korea 147On Nov.21, 945, Koryo envoys to the Later Chin court announced
that Wang Chien had died [in 943] and had been succeeded by his son
Wu (Hyejong). Another mission was received on Dec.2. On Dec.12., the
Later Chin appointed Wang Wu as Specially Advanced, Acting Grand
Guardian, Chief Commandant of Hsüan-t’u commandery, Military
Commissioner of the non-existant Army of Great Righteousness, and
Concurrent Grandee Secretary, and recognized him as king of Koryo.
In the 12th month (Jan./Feb., 946) of the same Chinese year 945,
the Later Chin sent envoys to Koryo for the formal recognition (Chiu
wu-tai shih 84:5a, 6a; Hsin Wu-tai shih 9:6b, 7a; Wu-tai hui-yao 30:6a-6b;
Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5036;Tzu-chih t’ung-chien p.9298; Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao
325:51a).The Chinese court was obviously unaware that Wang Wu
had died earlier in 945.
Wang Wu was suceeded by Yao (Chongjong), who is not mentioned
in the Chinese sources and died in 949. Yao’s successor was Chao
(Kwangjong). There seems to have been a hiatus in Koryo’s relations
with China, since Chiu wu-tai shih 112:3b as late as 952 refers to Chao
as “probationary” ruler. This simply means that he had not yet been
recognized.
On Feb.11, 952, a 97-men mission from Wang Chao to the Later
Chou court offered gifts. On Mar.5, the Later Chou appointed him
as Specially Advanced, Acting Grand Guardian, Chief Commandant
of Hsüan-t’u commandery, Military Commissioner of the non-existant
Army of Great Righteousness, and Concurrent Grandee Secretary, and
recognized him as king of Koryo. The Commandant of the Guards and
a Secretarial Receptionist were sent to confer these titles. The former
died en route of an undisclosed illness and the latter drowned (Chiu
wu-tai shih 112:3b, 4b; Wu-tai hui-yao 30:6b; Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei p.5036;
Wen-hsien t’ung-k’ao 325:51a).^43
In the 7th month (July/Aug.) of 952, a Buddhist priest from Koryo
presented regional objects to the Later Chou court (Ts’e-fu yüan-kuei
p.5036). It is difficult to know whether the priest acted for his church
or the state.
In the 9th month (Sep./Oct.) of 952, the Later Chou sent a new
mission to the Koryo court in order to recognize Wang Chao. It was
led by the Junior Grand Coachman, who for that purpose was made
(^43) Wu-tai hui-yao dates these events 951. Chiu wu-tai shih 115:10b dates the appoint-
ments 11th month (Dec./Jan., 956) of the Chinese year 955. It also says Acting Grand
Commandant instead of Grand Guardian.