Entry

Li Yu, vice minister of the right in the Auxiliary Ministry of War, was sent as chief envoy and Nai Heng, commissioner of the left in the Auxiliary Office of Transmission, was sent as deputy envoy to take credentials and a seal and to proceed to enfeoff Li Lin, who was in temporary charge of the affairs of the country of Annam, as the king of the country of Annam. Previously, the Xuan-zong Emperor had ordered that Li Li take temporary charge of the affairs of the country. Li died and Lin inherited his position, and in serving the Court he became increasingly respectful. At this time, as none of the descendants of the Chen family remained alive, the Emperor felt it best to officially appoint Lin to the position of ruler, so that he would remain loyal and soothed. The proposal was sent to the joint ministers who discussed it and felt that it was appropriate. Thus, it was ordered that Yu and so on proceed to enfeoff him. A proclamation was issued to the people of the country as follows: "I have taken on Heaven's mandate and, in governing the people, to all those I cover and contain, I strive to bring prosperity and peace. Further, your country of Annam is close to the territory within the frontiers (密比疆場). Since Li Li's son inherited temporary charge of Annam's affairs, he has been diligent and prudent. He has served the superior and look after those below. In none of this has he been remiss. Now a seal is being especially conferred upon him so that he can long keep you, the people of the country, in peace and manifest my desire to look on all equally."