The Annals of King T\'aejo. Founder of Korea\'s Choson Dynasty - Byonghyon Choi

(Steven Felgate) #1

414 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o


*

The king sent his decree to the Privy Council: “According to what I have
heard, the residents of Liaoyang, China, are saying to our people, ‘The
estranged relationship of Chosŏn with China is largely due to the [Korean]
monks spreading false rumors while traveling around.’ Henceforth, the monks
frequenting the Northeast Region shall be beheaded, with no exception.

14th Day (Sinhae)
Japanese marauders suddenly invaded Haeju and seized one of our battle-
ships and ran away. Kim Pin’gil, military commander of Haeju, pursued
them without success.

15th Day (Imja)
The Office of the Inspector-General spoke to the king: “These days, a band
of wicked people cause abuses across the country, relying upon the influ-
ence of the imperial envoys. They should be severely punished after the
official records of entertaining the envoys have been examined.” The king
followed the advice.

17th Day (Kabin)
In order to pray for the blessings of the Wang clan, the king ordered the
officials, including Han I,^16 former minister of rites, Chŏng Ku,^17 third mag-
istrate (uyun) of Hansŏng, Cho Sŏ,^18 chief minister of the Court of Royal
Sacrifices, Kwŏn Hong,^19 former third censor (hŏnnap), and Pyŏn Hon,^20
former recorder of the Royal Stable Court, to write the Flower Garland


  1. Han I (?–1417): an official of late Koryŏ and early Chosŏn. By the order of T’aejo, he
    presided over the sacrifices to the royal Wang clan of Koryŏ. He was invested with the title of
    Lord of Kyerim.

  2. Chŏng Ku (1350–1418): of late Koryŏ and early Chosŏn. He also served as chief royal
    secretary, inspector-general, minister of works and of taxation, and fourth state councilor.

  3. He also served as left policy advisor.

  4. Kwŏn Hong (1360–1446): of late Koryŏ and early Chosŏn. He was exiled for impeaching
    Chŏng Tojŏn. After his daughter became the consort of King T’aejong, he was invested with
    the title of Lord of Yŏngga. Later, he served as minister of rites and director of the Royal
    House Administration.

  5. He also served as recorder of the Office of the Personnel Appointment and Royal Seals
    (Sangsŏsa). According to the Annals of King T’aejo, he was impeached for recommending
    officials after taking bribes.

Free download pdf