Wang Ch'ung-hŭi
Wang Ch'ung-hŭi or Wang Hyŏn-hŭi was a Goryeo Royal Prince as the fourth son of King Injong and Queen Gongye. He was also a Buddhist monk under the name National Preceptor Wongyeong and seungtong Jeungse.
Biography
Early life and relatives
Although the exact date when Ch'ung-hŭi was born is unknown, seeing that his brothers were born in 1131 and 1144, Ch'ung-hŭi was born after 1131 but before 1144 as the fourth son of King Injong of Goryeo and Queen Gongye from the Jangheung Im clan. He had four brothers and four sisters.During Uijong's reign
In 1148, Ch'ung-hŭi went to Heungwang Temple as a monk and received the name Jeungse from his eldest brother, who was the king. In there, Ch'ung-hŭi befriended and often played together with his great-grandfather's grandson, Wang Chang. However, there was a rumor spread that the two of them were planning a treason in 1155 and Uijong then revoked Wang Chang's title, but did not punish Ch'ung-hŭi as Ch'ung-hŭi was his full brother.In 1157, Ch'ung-hŭi was one of the 200 monks who joined Uijong in performed the "Gibokjae" at Mokchin Hall. Then, in 1167, a banquet was held at Cheongnyeongjae, many people were invited and enjoyed this, even monk Gakye –Yejong's eldest illegitimate son and some servants attended this banquet and drank, floated a boat in Jungmijeong Pond and played till night.
During Myeongjong's reign
In 1177, a monk from Heungwangsa Temple reported that: "Monk Ch'ung-hŭi was secretly plotting to rebel with several monks there". Following this, Ch'ung-hŭi's servants were interrogated, but all charges were not found and they were all released then.Meanwhile, in 1180, Ch'ung-hŭi's mother, the queen dowager became seriously ill and his older brother–the king summoned him to take care of their mother. In the palace, Ch'ung-hŭi had a promiscuous relationship with the court ladies and even with the princess. As the bad rumors about Ch'ung-hŭi spread to the outside of the palace, officer Ch'oe Sŏn reported Ch'ung-hŭi's promiscuous behavior to the king and suggested that Ch'ung-hŭi sent out of the palace.
However, Myeongjong who heard this, greatly surprised and said: "Woah, unexpectedly you are trying to separate our brotherhood relationship" while dismissed Ch'oe not long after this from his position. Seeing this issue, the officers did not dare to do anything or even impeach Ch'ung-hŭi and the court ministers were all attached to Ch'ung-hŭi and offered bribes for him.