78 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
royal Wang clan for future generations, eight generals and leaders, including
Sim Tŏkbu, Chŏng Monju, Chi Yonggi, Sŏl Changsu, Sŏng Sŏngnin, Cho
Chun, Pak Wi, and Chŏng Tojŏn, joined you in your efforts.
“On the fifteenth day of the eleventh month, you proclaimed the imperial
decree in the yard of the consort dowager’s palace, ushered me out from my
quarters, and had me succeed Hyŏllŭng [King Kongmin]. Thus, in a day you
finally removed the Sin clan, which had been on the throne for sixteen years,
and no blood was spilled. All the people related to the Sin clan, including
relatives and followers who were deeply rooted throughout the whole
country, were shocked and scared to see what had occurred before their
eyes, but they pretended to accept the new order. As they concealed their
surprise and fear, the state seemed as peaceful as a cloudless spring day.
“Since you were instrumental in rejoining the severed royal line that had
lasted for thirty-one generations and thereby opened an everlasting way to
the great future of the country, the service that you rendered to the country
is no less than that of Marquis of Jiang [Zhou Bo] or the five kings.^156
“You have been loyal to the king, and your loyalty derives from your
family tradition, which is best represented in your person. Being endowed
with both learning and military arts, you are qualified to assist the king;
disregarding the personal affairs before the national crisis, you are a min-
ister who can save the country; and born with special talents provided by
Heaven and your ancestors, the safety and danger of the country became
your responsibility.
“After you gained confidence from King Kongmin, you recaptured the
two capitals^157 after repulsing Red Turbans and removed the son of a monk
from the throne and restored the royal house. You also drove Nahachu back
to the desert, demonstrating your power and dignity, and defended the West
Sea^158 by defeating the Japanese invaders, making them tremble in fear as
you defeated them decisively at Inwŏl Post Station.^159
“Never forgetting the confidence that King Kongmin had in you, you
lamented that the sacrifices for the royal house had to cease and swore to
Heaven that you would grab the sun before it went down. Your sincerity- Five kings refer to the high officials of the Tang dynasty during the reign of Wu Zetian
who played a major role in overthrowing Wu Zetian and restored Emperor Zhongzong in 705.
They were Zhang Jianzhi, Jing Hui, Huan Yanfan, Yuan Shuji, and Cui Xuanhui. - Kaesŏng (Kaegyŏng) and P’yŏngyang (Sŏgyŏng).
- Also called Yellow Sea.
- Located in Unbong, North Chŏlla Province.