Entry

The Minister of Rites Ren Heng-tai and the Investigating Censor Yan Zhen-zhi were sent as envoys to Annam for the purpose of instructing that country on the imminent punishment of Zhao Zong-shou of Long Subprefecture. The Emperor spoke to Heng-tai and so on, saying: "The territory of Long-zhou adjoins Annam and if the Great Army crushes the border, Annam will indeed be suspicious and concerned. You should inform them that Zhao Zong-shou's crimes cannot be pardoned. Annam should carefully guard its borders and not have ideas about receiving rebels. If they follow my orders, their people on the border will remain happy." When Heng-tai and so on reached Annam, Chen Ri-kun listened to the orders and was awed and fearful. He then gave Heng-tai a letter advising receipt of the Imperial commands. The letter read: "The Court shows care and kindness to the distant states and shows sympathy to the man and the yi. We are warmed by the Court's instructions and warning. This indeed shows a love of all living things, not less than that of Heaven and Earth, the parents of all. Our lowly, inferior country is sincere in its fear of Heaven and in its service of the superior. This letter is simply for Your Majesty's perusal." Heng-tai and so on then advised Annam of the reasons for the Court's intention to use troops against Long-zhou, so as to soothe and calm them.