624 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
the disastrous defeats [that the later generations suffered], how can Emperor
Guangwu^29 escape from responsibility?
“We humbly believe that since Your Majesty, with divine strength and
capacity, founded a new dynasty, you have made efforts to establish laws
and culture one by one. However, you have neglected to pay attention to one
thing, which is training soldiers. Is this not a flaw in your flourishing reign?
We sincerely urge you to order both the central and local governments to
conduct military training and show them that you have not forgotten poten-
tial crises in a time of peace.
“Since the military training system and the frequency of training itself
need to be adjusted in accordance with the changes in time and situation, we
made the Pictures of Hunting Scenes for Military Training (Susu kang-
mudo), adding or reducing the details in the old tradition of military
training.
“In the capital in the months of all four seasons, military training com-
bined with hunting should be carried out, and the games offered as sacri-
fices to the Royal Ancestral Shrine and the Altars of Earth and Grain.
“In the provinces, military training combined with hunting should be
conducted in spring and autumn, and the games offered to the local deities.
If the military training is implemented that way, people not only will be able
to acquire military skill but will also make peace with spirits.
“As to the rules and procedures concerning the royal inspection of the
military training or having a substitute carry out the inspection or the super-
vision and evaluation of the military training conducted by the local offi-
cials, have the Board of Rites decide and submit them to you.” The king
followed the advice.12th Month
1st Day (Pyŏngsul)
The king paid a visit to Hŭngch’ŏn Monastery and bestowed food on arti-
sans [engaged in constructing the monastery].^30- The founder of the Eastern Han dynasty. He was a brilliant strategist, and because of
that he failed to foster major strategists in his state. His descendants tried to emulate him;
however, lacking his brilliance, they produced only disastrous results. - When Queen Sindŏk died, T’aejo ordered that Hŭngch’ŏn Monastery be constructed to
pray for his queen. The monastery is located in the Borough of Sŏngbuk, Seoul.