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Kunming, they were still molested. So this route still could not be opened. On the other hand more and more envoys went to Tahsia by the northern route from Chiuchuan. Because of the frequent arrival of envoys, the foreign countries became sated with Han money and no longer treasured its goods. Since Chang Ch'ien won respect and position through opening intercourse with foreign countries, other officers and soldiers following him competed with each other in presenting reports to the Emperor describing strange things and interests in foreign countries, and asking to be sent abroad as envoys. Considering that few people were willing to go to those extremely distant lands, the Emperor listened to them and gave them missions and power to enrol people, no matter what their origins. They were provided with company and sent abroad to enhance the intercourse. In travelling to and fro, it was difficult to escape being robbed. If the envoys were remiss in their responsibilities, they were pardoned by the Emperor. But if their fault was serious, they incurred the anger of the Emperor who would make them redeem their crime. Thus there was no end of excuses for going abroad as envoys and little fear to offend the law. The officials and soldiers who had followed them abroad also often praised foreign countries. Those who talked big were made envoys and those who talked small were made deputies. Thus braggarts and bad elements followed suit. Those people were all of poor origin. They took the goods and gifts from the authorities to profit themselves by selling at high prices to foreigners. Now the people in the foreign countries grew disgusted with the - 12 -