As dusk falls, Our reverent anxiety, which makes Us forget Our meal, grows ever greater; and in the depth of night, Our diligence, which breaks off Our sleep, grows ever deeper. We wish that the grace of Heaven and Earth might spread far and wide, reaching to the farthest corners under heaven. All the more so with the king, whose house has for generations governed the borderlands and kept its people at peace. You have kept a deep sincerity, as of those who share a single boat, and have long performed the generous rites of tribute. May you lay a foundation firm as rock, may a mighty resonance sound in the Kunshū hills, may you guard your realm as firm as city walls, and may you set a fine example at Ganchi pond. Within your realm there must be comfort, and customs must be mild. In this bitter cold, how do you fare? We now send the Chief Envoy, Mino-no-muraji Kiyomaro, of Junior Fifth Rank Lower, and the Deputy Envoy, Tsushima-no-muraji Kataishi, of Junior Sixth Rank Lower, and others, to convey Our fitting sentiments, so We say no more." In the second year of Wadō (709), in the reign of Emperor Genmei, Gim Sin-bok and others were sent as envoys to pay tribute. The court granted them a banquet in the Chōdō (Hall of State), and gave gifts to the king of Silla and to Sin-bok and the others. Fujiwara-no-Fuhito, Minister of the Right, invited Sin-bok and his party into the Benkan office and said: "Since ancient times, when envoys from Silla have come to court, they have never spoken with the minister who conducts the affairs of state. Today, however, I have deliberately met with you, in the hope of further strengthening the friendship between our two countries." The envoys all stepped aside from their seats, bowed, and replied: "Though Sin-bok and his companions are lowly persons, we have been fortunate to be commissioned and to come to the sacred court. That we should be further received by you and favored with such generous instruction is more than we dare to hope, and we cannot contain our joy." In the summer, Sin-bok and his party returned to their country. In the seventh year (714), Jungachan Gim Won-jeong and others were sent to present tribute. In the third year of Yōrō (719), in the reign of Emperor Genshō, the tribute envoy Geupchan Gim Jang-eon and others came to court. In the seventh year (723), Hannama Gim Jeong-suk and Seok Yang-jeol presented tribute. (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi.)

¶In the summer of the third year of Jinki (726), in the reign of Emperor Shōmu, Salchan Gim Jo-geun, Gim Ju-hun and others offered tribute. In autumn, Gim Ju-hun and the others returned to their country. The sealed letter granted to the king of Silla at that time read: "The tribute envoy Salchan Gim Ju-hun and others report: 'Ichan Gim Sun-jeong died on the last day of the sixth month of last year.' Sun-jeong was a senior minister of your country, who pacified its territory and served this court with loyalty. Alas! A wise minister is the foundation of a state, and he was also a limb of Our own body. Now he has died, and We have lost a good servant. We therefore send one hundred bolts of yellow coarse silk and one hundred tun of floss silk as funerary gifts. May his achievements not be forgotten, and may his spirit thereby be consoled." In the fourth year of Tenpyō (732), Hannama Gim Jang-son and others were sent to present tribute; in addition they offered parrots, mynah birds, dogs of Shu, hunting dogs, donkeys and mules, and asked that the interval of tribute be fixed. The emperor issued an edict permitting tribute once every three years. In the sixth year (734), the tribute envoy Geupbolchan Gim Sang-jeong and others arrived at Dazaifu. The following year they entered the capital. Tajihi-no-Agatamori, Chūnagon (Middle Counsellor) of Senior Third Rank, was ordered to summon the Silla envoys to the Ministry of War and ask the reason for their coming to court. The envoys replied that the name of their country had been changed to "Wangseong-guk" (Kingdom of the Royal City). The court, on the ground that Silla had changed its country's name on its own authority, sent them away. In the eighth year (736), Abe-no-Tsugumaro was sent to Silla. The following year Tsugumaro returned and reported that the king of Silla had lost the usual courtesy and had not received the imperial command. The emperor therefore had officials of the sixth rank and above each state their opinions, and sent Ōtomo-no-Minaka and others to Silla. (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi.) In this year the king of Silla, Heunggwang, died, and was given the posthumous title Seongdeok. His son Gim Seung-gyeong succeeded to the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) In the tenth year (738), Dazaifu reported that Geupchan Gim Sang-sun and others, 157 persons, had come to present tribute. They were not allowed into the capital and were sent back from Dazaifu. (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi.) In the fourteenth year (742), Seung-gyeong died, and was given the posthumous title Hyoseong. His younger brother Gim Heon-yeong succeeded to the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam. The original text has the characters for "Heon-yeong" written differently; the Shoku Nihongi is followed here.) In this year Dazaifu reported that Sachan Gim Heum-yeong and others, 187 persons, had come to present tribute, but because the palace buildings of the new capital were not yet finished, they were sent back from Dazaifu. (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi.) In the spring of the fifteenth year (743), the provincial governor of Chikuzen reported that the Silla envoy Salchan Gim Seo-jeong and others had come to present tribute. Tajihi-no-Hanishi, of Junior Fifth Rank Lower, was sent to inspect the Silla tribute goods. Hanishi reported: "Silla has changed the name of its tribute to 'local products' (domō), and its document records only the number of items. Judged against the old custom, this greatly lacks the usual courtesy." The Daijō-kan (Council of State) therefore decided that those of the rank of sailor and above should be summoned to the capital, rebuked for their discourteous and impolite conduct, and sent back. In the fourth year of Tenpyō-shōhō (752), in the reign of Empress Kōken, the Silla prince Hanachan Gim Tae-ryeom, together with the tribute envoy Gim Hwon and Gim Pil-eon, who escorted the prince, more than seven hundred persons in all, came to court. Tae-ryeom reported: "The king of Silla submits: Looking up to the court of the Emperor of Japan, Silla has paid tribute for generations, and the ships have never ceased to come and go. Now the king himself wished to come and offer tribute in person, but, considering that if a country is without its lord for even a single day its government falls into disorder, he has respectfully sent his son, Hanachan Tae-ryeom, to come to court in his stead." Tae-ryeom further reported: "There is no land under heaven that is not the king's, and no one who is not his subject. Tae-ryeom has come to court and been fortunate to meet this sacred reign. I wish to offer a few modest goods of my country that I have prepared privately." The emperor permitted this. A banquet was given to Tae-ryeom and his party in the Chōdō, and an edict was issued: "In former days Our Empress Okinagatarashi-hime pacified and comforted Silla and made it the western bulwark. But the former king Seung-gyeong and the grandee Sa-gong and others were negligent in their words and lacked the usual courtesy. For this reason We sent envoys to inquire into their fault. Now the present king, Heon-yeong, has repented of his former errors and wished to come to court himself; but, taking account of the affairs of his state, he has sent his son Tae-ryeom and the others to come to court in his place, and has also presented the tribute. We deeply commend the king's diligence and sincerity. From now on, when the king comes to court in person, it will suffice to state the fact in words. If he sends a subject to come to court, that envoy must always carry a separate memorial." When Tae-ryeom and his party returned home, during their stay at the Naniwa-no-Muro-tsumi (Naniwa Lodge), imperial envoys were sent to bestow coarse silk, cloth, wine and food. In the fifth year (753), Ono-no-Tamori, of Junior Fifth Rank Lower, was sent to Silla as envoy. (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi. According to the Samguk Sagi, in this year the Japanese envoy arrived, but his demeanor was extremely arrogant, so the king of Silla did not receive him.)

¶In the second year of Tenpyō-hōji (758), in the reign of the Deposed Emperor (Emperor Junnin), forty Silla men and women and thirty-four Buddhist nuns came to settle in Japan. They were settled in Musashi province, and the district of Shiragi (Silla District) was established there for the first time. In the third year (759), an imperial order was sent to Dazaifu: "In recent years those coming from Silla to settle have arrived in an unbroken line of ships. We think that they could not bear the harsh levies of labor and left their distant homeland, where the graves of their ancestors lie. When We consider their feelings, how could they be without longing for home? Inquire carefully into their circumstances once more, and give provisions to those who wish to return to their homeland and send them back." An edict was also sent to the provinces of the four circuits, the Hokurikudō, San'indō, San'yōdō and Nankaidō, to build five hundred ships, choosing the off-season for farming and setting a limit of three years. This was in order to attack Silla. In the fourth year (760), 131 Silla people came to settle and were moved to Musashi province. In autumn, Geupchan Gim Jeong-gwon came to offer tribute. Fujiwara-no-Asakari, Mutsu-Dewa Azechi (Inspector of Mutsu and Dewa), was ordered to ask the envoy about the circumstances, and Jeong-gwon said: "For a long time we have not performed the tribute that is our duty, and years and months have piled up. We have therefore respectfully sent Jeong-gwon and his party to present the tribute." He added that his country was not yet practiced in the language and customs of the sacred court, and offered two language students (gakugosei). Asakari asked: "Presenting jade and silk in the rites of court visit is a way of showing loyalty and good faith. Earlier, when Prince Tae-ryeom came to court, he reported that from then on everything would follow the old system. Afterwards, however, when Ono-no-Tamori went on his mission in obedience to the imperial command, your side's reception of him was deficient. Tamori therefore returned without delivering the imperial command. If your king has already cast aside the rites of loyalty and good faith, how can the rites of visit with jade and silk be seen?" Jeong-gwon replied: "When Tamori came, Jeong-gwon was serving as an official in the provinces, and persons of low rank cannot take part in affairs of state." Asakari said: "If even the words of a prince cannot be trusted, and the envoy is a person of low rank, there is nothing to discuss with you. Return to your own country. But come again only when you are equipped with four things: the rites of loyalty and good faith, tribute goods in accordance with the old custom, words that serve as sure evidence, and a person capable of conducting the reception." In the fifth year (761), twenty boys each from the provinces of Mino and Musashi were made to learn the Silla language. This was in preparation for the attack on Silla in the west. Fujiwara-no-Asakari was made Tōkaidō Setsudoshi (Military Commissioner of the Tōkaidō), and the ships and soldiers of the twelve provinces under his charge were assessed, yielding 151 ships, 15,700 soldiers, and 7,520 sailors. Kudara-no-Konikishi Kyōfuku, of Junior Third Rank, was made Nankaidō Setsudoshi, and the twelve provinces under his charge were assessed, yielding 121 ships, 11,500 soldiers, and 4,930 sailors. Kibi-no-Makibi, of Senior Fourth Rank Lower, was made Saikaidō Setsudoshi, and the eight provinces under his charge were assessed, yielding 121 ships, 12,500 soldiers, and 4,930 sailors. In every case the land tax was remitted for three years so that the men could be trained in the art of war. In the seventh year (763), Geupchan Gim Che-sin and others, more than two hundred persons, offered tribute. Ōhara-no-Imaki, Sa-shōben (Junior Controller of the Left), was ordered to ask: "The earlier envoy Gim Jeong-gwon received an agreement from the court and was to have reformed the rites of court visit. In what manner have you come this time?" Che-sin answered: "I, the envoy, have received the king's command only to present the usual tribute goods, and I know nothing beyond that." The Kenseikan (the Daijō-kan) decided that Che-sin and his party should be summoned to the capital, entertained according to precedent and given gifts. It also told Che-sin: "Go back and tell your king: from now on, unless a prince comes to court, send a minister who conducts affairs of state." In the eighth year (764), Daenama Gim Jae-baek and others arrived. Dazaifu reported as follows: "The Tang envoy Han Chaocai has come and said: 'Tang once escorted the Japanese monk Kaiyū to Japan, but it is not known whether he arrived safely,' and had the home country (Silla) ordered to inquire after his whereabouts. Chaocai has already set out and is now at a harbor in western Silla. The thanksgiving envoy of the home country, Gim Yong, has obtained a reply from Dazaifu and means to deliver it to Chaocai, but has not yet left his country." The Kenseikan decided that Dazaifu should be ordered to reply in writing. Dazaifu asked Jae-baek: "Recently people from Silla who have come to settle say that your country is raising troops to guard against Japan. What is the truth of this?" Jae-baek answered: "It is not that there is nothing in it. But ignorant people are saying so without knowing the reason. In recent years the country of Tang has been in turmoil, and our country fears an invasion by the remnants of the rebels. We have therefore levied armored soldiers and set them to guard the coast, in preparation for an unexpected raid by pirates." (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi.) In the first year of Tenpyō-jingo (765), in the reign of Empress Shōtoku, Heon-yeong died, and was given the posthumous title Gyeongdeok. His son Geonun succeeded to the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.)

¶In the first year of Hōki (770), in the reign of Emperor Kōnin, Geupchan Gim Cho-jeong and others, 187 persons, arrived at the island of Tsushima. Ōtomo-no-Ojimaro, Ū-chūben (Middle Controller of the Right), was sent to Dazaifu to summon Cho-jeong and ask the purpose of his mission. Cho-jeong replied: "When Prince Gim On-geo of our country returned from Tang, the Chief Envoy to Tang, Fujiwara-no-Kiyokawa, and the student Chao Heng (Chōkō) and others entrusted letters to him. The king of our country therefore sent Cho-jeong and his party to deliver those letters, and also to present local products (domō)." Ojimaro asked: "Silla has presented tribute goods since ancient times. Why do you now call them 'local products'?" Cho-jeong replied: "This mission is not for presenting tribute, so we call them local products." In the court's deliberations, because this mission was contrary to the usual custom, entry into the capital was not permitted. Dazaifu was ordered to console Cho-jeong and his party, and to give the king of Silla gifts of coarse silk, floss silk, thread and the like and send them back. In the fifth year (774), Gim Sam-hyeon, Salchan and Minister of the Board of Rites, and others, 235 persons, arrived at Dazaifu. Ki-no-Hirozumi, governor of Kawachi, was appointed to interrogate the Silla envoys come to court. Sam-hyeon said: "On the king's command, we have come to restore the old friendship, in the hope of deepening mutual visits, and to deliver the state gifts (kokushinbutsu) and the letter of the Chief Envoy to Tang, Fujiwara-no-Kiyokawa." Hirozumi questioned him: "'Restoring the old friendship and deepening mutual visits' are the words of equal neighboring states, not the courtesy of those who perform their duty. Moreover, to change 'tribute' into 'state gifts' alters the custom of old; for what reason?" Sam-hyeon replied: "In the time of the senior minister of our country, Gim Sun-jeong, ships came and went one after another and the tribute that was our duty was always performed. Now his grandson Ong has taken the throne, and, as one who conducts the government, he seeks after his ancestors' good name and has set his mind on service. That is why he speaks of restoring the old friendship, and why visits are exchanged so often. Moreover, Sam-hyeon was not originally a tribute envoy; I merely presented a few local products in the course of the mission, and so did not call them tribute." The interrogating officer reported: "That Silla has presented tribute goods in the guise of a subject is a matter of ancient times. Now it rashly brings forward new ideas and alters the old custom. To call tribute 'letter goods' and court visits 'restoring the old friendship' is contrary to reason and discourteous, and in fact goes against the ancient rites. They should be given provisions and sent back at once." The emperor followed this. An imperial order was sent to Dazaifu: "In recent years vagrants from Silla have been arriving one after another by ship. When We look into their circumstances, they do not in fact wish to settle here. Some, carried off by the wind and with their ships wrecked, have lost any means of return, and have remained as Our people. What will the ruler of their home country think of Us? In general, drifters who have neither ships nor provisions are to be given supplies by the office concerned and sent back, so as to show broad benevolence." In the tenth year (779), Shimotsumichi-no-Nagahito was sent to Silla as envoy. This was in order to receive Unakami-no-Mikari, Judge of the mission to Tang, and his party. In winter, Dazaifu reported that the Silla envoy Gim Nan-son and others had arrived. The imperial order said: "Although there are usual customs for foreign peoples coming to court, Dazaifu should interrogate them again and again. If there is a memorial, make a copy of it, following the precedent of the vassal state of Balhae (Bokkai), and submit it." An order was then sent to Dazaifu: "The Tang envoy Gao Helin and four others, together with the Silla tribute envoy, are to be allowed to enter the capital together." In the first month of spring of the following year, the emperor appeared at the Daigokuden (Great Hall of State) and received the New Year's congratulations. The Tang envoys and the Silla envoy, Salchan Gim Nan-son and others, bowed in congratulation and presented local products (hōmotsu), and reported as follows: "The king of Silla submits: Since its founding Silla has served the sacred court, has inherited the imperial civilizing influence for generations, and has not neglected its duty. But in recent years traitors have arisen within the country, roads have been blocked and communication cut off, and tribute has long been lacking. We have therefore respectfully sent Salchan Gim Nan-son, Geupchan Gim Eom and others to present the tribute and also to offer congratulations on the New Year. In accordance with precedent we also present language students, and we escort Unakami-no-Mikari, Judge of the mission to Tang, and his party." The emperor issued an edict granting Salchan Gim Nan-son Senior Fifth Rank Upper, the deputy envoy Geupchan Gim Eom Senior Fifth Rank Lower, and the three persons Hannama Sal Jung-eop, the senior judge, Nama Gim Jeong-nak, the junior judge, and Gim So-chung, the interpreter, Junior Fifth Rank Lower; a banquet was held in the Chōdō and gifts were given to each. The sealed letter granted to the king of Silla read: "The Emperor respectfully inquires after the king of Silla. Though of slender virtue, We have inherited the enterprise and received the foundation, and stand in the position of governing and nurturing the people, making no distinction between within and without. The king, from his distant ancestors, has for generations guarded the bulwark beyond the sea. Presenting memorials and tribute goods is a matter of ancient times. Yet recently you have lacked the courtesy proper to a vassal state and for many years have paid no tribute. You have sent lightly regarded envoys, but without a memorial. For this reason, when Tae-ryeom returned to his country We had already made the agreement clear, and when Jeong-gwon came We instructed him again. Envoys have come many times since, but none has ever complied. This time, Nan-son and the others again report only by word of mouth. By reason, they should have been turned back at the border according to precedent. But their escorting of Mikari is by no means a light matter. We have therefore performed the rites due to guests, in response to the intention of their coming to court. Let the king understand this well. Envoys from now on must carry a memorial and conduct themselves with propriety. We now order the frontier guards at Dazaifu in Tsukushi, at Tsushima and elsewhere not to admit across the border any who do not carry a memorial. Let this be well understood. The spring scenery is fair and mild, and We trust the king is in good health. We now send return gifts with the returning envoys. We shall not say more in this letter." (Note: following the Shoku Nihongi.) In this year Geonun was killed by his subject Gim Yang-sang, and was given the posthumous title Hyegong. Yang-sang took the throne himself. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.)

¶In the fourth year of Enryaku (785), in the reign of Emperor Kanmu, Yang-sang died, and was given the posthumous title Seondeok. The people of the country set up Gim Gyeong-sin as king. He died in the fourteenth year (795), and was given the posthumous title Wonseong. His grandson Jun-ong took the throne. Two years later he died, and was given the posthumous title Soseong. His son Jung-hui took the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) In the eighteenth year (799), Ōtomo-no-Hachimaro, of Senior Sixth Rank Upper, was appointed envoy to Silla, but the appointment was soon cancelled. (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku.) In the fourth year of Daidō (809), in the reign of Emperor Heizei, Gim Eon-seung killed Jung-hui, who was given the posthumous title Aejang. Eon-seung took the throne himself. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) In the fourth year of Kōnin (813), in the reign of Emperor Saga, 110 Silla people arrived on five ships at the island of Ochika in Hizen province. The islanders shot nine of them dead and took Ilcheong and 101 others prisoner. In the fifth year (814), an edict was issued: "If a prince of Silla comes to court, he is to be treated according to the precedent of the vassal state of Balhae (Bokkai). If anyone claims the friendship of equal neighboring states, there is no need to receive him with courtesy; send him back as he is. As for those who have neither ships nor provisions, the offices in the places concerned are to consult and provide these." In winter, thirty-one merchants drifted ashore in Nagato province, and twenty-six persons including Sin Pa-go-ji arrived at Hakata-no-tsu (the port of Hakata). In the seventh year (816), Cheong Seok-jin and others, 180 persons, came to settle. In the spring of the eighth year (817), Gim Nam-chang and others, thirty-three persons, and in summer Won San-hwa and others, 134 persons, each came to settle. In the ninth year (818), Jang Chun and thirteen others came and presented donkeys. In the eleventh year (820), previously seven hundred people from Silla who had come to settle had been moved to the two provinces of Tōtōmi and Suruga. In spring of this year the Silla people of these two provinces rebelled, burned and plundered the houses of the people, stole grain from the storehouses of Izu province, and fled by ship. Troops of Sagami and Musashi pursued and captured them, taking every one. (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku.) In the third year of Tenchō (826), in the reign of Emperor Junna, Eon-seung died, and was given the posthumous title Heondeok. His son Gyeong-hwi took the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.)

¶In the first year of Jōwa (834), in the reign of Emperor Ninmyō, when Silla people arrived at Dazaifu, the coastal inhabitants shot at them and wounded them. The Daijō-kan decided: "Reprimand the officials of the Dazaifu, give medicine to the wounded, and supply provisions and send them back." (Note: following the Shoku Nihon Kōki.) In the third year (836), Gyeong-hwi died, and was given the posthumous title Heungdeok. Je-ryung, a great-grandson of Gyeong-sin, took the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) In this year Fujiwara-no-Tsunetsugu was sent as envoy to Tang. Following the old precedent, the Daijō-kan sent a document to Silla, saying: "We have now decided to send envoys to restore the exchange of visits with Great Tang. Even if it is known that the crossing can be made safely when the sea is calm, wind and waves may change suddenly, and We are still concerned about unforeseen events. If the envoys' ships drift ashore within your territory, We ask that you assist them and send them on, without delay." Ki-no-Mitsu, Musashi Gon-no-daijō (Provisional Senior Secretary of Musashi), was therefore sent carrying this document. In winter, Ki-no-Mitsu returned from Silla. Mitsu was timid and misunderstood the purport of his mission, and on reaching Silla he stated that he wished "to open friendly relations and restore the exchange of visits." The Silla side doubted this as far removed from the content of the Daijō-kan's document, and questioned him repeatedly. Mitsu was not eloquent and stammered besides, and grew ever more confused and could not explain himself. Silla sent the Daijō-kan the following document: "Ki-no-Mitsu falsely claimed to be on a diplomatic mission and also carried gifts. When We examined the formal document, it proved to be false and not in accordance with fact. According to Mitsu's statement, 'he came by royal command solely to open friendly relations,' but when the box was opened and the document read, it said only: 'In restoring the exchange of visits with Great Tang, if the envoys' ships drift ashore within your territory, We ask that you assist them and send them on, without delay.' The officials concerned dispatched a specially appointed envoy to question him again, but could not distinguish the truth between his spoken statement and the contents of the document. This is not an envoy for neighborly friendship, nor are the gifts necessarily sincere. Since the facts are not clear, how can we accept a falsehood? Moreover, the seal impression of the Daijō-kan is clear, and since the sails of Ono-no-Takamura's ship have already flown far away, it cannot be that Mitsu was sent again to make a diplomatic visit to the land of Tang. It may be that some islander, seeking profit here and there, secretly learned and imitated the official seal and forged an official document, both to provide for the hardships of scouting and as a convenience for gaining money for himself. Yet in the intercourse between two countries there must be no deception, and an envoy unfit to deal with cannot be trusted. The offices concerned repeatedly asked that he be punished under the articles of the law; but although he is a wicked fellow, those in charge should strive to preserve the larger view, overlook the fault and seek merit in doing so, pardon the crime of a petty man's confusion, and show the generous principle of a great country, which would be no hindrance to either side. Moreover, since Gao Biaoren came to your country in the Zhenguan era (627-649), our country has been relied on by you alone. That we have depended on one another like lips and teeth is a matter of long standing. We ask that this matter be communicated by document to the Daijō-kan, and also by document to Cheongju, and that, taking the circumstances into account, provisions be given for the voyage across the sea and arrangements made to send him back to his own country." Having received this decision, Silla duly sent the document to the Daijō-kan and asked that it be handled in detail. The emperor therefore issued an edict ordering that Mitsu be severely reprimanded. (Note: following the Shoku Nihon Kōki.) In the fifth year (838), Je-ryung was killed by his subject Gim Myeong, and was given the posthumous title Huigang. The following year Gim Yang put Gim Myeong to death and set up Gim U-jing as king. He died within the year, and was given the posthumous title Sinmu. His son Gyeong-eung took the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) The following year his subject Jang Bo-go (Chō Hōkō; Note: the Dongguk Tonggam writes the name Jang Bo-go (Chō Hokō) with different characters) sent an envoy to present local products. In the eighth year (841), an order was sent to Dazaifu: "Jang Bo-go of Silla last year presented horse whips and the like. Although Bo-go is merely a subject of a foreign vassal state, he has privately offered local products. Judged by the old custom, this is not suited to the nature of the goods. Guard against it with ritual propriety and return them promptly. However, if any of those accompanying him wish to trade the goods they have brought, permit it. Furthermore, give them provisions for the journey and send them back." In the ninth year (842), Yi So-jeong of Silla and others, forty persons, arrived at Ōtsu in Tsukushi. Dazaifu sent men to examine them. Yi So-jeong and the others said: "After Jang Bo-go's death, his deputy general Yi Chang-jin and others plotted a rebellion, but Yeom Mun, the general of Mujinju, raised troops and put it down. We fear, however, that surviving rebels who escaped execution may suddenly descend on your honored country and disturb the frontier. If any who arrive by ship carry no official document, we ask that the offices of the places concerned be strictly ordered to investigate and arrest them." They also said: "The trade envoys Yi Chung and Yang Won were sent by the sons and younger kinsmen of Jang Bo-go; we ask that they be sent back promptly." They had come carrying a document from Yeom Mun addressed to Dazaifu in Tsukushi. In the court's deliberations it was said: "Looking at the document that So-jeong has brought, there is no formal document addressed to Dazaifu. From this it is clear that So-jeong is one who comes and goes under false pretenses and deceives the state. If we now let Yi Chung and his party go with So-jeong, it would be like throwing a lost beast before a hungry tiger. So-jeong and his party should first be rebuked and driven away, and Yi Chung sent back afterwards." The emperor followed this. Yeo Sa and others, people of the island governed by Jang Bo-go, came to settle and reported that Funya-no-Ason Miyatamaro, governor of Chikuzen, had seized the miscellaneous goods Yi Chung had brought. An edict was therefore issued to Dazaifu to investigate, to record the seized goods and return them all, and to give provisions and goods and send them home. In this year Dazaifu submitted a memorial: "That Silla has come to offer tribute is a matter of ancient times. But from the reign of Emperor Shōmu down to the present reign, it has not followed the old precedent, has always harbored evil intent, has not presented tribute goods, and under pretext of trade has spied on the state of the country. Now the people are in want and short of provisions, and if some unforeseen event should occur, how could it be defended against? We humbly beg that the coming of Silla people be forbidden altogether and that they not be allowed to enter the country." An imperial order was issued in reply: "The Emperor's grace and virtue reach far, and when people of foreign vassal states come to settle, to forbid them outright and refuse them entry is a treatment resembling inhumanity. Such arrivals are to be given provisions and sent back. If merchants come by ship, they are to be permitted to trade the goods they have brought among the people, and sent back immediately when the business is done." In the twelfth year (845), Silla sent back more than fifty drifters from our country, who arrived at Dazaifu. (Note: following the Shoku Nihon Kōki.)

¶In the third year of Saikō (856), in the reign of Emperor Montoku, thirty drifters arrived at Dazaifu and were given provisions and sent back. (Note: following the Montoku Jitsuroku.) In the first year of Tennan (857), Gyeong-eung died, and was given the posthumous title Munseong. Gim Ui-jeong took the throne. In the third year of Jōgan (861), in the reign of Emperor Seiwa, Ui-jeong died, and was given the posthumous title Heonan. Gim Eung-nyeom took the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) In the fifth year (863), three monks, Mujaku, Fusū and Seigan, together with fifty-seven drifters and fifty-four people of the country of Saira, arrived at Tango, Inaba, Hakata and other places. The people of Saira could not make themselves understood in speech, but their chief, Tōshi Usha, knew a few written characters, and wrote in answer that they were "people of the country of Saira, another island lying east of Silla." The emperor ordered the offices concerned to give them provisions for the journey and send them back. In the eighth year (866), Dazaifu sent a report by post-horse: "Yama-no-Harunaga, provisional Great District Governor of Ki District in Hizen province, told Kawabe-no-Toyoine, a man of the same district, that 'together with the Silla man Jin Bo-jang he would go into the country of Silla, make weapons, crossbows and other devices, and plot to seize the island of Tsushima. The conspirators number more than forty.'" In the eleventh year (869), Dazaifu reported: "Silla pirates arrived at Hakata-no-tsu in two ships and stole the silk and floss silk that had been delivered as field tax from Buzen province. Troops were sent out at once in pursuit, but in the end the pirates could not be captured." In the twelfth year (870), Urabe-no-Otoshimaro, a man of the island of Tsushima, strayed into Silla territory in order to catch cormorants. Silla seized him and put him in prison. Otoshimaro saw a great ship being built and secretly asked the guards, and was told: "It is intended to attack the island of Tsushima." Otoshimaro secretly escaped his confinement, fled home and reported the circumstances. An imperial order was therefore issued: "The wicked brigands of Silla, under pretext of trade, intend to commit invasion and violence. Unless the harm, like a scorpion's tail, is removed, they will deploy their venom. Let the coastal districts and the provinces of Inaba, Hōki and others be strictly ordered to strengthen their defenses." Next, Dazaifu was ordered: "Give provisions and horses to the Silla people Yun-cheong, Seon-gyeon and others, thirty persons, and to the Silla people residing within its jurisdiction, and have them enter the capital." The officials of Dazaifu submitted a memorial: "Though Silla is small, it is of a wicked and evil nature. Earlier Urabe-no-Otoshi of the island of Tsushima was seized by that country, escaped from prison and fled home, and reported that they were drilling soldiers. Suspecting that their plan had leaked, they sent out seven men, who pretended to be drifters and secretly spied on our situation. In general, to bestow benevolence and send people home (hōkan) is the usual ritual practice, but if cunning and treacherous persons come and go, they should clearly be punished. Moreover, Yun-cheong and the others have lived here for many years and know well the circumstances of the state. If we were now to return them to their country, we would show weakness to the enemy. Also, the Silla people residing within our jurisdiction, and those who afterwards came claiming to settle, all harbor treasonous designs in their hearts. If there were peril from outside, they would surely respond from within. We beg that, following the regulation (kyaku) of the first year of Tenchō (824), all of them, old and new, be moved to vacant land in Mutsu, so as to cut off the treacherous intentions at which they aim." The emperor followed this. In this year Yun-cheong and twenty others were divided up and moved to various provinces. Saeki-no-Naotsugu, Chikugo Gon-no-shishō (Provisional Clerk), obtained a document from the country of Silla and handed it over, and reported that Fujiwara-no-Motorimaro, Dazai-no-daini (Senior Assistant Governor-General of Dazaifu), had been in correspondence with the king of Silla. Naotsugu was therefore turned over to the Kebiishi (Imperial Police), and Dazaifu was ordered to arrest Motorimaro and the masterless men Kiyohara-no-Takatsugu, Nakatomi-no-Toshimaro and others. When they reached the capital, Abe-no-Okiyuki, Ōnaiki (Senior Secretary of the Palace), was made the envoy to investigate this secret denunciation. In the fifteenth year (873), a Silla ship arrived at the island of Tsushima but was sent away at once. In the sixteenth year (874), Gim Sa, Gim O and others, twelve persons, arrived at Tsushima but were promptly sent back. (Note: following the Sandai Jitsuroku.) In the seventeenth year (875), Eung-nyeom died, and was given the posthumous title Gyeongmun. His son Gim Jeong took the throne. He died in the first year of Ninna (885), in the reign of Emperor Kōkō, and was given the posthumous title Heongang. His younger brother Gim Hwang took the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) Dazaifu reported that Seo Seon-haeng, judge of the Silla national envoy, Go Heung-seon, recorder, and others, forty-eight persons, had arrived on one ship at Amakusa District in Higo province. When asked the reason for their visit, they replied: "In a former year we were adrift, and chanced to be cast ashore; we were generously given official provisions and were able to return to our own country. Now, wishing to express thanks for that kindness, we have come bearing a document from our country and gifts." The officials of Dazaifu were made to examine them, and submitted this memorial: "Seo Seon-haeng and the others make a pretext of expressing thanks, but they carry both a document and goods. Yet there is only a document from the Jipsaseong (Chancery), and no letter from the king. The document is not placed in a box but is merely wrapped in paper, and the address reads 'The Chief Secretary of Silla submits a dispatch to the country of Japan,' with a five-character seal impressed above it. Examined against precedent, this is contrary to fact. We therefore record the contents of the document and goods and report them." The imperial order said: "Silla harbors ill intent in its heart and eyes Our borders. Their wickedness should be punished and they should be made to submit to heavy law. But the court loves benevolence and cannot bear to punish them, so We release their leader and let the crime be set aside. Dazaifu is to send them back promptly." (Note: following the Sandai Jitsuroku.) In the fourth year (888), Hwang died, and was given the posthumous title Jeonggang. His younger sister Man took the throne. About this time Gungye, Gyeon Hwon and others rose in rebellion, and the country was in turmoil. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) Gyeon Hwon styled himself Commander-in-Chief of the Southwest of Silla, Controller of Troops and Horses, Plenipotentiary, Military Governor (Note: following the Dongguk Tonggam).

¶In the sixth year of Kanpyō (894), in the reign of Emperor Uda, forty-five Silla pirate ships raided the island of Tsushima. Funya-no-Yoshitomo, governor of Tsushima, defeated them, shot dead more than three hundred of the pirates, and captured eleven ships, as well as armor, swords, bows and arrows, spears, shields and other items. In the twenty-second year of Engi (922), in the reign of Emperor Daigo, Hwi-am, an envoy of Gyeon Hwon, arrived at Tsushima (Note: following the Fusō Ryakki) and presented a document to Dazaifu, saying: "We consider that our country's looking up to your honored country is, in ritual, as earnest as serving a father, and, in feeling, like that of a small child. We wish only to serve as one who helps push the cart and takes up the whip, and how could we shrink from crossing deep sea-routes or shallow plank roads? But since the one who was a hostage ran away, false words have been conveyed to us from a neighboring country, a thousand-year covenant has been broken by this, and the lives of a hundred years of people have come to this pass. Does not the Spring and Autumn say, 'To be close to the benevolent and good to one's neighbors is the treasure of a state'? The Analects too says that one does not bear a grudge over old wrongs. We should therefore harbor past grievances with deep affection, and draw the hearts of those who yearn toward us by the influence of virtue. We now wish to send a specially appointed envoy and present modest gifts." Dazaifu was therefore ordered to send a document in reply, saying: "Lord Gyeon, the Commander-in-Chief, governs the disorder of his country at home and maintains the position of a leader of alliances abroad. Hearing of his merit and wisdom, who could fail to feel affection and praise? However, to present the products of one's land is the ceremony that a feudal lord performs toward the court. How can one who is the vassal of a vassal presume to take the knife in place of the master carpenter, or carve the meat in place of the cook? Though he may indeed feel an earnest longing like that of one clinging to a dragon, We fear he has forgotten the warning of the ode 'Xiangshu' (Look at the Rat). Even if Dazaifu were to dare convey this message to the court, the office that administers the laws of the court could not grant it as it stands. The memorial and local products are therefore to be sent back just as they are. Let him examine himself against the statutes and not treat them in a distant manner. If he does not correct his fault, what will become of him thereafter? But since Hwi-am has crossed the waves from afar and is weary, and the season has moved on, We shall consider the matter and give him official provisions as some aid for the journey home. This is communicated by document." (Note: following the Honchō Monzui.) Man died, and was given the posthumous title Jinseong. Gim Yo took the throne. About this time Gungye styled his state Taebong, and Gyeon Hwon styled his Later Baekje. Yo died, and was given the posthumous title Hyogong. As he had no son, the people of the country set up Bak Gyeong-hwi as king. Gyeong-hwi died, and was given the posthumous title Sindeok. His son Bak Seung-yeong took the throne. The generals of Taebong set up Wang Geon as their lord and king, and changed the name of the state to Goryeo. Gungye was killed. Seung-yeong died, and was given the posthumous title Gyeongmyeong. Bak Wi-eung took the throne. Gyeon Hwon led troops against Wi-eung and killed him. He was given the posthumous title Gyeongae. Gim Bu took the throne. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) In the spring of the seventh year of Enchō (929), a Silla ship reached the island of Tamna (Tanra), traded seaweed and other goods, and then drifted to the island of Tsushima. Sakanoue-no-Tsunekuni, governor of Tsushima, gave them generous supplies. Hata-no-Shigekage of the Kebiishi and the interpreter Nagamine-no-Mochimichi escorted them as far as Jeonju (Zenshū). At this time Gyeon Hwon held the lands of several tens of provinces and styled himself Great King (Daiō). Gyeon Hwon said to Shigekage: "I (Hwon) have long cherished a wish to serve Japan, following the precedent of the Three Han who performed the tribute that was their duty. In a former year I already presented local products and offered my loyalty, but as the tribute came from the vassal of a vassal, it was sent back. Now that I already call myself 'the lonely one' (kajin), I wish to state my sincerity once more and to perform the earlier tribute. That you have now come here is my good fortune." His words and expression were full of joy, and he kept Mochimichi with him and sent only Shigekage back first. Gyeon Hwon had his subject Jang Eon-jing deliver a letter to Tsunekuni, conveying thanks for the return of the drifters. In summer he sent Jang Eon-jing again, and also sent a letter to Dazaifu. When Eon-jing was about to go to Dazaifu, Tsunekuni detained him and would not let him go. Eon-jing pleaded: "Our country's longing for your country's virtue is earnest, and that is why we have again sent Eon-jing to convey our sincerity. If your office detains him and will not let him go, how shall I, the envoy, report back on my mission?" Tsunekuni did not listen, and sent a man to deliver the letter to Dazaifu. Dazaifu reported it to the Daijō-kan. The Daijō-kan decided: "Dazaifu and the governor of Tsushima are to send a reply and refuse this." The gist of the reply was: "In the proper conduct of a subject, there can be no friendship across the border. That We earlier helped those on the verge of drowning was merely a kindness of extending a hand by chance; it was not a seeking of neighborly friendship, but only respect for human life. As for the rite of presenting tribute, it is for a feudal king to perform and is not something a subject may do privately. However many words may be exchanged, how could the purport be accepted? We here keep the law of the statutes, and the gifts sent are to be returned as they are, and can by no means be accepted." Eon-jing and his party were given provisions and sent home. (Note: following the Fusō Ryakki.) Eight years after Gim Bu took the throne, he finally surrendered to Wang Geon, king of Goryeo, and Silla was destroyed. (Note: following the Samguk Sagi and the Dongguk Tonggam.) This year corresponds to the fifth year of Jōhei (935), in the reign of Emperor Suzaku.