464 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
Nevertheless, he continues to cause trouble without changing his ways.
Joining the Directorate for the Royal Palace Construction, he keeps lying
and slandering people to cover his wrongdoings, and his slander even
extends to the directorate he works for. Hence, we request that his appoint-
ment be withdrawn and that he be investigated fully for wrongdoings,
including his secret trading during the diplomatic mission, so that the irreg-
ularities such as seizing houses and lands in the new capital may not recur.”
The king only allowed Kŏin to be dismissed from his office because he was
one of the minor merit subjects.9th Day (Kapchin)
Royal messengers were dispatched to various provinces to inspect the cur-
rent status of military readiness. Supreme General Sin Hyoch’ang was sent
to Kyŏngsang Province, General- in- Chief Kim Kyesu to Chŏlla Province,
General- in- Chief Ku Sŏngnyang to P’unghae Province, and General- in-
Chief No Sangŭi to Kangnŭng Province.Cho Yŏnggyu, minister of rites, died. Yŏnggyu’s earlier name was P’yŏng.
He followed the king from the days when the king stayed at his private
home, out of public view, and rendered service in battle several times. When
the new dynasty was established, he joined the file of dynasty- merit sub-
jects. At this time, he died of illness. The king posthumously promoted him
to assistant grand councilor of the Chancellery and generously donated
expenses for his funeral. He was survived by three sons, Chu, In, and U.10th Day (Ŭlsa)
The Privy Council spoke to the king: “At the end of the previous dynasty,
official posts were so drastically increased that old and young people with
no talent drew stipends from the government as they were assigned to var-
ious military units, while palace guards were all given nonpaying posts that
were newly added and faced hardship in their lives. All these activities were
damaging to the national interest. We request that you command the Three
Armies Headquarters and the Board of War to conduct a survey of the age,
appearance, talent, and ability of all the military officers in all provinces
and guard units, whether they are in the service or retired, and make them
captains and commanders of military units.” The king granted the request.