CHAPTER IV. THE SUNGS AND THE KINS His son and successor,
Chintsong, must be pronounced fortunate in that the first year
of his reign witnessed the death of Yeliu Hiuco. The direct
consequence of his death was that the Chinese were, for the
first time, successful in their campaign against the Leaous. But
this satisfactory state of things did not long continue, and the
Leaous became so aggressive and successful that there was almost
a panic among the Chinese, and the removal of the capital to a
place of greater security was suggested. The firm counsel and
the courageous demeanor of the minister Kaochun prevented this
course being adopted. He figuratively described the evil
consequences of retreat by saying, "Your majesty can, without
serious consequences, advance a foot further than is absolutely
necessary, but you cannot retire, even to the extent of an inch,
without doing yourself much harm." Chintsong, fortunately for
himself and his state, adopted this course; and the Tartars
thought it best to come to ter