Book VI 417
30th Day (Chŏngmyo)
The Office of the Inspector-General submitted a memorial to the king: “The
people recruited from the provinces for the capital wall construction project
should be divided into two groups and work alternately so that they can
have a break from their work.” The king replied, “How about finishing the
work fast rather than dividing the people into two groups and prolonging
the work? Provide an adequate amount of provisions to those who are unable
to secure their own provisions continuously.”
The Privy Council submitted a memorial to the king: “It is crucial to rein-
force the security of Kyŏnggi Province seaports. Henceforward, large ships
should be deployed at strategically important places to be ready for unex-
pected crises, and elite troops on fast boats should search various islands
while pursuing the enemy.
“If trouble breaks out, the provincial military commissioner should report
to the court and return to shore only after receiving orders from the court.
Those who violate this rule should be punished. The provincial surveillance
commissioner [governor] should keep close watch on the provincial mili-
tary commissioner, as well as the myriarchs and chiliarchs, and supervise
their performance closely. If they fail to do their duties properly, he should
punish them. However, in the case of the military commanders above the
rank of grand master for excellent comfort, the governor should report the
case to the king first before he takes punitive action against them.” The king
followed the advice.
8th Month
1st Day (Mujin)
Kaesŏng Magistracy (Kaesŏng pu) conducted a survey of all large and small
households in the capital.
2nd Day (Kisa)
Chŏn Paegyŏng and other Censorate officials jointly submitted a memorial
to the king: “Your Majesty, endowed with outstanding military talent, came
to occupy the throne, which had been in the hands of the Wang clan for five
hundred years. How could human effort alone make this possible? Koryŏ