Page:Nihongi by Aston volume 2.djvu/353

346 25th day. The Silla Envoys Hang-na and his companions were entertained in Tsukushi, and received presents each according to his rank.

In this month an Imperial decree was issued as follows:—"Henceforward let all temples, with the exception of the two or three great national temples, cease to be administered by officials. But for those which hold a sustenance-fief, a limit from first to last of thirty years is fixed. This will be discontinued when, upon calculating the years, the number of thirty is completed. Moreover the Temple of Asukadera ought not to be included in those administered by officials, but as it was originally a Great Temple, always administered by officials, and has also done good service formerly, —for these reasons it is still retained in the class of officially administered temples."

5th month, 1st day. By order of the Emperor coarse silk, floss silk, raw silk, and cloth were bestowed on the twenty-four temples within the capital, the amount varying in each case.

On this day the expounding of the "Kon-kwō-myō Sutra" was begun in the Palace and in the various temples.

13th day. Koryö sent Myo-mun of the Southern Division as Chief Envoy, Chyun-tök, who was Tè-kyöng of the Western Division, and others with tribute. Accordingly Silla sent Ko-na, of Tè-nama rank, to escort the Koryö Envoys Myo-mun and the others to Tsukushi.

21st day. Tsunade, Hada no Miyakko, of Lower Daikin rank, died. On account of his services during the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Upper Daikin.

27th day. Moro, Hoshikaha no Omi, of Middle Shōkin rank, died. On account of his services in the year Midzunoye Saru, he received the posthumous rank of Daishi.

6th month, 5th day. The Silla guests, Hang-na and his colleagues, returned to their own country.

8th day. There was a rain of ashes.

14th day. There was a great thunderstorm.