Jijeung Maripgan智證麻立干

Jijeung Maripgan ascended the throne. His surname was Kim and his name was Jidaero (智大路). He was a great-grandson of King Naemul, a son of Seupbo Galmunwang, and a second cousin, younger, of Soji Maripgan. His mother was Lady Josaeng of the Kim clan, a daughter of King Nulji, and his queen was Lady Yeonje of the Bak clan, the daughter of Deungheun of the rank of ichan. The king was large of body, and his boldness went beyond that of other men. The king before him died without a son, and so he took the throne. He was sixty-four years old at that time.

Kim Busik comments.

Of the kings of Silla, one was called geoseogan, one was called chachaung, sixteen were called isageum, and four were called maripgan.

Choe Chiwon, the noted scholar of the last days of Silla, made the Jewang yeondaeryeok (帝王年代曆), and in it he called them all such and such a king and did not speak of geoseogan and the rest. Was this not because he held those words to be rustic and not fit to be used?

But consider this. The Zuo zhuan and the Han shu are histories of China, and yet they keep the Chu words gu wutu (穀於菟) and the Xiongnu words chengli gutu (撑犁孤塗) and others like them. Now, in setting down the affairs of Silla, it is fitting that our own speech be kept as well.

In the third year, in spring, the second month, an order was sent down forbidding sunjang (殉葬), the burying of the living with the dead. Before this, when the ruler of the state died, five men and five women were buried with him, and at this time it was forbidden. He sacrificed in person at the Singung. In the third month the heads of the provinces and the commanderies were each charged to urge on the farming, and for the first time the ox was used for plowing.

In the fourth year, in winter, the tenth month, the officials spoke to the king. "Since the founder opened the state, the name of the state has not been fixed. Some say Sara (斯羅), some say Saro (斯盧), and some say Silla (新羅). Your servants hold that sin (新) means that virtue and works are new day by day, and that ra (羅) means the netting in of the four directions, so that it is fitting to make this the name of the state.

Further, from old times those who held a state have all been called emperor or called king. Since our founder set up the state, down to now through twenty-two generations, they have been called only by our own speech, and the honored title has not been set right. Now your servants are of one mind, and we respectfully offer the title King of the State of Silla (新羅國王)."

The king followed their words.

In the fifth year, in summer, the fourth month, the law of mourning dress (喪服法) was made and given out. In autumn, the ninth month, laborers were called up, and twelve fortresses were built, Pari, Misil, Jindeok, Golhwa and the others.

In the sixth year, in spring, the second month, the king in person fixed the provinces, the commanderies and the counties within the country. The province of Siljik (悉直州) was set up, and Isabu (異斯夫) was made gunju (軍主), the lord of the army, and the name gunju began from this. In winter, the eleventh month, the office in charge was ordered for the first time to store ice, and the use of boats and oars was set in order as well.

In the seventh year, in spring and summer, there was drought and the people went hungry, so the granaries were opened and shared out.

In the tenth year, in spring, the first month, the East Market (東市) was set up in the capital. In the third month pit traps were made, and the harm done by fierce beasts was put an end to. In autumn, the seventh month, frost fell and killed the beans.

In the eleventh year, in summer, the fifth month, the ground shook, the houses of the people fell down, and there were those who died. In winter, the tenth month, it thundered.

In the thirteenth year, in summer, the sixth month, the state of Usan (于山國) gave in and came over, and every year it sent the products of its land as tribute. The state of Usan lies on an island in the sea straight east of Myeongju, and it is also called Ulleungdo (鬱陵島). Its land is a hundred li on each side, and it had trusted in its rough ground and had not submitted.

Isabu of the rank of ichan became the gunju of Haseulla province, and he held that the people of Usan were foolish and fierce, hard to bring over by awe but able to be brought under by a plan. So he made many wooden lions, loaded them among his warships, came to the shore of that state and told them falsely, "If you do not submit, these fierce beasts will be let loose to trample you to death." The people of the state were afraid, and they gave in at once.

In the fifteenth year, in spring, the first month, a lesser capital, the sogyeong (小京), was set up at Asichon. In autumn, the seventh month, households were moved there from the six divisions and from the southern land to fill it. The king died, and his posthumous name was given as Jijeung (智證). The law of posthumous names in Silla began from this.