Book VI 455Ancestral Shrine and finally moved the capital to Hanyang on the twenty-
fifth day of the tenth month.
“The office in charge of moving the capital also said, ‘The Royal Ancestral
Shrine is where the spirits of former kings are worshiped, and the royal
palace is where government administration is performed for the people;
therefore, their construction is unavoidable.’ So I ordered the office respon-
sible to start the construction on the fourth of this month, but I am worried
that the people may have to undergo hardship.
“I sincerely pray that Heaven show compassion on us and let the work
proceed smoothly by providing us with fine weather. If you allow us to
build a great capital here, uphold the Mandate of Heaven, and look after the
people in the days to come, I will offer you sacrifices with more gratitude
and sincerity. I will also work harder to discharge my duty, mindful of sea-
sonal changes and opportunities, and enjoy peace with my officials and
people.”
The king also dispatched Kim Ipgyŏn, assistant grand councilor, to
announce to the spirits of mountains and rivers. The prayer he recited was
as follows:
“The king speaks as follows! You the spirits of Mt. Paegak,^96 Mt.
Mongmyŏk,^97 and all other mountains, and the spirits of the Han River,
Yangjin Ferry, and all other rivers! From antiquity, those who established a
royal capital always chose the principal mountain and river, calling them
chin [suppressor of evil influence] and ki [fishnet rope or basic structure],
respectively. Therefore, the famous mountains and great rivers in the
country are all listed on the record of ritual sacrifices, and that is to pray for
assistance from the spirits or to acknowledge and repay them for their aid.
“Looking back, though lacking in virtue and ability, I ascended the throne
as I was unable to resist the wishes of the officials and the people any fur-
ther, and it is already three years since I began to rule this county with great
trepidation. Following the advice from an official in charge of astronomy, I
have already fixed the date for moving the capital to Hanyang and con-
structing the Royal Ancestral Shrine and royal palaces. However, I cannot
help being worried that the construction will bring hardship to the people.
If the weather becomes bad, causing unusual rain or cold or heat, the con-
struction will be impeded.
- Mt. Pugak located in the north.
- An old name of Mt. Namsan located in the south.