268 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
or criticized. Since I dispense reward and punishment only after finding out
facts, you go back to your work and do your duty.”20th Day (Kapcha)
Japanese marauders raided Kyodong.21st Day (Ŭlch’uk)
The king dispatched Yi Hwa, Count of Ŭian and various military com-
manders to repulse Japanese marauders. The Japanese ran away.23rd Day (Chŏngmyo)
Chinese envoys, Hwang Yŏnggi and Ch’oe Yŏn, arrived carrying an impe-
rial letter. Leading all the officials, the king greeted them outside of
Sŏnŭimun Gate. Upon arriving at Such’ang Palace, the king performed a
rite in which the imperial letter was read:
“1. Last time you lured some ruffians from among the residents of Zhejiang
to collect information on our domestic affairs and report to you. So I have
searched them out and already killed dozens of households. How can it be
possible that the mountains and rivers of Koryŏ and their deities are unaware
of what you are doing, making unnecessary trouble that would harm your
people? This is the first incident that has marred our relationship.
“1. You sent your people to Liaodong and tried to bribe our officers on the
borders with linen and silk as well as gold and silver. This is the second
incident that has marred our relationship.
“1. You have recently sent your people secretly to lure Jurchens residing
in our land. Consequently, five hundred Jurchen families sneaked across the
Yalu River to settle in your territory. No crime can be more serious than
this. This is the third incident that has marred our relationship
“1. You pretend to be our vassal state, paying tribute, but whenever you
bring in horses as your tribute payment, our horse experts find them mostly
too slow and tired. This is clearly a sign of disrespect for us.
“1. As for the matters concerning your country name, I allowed you to
choose it on your own after you sent an envoy to us with that request.
Consequently, you chose Chosŏn as the name of your country, and I let you
rule over it if you regard yourself as its descendant. However, after your