Book XIV 803battalions (sa) under the command of supreme generals and generals- in-
chief shall be inspected with regard to their guard duty and patrolling. If
they fail to report to work for no reason, the first- and second- time offenders
shall be disciplined but allowed to return to their posts. However, if they
violate the rule for the third time, they shall be thoroughly investigated and
reported to the Office of Personnel Appointments and Royal Seals so that
they can be stripped of their appointment and replaced by those talented in
martial arts.” The king gave his approval.
26th Day (Sinchíuk)
The king sat on the throne in the Hall of Diligent Government at early dawn.
After the official in charge of rites and ceremony shouted to the attending
officials to make a vow, the king stopped them, saying, “When we have the
morning audience, such courtesy is not really necessary.” Then he gave his
instruction to the Board of Rites: “As to the detailed affairs of each depart-
ment, I don’t need to know and decide, but as to the cases that concern
governing the state and the people, I will let them speak out in person in my
presence.” Every official of each department became so fearful that they
dared not advance toward the king. The king asked Chŏng Tojŏn, saying,
“What do you think of what I said?” Tojŏn replied, “It is right.”
The king made a further reproach, saying, “Earlier, various officials crit-
icized me for not holding the morning audience. Today, why is it that no one
comes forward to speak in person?” Tojŏn said, “Would you allow me to
explain it through a vulgar metaphor? Even when friends have a party and try
to sing together, starting off a song is not very easy. Then how can you expect
them to speak freely in the presence of their sovereign?” The king agreed.
Sŏng Sŏngnin, inspector-general, spoke to the king: “Osŭngp’o fabric,
which is now in use, is too heavy to be carried and loosely woven. If you
weave it more densely and have one bolt measured as 10 feet, it will become
light and convenient for use.” The king replied, “Matters such as that should
be submitted in writing so that they can be discussed and implemented by
the Privy Council.”
Yu Kwan, minister of punishments, spoke: “The human disposition can
vary widely. It can be tough, fierce, strong, and audacious but also soft,
mild, timid, and weak. For this reason, a real thief, being tough, endures
torture without confessing his crime, or an innocent person confesses his
crime because he is unable to endure the pain of torture. So it is extremely