Shiji was published in the Ming period. This chapter of the "Shiji" represents the first definite appearance of the kingdoms on China's western frontier in Chinese chronicles. It tells the story of how Zhang Qian was dispatched to the kingdom of Dayuezhi by Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty. (However, the term "Xiyi," meaning "Western Area," does not appear.) Zhang's observations and experiences greatly assisted Han control of the frontier. In 122 BCE, a Han expedition was sent to the southwest for the purpose of opening up a route to India, based on the implications of Zhang's information. Subsequently, Zhang was being appointed to a commander due to proposed an alliance with Wusun, which occupied the area around what is now Yili, against the Xiongnu (Huns). Upon being appointed the ambassador he again headed westward as the senior Han envoy in 116 BCE. As it turned out, Wusun rejected the proposal out of fear of angering the Xiongnu, and Zhang therefore failed in his mission. Nevertheless, the subordinates he sent as trade delegates to other kingdoms returned to the capital with delegates from them after his death, and this marked the start of the first official commerce between China and the kingdoms to its west. [Read more..]
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