Yi Hwa, Grand Prince Ŭian
Yi Hwa or Grand Prince Ŭian, was a warrior and scholar in the late Goryeo period who became part of the early Joseon dynasty royal family as the fourth son of Yi Chach'un, making him a younger half-brother to Yi Sŏnggye, its founder.
Biography
He served as an assistant commander to his older half-brother, Yi Sŏnggye, then after he founded the Joseon dynasty in 1392, Yi Hwa was honoured as Count Ŭian and after helped his half nephew, Yi Pangwŏn in defeated in the 1st rebellion, Ŭian become Jeongsagongsin.Later in 1400, during the 2nd Princes Strife, Yi went out again under the command from Yi Pangwŏn. Ŭian, along with Yi Sukbŏn and Yi Paekgang were got the target and succeeded in defeated Yi Panggan and Yi Maengjong, then he was promoted to Jwamyeonggongsin along with 47 others.
From all of his successions include in defeated Chŏng Mongju with Yi Pangwŏn, Yi Hwa then became the richest nobleman in the Early Joseon period and often got promoted until passed the 4 positions in military. Although he had title, such like: "Count Ŭian" and "Duke Ŭian", but after Yi Pangwŏn reorganized the royal titles system and abolished the 5 Deungjak, Yi Hwa then was elevated to Grand Prince Ŭian. According to the old tradition that an illegitimate child couldn't had the same rank like the legitimate one, Yi Hwa became the one who was actually the illegitimate heir of Hwanjo whom his rank was elevated and same like Hwanjo's legitimate heir for seeing about his contributions in helped Yi Sŏnggye established the new dynasty.
Family
- Wives and children:
- Grand Lady of Samhan State of the Sunheung An clan
- #Yi Chisung, Prince Suncheon – 1st son.
- Grand Lady of Samhan State of the Gyoha No clan
- #Yi Suk, Prince Wancheon – 2nd son.
- #Yi Ching, Prince Hakcheon – 3rd son.
- #Yi T'am, Prince Yeongcheon – 4th son.
- #Yi Hyo, Prince Jeoncheon – 5th son.
- #Yi Hoe, Prince Heungcheon – 6th son.
- #Yi Chŏm, Prince Ikch'ŏn – 7th son.
- #Lady Yi – 1st daughter.
- Maehwa – No issue.
Others
Ranks and titles
- Ranks:
- *In 1398, became Jeongsagongsin rank 1.
- *In 1400, became Jwamyeonggongsin rank 3.
- *On 5 July 1407, became Chief State Councillors.
- Titles
- *During his lifetime:
- ** Count Ŭian in 1392.
- ** Duke Ŭian.
- ** Prince Ŭian.
- *After his death :
- ** Grand Prince Ŭian.
- ** Grand Prince of the Ŭian Mansion.
Legacy
- Yi Hwa Heritage Museum – Became the National Treasure No. 232 on 15 October 1986; located in Jeongeup-si, South Korea.
- The Shrine of Grand Prince Ŭian – Became the Namyangju National Treasure No. 4 on 10 April 1986; located in 151–4, Pyeongnae-dong, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.