272 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
in eight provinces, including the cavalry, infantry, and navy soldiers of
Kyŏngsang, Chŏlla, Sŏhae, and Kyoju- Kangnŭng Provinces, came to 200,800,
and the number of the children [of the military personnel], local clerks,
functionaries of post stations, and those who are eligible for labor service
amounted to 100,500.Drought occurred in Kyŏngsang Province.30th Day (Kapsul)
The king issued a decree: “Since the magistrates are concurrently in charge
of both military and civilian matters, only the person who is outstanding in
both areas is capable of carrying out the job. Since ascending the throne, I
have employed people through recommendation, but many of those recom-
mended were not fit for the job. The Privy Council, the Censorate, and the
Six Boards shall separately let the officials recommend qualified people
they know, regardless of their number, and employ them one by one. The
record of recommendation shall also include the name of the person who
recommends. If there is anyone who recommends an unqualified person, he
shall be held responsible and punished.”6th Month
1st Day (Ŭlhae)
The king sent Nam Chae, academician of the Security Council, to the Chi -
nese capital to present a memorial in response to the emperor’s reprimands:
“Your stern instruction sounds very clear, and your awesome authority is
quite palpable. Overwhelmed with fear, I would like to appeal to you.
Though I lack the ability in ruling the state and live in a distant corner of the
world, I have learned that I must serve the great because I have studied the
teachings of sages.
“In the twenty- first year (1388) of Emperor Hongwu’s reign, the false king
U, Ch’oe Yŏng, and others raised an army recklessly to invade Liaodong,
and in the twenty- fifth year (1392) of the same, Wang Yo [King Kongyang],
Chŏng Mongju, and others also attempted to transgress the borders of the
suzerain state, continuing U’s misguided policy. I pointed out to everyone,
officials and people alike, that it was inappropriate for a barbarian state to
bring disturbance to the Middle Kingdom and for a subordinate person to