Some Notes on the Missions of Pei Ju

Absztrakt

Pei Ju was a high official in the Sui Empire. He was sent as an emissary to the Turks in 593 and played an active role during Sui Emperor Wen's marriage alliance with the royal house of the Turk Khaganate as well as during their conflict. His actual rise and role in policy-making coincided with the reign of the Sui emperor Yang. The emperor gave Pei Ju permission to oversee the commerce in Zhangye. He also wrote Xiyu Tuji (“Illustrated Records of the Western Regions”). Pei set about convincing Emperor Yang to develop both a new policy for the Xiyu (Western Regions) as well as a divisive policy for dealing with the Turks. Using Pei Ju’s plan, the Sui wanted to establish tributary and trade relations with the cities of Xiyu; however, he was faced with two obstacles: the Turkic Empire and the Kingdom of Tuyuhun. The emperor accepted Pei Ju’s plan about the Turks and the Tuyuhun. I will examine some elements of the historical and strategical policy of the Chinese people on the example of Pei Ju.