202 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
and harmony. After her marriage, she strictly managed her domestic affairs
and left a good legacy for posterity by leading an exemplary life of a matri-
monial partner.
“Despite lacking in virtue and ability, I presumptuously rose to the throne.
Though it was the popular support that raised me to the throne, I believe that
it was actually possible due to your assistance. I respectfully decided on the
post humous titles for the grandfather and grandmother as King To and Con-
sort Kyŏng, respectively. I humbly beg you to accept these titles and, sitting
on high, to look after your offspring and bring peace to the state forever.The document of investiture regarding his father and mother read as fol-
lows: “In establishing a new dynasty and preserving the legacy of the family,
nothing is more urgent to be filial than presenting posthumous titles to the
royal ancestors, and since they reveal their virtues and achievements, one
must be extremely careful in presenting them.
“I respectfully believe the father was by nature thoughtful and wise, and
his stature striking and distinguished. Winning the battles both far and
near, he worked hard to serve the country and helped pave the way for pos-
terity to build a nation, ever increasing their fortune.
“With deference, I think the mother was virtuous and gentle. Taking the
middle path in her conduct and managing domestic affairs, she established
family tradition. Her virtue reached down to her subordinates so that she
resembled the curved tree with drooping branches (jiumu),^60 which are
grateful to the supporting trunk.
“Since I was fortunate to establish a new dynasty, inheriting the achieve-
ments made over generations, I must perform a ceremony of changing
ancestral names into eulogistic titles and thereby express my gratitude to
the root of my being. So, choosing an auspicious day, I praise your resplen-
dent virtues. I respectfully decided on the posthumous titles for the father
and mother as King Hwan and Consort Ŭi, respectively. Look down on us
and grant us endless prosperity.”The king bestowed dynasty-founding merit subjects with the documents
certifying their rank and status (kyosŏ), and princesses and ladies of the- It refers to the tree in the poem titled “Jiumu.” See the “Odes of Zhou and the South,
Lessons from the States,” Classic of Poetry. The tree in the poem is covered with branches and
is depicted as happy; her virtue is like the trunk of the tree.