314 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
“As your servant has observed, when the kings arose with new dynasties,
none could surpass the royal house of the Zhou dynasty in terms of ances-
tral virtue accumulated over many generations and the number of out-
standing offspring. Multiple generations have passed since the days of
Houji,^58 and when ascendancy came down to the generation of King Wen^59
and King Wu, they were able to attain the kingdom. King Wen and his wife
Taisi laid the foundation of the Zhou dynasty, which lasted for eight hun-
dred years, by producing outstanding children, but they were also aided by
the good works of their ancestors, who were virtuous and benevolent.
“Our kingdom at the present time, from the days of Minister of Works
[Yi Han] until King Hwan [the king’s father], has accumulated good works
for a long time. Our Majesty, endowed with intelligence and divine wisdom,
inherited the legacy of his ancestors and brought about the great occasion of
joy and happiness, opening the way for endless prosperity. Further, having
already produced outstanding offspring, his flourishing royal house can be
said to equal that of the Zhou dynasty. This happened because his good
works that have accumulated for so long have grown great, and their effects,
which were planted firmly [in the hearts of the people] spread afar. Oh, how
awesome they are!
“Your servant Ch’ong submits the following inscription for the royal
tomb, gathering his hands together and bowing his head down.A plum tree [Yi clan] from the kingdom of immortals
Took its root deeply in the hardened ground.
Starting from the minister of works, the king’s grand ancestor,
The royal clan has made and accumulated numerous charitable deeds,
Producing auspicious signs until it reached the generation of
King Hwan.
King Hwan sired a sagacious monarch,
Who suddenly attained the Eastern Kingdom.
Since he was already destined to have the Mandate of Heaven,
There was no need to fight from the beginning.
In order to make a fresh start for the people,- A legendary Chinese culture hero during the time of the Xia dynasty, who is known to
have introduced millet to humanity. - The king of Zhou during the late Shang dynasty. He was honored as the founder of the
Zhou dynasty though his son, King Wu, actually conquered the Shang dynasty.