Entry

Ye-ba-nai-na was enfeoffed as the king of the country of Sri Lanka. Previously, Ya-lie Ku-nai-er, the king of the country of Sri Lanka, had been seized for the offences he had committed and the Emperor ordered that one of his relatives who was worthy be appointed as ruler. At this time, the Ministry of Rites advised: "We have enquired of the people of this country and they all say that Ye-ba-nai-na is virtuous and worthy." Accordingly, an envoy was sent with an Imperial proclamation and a title patent and seal to confer upon him. The patent read: "I succeeded to the Great Undertaking of my Imperial Ancestor, govern the Chinese and the yi, bring great prosperity to all places and exercise rule over them. In recent times, Ya-lie Ku-nai-er of Sri Lanka, residing on that island in the ocean and possessing an evil heart, constantly oppressed the people and harboured enmity for neighbouring countries. I sent Imperial envoys with an Imperial proclamation and orders of instruction for the various fan countries, but when they came to Sri Lanka, this Ya-lie Ku-nai-er dared to oppose the way of Heaven. He was insolent and not respectful. In an outrageous and evil manner, he planned to kill the Court's envoy. However, Heaven detested his evil and assisted in his capture. I consider all the soldiers and civilians of that country to be my people. I thus ordered the appointment of a worthy and able person to govern them. You, Ye-ba-nai-na, have cultivated virtue and goodness and you have been recommended by the people. Now, I am especially enfeoffing you as the king of the country of Sri Lanka. Indeed, only by being sincere and respectful can you be firmly established; only by being benevolent and virtuous, can you govern the people; only by being loyal, can you serve the superior; and only by being trustworthy, can you maintain good relations with neighbouring countries. You are to respect my orders, long revere the Way of Heaven and mu st not be remiss or arrogant. Thereby, the fief will be received by your sons and grandsons and there will be prosperity for generation after generation without end. Respect this!" At that time, the assembled ministers had all requested that Ya-lie Ku-nai-er be executed, but the Emperor said: "Man and yi are just like birds and animals. There is no point in severely punishing them." At this time, the Emperor forgave him and sent him home.