88 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
but Your Servant is afraid that may be what Zeng Xi tried to avoid.^179 So
Your Servant has submitted memorials repeatedly, at the risk of annoying
Your Majesty. One day in the third month, I was appointed chancellor, and
the more Your Majesty bestowed favors upon me, the more Your Servant
feared the public opinion of the righteous. Whenever Your Servant received
your replies rejecting his request, his fear and shame deepened. He was
afraid about being accused of vacating his post for a long time. Furthermore,
his health has been poor for years, and occupying a high position has caused
his condition to worsen severely. I must be wary of the excessive honors and
blessings I have enjoyed. Myriad things are created and destroyed because
there are four seasons that constantly change in an orderly fashion.
“I earnestly beseech you to generously take pity on my difficult situation
and grant my resignation. Then I will be able to recuperate in a quiet place
and at the same time preserve my contribution to the restoration of the
dynasty for days to come. Keeping within my proper sphere with peace of
mind, I pray always for your health and long life.”The king sent his royal message through Second Royal Secretary (chwa
taeŏn) Yi Ch’ŏm and replied to T’aejo’s request as follows:
“Your request is a grave matter that concerns the security of the nation,
and therefore it cannot be treated lightly. Why do you persist in your con-
cern over having excessive honors and blessings and withdrawing yourself
from the affairs of state?
“Born with the energy unique to our land, you are a man of extraordinary
talents. With radiant loyalty like the sun and moon, you stopped the mis-
guided military campaign against China and brought peace to the state.
Since you acted upon the principle of justice and made plans with full justi-
fication, both men and spirits were pleased.
“Your assistance is needed more than ever, especially at a time when the
state is revived and everything starts anew. With your assistance, I intend to
usher in a new age of peace and prosperity, but you are only anxious to
withdraw, making excuses. What is the reason?
“If anyone criticizes you, explain your actions. If you are sick, get medical
treatment. It is not really necessary for you to resign and live in seclusion in- He is presumed to be the grandson of Zengzi or Master Zeng, a philosopher and dis-
ciple of Confucius. According to what is said here, T’aejo prefers to emulate the attitude of
Zeng Xi, who was less ambitious than Guan Zhong.