Book I 121employ them according to their talents. The examination administered by
the Directorate of Education (Kamsi) will be abolished.
“The Military Training Agency (Hullyŏn’gwan), which is in charge of
the instruction of military arts, shall teach the seven military classics
(mugyŏng ch’ilsŏ),^44 as well as archery and horsemanship, to selected can-
didates and grade their command of military classics and mastery of the
required skills. When the evaluation process is completed, thirty-three can-
didates are selected as passers, just as with the civil service examination,
and provided with certificates. At the same time, the list of the passers’
names will be sent to the Board of War so that they can be assigned to
appropriate posts.
“1. Since the coming-of-age, wedding, funeral, and ancestral memorial
ceremonies are important institutions of the state, the Board of Rites shall
set forth the exemplary ceremonial observances by looking into the appli-
cable classics and studying the precedents ancient and recent and thereby
promote humanity and rectify the customs.
“1. Since local magistrates are close to the people, they shall be chosen
very carefully. I will order the Privy Council, the Censorate, and the Six
Ministries (Yukcho)^45 to recommend men of ability and have those who are
recommended serve as magistrates for a term of thirty months. If they prove
to be outstanding in their performance, they will be chosen to continue in
their employment; however, if their performance turns out to be disap-
pointing, those who recommended them will be held responsible.
“1. Since loyal subjects, filial sons, men of principle, and virtuous women
are related to the promotion of good customs, they shall be commended and
encouraged. The authorities concerned shall pay a visit to those people and
recommend them to the government so that they can be honored or appointed
to official posts, and a gate shall be erected in their honor at the entrance of
their villages.
“1. Widows, widowers, orphans, and old people with no children shall be
given the first priority for government assistance. The authorities concerned
- This refers to the seven important military texts of ancient China: The Art of War by
Sunzi (Sunzi bingfa); The Methods of Sima (Sima Fa); Six Secret Teachings by Jiang Ziya
(Taigong); Wuzi by Wu Qi; Wei Liaozi; Three Strategies of Huang Shigong (Huang Shigong
Sanlue); and Questions and Replies between Tang Taizong and Li Weigong (Tang Taizong Li
Weigong Wendui). - The six administrative departments or boards, which consist of Personnel, Taxation,
Rites, Military Affairs, Punishments, and Public Works.