80 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
the throne. However, he is not a member of the royal Wang family but his
in-law. Conspiring with Yi [Sŏnggye], Yo plans to raise armies to invade the
suzerain state [China]. As Grand Councilor Yi Saek and others are opposed
to his plan, Wang Yo intends to kill Yi Saek, Cho Minsu, Yi Im, Pyŏn
Annyŏl, Kwŏn Chunghwa, Chang Ha, Yi Sungin, Kwŏn Kŭn, Yi Chonghak,
and Yi Kwisaeng. He also intends to exile officials such as U Hyŏnbo,^161 U
Innyŏl, Chŏngji, Kim Chongyŏn, Yun Yurin, Hong In’gye, Chin Ŭlsŏ,
Kyŏng Po, Yi Inmin, and others to distant places. The condemned officials
secretly sent us to report their situation to the Son of Heaven [emperor of
Ming China] and make a request that the emperor send his imperial army to
Koryŏ so that it can subjugate the situation.’
“Thus saying, the official from the Ministry of Rites presented the docu-
ment drafted by Yun I and Yi Ch’o in which the names of Yi Saek, Cho
Minsu, and others were written.
“Confronting Yun I and others, Cho Pan said, ‘Our country has served
the suzerain state [China] sincerely. How can it be possible?’ Then he asked
Yun I, ‘Since you reached the rank of lord, you will know who I am.’ Yun I
was surprised and turned pale.”
As a result, the king ordered U Hyŏnbo, Kwŏn Chunghwa, Kyŏng Po,
Chang Ha, Hong In’gye, Yun Yurin, Ch’oe Kongch’ŏl, and others impris-
oned in the Capital Constabulary Prison, and Yi Saek, Yi Im, U Innyŏl, Yi
Inmin, Chŏng Chi, Yi Sungin, Kwŏn Kŭn, Yi Chonghak, Yi Kwisaeng, and
others in a prison in Ch’ŏngju, to be interrogated.
In the sixth month, a flood broke out in Ch’ŏngju. King Kongyang sum-
moned T’aejo and Sim Tŏkbu and discussed the acquittal of the offenders
and dispatched Cho On to Ch’ŏngju with the royal decree. The decree was
as follows: “If the crimes committed by Yun I and others are true, those
who instigated them in the background committed treason. So I ordered the
responsible offices to investigate the matter. Yun Yurin, a relative of Yun I,
knew he was guilty and chose to die through starvation. Ch’oe Kongch’ŏl,^162- U Hyŏnbo (1333–1400): an official of late Koryŏ and early Chosŏn. He served as
deputy chief director of the State Finance Commission, vice grand councilor, and left chan-
cellor. Being related to King Kongyang through marriage, he was invested with the title of
Great Lord of Tanyang as soon as King Kongyang ascended the throne. During the Second
Rebellion of Princes in 1400, he helped Prince Chŏngan (Pangwŏn) and became King
T’aejong’s merit subject. - Ch’oe Kongch’ŏl (?–1390): a military official of late Koryŏ. He served as supreme
commander of Kangnŭng Province and made contributions towards repulsing the Japanese
marauders. Involved in the incident of Yun I and Yi Ch’o, he was executed.