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Sun T’i (fl. 720) was from Poshan in Shantung province and served in several prominent posts, including the Secretariat. During every dynasty, the Chinese court resorted to marriage as part of its foreign policy to foster peaceful relations with the nomadic tribes along its borders. In order to elevate their status with their prospective husbands, daughters of the nobility were honored with the title of “princess” prior to their departure. This particular “princess” was a daughter of the prominent Yang clan and was married to the king of the Khitans, Li Shih-huo, in the last month of 717. Apparently, another spring was too much for the Khitan chieftain, and he died the following year. Dragon Pass (Lungsai) was on China’s northeast border with Manchuria, between what are now Blue Dragon Manchurian Autonomous County (Chinglung Mantsu Tzuchihhsien) and Black Dragon County (Lulunghsien). In the Chuantangshih (Complete Poems of the T’ang), the full title is “With Li Shao-fu of Loyang Seeing Princess Yung-lo Leave for Manchuria.”

On Seeing Princess Yung-lo Leave for Manchuria

SUN T’I

Orioles and flowers on the border are rare

even at New Year nothing looks new

but when a beauty falls from Heaven

Dragon Pass finally sees spring