Entry

The tribute envoy Ma Yong-liang and others from the country of Java, took leave of the Court. A banquet as well as variegated silks, as appropriate, were conferred upon them. It was also ordered that they take Imperial orders, patterned fine silks interwoven with gold thread and other goods to confer, on their return, upon the king of the country and his consort. The orders read: "You, king, respect Heaven and serve the superior, and regularly send envoys to the Court. However, given the long distance involved and the excessive number of envoys, this is troublesome to both sides, and suspicions and divisions could easily result. In future, you should select one or two persons versed in the Great Principles (大體) as chief and deputy envoys and carefully consider how many attendants should be sent. When they arrive in Guang-dong, they shall permit the officials there to decide who is to remain in Guang-dong and who is to be sent to the Court. You must warn your envoys to respect the rites and the laws, and to not engage in improper actions. The tribute goods need not be rare birds and exotic animals. Local products to show your loyalty will be sufficient. Further, it is not permitted to privately trade jewels, clothing and other precious things with foreign lands (私與外洋交易). You king, should respect and implement my orders and not violate them."