Book XII 707
“Previously, you visited the Yongsan River twice without notifying in
advance the office concerned about your royal outing, but your visit was
intended to encourage the military commanders leaving on their mission,
and it deserved praise. However, last month you stayed overnight in the
Western Suburbs, and also a few days ago you went out to Kwangju
and returned after staying there overnight. We do not understand the real
purpose of your royal excursions. When you stayed in the Western Sub-
urbs, there were gusty winds, and when you went out to Kwangju, there
was thunder and lightning. We dare to believe that Heaven deeply cares
about Your Majesty and therefore reproaches you so that you can correct
your ways.
“We beseech Your Majesty to be reverential toward the wrath of Heaven
and compassionate about the sufferings of the people. So, when you have
royal excursions, you should set the date in advance, following the age- old
rules, and let the officials and people know clearly about your itinerary. It
will be very fortunate if your posterity emulates your good example.” The
king found the advice quite reasonable.
6th Day (Kapsin)
The Directorate of Royal Weddings (Karye togam) was newly established,
and Yi Hwa, chief director of the State Finance Commission, Cho Chun,
left chancellor, Kim Sahyŏng, right chancellor, and Chŏng Tojŏn, Count of
Ponghwa, were appointed commissioners.
7th Day (Ŭlyu)
The king paid a visit to the construction site of the National Shrine of
Confucius and bestowed wine on the supervising officials and soldiers.
The king sent Nam Ŭn, Lord of Ŭisŏng to Ch’ungch’ŏng Province, to find out
whether reopening the old stream of Sunsŏng Garrison^19 would be feasible.
8th Day (Pyŏngsul)
Inspectors were dispatched to various provinces with orders to investigate
salt cauldrons, salt farms, fish traps and weirs in order to assess, for tax
purposes, the income generated from them. Sin Ich’ung was dispatched to
- Located in T’aean, South Ch’ungch’ŏng Province.