Book II 173as 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 they happen to commit crimes, they should be
forgiven and no punishment ever administered.
“Kim Inch’an, deputy commissioner of the Security Council, though he
passed away, actively joined Pae Kŭngnyŏm and others in their efforts to
have Your Majesty sit on the throne. His contributions, therefore, fully
deserve to be recognized, as you mentioned in your royal decree. He should
be awarded with the title of merit subject first class, and as for the rewards
and privileges granted him, they should be exactly like those of Pae
Kŭngnyŏm.”
The king granted the request and ordered that Pae Kŭngnyŏm and Cho
Chun be awarded, separately, with a fief of one thousand households, tax
villages of three hundred households from which taxes can be collected
(siksilbong), 220 kyŏl of land, and thirty slaves; Kim Sahyŏng, Chŏng Tojŏn,
and Nam Ŭn, 200 kyŏl of land and twenty-five slaves; Yi Che, Yi Hwa,
Chŏng Hŭigye, Yi Chiran, Chang Sagil, Cho Inok, Nam Chae, Cho Pak,
and Chŏng T’ak, 170 kyŏl of land and twenty slaves; Chŏng Ch’ong, O
Mong’ŭl, and Kim Inch’an, 150 kyŏl of land and fifteen slaves; the merit
subjects second class, 100 kyŏl of land and ten slaves; and the merit subjects
third class, 70 kyŏl of land and seven slaves.
18th Day (Pyŏngsin)
The moon intruded on the Pleiades. The king led all the officials to Such’ang
Palace and performed the ceremony celebrating the birthday of the [Chinese]
emperor and afterwards held a banquet for the officials.19th Day (Chŏngyu)
Hwang Hŭisŏk, discussant of the Security Council, arrived. Hŭisŏk was
bereaved of his father before the enthronement of the king. At this time,
dressed in a mourning garment, he had an audience with the king.20th Day (Musul)
The moon approached the star Capella.