292 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
In the royal palace, solemn and nine- fold deep,
Thousands of state affairs are piled high even in a day.
The king needs to know how people are doing,
So he keeps the road wide open for opinions and advice.
As I see that road before my eyes,
Our king in his virtue matches Emperor Shun.When you ascended the throne, obeying the Mandate of Heaven,
Numerous officials vied with each other to follow you.
When they assisted you with ideas and actions until the goal was
accomplished,
You made a pledge to the mountains and rivers to remember their
contributions.
I witnessed how dearly you cherish your merit subjects, and
The virtue of Your Majesty will be known to posterity forever.As the land administration collapsed and was abandoned,
The strong devoured the weak, and their struggles grew worse.
Within a year since Your Majesty assumed control,
The state granaries are filled up, and the people have gained their
strength.
I witnessed the abuses of land administration rectified, and
It made Your Majesty pleased. May you live a thousand years.Since propriety and music are essential to governing the state,
They start with a family and extend to the whole country.
Your Majesty newly established the rules and rites
So that order and peace can prevail in the lives of the people.
I saw propriety and music being instituted.
No contributions and achievements can be comparable to yours.”The king bestowed colorful silk upon Chŏng Tojŏn and ordered the court
musicians to play these songs.
Tojŏn also made more songs regarding the king’s military achievements
and submitted them to the king:- Song of Driving out Nahachu (Napssi kok)
Being recklessly self- confident,
Nahachu invaded our northeastern border.
Arrogant and anxious to display his forces,