Book XIII 733were worried that the government might take away all their profits made by
producing fish and salt, and many of them decided to abandon their villages
once again. So I am afraid that the idea that is supposed to bring benefits to
the country may end up being counterproductive. Therefore, it would be not
too late to put the law into practice after we wait a few years until the people
accumulate capital and are more settled down in their livelihoods.”
The Privy Council spoke to the king: “Taxes this year should be collected
based on the amount of the previous years’ taxes. Starting from next year or
so, investigations should be made on the amount of production so that taxes
can be levied fairly, helping people settle down.”Left Chancellor Cho Chun and Right Chancellor Kim Sahyŏng started
working at last in the Directorate for Adjudication of Slave Lawsuits.13th Day (Sinyu)
The king gave orders to supply provisions to the soldiers who worked on the
construction of the palace walls.14th Day (Imsul)
The government released 46,000 sŏk of rice and beans and 180 bolts of silk,
which were kept by the Board of Taxation, in order to make up for the
amount of the salaries that were to be paid to officials.Pak Hyŏng, who retired as grand academician of the Office of Royal Decrees
and State Records, died. He was born in Chukchu as the son of Tŏngnyong,
who served as minister of personnel. Having learned to read at an early age,
he passed the National University examination in first place and soon passed
the civil service examination. Then he served as censor and second royal
secretary and became associate examination administrator in the Kyŏngsin
year (1380) of the false king while serving as royal secretary. At the begin-
ning of the present dynasty, he was appointed grand academician of the
Office of Royal Decrees and State Records and also served as assistant
chancellor until he retired. After he died, he was granted a posthumous title,
Chŏnggang. His son was Chungyong, who served as deputy director (chehak)
and was executed for being a member of the clique led by Im Kyŏnmi [who
once notoriously abused power].