Book XIII 735
spring of the Kyŏng’o year (1390), he went out again, to serve as the gov-
ernor of Yanggwang Province. In the Ŭlhae year (1395) of the present
dynasty, he at first served as Chancellery scholar and finally assistant grand
councilor of the Chancellery, and the king had him join the file of minor
merit subjects.
He visited China as the New Year embassy but was detained in Ming cap-
ital until he returned home in the winter of the Pyŏngja year (1396). After he
returned home, he died at the age of sixty- four. He had a son named Kyŏm.
When he was about to die, he said to his son: “Though I lacked talent, I
was fortunate to receive favors from the king, but my greatest regret is that
I was unable to repay my gratitude to the king. However, since I am over
sixty years old and rose to the position of rank 2, what more can I ask for?
The only thing is that my old mother is still alive, and yet I have failed to do
my filial duty, which makes me distressed. I want you to serve your grand-
mother with your children as in the days when I was with you.” Ku was
diligent and frugal and paid little attention to his appearance before the
people. He was granted Chŏngp’yŏng for his posthumous title.
17th Day (Ŭlch’uk)
The supervising officials of the palace walls construction were bestowed
with wine. At night, a fire broke out due to a mistake made by a worker, and
it spread to the northern tent of the officials. Nam Sŏngni, former magistrate
of Kaesŏng, being too drunk, was unable to escape and died.
Dispatching Pak Yuson, former director of shipbuilding and transportation,
the king bestowed a royal message, a battle axe, and royal wine upon Ch’oe
Yŏngji, patrolling surveillance commissioner of the Northwest Region.
20th Day (Mujin)
The king paid a visit to the South Gate to inspect the construction site of the
palace walls. There was a violent storm and heavy snow overnight.
21st Day (Kisa)
Because the king paid a visit to Inwang Monastery, Cho Saeng, the abbot of
Naewŏndang, the monastery in the precincts of the royal palace, returned
from Mt. Tae [Mt. Odae].