General Introduction (Ch’ongsŏ) 65escorting the two women, left for the Northeast Region. Whenever they
mounted or dismounted their horses, he helped them by holding their arms
and served the foods that he carried with him under his coat. Princess
Kyŏngsin, Princess Kyŏnsŏn, Prince Muan, and Prince Sodo were all very
young but joined the entourage. T’aejo lifted them up onto their horses and
personally led their horses when they passed over rough roads or through
areas of deep water. The roads being rugged and the provisions running out,
he sometimes had to ask for food from private homes along the roadside.
When he passed through Ch’ŏrwŏn Pass [Ch’ŏrwŏn’gwan],^130 His Majesty
heard that the authorities were reportedly looking to arrest him. So he had
to travel only at night and slept in the fields instead of staying at private
homes. Only when he arrived at Han Ch’ung’s house in Ich’ŏn^131 was he able
to mobilize over a hundred men from nearby villages and organize a unit to
prepare for trouble. His Majesty said, “Since Ch’oe Yŏng is a man who is
incapable of fully understanding the situation, he will not be able to pursue
me. Even if he comes, I will not be afraid.” He stayed there for seven days
and returned home after he heard that the situation [in the capital] had
settled down.
Ch’oe Yŏng at first tried to give orders for the arrest of the families of the
generals who undertook the military expedition [against Liaodong], but the
situation developed so fast that he was indeed unable to carry out his plan.
[King] Ch’ang appointed T’aejo the commander-in-chief (tot’ongsa) of
the Northeast Region [Sakbang-Kangnŭng Province]^132 and bestowed on
him the title of merit subject that means “the merit subject who, being loyal,
diligent, outstanding and majestic in constancy and solidarity, brought
peace and security to the state” (Ch’unghun yangjŏl sŏnwi tongdŏk ansa
kongsin). Though T’aejo declined his appointment on the grounds of poor
health, the king did not grant his request.
Ch’ang issued a royal decree [concerning T’aejo’s service to the country],
and its main points were as follows: “Acting Chancellor Yi [Sŏnggye] is
talented both in terms of learning and military strategies, and has the qual-
ities befitting a high minister. He joined the ranks of the state councilors
when he served in the court and served as the commander-in-chief when he
went out [to defend the country].
- Located in the northwest of Kangwŏn Province.
- A district located near Chŏlwŏn in Kangwŏn Province.
- Another name for the Northeast Region or Hamgyŏng Province.