470 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
appraisal of three types of rules and periods,^5 as well as the chronological
approach made by Sima Qian, you have completed the entire history of
Koryŏ to be handed down to posterity. There is nothing to be ashamed of in
your critical appraisal, even if it is compared to the historical critique [of the
Tang period], the Mirror of the Tang Dynasty (Tangjian).^6 And, like the
Book of Han (Hanshu),^7 it shows no vulgarity or meanness in delineating
history. Being both flexible and consistent, your account is meticulously
precise and also clear about what is to be emulated or admonished. I was
very impressed, and therefore I want to reward you generously for your
good work.
“Ah! Since your work is brilliant but not complicated, and simple but not
vulgar, you indeed have a talent to become a great historian. If the state is
well governed, it always prospers; if not, it is bound to collapse. How, then,
can I avoid looking at the history of the previous dynasty? Since I bestow
upon you one horse, fifty taels of silver, and one bolt of colorful silk, I want
you to accept them.”Censor Yi Munhwa and others submitted a memorial, and the request they
made is basically as follows: “Peerage (myŏnggi)^8 is very important because
it is the instrument used by the king when he rewards men of virtue.
Furthermore, since the title of chancellor indicates the head of the grand
councilors, it should not be granted lightly even if the title is only honorary;
otherwise it can cause confusion in the official hierarchy. According to the
observations we have made, Your Majesty has granted such prestige titles to- According to Gongyang Gao, a scholar of the State of Qi during China’s Warring
States period (475–221 b c) and famous commentator of the Spring and Autumn Annals, human
society evolves over time and can be divided into three phases: the first stage (luanshi) is
marked by political chaos and social anomie, the second stage (shengpingshi) is characterized
by the reestablishment of legitimate political order, and the third stage (taipingshi) is when the
whole world enjoys great harmony and every individual is able to fulfill his or her potential. - A historical critique of the Tang dynasty (618–907) written by Song- period scholar
Fan Zuyu (1041–1098) and commented by Lü Zuqian (1137–1181). - Also called Hanshu or History of the Former Han Dynasty, it covers the history of
China under the Western Han from 206 b c to 25 a d. This book was intended to be the con-
tinuation of the Records of the Grand Historian by Sima Qian, the great Han historian.
However, unlike his predecessor, who started his history from the earliest legendary rulers,
Ban Gu started his history from the Han dynasty and, further, initiated the format for dynastic
histories that was to remain the model for official histories until modern times. - Myŏnggi, literally “famous vessel,” originally referred to dresses and carriages that
the king conferred on his subjects and thereby meant peerage and honor for the officials.