Entry

Cheng Ying, the prefect of Qiong-zhou Prefecture in Guang-dong had previously memorialized: "The country of Champa comes to offer tribute every year. The sea route and the land route are both very long and having the people come and go brings them great trouble and expense. It is requested that Champa be required to abide by the regulations which apply to Siam and such countries, whereby they come to Court only once every three years." At this time, the envoy Bu-sha-pa Ma-shu and others from the country of Champa were taking leave of the Court. The Emperor ordered him to take Imperial orders of instruction for their king. The orders read: "You, king, have been able to revere the Way of Heaven and respectfully serve the Court. You send tribute to the Court once a year and your sincerity is pleasing. It has recently been heard that the military personnel and the people of your country are having difficulties and that the taxes are very heavy. I look on all who are covered by Heaven and supported by Earth as one family and I feel deep sympathy for the people. All the fan countries bring tribute once every three years. From now on, it is appropriate that you also do this. In this way, above you will not be troubled by having to serve the Court repeatedly and below, the people will not be annoyed. You king should manifest my great concern." In addition, the envoy was given embroidered fine silks to confer on the king and his consort.