44 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
At that time, a man who had been held captive in the enemy camp returned
and said, “Observing that the military camp established by T’aejo was in
good order, Agibaldo said to his men, ‘The army that we are faced with this
time is not like the ones we used to deal with. The generals of our opponent
look much more confident. You have to be extra careful in today’s battle.’ ”
At first, Agibaldo was known to be reluctant to leave his island to lead the
military expedition to our land; however, he finally made up his mind as his
loyal officers and ardent followers continued to plead with him every time
they saw him, kneeling before him and blocking his way.
As the military campaign ended, T’aejo’s officers wanted to replace all
the existing tent poles with bamboo poles. T’aejo said, “It may be much
easier to transport the bamboo poles since they are lighter than ordinary
wooden poles. However, bamboo is a product cultivated by the people and
therefore does not belong to us. It will be sufficient for us if we can return
home without losing what we brought with us.” Wherever he went, T’aejo
never allowed his troops to touch anything belonging to the people.
Chu Ming was always choked with emotion and shed tears of gratitude
whenever he looked at the arrow wounds on his body, because T’aejo saved
his life at the battle of Wuluo Fortress despite his being a prisoner. So he
served T’aejo without leaving his side to the end of his life. In this battle, he
rendered distinguished service, running ahead of T’aejo’s horses, and people
at that time praised him.
When T’aejo returned triumphantly with his army, Ch’oe Yŏng, director
of the State Finance Commission, waited for him along with all the govern-
ment officials in front of Ch’ŏnsu Monastery in the eastern suburb of the
capital, preparing entertainment and colorful decorations.
Upon seeing from a distance the officials waiting, T’aejo quickly dis-
mounted from his horse and walked quickly to them. He bowed twice to
Yŏng, and the latter responded in the same way. Yŏng stepped forward and
said tearfully, holding T’aejo’s hands, “Who except you can accomplish
such a great thing?” T’aejo thanked him, bowing his head more deeply. He
said, “I only followed your instructions and was lucky to win. I don’t deserve
such praise. The enemy is now suppressed. If they come back again, how-
ever, I will continue to take responsibility.” Yŏng said, “My dear general,
you saved the country once more by winning this single battle. The state
can rely on nobody but you.” T’aejo declined to accept the praise.
[King] U bestowed 50 taels of gold upon T’aejo, but the latter declined it,
saying, “It is my duty as a general to kill the enemy. How do I dare accept it?”