172 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
“Furthermore, the rightful heirs of their families should receive stipends
from the government from generation to generation, and their names should
be written in the official records prefaced with the title ‘descendant of merit
subject first class.’ Even if they happen to commit crimes, they should be
forgiven and no punishment ever administered.
“Eleven people, including Yun Ho, deputy chief director of the State
Finance Commission, participated in the meetings of merit subjects in order
to enthrone Your Majesty, and therefore their contributions are also great,
as you mentioned in your royal decree. They should be awarded with the
title of merit subject second class, their portraits hung in the newly built
pavilion in the court, and their contributions recorded in memorial stones.
“Their parents and wives should be awarded the title of nobility, skipping
two ranks, and their sons in a direct line of descent awarded protected priv-
ilege by skipping two ranks, and in the case of those without sons, their
nephews and sons-in-law the same privilege by skipping one rank.
“They should be all provided with certain amounts of land and certain
numbers of slaves, including five domestic servants and eight private sol-
diers, as well as the privilege of direct appointment after passing the civil
service examination.
“Furthermore, the rightful heirs of their families should receive stipends
from the government from generation to generation, and their names should
be written in the official records prefaced with the title ‘descendant of merit
subject first class.’ Even if it happens that they commit crimes, they should
be forgiven and no punishment ever administered.
“Sixteen people, including Chief Royal Secretary An Kyŏnggong, have
supported Your Majesty and proved to be steadfast in their faith in you ever
since the administration of the former dynasty was in disarray. Their con-
tributions, therefore, are no less important, as you have said in your royal
decree. They should be awarded with the title of merit subject third class,
their portraits hung in the newly built pavilion in the court, and their contri-
butions recorded in memorial stones.
“Their parents and wives should be awarded with the title of nobility,
skipping one rank, and their sons in a direct line of descent should be
awarded protected privilege by skipping one rank, and in the case of those
without sons, their nephews and sons-in-law should be employed after
entering their names on the list.
“They should all be provided with certain amounts of land and certain
numbers of slaves, including three domestic servants and six private soldiers,