Book XIII 765out base work simply because their status in the records is ambiguous, they
will certainly be treated just like ordinary slaves and in time will become
permanent male and female slaves. Then how can they suppress their resent-
ment, and where should they release it?
“From this day forward, the slaves whose status is ambiguous in the
records should not be sent to districts outside the capital; they should be
assigned to the various government agencies within the capital and made to
work as runners or guards of main gates or guesthouses. If any make out-
standing contributions, they shall be awarded and employed for public ser-
vice and their children made men of good status permanently.”5th Day (Sinsa)
The king returned to the palace from his trip to Majŏnp’o.6th Day (Imo)
Pak Sin and other remonstrators presented themselves in the palace court-
yard and spoke to the king: “The kings in antiquity attended the morning
audience every day and personally administered all affairs of state. Cur-
rently, our country has designated six days as the official workdays (ail) d u r ing
which the king personally presides over morning assemblies. However, it
has already been several months since the morning audience was held last.
We request that hereafter, on every official workday, you receive the morning
audience and personally administer all affairs of state.
“In addition, it is a busy farming season now, and therefore every minute
counts. Hence, it is inappropriate to recruit farmers to transport the large
bell. We request that you order the troops, led by the company commanders
and lieutenants, to transport the bell.”
“The king replied, “What you said is right. Feeling somewhat ill, and the
weather also being cold, I was unable to attend the morning audience.
However, henceforth, I will accede to your request. As to the transportation
of the bell and trouble for the people, I was also very concerned. Since my
orders were already issued several days ago, the districts and counties must
have recruited people by now.” Then the king gave orders to the Board of
Rites: “From this day forward, every official workday when the officials
below the rank of superintendent^20 [of the Six Boards] gather in the palace
- “Superintendent” (chŏnsŏ) here indicates the minister of each board.