Book VII 46511th Day (Pyŏngo)
The government newly established the Waterways Transport Agency (Suro
chŏnunso) and appointed a supervisor, called special security director
(wanho pyŏlgam). Seven posts called so [along the Han River] were estab-
lished, starting from the Yongsan River down to Yŏnch’ŏn in Ch’ungju, and
to each were assigned thirty households [for financial support].
Censor Chang Chihwa and others impeached Chŏng Namjin, discussant of
the Security Council: “Previously, when Chŏng Namjin visited China as
envoy, he conducted trading and fought with a military commissioner who
escorted him. Thus, he earned the scorn of the Chinese [who saw him]. We
request that the Office of the Inspector-General interrogate him and punish
his wrongdoings.” The king said, “Namjin is a minor merit subject. Besides,
he returned in time after accomplishing his mission. Do not discuss his
wrongdoings.”14th Day (Kiyu)
Chang Chihwa and others submitted a memorial to the king:
“When Your Majesty established the new capital [Hanyang, or Seoul],
you ordered the Kaesŏng Magistracy to distribute residential lots, start-
ing with all of the officials of different ranks, regardless of whether they
are currently in office or retired, and on down to the common people. In
our opinion, there is a problem with that decree. The area of the new cap-
ital is only 500 kyŏl or so. If Kaesŏng Magistracy distributes the land
according to what it has decided, starting from 60 pu to the officials of
rank 1 to steadily smaller plots of land to the officials of lower rank, there
will not be enough even for those in active service, not to mention those
who hold sinecure offices or the common people. We request that you order
the departments in charge to reduce the amount of land to be distributed so
that it does not exceed 30 or 40 pu. Then the people will be satisfied and
everyone will be able to have some land to live on.” The king granted the
request.The Kaesŏng Magistracy reset the area of residential lots for distribution
according to the rank of the officials. It granted 35 pu to the official of rank