Shi Chonggui
One of the immediate diplomatic decisions was how Shi Jingtang's death and Shi Chonggui's ascension was to be reported to Khitan (which has renamed itself Liao by this point). Most officials suggested submitting a "report" to Emperor Taizong and having Shi Chonggui refer to himself as "your subject" in the report, to show submission. Jing, however, advocated a "letter" (to show equality between the states) and having Shi Chonggui refer to himself as "your grandson" and not "subject." (The reference to being "grandson" was based on the fact that Shi Jingtang referred to himself as "your son" when corresponding with Emperor Taizong). Fellow chancellor Li Song argued that Jing's suggestion would eventually lead to war, but Jing insisted. With Feng neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Jing, Shi Chonggui accepted Jing's proposal. This caused Emperor Taizong to be angered. He sent an emissary rebuking Shi Chonggui for taking the throne without first seeking his approval. Jing wrote back an impudent response, although the text of the response was not recorded.