Page 36 - A History of Siam

A HISTORY OF SIAM
34
He was, however, now tired of their arrogance. They
were taskmasters rather than allies, forced his people
to fight their wars, and levied taxes in his dominions.
As a result of this a was concluded between
treaty
China and Nanchao. The Imohsun
Emperor recognised
as King of Nanchao, and conferred upon him a gold
seal. All the Tibetans in Nanchao were then massacred.
'
A Tibetan which was sent to
army, avenge the massacre,
was routed.
utterly
A Chinese was then sent to Talifu and received
envoy
with great pomp. Soldiers lined the roads, and the
horses' harness was ablaze with gold and cowries.
Imohsun wore a coat of mail and and
gold tiger-skin,
had twelve drawn in front of him. He
elephants up
kotowed to the ground, facing north, and swore everlasting
to China.
fealty
Imohsun now embarked upon a career of conquest,
the of other states and tribes.
invading territory
In A.D. 794 he invaded Tibet, capturing sixteen towns,
and immense
taking booty.
In A.D. 820 one of Imohsun's successors invaded
China, capturing Sui-chu, Yong-chu, and Kong-chu.
He was forced to retreat, but took with him many
captives, among them some skilled artisans, who soon
Nanchao on a with China in matters of
placed par art,
literature, and weaving.
In A.D. 858 the Tai of Nanchao invaded Tonkin an4
brought back a great amount of booty.
In A.D. 850 one Tsui Lung became King of Nanchao.
He assumed the title of Emperor. This offended the
of the who
Emperor Suentsong (i6th Tang dynasty),
retaliated to send an to the funeral
by declining envoy
of the late of Nanchao. Tsui
King Lung thereupon
invaded China and besieged Chengtu. Before he was