Biographies CLXVI: Foreign Peoples, Part VIII: Balhae, Second Half

¶Balhae (Bokkai), second half. In winter of the first year of Kashō (848), in the reign of Emperor Ninmyō, the province of Noto reported: "An envoy of Balhae sent to attend at court (nikkinshi), Wang Mungu (Japanese reading: Ō Bunku), has arrived with more than a hundred men." In spring of the following year (849), the Shōnaiki (Junior Secretary of the Secretariat) Agata-no-Inukai-no-Sadamori and the Jikikō (Lecturer) Yamaguchi-no-Nishinari were appointed Sonmonshi (envoys of inquiry) to the Balhae guests. The two went to Noto and questioned the envoys about the fact that the timing of their audience violated the established rule. Before long Sadamori and his colleagues sent in by express horse copies of the letter (kei) of the King of Balhae and of the dispatch (chō) of the Jungdae Council (Jungdae-seong; Japanese reading: Chūdaishō), together with a record of the questions and answers. Sadamori and his colleagues were thereupon made concurrently Reception Envoys to the guests.

¶In summer, Sadamori and his colleagues escorted Wang Mungu and his company to the capital, and the Sakonoe-no-shōshō (Junior Captain of the Left Palace Guards) Yoshimine-no-Munesada was ordered to welcome and console them at the Kōrokan, the guesthouse for foreign envoys. Wang Mungu went to the Hasshōin, the Compound of the Eight Ministries, presented gifts and the state letter, and said:

¶"Ijin (Japanese reading: Ishin), King of Balhae, reports. As late autumn deepens and the cold gradually sets in, I rejoice that the Emperor enjoys good health. I, Ijin, have received your favor, and although not yet twelve years (one cycle) had passed since the last mission of friendly visit returned home, I am sending envoys anew, and in truth I have failed to keep the fixed term. Yet from antiquity the friendship of neighboring states has been bound together by ritual propriety; even the lapse of a single year may breed estrangement of feeling. How much more so now, when the stars have turned many times and the winds and frosts have changed eight times. Facing southeast, I look toward the wind and ever gaze up toward your country. How could I remain at ease, when for so long no word has passed between us? I respectfully have prepared the products of our land and entrust them to the envoy to deliver; the items are listed on a separate sheet. I beg that you will look on them with favor. The sea is vast and distant, there is no occasion for an audience, and my feelings are hard to bear. I respectfully send Wang Mungu, Assistant Magistrate of Yeongnyeong County, to present this letter, though it cannot express all my meaning. Respectfully reported."

¶The dispatch from the Jungdae Council to the Daijōkan (Council of State) read: "Regarding the envoy sent to attend at your court, Wang Mungu, Assistant Magistrate of Yeongnyeong County, and his retinue of one hundred, we respectfully submit this dispatch and await your decision. Our two countries are far apart, separated by this great ocean, yet we wish to establish friendship for all time and entrust our tidings to the road of envoys. A single leaf of a boat drifts as if in the sky, floating beyond the great sea, and an embassy bearing twin banners and the tally of office brings sincere devotion to a neighboring state. Though the journey is long, our tidings reach you only rarely. The longing in our hearts has merely accumulated, and so we have come without waiting for the twelve-year term to be fulfilled. In accordance with former custom, we respectfully send Wang Mungu, Assistant Magistrate of Yeongnyeong County, to attend at your court. In accordance with this statement, we present this dispatch to the Daijōkan of Japan. We respectfully record this and present this dispatch."

¶The Emperor issued an edict granting the chief envoy Wang Mungu Junior Second Rank. Mungu had also come to Japan in the Kōnin era (810-824) and had then been granted Senior Third Rank, so his rank was advanced to Junior Second Rank. The deputy envoy O Hyosin (Japanese reading: U Kōshin) was granted Junior Fourth Rank Upper, and the officials Ma Boksan (Ba Fukuzan) and Go Eungsun (Kō Ōjun) were both granted Senior Fifth Rank Lower; the others were likewise each granted ranks.

¶At the Tango festival (the fifth day of the fifth month), the Emperor appeared at the Butokuden to view mounted archery. The six divisions of the Palace Guards formed their ceremonial ranks and the hundred officials attended, and an edict commanded that Wang Mungu and his men also attend the banquet. Soon afterwards the Sangi (Counsellor) Ono-no-Takamura and others were sent to the Kōrokan to bestow an imperial rescript and a dispatch of the Daijōkan.

¶The rescript read: "The Emperor respectfully inquires after the King of Balhae. The envoy bringing tribute, Mungu and his company, have arrived, and having read your letter I understand the circumstances in full. The King is earnest in his devotion, reveres benevolence, and cherishes kindness in his heart. Your envoys' ships do not cease, and when you look toward Japan you forget the distance. Envoys bearing tribute follow one upon another, and when I think of Liaoyang (the land of Balhae) it seems near. I take pity on their hardships, and truly commend their sincerity. However, the interval for missions of friendly visit is limited to twelve years (one cycle); this is a clear regulation fixed by the late Emperor and already established as a rule of state. For that reason the officials urgently demanded: 'Since Mungu and his men have violated the old rule, they should be reproved and sent back from the frontier.' But I pitied them for having crossed the wide ocean without regard for themselves, their ship having been wrecked and their cargo lost though their lives were spared, and so I permitted them to enter court and have an audience, bestowed stipends, and gave them honorable places. This is in accordance with a regular precedent. But it is a favor granted this once only, and it cannot be counted on again. May the King observe the old rule without deviation, make plain his virtue, and maintain the boundaries of his state. So long as there is good faith and a compliant heart, who would reproach the thickness or thinness of ceremony? In this summer heat, I trust you are living in purity and peace. Mungu is now returning home, and I have briefly set down what is on my mind. Gifts for the King are sent separately."

¶The dispatch sent by the Daijōkan to the Nakatsukasa-shō (Ministry of Central Affairs) stated: "A small state serving a great state may not, as a matter of principle, act at its own will. The speed or slowness of the schedule cannot be decided solely by the convenience of the other party. By rights they should be sent back, to warn them against the violation." The matter was reported to the court. An order then came down: "The lone boat of Mungu and his company has already been wrecked, and only about a hundred lives have barely survived. Considering their hardship, it is right as a matter of principle to overlook it. As a special act of grace, let them be permitted to attend at court, and let ranks and bolts of cloth be bestowed according to former precedent. But this is a temporary measure and must not become a rule for the future. Inform the officials in detail, so that the violation is not repeated." When the ceremonies of the audience were over, a new ship was built and they were sent back at a suitable time. The rescript and the gifts for the state were attached, and the statement was issued as a dispatch. The dispatch said that, as soon as it arrived, matters should be handled in accordance with its terms.

¶(Note: following the Shoku Nihon Kōki. When the interval for Balhae tribute missions was fixed in the Enryaku era (782-806), the limit was six years, but the letters from Balhae and the edicts of reply seen here give twelve years as the limit. This probably refers to the arrangement in the letter from Balhae of the eighth year of Jōwa (841), "after twelve years have been completed, entry to court will be permitted.")

¶Ijin died and Geonhwang (Japanese reading: Kenkō) ascended the throne. (Note: following the Tang shu and the Wenxian tongkao.)

¶In spring of the first year of Jōgan (859), in the reign of Emperor Seiwa, the governor of Noto reported that a Balhae envoy to attend at court, O Hyosin (Note: some texts write the surname "O" with the character for "Ma"), and the deputy envoy Ju Wonbaek (Japanese reading: Shū Genpaku) and others, one hundred and four in all, had arrived at Suzu district. At that time the realm was in mourning for the late Emperor, and so an edict ordered that the envoys not be admitted to the capital but be moved to the guest-reception lodge in Kaga province. The Ōnaiki (Senior Secretary of the Secretariat) Abe-no-Kiyoyuki and the Jikikō (Lecturer) Karita-no-Yasuo were appointed Sonmon-ken-ryō Bokkai Kyakushi (envoys of inquiry and escort to the Balhae guests). In summer the escort envoys submitted to the court the letter and dispatch of the state of Balhae, together with the gifts.

¶The letter said: "Geonhwang reports. As the early winter sets in and the cold gradually increases, I rejoice that the Emperor enjoys good health. I, Geonhwang, have received your favor and govern this country, and I have sent envoys every other year. We have long extended the friendship our ancestors established with propriety, have inherited the feelings of successive generations, and have carried on our customs with sincerity; we have never allowed an interval of twelve years to pass. Geonhwang has been fortunate to inherit the work of his predecessors and, in governing this one country, holds the ancient precedents and values the spirit of ritual. I have ventured to follow former custom and dispatch an envoy. As the twelve-year term is about to be fulfilled, out of long-accumulated longing I chose the season to hoist sail on the sea route and entrusted my sincerity to a letter. Thus I have sent out a ship with a mast that pierces the clouds, to cross the distant billows. My thoughts reach out across ten thousand li, and this heart of mine is hard to express in full. I beg that during the comings and goings you will not take offense but be generous. I have had no occasion for an audience, and my feelings of devotion are hard to bear. I respectfully send O Hyosin, Left Secretary of the Jeongdang Council (Jeongdang-seong; Japanese reading: Seidōshō), to present this letter, though it cannot express all my meaning. Respectfully reported." (Note: this text of the letter seems to contain errors, but all the texts consulted have the same wording, so it is given as it stands for the time being.)

¶The dispatch of the Jungdae Council read: "We respectfully submit this dispatch and await your decision. Fusō (Japan) lies beyond the high waves, a distant land of the sun's source, and we take the omens of the wind to hoist sail and send word at fixed years. A frail little boat only rarely crosses waves that rise to the clouds, and our earnest thoughts grow ever more urgent, as though sweeping away the mist. Therefore, as years passed and days went by, the seasons changed, and when we think of the time to follow the old custom, a full cycle of twelve years is drawing near. Following ancient precedent we extend our friendship, and following earlier example we continue our good relations. To express our true feelings by means of a mission is the proper courtesy between good neighbors. Our longing grows ever more intense, and we have come without waiting for the term. We respectfully send O Hyosin, Left Secretary of the Jeongdang Council, to attend at your court. In accordance with this statement, we present this dispatch."

¶Hyosin completed the ceremonies and returned home. The Emperor bestowed an imperial letter (jisho), which said: "The Emperor respectfully inquires after the King of Balhae. The letters you presented have all arrived, and having read them I understand the circumstances. The King combines the civil and martial virtues, his loyalty and filial piety are heartfelt, he inherits the fine norms of his country, and he deepens the old friendship of affection. Devoting your heart, you have long maintained your pledge, and your sincerity, like turning toward the sun, is in no way negligent. You have passed the perils of a long voyage and have not shunned the danger of flying clouds. When I consider your deep sincerity, my fondness only grows. The late Emperor passed away in the eighth month of last year, but by his dying edict it was not permitted that anyone should go to attend the mourning. I, a person of slight virtue, have been entrusted with the great enterprise; I carry on and cultivate the late Emperor's teachings and conduct myself with restraint according to the old records. The ceremony of assembly is not impaired by the great mourning, and the New Year's audience, although praised in the Spring and Autumn Annals, falls in a time when the palace must remain solemn, and a grand ceremony of attendance must be avoided. Moreover this country has repeatedly suffered disasters, and the people bear the toil of the post-stations. For these reasons I have decided to console the envoys and send them back without waiting for them to attend at court. Though the interval of tidings may seem long, the communion of hearts is still near. On this occasion I send gifts by Hyosin, prepared according to old precedent; the items are on a separate sheet. In this severe heat I hope that the King and all the people of your country are at peace. I send this letter briefly, without saying much."

¶The dispatch sent by the Daijōkan to the Jungdae Council said: "The great sea is beyond measure, and the capacity of a great state should be kept broad; as great rivers flow into the sea, so ritual has its forms of attendance at court. But this time they rushed hurriedly and could not meet the term. The officials, keeping to fairness, were unwilling to allow entry to the capital. We therefore sought an imperial decision, and the following edict was issued: 'Hyosin and his men, from afar, admire the civilizing influence of our country; from beyond the billows they have come repeatedly, and with a heart of submission they have visited again and again from the land of Balhae. The evidence of their loyalty should be measured with compassion. Moreover, the old case of the ruler of Lu who came to court again was not censured in the Spring and Autumn Annals. But this country is under the ill omen of mourning, and the year has also brought a poor harvest. If the old ceremonies were carried out in full, the people would be made to suffer. It is better to receive them with special generosity and, for the time being, forgo admission to the capital. So that they may rest in peace where they stay, supply provisions in accordance with precedent. Moreover, to exchange tidings with one another on occasions of good fortune and ill is only natural given our past custom. If there is an intention to offer condolences, it would be bound by the old rules. To trouble ships in vain would contravene the rules suited to the times. Let them wait until the twelve-year term is again completed, and then show the sign of neighborly goodwill.' Accordingly, in conformity with the imperial decree, we have examined matters as usual. The repair of the ship is complete, and the winds and tides are suitable for crossing the sea. The imperial letter and the gifts are entrusted together to the envoy and sent back. Their earnest sincerity we keep here and send them home. The statement is issued as a dispatch; when the dispatch arrives, please proceed in accordance with its terms."

¶In spring of the third year of Jōgan (861), the province of Izumo reported: "The Balhae envoy I Geojeong (Japanese reading: Ri Kyosei) and others, one hundred and five in all, have arrived at Shimane district." The San'i (rankholder without office) Fujiwara-no-Harukage and the Hyōbu-no-shōsakan (Junior Recorder of the Ministry of War) Fujii-no-Yoshimune were appointed Sonmon-ken-ryō Bokkai Kyakushi. They were told to I Geojeong and his men: "You have violated the system fixed by the late Emperor and have come to court on your own authority, claiming to offer condolences. Moreover, when we examined the copy of your letter that you submitted, we found many irregularities. Your frivolity and discourtesy should be reproved and you should be sent back." But since Geojeong's rank was equivalent to that of a kugyō (court noble) and he was over seventy years of age, there were some who wished to show special consideration and permit him to enter the capital. However, drought had continued for many ten-day periods and was hindering farm work, so the usual reception was not given. Neither the letter nor the gifts from Balhae were permitted to be reported to the court. One hundred and thirty-five bolts of ashiginu (coarse silk) and one thousand two hundred and twenty-five tun of floss silk were distributed among the one hundred and five Balhae guests, and separately fourteen bolts of ashiginu and forty tun of floss silk were bestowed, and they were sent back to their own country. (Note: following the Sandai Jitsuroku.)

¶Geonhwang died and Hyeonseok (Japanese reading: Genshaku) ascended the throne. (Note: following the Tang shu and the Wenxian tongkao.)

¶In winter of the thirteenth year of Jōgan (871), the envoy to attend at court, Yang Seonggyu (Japanese reading: Yō Seiki), and others, one hundred and five in all, arrived in Kaga province. In spring of the fourteenth year (872), the Shōgeki (Junior Secretary of the Council of State) Ōkasuga-no-Yasumori and the Jikikō (Lecturer) Mino-no-Kiyona were appointed Sonmon Bokkai Kyakushi (envoys of inquiry to the Balhae guests) and questioned the irregularities in the letter and dispatch. The Shōnaiki Miyako-no-Yoshika and the Shikibu-no-jō (Secretary of the Ministry of Ceremonial) Taira-no-Suenaga were made Receiving Envoys (shōkyakushi), the Hitachi-no-shōjō (Junior Third Official of Hitachi) Taji-no-Moriyoshi and the Monjōshō (student of letters) Sugano-no-Koreyoshi were made Escort Envoys for the return home, and then the Ukonoe-no-shōshō (Junior Captain of the Right Palace Guards) Fujiwara-no-Yamakage was made Envoy of the Outskirts (kōshi). On reaching Yamashina in Uji district, the escort envoy Yasumori and the envoy of welcome conducted the chief envoy of the Balhae mission, Yang Seonggyu, Left Secretary of the Jeongdang Council, of the Fourth Rank First Grade, and General Who Pacifies the Army, Senior Garrison General, and the deputy envoy, I Yeoseong (Japanese reading: Ri Yosei), Junior General of the Right Maengbun Guard, of the Fifth Rank First Grade, and their company to the capital. The Umanokami (Master of the Right Bureau of Horses) Ariwara-no-Narihira was sent to the Kōrokan to console them, and seasonal garments were bestowed.

¶The Sakonoe-no-chūjō (Middle Captain of the Left Palace Guards) Minamoto-no-Noboru reported the state letter and gifts of Balhae to the throne. The state letter said: "Hyeonseok reports. In the bitter cold of late autumn, I rejoice that the Emperor enjoys good health. I, Hyeonseok, have received your favor, and since the founding of our state we have always exchanged envoys with your country and conveyed our commissions. In sending tidings across the years, the friendship long established has grown ever warmer today. Hyeonseok has inherited the legacy of his ancestors, cultivates the surviving customs of ancient precedent, and, moved by the passage of twelve years, hopes for the friendship of good neighbors. I have therefore appointed an embassy to make a friendly visit and attend at your court. I humbly beg that the Emperor will take pity on the guests who have come from afar and permit entry to the capital in accordance with precedent. Separated by the great sea, we have no means of an audience, and my feelings are a matter of the greatest apprehension. I respectfully send Yang Seonggyu, Left Secretary of the Jeongdang Council, to inquire after your well-being with this letter, though it cannot express all my meaning. Respectfully reported."

¶The dispatch of the Jungdae Council read: "We respectfully submit this dispatch and await your decision. The road is steep to the ends of heaven, and the distance to the land of the sun is long. Always taking twelve years as the limit we have cultivated peace and amity, and we have also set a year as the term to continue our good relations. Intercourse with a neighboring state has its measure, and the mission has not erred. Tidings have passed between us, and the years have been long. Now the stars and frosts have passed on and the seasons have turned many times. The twelve-year term has already been fulfilled, and it is exactly the time to attend at court in person. We have therefore followed precedent, relied on the old rules, and sent forth a single envoy whose thoughts turn toward the land of the sun, to take omens from the wind, float a small boat, and cross the wide billows of Balhae. The ten-thousand-li road is guided by the heart. Though the journey is long, our feelings of longing are very deep. We respectfully send Yang Seonggyu, Left Secretary of the Jeongdang Council, to go to your country and cultivate the friendship of the past. In accordance with this statement, we present this dispatch to the Daijōkan of Japan. We respectfully record this and present this dispatch."

¶The gifts were seven tiger skins, six leopard skins, seven bear skins, and five koku of honey. By edict, the chief envoy Yang Seonggyu was granted Junior Third Rank and the deputy envoy I Yeoseong Junior Fourth Rank Lower; the officials I Gukdo (Japanese reading: Ri Kokudo) and Ha Wangjin (Ga Ōshin) were both granted Senior Fifth Rank Lower, and the others were likewise each granted ranks and goods. An edict also ordered the Kuraryō (Bureau of the Imperial Storehouse) to trade for the goods of Balhae, and people of the capital were also permitted to trade with the Balhae men. Furthermore, four hundred thousand in official cash was paid out, and various goods were bought from Yang Seonggyu and his men. Seonggyu asked, through the Receiving Envoy, to present treasures he had brought privately, and this too was permitted.

¶The Sangi Fujiwara-no-Ienune and others were sent to the Kōrokan to bestow an imperial rescript: "The Emperor respectfully inquires after the King of Balhae. Seonggyu and his company have arrived, and having read the text of your letter I see the circumstances clearly. The royal house has devoted itself even to urgent repairs, governs and arranges things admirably, its firm nature is like the earth, and it keeps faith with sincerity. Its spirit has not declined, and its fine norms are still preserved. Inheriting generation after generation the old foundation of the capital city, there is no falsehood in the precedent of sending ships far across the water. As for its earnest good faith, the courtesy of coming to court has already been fulfilled. I therefore respond with benevolence and will send them home quickly. Though the billows of several thousand li create a frontier barrier, how could twelve turns of cold and heat hasten the time? If one were to cling to ritual, who would count distance as a barrier? Virtue is not solitary, and one only thinks of the gentleman. Gifts for your country are entrusted to them and sent back; please accept them upon arrival. In the season when the plums ripen, I hope the King and all the great and small of your country are free from harm. I write only briefly what is on my mind and will not trouble you with more."

¶The chief envoy and his men bowed twice and performed the dance of thanks, and Yang Seonggyu advanced on his knees, knelt facing north, and received the rescript. The dispatch sent by the Daijōkan to the Jungdae Council said: "When the officials reported the circumstances to the throne, the following edict was issued: 'Seonggyu and his men admire the palace gate, know the way of the great sea to the full, keep the norms of our court, and cultivate the ceremonies of their country. Their admirable attitude as good neighbors truly befits their conduct. In accordance with precedent, let them convey the former friendship.' Accordingly we have proceeded in accordance with the decision of the edict. When they return home at the end of their term, the imperial letter and gifts for your country will be attached; please accept them upon arrival."

¶In the preceding year, the Onmyōryō (Bureau of Yin and Yang) had reported to the throne: "If an envoy from a foreign land attends at court, ill-omened events will occur," and so the Emperor did not meet Seonggyu and his men in person. Seonggyu and his men gazed up at the palace, tears overflowing their collars, and withdrew with reluctance. Because Seonggyu had considerable literary talent, scholars were ordered to hold a private banquet, and the entertainment and gifts bestowed were very generous.

¶In the fifteenth year of Jōgan (873), Dazaifu reported: "Two drifting ships have arrived at Koshikijima district in Satsuma province. Their captains, Choe Jongjwa (Japanese reading: Sai Sōsa), Dae Jinyun (Dai Chinjun) and others, themselves wrote that they were 'envoys sent by Balhae to congratulate the Tang on the pacification of Xuzhou, and have drifted here.' But when the provincial governor investigated, they carried no official certificates, and contradictions were seen in the dates recorded. We suspect that Silla men may be falsely calling themselves Balhae and secretly spying on the frontier. We therefore tried to take both ships to Dazaifu, but one ship took advantage of the wind and escaped."

¶An edict was issued in reply: "Balhae has long been submissive to our country. The officials of the Dazaifu and the province are to carry out a detailed investigation. If they are truly Balhae men, console them, give them provisions, and send them home. If they are Silla villains, promptly seize and detain them and report."

¶Dazaifu then reported further: "The Balhae men Choe Jongjwa, Mun Sonjae (Japanese reading: Mon Sonsai) and others have drifted to Amakusa district in Higo province. We had the interpreter for the Tang missions, Zhang Jianzhong (Chō Kenchū), investigate the circumstances in detail, and it was confirmed that they are indeed envoys going from Balhae to the Tang, and that this is the ship that escaped earlier." They then submitted the diaries of Jongjwa and his men, as well as the wax-sealed box, the sealed letters, bows and arrows, swords and other items that they carried.

¶The edict said: "We have examined the statements of Jongjwa and his men, and have also inspected the memorial box, the dispatch, the seals, and the official titles, and they match and agree with what earlier envoys to attend at court have presented. Jongjwa and his men are not rogues or bandits; they have suffered the hardship of drifting, and truly deserve pity. The wax-sealed box and the other items they submitted are to be returned in full without the slightest tampering. For the damaged ships, make repairs at a suitable place, supply clothing and provisions, and send them home. However, Jongjwa and his men are officials of Balhae holding titles and must know of the friendly relations with our court. They should therefore have reported the circumstances candidly when they first drifted ashore and relied on our kindness. That they hoisted sail and fled only invites suspicion of deceit. Had it not been for our court's generous benevolence and forgiveness, they would not have escaped a heavy penalty. Reprove them for their fault and make them repent of their wrongdoing."

¶In winter of the eighteenth year of Jōgan (876), the province of Izumo reported: "The Balhae envoy Yang Jungwon (Japanese reading: Yō Chūen) and others have arrived at Shimane district." (Note: following the Sandai Jitsuroku.)

¶In the first year of Gangyō (877), in the reign of Emperor Yōzei, the Shōgeki Ōkasuga-no-Yasuna and the former Sanuki-no-jō (Third Official of Sanuki) Urabe-no-Tsukio were appointed Sonmonshi. Yasuna and his colleague copied the letter of the King of Balhae and the dispatch of the Jungdae Council and reported them to the court.

¶The letter said: "Hyeonseok reports. In the sharp coolness of late autumn, I rejoice that the Emperor enjoys good health. I, Hyeonseok, have received your favor. Formerly Yang Seonggyu attended at your court, was able to convey a small measure of our sincerity, completed the ceremonies and returned home. The imperial letter and the tidings from your country arrived in advance, and I received them with respect and cannot contain my joy. Afterwards, one ship carrying the school official Mun Sonjae and others, who had been traveling on a ship going from our country to the Tang, was blown by the wind and drifted to your shores. The Emperor showed kindness, kept them alive and nurtured them, and separately bestowed provisions for their journey and generous rewards, so that their lives were spared and all of them returned safely to our country. This was truly the rescue of a good neighbor, and today's friendship has grown ever warmer. Stretching my neck and gazing south, I bow in deep joy. I am not wood or stone; how could I remain silent and say nothing of such deep kindness? Moreover, when I examine the old records, I find that we long exchanged envoys with your country, and ships and carriages came and went without cease. Now the missions have been entirely cut off, and many years have already passed. I think that ritual values going and coming, and this is what the sages prize. To hear of righteousness and amend one's conduct is what the gentleman holds as his principle. The norms set by our ancestors have always been to be observed on such auspicious days. The duty of those who come after is surely to carry on the work of their predecessors. Unable to bear my earnest sincerity, I respectfully send Yang Jungwon, Clerk (gongmok-gwan; Japanese reading: kōmokukan) of the Jeongdang Council, to express my thanks for your deep kindness. I humbly beg that the Emperor will make widely known the earlier institutions, extend his imperial favor far afield in accordance with ancient practice, and reopen the old road of exchange. May he not close the great way, take pity on the guest who has come from afar, permit entry to the capital in accordance with precedent, and look into this matter. It would be a great blessing. Separated by the great sea, I have not yet had an audience. I respectfully inquire after your well-being with this letter, though it cannot express all my meaning. Respectfully reported."

¶The dispatch of the Jungdae Council read: "Regarding the envoy sent to thank your country and also to request a proper reception of the guest, Yang Jungwon, Clerk of the Jeongdang Council, and his company, one hundred and five in all, we respectfully submit this dispatch and await your decision. Though the great sea of a thousand li lies between us, we have a good neighbor, and who would speak of the steepness of the road? We established friendship early, and did not presumptuously break the times for missions. Honoring precedent, this court has often cultivated exchange, but, the old friendship having been abandoned, envoys from your country entirely ceased. Formerly the special envoy Yang Seonggyu attended at your court. Afterwards, when the official Mun Sonjae and others, going from our country to the Tang, drifted to your coast, the Emperor showed special pity, and we received great kindness. Having already received such generous compassion, how could we not have the joy of expressing our thanks? Moreover, when we examined earlier documents, we learned that sending envoys has had its origin from the beginning. Now the road is simply cut off, and the years have grown ever longer. We wish to restore and continue the precedent, to be moved from afar by the traces of past exchange, and we constantly hold earnest hopes. Our resolve to carry on the work will never be lost. Unable to contain our emotion and reverence, we respectfully send Yang Jungwon, Clerk of the Jeongdang Council, to enter your country, thank you for your past kindness, and also request a proper reception as a good guest. We respectfully present this dispatch."

¶In the deliberation of the court, it was not permitted to send an envoy of friendly visit in return, and since the audience was in violation of the system, entry to the capital was also not permitted. They were given clothing and provisions and sent home, and the state letter and gifts of Balhae were all taken back by the envoys. The chief envoy Yang Jungwon asked to present privately rare items such as a cup of tortoiseshell, but this too was not permitted.

¶In winter of the sixth year of Gangyō (882), the governor of Kaga reported: "The Balhae envoy to attend at court, Bae Jeong (Japanese reading: Hai Tei), and others, one hundred and five in all, have arrived." (Note: in the letter that the Retired Emperor Uda bestowed on Bae Jeong, as included in the Honchō Monzui, he is called "Bae So," and the Nihon Kiryaku calls him "Bae Gu-so"; both are probably mistakes.)

¶In summer of the following year (883), Ōkura-no-Yoshiyuki and Takashina-no-Mochinori, the Sonmon-ken-ryō Bokkai Kyakushi, escorted Bae Jeong and his company to the capital. The Uemon-no-daijō (Senior Secretary of the Right Gate Guards) Sakanoue-no-Mochiki and the Monjō-tokugōshō (student of letters, advanced degree candidate) Ki-no-Haseo and others were made Receiving Envoys, the Shikibu-no-shō (Junior Assistant Minister of Ceremonial) Sugawara-no-Michisada was made acting Jibu-no-taifu (Senior Assistant Minister of Civil Affairs), and the Mino-no-suke (Assistant Governor of Mino) Shimada-no-Tadaomi was made acting Genba-no-kami (Head of the Bureau of Buddhism and Foreign Guests).

¶The chief envoy Bae Jeong presented the state letter and gifts in the Court Hall. The Emperor appeared at the Burakuden and gave the Balhae envoys a banquet. The chief envoy Bae Jeong was granted Junior Third Rank and the deputy envoy Go (Japanese reading: Kō; his given name was Yong) Senior Fourth Rank Lower; the others were likewise each granted ranks, and court dress was also bestowed. The envoys bowed and danced, put on the court dress, and ascended into the hall. By edict, loquat fruit for the Emperor's own use was heaped in a silver bowl and bestowed on them.

¶At the Tango festival, the Emperor appeared at the Butokuden to view mounted archery, summoned Bae Jeong and his men to watch it, and bestowed shokumei-ru (long-life cords, the protective charm threads of the festival) on those of the rank of recorder and above. Bae Jeong also presented items he had brought privately. The Kura-no-kami (Master of the Imperial Storehouse Bureau) Wake-no-Korenori was sent to the Kōrokan to conduct trade in goods. Because Bae Jeong had high talent and bearing, the Emperor commended him and sent an imperial messenger to bestow one set of the imperial robes. (Note: following the Sandai Jitsuroku.)

¶By edict Sugawara-no-Michizane and others exchanged poems with Bae Jeong. Michizane praised his literary talent. In the seventh year of Kanpyō (895), in the reign of Emperor Uda, Bae Jeong was again sent and attended at court. (Note: following the Kanke Bunsō.)

¶Hyeonseok died and Inseon (Japanese reading: Inchōsen) ascended the throne. (Note: following the Wenxian tongkao.)

¶In spring of the eighth year of Engi (908), in the reign of Emperor Daigo, the governor of Hōki reported: "The Balhae envoy to attend at court, Bae Gu (Japanese reading: Hai Kyū), and others have arrived." The San'i Sugawara-no-Atsushige was made Receiving Envoy, and the Hyōbu-no-jō (Secretary of the Ministry of War) Ono-no-Kuzune and the Monjōshō Fujiwara-no-Morizane were appointed Escort Envoys. By edict, the Left and Right Bureaus of Horses and all those of the rank of Sangi and above were ordered to provide saddled horses for the foreign envoys' entry into the capital.

¶In the fifth month, Bae Gu and his men had an audience at court. A banquet was held at the Chōshūdō (Hall of the Assembled Officials), and gifts were bestowed on the King of Balhae. Gu was the son of Jeong. The imperial messenger specially bestowed imperial robes. The Sangi Fujiwara-no-Sugane and others were sent to the Kōrokan to bestow the imperial letter and a dispatch of the Daijōkan. (Note: this follows the diary of Emperor Daigo cited in the Fusō Ryakki, with the Nihon Kiryaku also consulted. Neither the state letter from Balhae nor the reply is preserved in this work.)

¶In the twentieth year of Engi (920), Bae Gu again attended at court and presented a state letter and local products. Banquets and rewards were given as usual. Bae Gu had been granted Junior Third Rank at his previous audience, and this time his rank was advanced to Senior Third Rank, and he was sent back to his own country. (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku, with the Fusō Ryakki also consulted. Neither work records the name of the King of Balhae or the state letter and reply. The Nihon Kiryaku says: "The Retired Emperor (Uda) bestowed a letter on Bae Gu.")

¶In the fourth year of Enchō (926), Yelü Abaoji (Japanese reading: Yaritsu Aboki) of the Khitan led the troops of the various tribes to attack Buyeo Fortress (Japanese reading: Fuyojō) of Balhae and captured it. He renamed Buyeo Fortress the Dongdan Government (Dongdanfu; Japanese reading: Tōtanfu) and ordered his son Tuyu (Japanese reading: Totsuyoku) to garrison it. (Note: following the Wudai shi and the Wenxian tongkao.)

¶In the eighth year of Enchō (930), the governor of Tango reported: "The Balhae envoy Bae Gu and others, ninety-three in all, have arrived at Takeno district," and an envoy of inquiry was dispatched at once. (Note: following the Nihon Kiryaku.)

¶Bae Gu called himself an envoy of the state of Dongdan. When the envoy of inquiry asked the reason, Gu and his men answered: "We were originally men of Balhae, but we have now submitted and become subjects of Dongdan," and much of what they said related the crimes of the Khitan. The envoy of inquiry reported the contents to the throne in detail. The edict said: "The state of Dongdan has lost propriety, and moreover its envoys lack the integrity of true subjects. Wrongly, as subjects, they have sent envoys to a superior state (Japan). Question and rebuke them severely, as a warning for the future." (Note: following the Fusō Ryakki.)

¶Bae Gu thereupon submitted a letter of apology, saying: "Bae Gu and his men turned their backs on the true lord and followed a false lord, did not contend for good but followed evil, could not rescue the former lord at the banquet, and in the midst of war presumptuously fawned on the new king. Moreover, as a subject of a subject, I accepted the duty of a minor envoy and thereby disturbed the lasting norms of the superior state. When I look to the purity of the white heron I am ashamed of my face, and when I recite the 'Xiang shu' (the Shijing ode that satirizes those who lack propriety) my legs tremble. Our disloyal and unrighteous conduct has brought our offenses on ourselves. As to the purport of your reproof, we have not the slightest word to offer in defense. We hereby submit this letter acknowledging our fault. Bae Gu and his men, in trembling awe, respectfully report."

¶They were pardoned as they were and returned home. (Note: following the Honchō Monzui.) After this, tribute from Balhae ceased altogether.

¶(Note: considering the dates of Japan and China, in the fourth year of Kanpyō (892) under Emperor Uda, Fujiwara-no-Toshiyuki is said to have written a rescript to be bestowed on Balhae, but no entry concerning this is found in the various books. Moreover, examining the Honchō Monzui, there is an official communication (i) sent by the Daijōkan to the Jungdae Council of Balhae. In it there is a statement: "Wang Gwi (Japanese reading: Ō Ki), Sogeon of the Munjeok-won (Bureau of Documents; Japanese reading: Bunsekiin), plotted a rebellion, so the audience was cancelled and he was sent back as he was." It is not known when this took place. It is noted here for the time being, to await later investigation. The letters and dispatches going back and forth with Balhae are, on the whole, all hard to read and obscure. They seem to contain errors, but for the time being they are left as in the old original.)