416 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
only complain about their dissatisfactions, often breaking the law, and this
is extremely disloyal. Henceforth, if there is anyone who continues to vio-
late the law, let the Office of Inspector-General report it [to the king] so that
he can be punished. Furthermore, we request that his name be removed
permanently from the list of names for official appointment. The supervi-
sory officials in charge of the royal guards should likewise be punished if
they fail to report to the authorities the wrongdoings of their subordinates.”
The king followed the advice.The Privy Council presented a memorial to the king: “Last time when
people were mobilized from villages for the construction work of fortresses,
men of robust health employed all sorts of trickery to evade their corvée
labor obligations, and households that were poor and had sick men sent
children or women, which was extremely unfair.
“From this day forward, every household should provide manpower as
follows: a large household should send two men, a midsized household one
man, and a small household one man jointly with a couple of other small
households. If there is any household that evades corvée labor service or
sends children or women, please let the head of that household be pun-
ished.” The king followed the advice.As it was the anniversary of the death of Queen Kyŏng, the king’s grand-
mother, the king ordered the number of his foods reduced and the morning
audience and markets suspended.24th Day (Sinyu)
The king performed the ancestral sacrifice for King To, his grandfather,
based on precedents.25th Day (Imsul)
Hwang Hŭisŏk, administrative commissioner of the Security Council, fell
ill, prompting the king to order that prayers be offered to Buddha.28th Day (Ŭlch’uk)
Strong, gusty winds caused crop damage.