General Introduction (Ch’ongsŏ) 5in the field of Namgyŏng. A great stone fortress also stood some 7 or 8 li
north of Aldong. The people governed by Mokcho lived in all of these
places. Though Mokcho settled down in Aldong, he didn’t really have a
permanent residence because he often had to travel to inspect other districts
in his charge.
There was an island called Chagora off the coast southeast of Aldong. It
lay parallel to the land toward the North. Mokcho created a pasture for
cattle and horses by building a stone enclosure there.
In the eighth year (1258) of Xianzong [of the Yuan dynasty], by the order
of Sanji, Mokcho became the commander of eight captains (baihu)—
including Li Chun (Yi Ch’un),^24 Wen Dachun, Zhao Ao, Lŭ Geer, Zhuo
Qing, Shang Zai, Guang Yi, and Zhang Ge—and concurrently served as
chief company commander (gucha baihu).
In the sixth month of the second year (1261) of Zhongtong,^25 Emperor
Shizu of the Yuan dynasty, the Department of State Affairs (Shangshusheng)
sent down an official copper seal that was to be used in the battalion of
Aldong.
In the fifth month of the first year (1264) of Zhiyuan,^26 by order of the
emperor, Mokcho served as chiliarch at Aldong. When he passed away in
the twelfth month of the eleventh year of Zhiyuan (1274), he was buried at
a place 5 li south of Kongju (namely Kyŏnghŭng Prefecture).^27 Later, the
tomb was moved to Taldandong^28 of Ŭihŭng District in Hamŭng Prefecture.
This is Tŏngnŭng, the royal tomb of Mokcho.
Mokcho’s wife Lady Yi, who is referred to by her title Consort Hyo
(Hyobi), was not from the same Yi clan that her husband belonged to. She
was the daughter of Yi Kongsuk, the administrator (changsa) of the
Thousand Bull Division (Ch’ŏnuwi).^29 She gave birth to Yi Haengni, who
- According to the Annals of King T’aejo, Yi Ch’un is the original name of T’aejo’s
grandfather Tojo himself. Tojo probably served as company commander under his grandfather
Mokcho. - The first-reign name of Emperor Shizu (1260–1294) of the Yuan dynasty.
- The second regnal name of Emperor Shizu of the Yuan dynasty.
- Kongju is an old name of Kyŏnghŭng, located at the northern tip of North Hamgyŏng
Province. - Also called Taldaldong.
- The military forces of Koryŏ during the reign of King Sŏngjong (981–997) mainly
consisted of the Two Guards and Six Divisions. They functioned as the nation’s combat forces
defending the capital as well as the frontiers. They also served as royal guards and police
forces in the capital. The Thousand Bull Division, however, was mainly in charge of state
ceremonies. (Ki-baik Lee, 117)