Book V 345
to the mountain fortress in Koksan, we can secure within three or four years
enough provisions to feed tens of thousands of soldiers for a few years. If
war happens to break out, we can station tens of thousands of soldiers in the
mountain fortress and let them wait for an opportunity while subsisting on
those provisions.
“If the enemy recklessly invades our territory, we will take the roads
starting from Yŏngam and Sudŏk and run quickly and unnoticed through
Maengju and Tŏkchu, launch a surprise attack on the enemy from either the
front or the back, and cut off their military supply lines. This is one of the
military strategies for commanding troops. It is also possible for our army
to be stationed in the rugged place, subsist on the prepared provisions, dis-
play its military power, and lend support to our armies in P’yŏngyang and
Hwaryŏng.” When the Privy Council submitted the proposal to the king, the
king was pleased to read it and ordered its implementation.
29th Day (Kisa)
The Censorate and the Board of Punishments submitted a memorial to the
king: “We earnestly urge you to relocate Wang Kang, Wang Sŭngbo, Wang
Sŭnggwi, and Wang Kyŏk to an island in the sea.”
The king summoned the officials of the Censorate and the Board of
Punishments and told them not to mention the matter concerning Wang clan
members. Then they replied, “Such people will betray you, no matter how
generously you treat them. Furthermore, Kang is extremely resourceful,
and Sŭngbo and Sŭnggwi matchless in courage and strength. If they remain
in the capital, they will certainly raise a disturbance that is unpredictable.
Therefore, we urge you to prevent potential problems in the future by
granting our request.”
The king replied, “How can I not know it? Just let them out of prison for
now.” Then, he summoned Kang and others and said, “I believe that you are
all men of ability, and that is why I brought you all to the capital to reside.
My trust in you remains strong, and I have no suspicions whatsoever. Since
I have already forgiven you, you don’t have to worry. I want you to continue
to carry yourselves as you used to.”
30th Day (Kyŏngo)
The king went to Such’ang Palace and walked around to inspect the con-
struction of city walls.