168 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
*
The king dispatched surveillance commissioners to various provinces. He
spoke to Yi Munhwa, left grand master of remonstrance, and Yi Ko, left
aide of the State Finance Commission, who were dispatched to Left and
Right Kyŏnggi Provinces, respectively:
“Despite being unworthy, I ascended to the throne rather reluctantly,
owing to the support from officials and people. That is the reason I am more
mindful of what I am doing all the time. I need to rely on the officials both
in the central and local governments in order to discharge my duties prop-
erly and bring benefits to the people. Furthermore, since the Kyŏnggi area
is close to the royal palace, it should be given greater priority in bestowing
benefits upon the people. So I decided to send you to observe the sufferings
of the people and thus help me discharge my duties.
“I believe that rewards and punishments are intended to encourage those
who rendered service and chastise those who committed wrongdoings.
Anyone who governs the people or commands the troops should be rewarded
regardless of his rank if he wins a war through encouraging his troops, raises
benefits for the country while removing abuses, or makes the lives of people
safe and comfortable. You shall make an official report on such people.
“On the other hand, anyone who, being scared, avoids fighting the enemy
or, being cunning and avaricious, harasses the people or, being reckless,
violates the laws must be punished. If you find such a person among the
officials of senior rank 2 and above, hold him in custody first and make a
report. If he is a junior rank 2 or lower, punish him directly according to
your judgment. If you find any measure that you believe to be beneficial for
the people, carry it out, taking the circumstances into consideration, and
thereby assist me in managing the affairs of state in a new way.”
The king also spoke to Cho Pak, minister of rites, Sim Hyosaeng, second
inspector of the Office of the Inspector-General, Kim Hŭisŏn, minister of
taxation. Chŏng T’ak, general and concurrent auxiliary remonstrator, and
Chŏng Tang, chief minister of the Bureau of Cultivation, whom he dis-
patched to Yanggwang, Kyŏngsang, Kyoju-Kangnŭng (Kangwŏn),^7 and
Sŏhae Provinces, respectively:- The name of Kangwŏn Province was changed a number of times during the Koryŏ
period. During the reign of King Kongmin, it was called Kangnŭng-do, Kangnŭng-Sakbang-do,
and Kangnŭng-do again. During the reign of King U, the name was changed again into Kyoju-