402 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
“As to the man named Yu Tua and others mentioned in your decree, we
could not find them even though we searched extensively. There was no one
by those names among our people. Im Karyongŭi was named Im Kŏryun,
and Yŏgyunp’iryŏk was called Yi Kyunp’il, only because of their vocations,
and the sound of their names were similar, [not that they committed any
wrongdoing]. Nevertheless, we sent them away to comply with your orders.
What could possibly be the reason we would hold Yu Tua and others against
their will?
“The depositions made by Hu De and others, which said that we sent them
to collect information about the Chinese domestic situation, are even more
preposterous. When the sun and moon are bright in the sky, the men with
eyes and ears cannot help admiring them. When Your Majesty sits on the
lofty throne, everyone reveres you and stands in awe of you. Having served
the great nation [China] for many years, our small kingdom has already learned
that it has a large population and a mighty army. We are also well aware that
the great nation is distinguished in all areas, including rites, music, justice,
and administration. How could we, then, be so childish as to send our men
to collect information about China? We have already submitted memorials
to vindicate ourselves on the false charges brought against us.
“Therefore, I earnestly beseech that Your Imperial Majesty show great
generosity that encompasses Heaven and Earth as well as our small kingdom,
take pity on your subject who became helpless, not knowing how to vindi-
cate himself, and allow him to make a fresh start in serving you. Our small
kingdom will continue to be loyal to you, praying for your health and long
life in the days to come.”11th Day (Kimyo)
The Privy Council submitted a memorial to the king: “Kaesŏng Magistracy
is solely responsible for maintaining the rules and security of the royal cap-
ital, following the example of the capital magistracy (jingzhaofu) of the Han
and Tang dynasties.
As the rules and regulations were in disarray at the end of the former
dynasty, ignorant and petty people neglected their parents and relatives,
refused to help their neighbors, collected unreasonably high interest on old
loans, and recklessly seized merchandise in the market against the will of
the merchants. Sometimes when one fell ill or died, no one provide either
help or burial. As a result, humaneness and good customs deteriorated.