282 COREA. mark their inferiority. This conduct enraged Taidsoong, who refused to accept his presents, and detained the minister. When formerly the Coreans sent ambassadors to the Manchu court, the Manchus returned the visits, and gave " presents " in return for the Corean "tribute." Special ambassadors were sent to condole with the Corean king, on the death of his mother and wife. His "petition" the Corean king now called a "letter," and to the "tribute" he gave the name of "presents. He also wished the term " honourable and humble kingdom, to be exchanged for the term "neighbouring kingdoms";, and that mutual presents be given by the two courts. Taidsoong, still desirous to gain Corea by kindness, was anxious that all the Beiras should combine in forming a treaty. They agreed, and worked away at terms for a treaty ; but after much and angry discussion, it was rejected by the Corean ministers. The Coreans, besides, set a guard over the ambassador Yingwortai, who, probably apprehensive of murder, at the head of his party rode against, pushed open the gate, and fled. The Corean king sent a messenger with a despatch after him, and another to the oflficer commanding on the border, to warn him to- be watchful. Negotiations were broken oflF in 1636 ; and when Corean ambassadors came to the court at Moukden, they refused to pay the accustomed reverence, but handed in their credentials as all that was necessary; there was, therefore, no return embassy sent. Just before that coldness on the part of Corea, the Manchu army had overrun and taken the Mongol Chahar, where the long-lost imperial seal of the Yuen dynasty was found in the possession of an old Mongol princess. The forty-nine Beiras of Inner Mongolia hereupon all tendered their submission to the Manchus. Those Mongols, who have always been excellent horsemen and made capital cavalry when well led, were attached to the Manchus; and the combined army had completely routed the Chinese army in Liaosi. As there was, therefore, no immediate danger of an attack from China, preparations were made to march a second time into Corea.
