Book XV 865“1. Kija [Ch. Jizi] was enfeoffed to Chosŏn and set the foundation for its
customs and culture. The founder king of the previous dynasty^21 unified the
Three Han. So both of them achieved great works for the people of our
Eastern Kingdom, and therefore a land for ancestral rites shall be set aside
and sacrifices offered to them every season.
“1. The things that Heaven sees and hears are, in fact, found in the people.
If there is anything that inconveniences the people, I shall remove it quickly so
that I may never fail to serve the will of Heaven and look after the people.
“1. Since the king and his subjects are one body, they shall share their
joys and sorrows together. All the officials, both major and minor, shall
speak out without reserve when it comes to the good and bad in the admin-
istration, as well as benefits for and harm to the lives of the people, and the
common people who have grievances and have no means to solve them by
themselves shall be allowed to present their cases.
“1. Respecting frugality while renouncing extravagance is the foundation
of governing the people. The ceremonial weapons and banners, dresses, and
vessels used in the palace shall be made as simple as possible. If there is
anyone who tries to make them look luxurious, he shall be punished by the
Office of the Inspector-General.
“1. Because of the continuing construction projects since the relocation of
the nation’s capital, the people have suffered greatly. All the public works
both in the capital and the provinces shall be suspended until the people
have a rest.
“1. In the spring and summer of this year, the disasters of drought and
locust took place in succession. The coastal districts and counties suffered
particular hardship from damage, and I feel extremely sorry for the resi-
dents. The granaries in the region shall be opened and shall quickly provide
relief so that the people can avoid dying in the ditches and valleys. The taxes
shall be reduced according to the extent of the damage.
“1. The Regulations of Six Ministries (Yukchŏn) is instrumental for gov-
ernance. Each of the six boards shall study the meaning of instituting offices
and seek ways to fully accomplish its mission without negligence.
“1. Since naval seamen risk their lives on the sea to defend against foreign
invaders, their hardship is more extreme than that of others. The Board of
War shall review the number of the military households of each province to
- Wang Kŏn (r. 918–943).