86 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
out the problem of the military expedition and had our armies march back,
and as a result, Your Servant was able to restore peace in the country.
Nevertheless, people said that I took the liberty of leading the army as Your
Servant pleased.
“In the Kisa year (1389), Your Servant removed the one with a false
family name [King U], following the decree of the Son of Heaven, and
restored the true family name [the royal Wang family]. However, people
said that Your Servant tried to seize power. Becoming the commander-in-
chief, Your Servant has commanded the entire army, training troops, sup-
pressing wicked rebels, and repulsing foreign enemies. Notwithstanding,
people said that Your Servant wasted military supplies. Since controver-
sies such as these never end, Your Servant can hardly make any more
excuses.
“Your Servant has three misfortunes. First, people are jealous of me
because Your Servant enjoys excessive rewards compared to the small ser-
vice he has rendered. Second, Your Servant holds a high position thanks to
favor from His Majesty despite his trivial contributions in restoring the
royal house and repulsing foreign enemies. Third, when merits and demerits
cannot be concealed from the eyes of people, Your Servant is foolish enough
to continue to hold onto his job, not knowing when to retire. Yi Yin said, ‘It
is not advisable for a subject to stay long in his office simply because he is
favored by the king or the position is profitable to him.’ Cai Ze said, ‘One
who has successfully accomplished his mission must leave, just as the sea-
sons give way to one another.’ That is the law of nature.
“Your Servant cannot allow himself to block the chances of men of talent
who want to serve in the government. It is his sincere wish to return to the
countryside and live out his days there. Your Servant begs you to grant his
wish so that not only Emperor Guangwu would be credited for having his
merit subjects preserve their lives and honor.
The king refused his request, replying, “The presence of grand minister
(taesin) is related to the rise and fall of the state as well as the well-being of
the people. Since his responsibility is as important as this, the decision on
his retirement cannot be made lightly. Thus, one can observe that the Duke
of Zhao is anxious to retire, whereas the Duke of Zhou is eager to serve
the king.
“Born with the energy unique to our land, you are the foremost minister
of state sustaining the state. Since you have ignored your personal affairs
for the sake of the state, your loyalty pierces the sun, and since you proved