Book XV 877
order of old and young, because they wanted to perpetuate their privileges
through royal favor and also thought that establishing the youngest son as
the new king was more advantageous for them. Thus, they harbored evil
intentions and conspired to harm our brothers until the calamitous effects of
their actions became unpredictable. Fortunately, thanks to the help of Heaven
and Earth and my ancestors, the traitors were seized and executed.
“Being the eldest son and rightful heir, I had no choice but to obey the
order of the former king and become his successor, but, worried that I might
fail to discharge my responsibility, I continue to work from early morning
until late at night but can still hardly find ways to overcome this crisis.
“Looking back, when the wicked gang instigated the rebellion, the mem-
bers of the royal family and the officials of all ranks rose up to confront
them out of their loyalty and for the cause of righteousness. Taking decisive
measures, they suppressed the rebellion and restored peace. Due to their
service and success, the state became stabilized. The great service accom-
plished by them should not be forgotten even if the Yellow River dries up to
look like a thin belt and Tai Mountain shrinks as small as a whetstone. So I
give my orders to the office responsible to dispense rewards to those who
rendered their service, and, choosing an auspicious day such as this, offer a
sacrifice to the guardian spirits and conclude our pact.
“The subjects who join me in this pact are one in body and soul. No
matter how people slander them or try to have them alienated from me, I
will not suspect them, and even if they commit offenses, I will forgive them
forever, and their descendants throughout generations shall not forget what
happened today.
“You who participate in this pact shall redouble your efforts to assist the
royal house and perpetuate its rule, while enjoying the fruits of your service
with your country. If there is anything that you feel suspicious about, you
shall directly let it be known to each other, and if there is anything that you
feel resentful about against each other, you shall resolve it rationally, talking
face to face. Everyone shall be sincere, never throwing others into danger
by pretending to be pleased in their presence while hating and hurting them
behind their back. If one makes a mistake, others shall help him to correct
it, and when one is in trouble, others shall lend their assistance. You need to
get together, always encouraging each other with virtue and sharing good
and bad times all the way to the end.
“If this pledge is violated, there will certainly be the punishment of the
gods, and the calamity will reach your descendants. Every one of you must