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The minister Da-ban Gua-bu-nong and others who had been sent by A-da-a-zhe, the king of the country of Champa, came to Court and presented a memorial, which noted that Annam had invaded their territory. The memorial was of gold-leaf, over a chi long and five cun wide. As it was engraved in the script of that country, it was translated by a translator. Its meaning was: "The great Ming Emperor has ascended the throne and pacified all within the four seas. He is like the Heaven and the Earth which cover and contain all, and like the sun and moon which shed their rays on all. In comparison, A-da-a-zhe is like a piece of grass. The Emperor favoured me by sending an envoy to give me a gold seal and enfeoff me as the king of the country. I am grateful and elated, and will remain so forever. However, at present, Annam is using arms to attack our borders. They have killed and plundered officials and the people. I humbly pray that the Emperor will be compassionate and confer upon me military weapons, musical instruments and musicians. Thus, Annam will know that our Champa is a region to which [China's] culture extends and is a place which provides tribute to China. Thereafter, Annam will not dare to oppress or maltreat us." The Emperor was impressed by their wishes. When Da-ban Gua-bu-nong was about to leave the Court, the Emperor ordered the Secretariat to send a despatch to the king of the country, saying: "Maintaining good relations with neighbours is truly the avenue for protecting one's territory. Being loyal in one's service of the superior is the way to fulfil one's obligations as minister. Both Champa and Annam serve the Court and both acknowledge the Court's calendar. But now, without authority, arms have been taken up and there has been great loss of life. This shows failure in the duty of serving the Emperor and failure in properly handling relations with neighbours. I have already sent a despatch to the king of Annam ordering the immediate cessation of hostilities. Your countries should also both protect your own borders. As to your request for military weapons, how could I begrudge you this! However, this is a struggle between Champa and Annam and if the Court gives arms only to Champa, this would assist you in attacking them. This would be extremely incompatible with my duty of bringing peace. As to your request for musical instruments and musicians, although in music there is no distinction between China and outsiders, there is a difference between Chinese and yi languages. Thus, there would be difficulties in sending that which you requested. If there are people in your country who are versed in the Chinese language and can be trained in music, you should select several of them and send them to the capital for training." An Imperial command was also sent to the Fu-jian Branch Secretariat, noting that all the goods on the sea-going ships of Champa be exempted from taxes, as an expression of concern and kindness.