116 IMPERIAL TEN. In May 436, Wei again marched in force against Holoong, and on his way took Bailangchung, an important city of Bingchow. The alliance of Gaoli was not an empty name ; for the eastern king sent Qoloo Munggwang with an army to the relief of his ally. They camped at Idnchuen, east of Holoong. The Yen President, Shmig, turned traitor, and opened the city gate for Wei, who, fearing a trap, dared not enter. Shmig then attax;ked Yen Wang in the city. The latter had the east gate opened, and brought in the Gaoli troops, with which he defended himself The battle was fought under the palace walls, and Shung was wounded by an arrow which took his life. After the struggle was over, the Gaoli Commander ordered his men to strip off their ragged garments, and re-clothe themselves out of the public stores of Yen. The Gaoli men continued for several days to help themselves to whatever they thought best in the city. Notwithstanding this questionable help. Yen Wang prepared to abandon the city left him by his forefathers. He set fire to the palace, which continued burning for ten days, and consuming the wealth and finery which war had taken north from Ye and Honan ; he then led out the whole population, marching eastwards The women occupied the centre of this immigration, Yang Yi led the van, and the Gaoli brought up the rear. The whole spread over a distance of 80 IL Gao Gowdsu, a small official of Wei, collected a band of horse to pursue ; but his superior officer, Goo Bi, who was drunk, drew his sword and stopped him. The Prince of Wei was extremely wroth at hearing of the escape of Yen Wang, and had Bi and Wo Ching, the commander in charge, back to Ping* city, where he degraded them into doorkeepers. Wei demanded the surrender of Yen Wang, but Gaoli refused. Wei was very angry, and about to order an advance into Gaoli,
- The modem Linyu, west of Shanhaigwan, in the N.E. corner of Chihli, is said,
by the Imperial Directory, to be the ancient Pingchow ; some authorities place it in or near the modem Yoongping further west; but either position places Loongchung in Liaosi and beyond Chihli.
