Entry

Imperial orders of instruction were issued to the Jiao-zhi chieftain Li Li and so on. The orders read: "In the past, when our Tai-zu Gao Emperor first came to the throne, it was Annam which first showed its loyalty. It respectfully fulfilled the duties of a subject and never violated these. When the bandit minister Li Ji-li and his son usurped the throne, killed the ruler, exterminated the Chen family, greatly harmed the people of the country and attacked neighboring territories, our Tai-zong Wen Emperor manifested Heaven's wishes and despatched troops to punish the evil and bring solace to the people. They were ordered to eliminate the evil, restore the broken line of succession and bring peace to the region. The criminals were captured, but despite a long period of seeking, no male descendants of the Chen line could be found. It was thus ordered that subprefectures and counties be established in the area and that officials be appointed to pacify and govern. However, as the years went by, the pacifiers did not treat the worthy or the evil appropriately and thus the people were not taught by example. Therefore, the troops had to be sent again and for successive years they saw no rest. All of the people within the four seas are my children. I am the father and mother of the people. How could I bear to see a region being overwhelmed by calamities! I thought about this day and night and sought to bring peace. Now, the regional commander has advised of your words, noting that a descendant of the Chen kings of Annam is still alive, and requested orders which accord with the desire of the Tai-zong Wen Emperor to restore the broken line of succession. The earnestness of your words touched my heart. The way of Emperors and kings is to rule in accordance with the will of the people. If something is of benefit to the people, it must be accorded with. I have already issued a proclamation of general amnesty and all in Jiao-zhi is to begin anew. It has been ordered that all of the chieftains and elders are to advise of the actual situation in respect of the existing descendants of the Chen line. When the report is received, an envoy will be sent to confer the appointment. Now, I am sending the vice minister Li Qi and others with orders of instruction for you. From now on, you should keep the people in peace and protect the territory so as to accord with my will to manifest Heaven's affection for the people. Respect this!"