656 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
He tried to follow a mainstream tradition in establishing rituals
and ceremonies, and the laws he made emulated those in antiquity.
Consequently, the country as a whole is now in good shape. Why, then,
does he not look far ahead and think deeply about the ways of estab-
lishing a good relationship with neighbors, rather than surrounding
himself with petty and frivolous people? Though they call themselves
Confucian scholars, they are, in fact, Confucian scholars only in
appearance and incapable of assisting the king in achieving his vir-
tues. Though they pretend to serve the great, they only seek the disas-
trous words that will bring harm [to the relationship with the suzerain
state]. So what they do is dangerous enough to bring the disaster of war
to the land of Chosŏn and deprive their king of his domain. What is the
use of employing such worthless people?
In ancient times, there was a loyal subject in China. He served a king
who liked war and always tried to prevent him from starting a war.
What could be the reason? When a country is in discord with its neighbor,
what it should do first is cultivate language [that will please its neighbor];
next, it should cultivate the lang uage of diplomatic let ters; next, it should
cultivate a name and honor [so that its neighbor can observe propriety];
next, it should cultivate virtues [so that its neighbor can be impressed];
and, finally, it should cultivate punishments [so that it can display dig-
nity and authority]. Even if its neighbor persists in wrong conduct, one
should avoid taking its people to distant lands and making them work
hard; one should rather cultivate one’s virtues more assiduously. How
dare one start wars and make good people miserable by transgressing
the will of Heaven as well as the spirits of the mountains and rivers?
Nowadays, there are those among the scholars of Chosŏn who com-
pose memorials and letters who are causing trouble every year by using
inappropriate words. Mountains and streams as well as both the spirits
above and the spirits below all know what goes on, even the things that
we are unaware of. If this situation continues, disasters are inevitable
in the days ahead. You officials of the Ministry of Rites, send a letter
to the king of Chosŏn and let him deeply think over what I have said.9th Day (Imsul)
There was a ring around the sun, and at night, red and white streaks of
energy stretched out across the sky toward the south.