418 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
King Kongmin’s lack of an heir to succeed him indicates that you had
already been chosen by Heaven.
“The officials in power at that time recklessly had Sin U succeed King
Kongmin, but U also committed many wrongdoings, rashly raising an army
to violate the territory of the suzerain state [China].
“Your Majesty, however, turned your army around to march back home,
persuading your fellow military commanders for a great cause. As a result,
the evildoers were suppressed and the people across the country were elated.
This is also an indication that you were destined by Heaven to replace the
Wang clan.
“Your Majesty installed Ch’ang, the son of U, as king after listening to
Cho Minsu and others, but Ch’ang was too young and ignorant to discharge
his royal duties. Discussing the matter with the people once again, Your
Majesty placed Kongyang on the throne, which indicated how loyal you
remained to the Wang clan.
“Kongyang, however, was also so ignorant and jealous that he alienated
his officials and generals and made Heaven eventually abandon him. The
reason Heaven abandoned the Wang clan was not that it hated them but that
it hated the evil paths they took. The reason Heaven accorded its mandate
to Your Majesty was not that it loved you as a person, but because it loved
the virtues you practiced. If the people fail to benefit from your virtues, it is
against the will of Heaven that made you king.
“From the time you ascended the throne, you proclaimed your decree
across the country, which avowed that you would rule the state with virtue
and benevolence. Now again, you ask the Privy Council about the ways to
govern the people and bring them comfort. This is a great fortune for our
people and also a way of repaying our debt to Heaven. We, who are your
subjects, are so much moved [by your love of the people] that we are anxious
to respond to your request for our advice. We would feel extremely fortunate
if you would accept what we are about to present for your consideration.
“1. The Classic of Documents says, ‘Look after people as if they were
c h i l d r e n .’^21 The Book of Rites says, ‘Don’t exceed more than three days a
year when using the labor of the people.’ Following these admonitions indi-
cates that the sage king loves his people so much that he tries to minimize
their labor service as much as possible. This is exactly the benevolent rule- According to James Legge’s translation, “Act as if you were watching an infant.” (The
Great Learning, p. 370)