Book VI 407Sangnyŏng, Chŏksŏng, Imgang, Majŏn, Songnim, Yŏnju, Kobong, Kyoha,
Kŭmju, Yangch’ŏn, Namyang, Ansan, Inju, T’osan, and Anhyŏp. The districts
included in the Right Province were as follows: Kaesŏng, Kangŭm, Haep’ung,
Paekchu, Yŏnanbu, P’yŏngju, Chaeryŏng, Kanghwa, Chin’gang, Haŭm,
Kyodong, Sŏhŭng, Ubong, Hyŏpkye, Suan, Kokchu, Pup’yŏng, Tongsŏng,
T’ongjin, Suan, Kimp’o, and Tŏksu. The name of Yanggwang Province was
changed to Ch’ungch’ŏng Province, that of Kangnŭng-Kyoju Province to
Kangwŏn Province, and that of Sŏhae Province to P’unghae Province.
24th Day (Imjin)
The king sent his royal decree to the Privy Council through Han Sanggyŏng,
chief royal secretary. “It was only for the people that the sacrifices to the
royal Wang clan were severed, and Heaven made me rule this country. If I
neglect the will of Heaven and fail to look after the people, Heaven will
certainly bring down disasters on me. From antiquity until now, the rea-
son countries are poorly ruled is that both the king and his subjects fail to
meet with each other properly. Though I lack in virtue and ability, you came
to my aid at the right time and assisted me in accomplishing a great task.
Hence, we should be alert day and night in order to fulfill the will of
Heaven.
“There is an old saying, ‘I never hear that one who rules over the land of
a thousand li is afraid of others.’ Since our land is as large as two to three
thousand li, how can we be afraid of others if we govern the land properly?
However, being old and sick and incapable of discharging my duty properly,
I have to rely on you officials. How can I forget even a moment my wish to
rule the state well? I want you to assist me with all your heart, making up
for my shortcomings.
“We need to be extremely careful in appointing governors. If we find the
right person for the job, one whole province can benefit from it, and if we
choose the wrong person, an entire province will suffer the consequence. So
I want you to recommend men of talent that you know and submit their
names to me.”
Chancellors Cho Chun and Kim Sahyŏng and others replied, shedding
tears: “Men such as us are all foolish, but we were fortunate to meet an
outstanding sovereign such as you. How can we not add our meager strength
to your efforts if it can be of any help? Since it is important to choose good