270 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
concerning the private properties of the royal family, not urgent business of
the state. I have heard of the abuses caused by royal messengers. How dare
I cause trouble by permitting the use of post- horses for a thing such as
that?” Though Sahaeng made the request two or three more times, the king
did not grant it.24th Day (Mujin)
The king held a banquet for the Chinese envoys at Ch’ŏngsimjŏng
Pavilion.25th Day (Kisa)
The king ordered the Privy Council to hold a banquet for the Chinese envoys.The king gave orders to search for the Jurchens who had moved into Isŏng,
Kanggye, and other places and return them to China to accede to the
demands of the Chinese emperor. The king said to the officials on left and
right: “Having a large army and enforcing a rigorous discipline in adminis-
tration and punishments, the emperor finally conquered the whole kingdom.
However, he killed so many people in the process that there were many
among the outstanding merit subjects and officials who were unable to pre-
serve their lives. Formerly, he used to reprimand us frequently and make
endless demands on a small state such as ours, which were all unreasonable.
Even now, he reprimands us for things we have little to do with and threatens
war against us. How is it different from intimidating a child?”
Chief Royal Secretary Yi Chik said, “How would you then deal with his
demands?” The king replied, “It seems I have no choice but to serve him
with humble words and sincere attitude.” Then he ordered the chief royal
secretary to meet with Chancellor Cho Chun, Kim Sahyŏng, and others to
discuss the memorial that was to be submitted to the emperor.26th Day (Kyŏngo)
The king sent his order to the Privy Council through Yi Chik, chief royal
secretary:
“From old, the kings who founded new dynasties have sought to elimi-
nate the descendants of the previous dynasties out of fear and suspicion that