426 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
of occasions, I sent my officials to your court—including Kim Ipgyŏn, Yun
Sadŏk, Yi Chi, Pak Yŏngch’ung, Kyŏng Ŭi, An Chongwŏn, and others—
carrying my memorials to Your Majesty, but their entry was denied by the
Regional Military Commission of Liaodong, and they had no choice but to
return home before they reached the Chinese capital. Consequently, I was
embarrassed and worried. In these circumstances, you graciously allowed
my son [Yi Pangwŏn] and officials Nam Chae, Cho Pan, Cho Im, and others
to visit you, and I as well as my people are overwhelmed by gratitude. Since
your sacred virtue and generosity extend to a distant country such as ours,
we are all moved to tears and delighted that we are able to pay homage to
you once again.
“I was undeservedly made a king, but I was fortunate to enjoy the age of
peace. Although I have been unable to provide you with any assistance
despite my having ruled my country for several years, I have always been
loyal to you and never forgotten to pay tribute to you, sending my envoys to
you whenever it was necessary, such as for New Year’s Day.
“In recent months, our way to your court has been blocked due to the
false accusations against us. I was very distressed and did not know what to
do. Since my son was allowed to have an audience with you and my officials
to personally congratulate you on your imperial birthday, I am twice as
happy as ever before. Though you sit deep in your imperial palace, you
know what is happening 10,000 li away. Thus, you could see my grievances
and innocence and made our kingdom across the sea look up to the sun of
the great nation once again. I will be more reverent and careful in serving
you and always pray for your long life.” The king presented sixteen high-
quality horses [to the emperor as tribute].The government constructed a fortress in Anju.^35Taking each official from the Privy Council, the Censorate, and the Board
of Punishments with him, and escorted by the Royal Guards (Ch’in’gunwi),^36
the king embarked on his journey to see Muak, the site of new capital,
personally.- A county belonging to P’ungch’ŏn Military Prefecfture in Hwanghae Province.
- The members of the Royal Guards, called Ch’ ingunwi, consisted of soldiers selected
from those in the Northeast Region or Hamgyŏng Province, which was Taejo’s birthplace and
power base.