538 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
night, rests his body.’^43 This is the diligence of the Lord of Men. They
also said, ‘[The ruler] is diligent in seeking men of wisdom and speedy
in employ ing them.’^44 So I beg leave to name the palace based on these
statements.
“The names Yungmunnu and Yungmuru were made based on the fol-
lowing reasons: [The ruler] rules the state with scholarly (cultured) methods
(mun) and suppresses disturbances with martial prowess (mu).^45 Hence,
these two are like two arms and neither of them can be abandoned. Our
cultural artifacts, including rites and music, are splendid and worth observ-
ing, while the troops and arms are in good order. From the perspective of
employing officials, men of integrity with literary talent as well as brave
warriors outstanding in martial prowess are serving both in the capital and
the provinces. This all happened because Your Majesty has promoted both
scholarship and martial skills until you arrived at a stage at which your
everlasting rule is assured.
“The name Chŏngmun was made based on the following reasons: Though
the Son of Heaven and feudal lords (chehu) differ in the degree of their
powers, they all face south and bring order to their states and take rectitude
(chŏng) as the foundation of their rule. In that sense, the principle is the
same. According to what is said in the ancient classics, the gate of the Son
of Heaven is called Tanmun, and the word tan signifies rectitude. So I named
the south gate Chŏngmun [Gate of Uprightness]. All the royal orders and
decrees must pass through this gate [to reach the people]. If they pass the
gate after you examine and approve them, words of defamation cannot enter,
and false excuses have nothing to rely on. Furthermore, since all the memo-
rials and reports reach you via this gate, all that is wicked and perfidious
cannot advance to you unless they attain your approval first. Close the gate
and shut off unorthodox words and perverse people; open it and admit men
of integrity from the four quarters. This is the greatest among the matters
related to rectitude.”- The Commentary of Zuo. The king here refers to Duke Zhao of Lu.
- Ibid.
- The dyad concept of Wenwu, 文武, can be more complicated than it seems because
wen also means literature and art, and wu more than martial strength. They are distinct in their
meaning and yet complementary.