128 GAOGOWLI. river, where he took refuge among the savage Sooshun. This governor took or slew 8000 people, and then returned. In 435, of the many rival kingdoms into which China was divided, one of the most powerful was the Hunnislkone of Wei, which had overthrown or amalgamated their relations, the Eienbi* To save himself from being called to account^ the Corean King sent an embassage with tribute to Wei, and Wei confirmed him as (vassal) King of Gaogowli and Duke (Groong) of Liaotung. But when, soon after, Wei besieged the last strong city of Yen,* Gaogowli sent a considerable army to raise the siege. But it was inadequate. The internal troubles of China> and the never-ending wars between Wei and the new and strong Chi in Shantung, on his east, varied by wars in defence from an attack on the Yowyan, — which had arisen out of the ashes of the Huns, on his west, — ^made Gaoli f stronger than ever. This was, partly, because they had themselves respite from war, except in voluntary attacks on neighbours, all of whom were weaker ; and partly because there were numberless fugitives from the increasing bloodshed of China, to the comparative repose of GaolL It found, therefore, no difficulty in stretching its borders westwards, embracing the whole of Liaotung, and forming an empira We find Gaoli in 479, in the neighbourhood of the present Yoongping, breaking up the tribe of Mohofo, the Moogan of Kitan,J which numbered 10,000 (heads? or tents?). The Kitan fled southwards to crave the shelter of Wei's arm. But in 484, the Gaoli King Lien sent tribute to both Chi and Wei ; for it was difficult to foresee which of the two was to become supreme in northern China. Wei created him King of Gaoli, Duke of Liaotung, and Governor of the military affidrs of the Liao Sea, which title was more honorary than substantial, as there was no fleet But though on such excellent terms with ♦SeeCh.IV. fThe gow Ib now dropped, and the name is generally henceforth Gaoli, which the Coreans themselyes always pronounce Gori, whence Corea or Korect, p. 115.
- See Kitan, Chap. VIL
