Book VII 483
wind and dew on the way while crossing mountains and rivers, and, much
worse, your royal carriage must stop in the middle of a desolate field to
spend the night. If that happens, this trip will bring harm to your health,
contrary to its original purpose. Furthermore, it is now busy farming season.
How can your royal trip not interfere the people in their work no matter how
hard you try to make your trip simple? We request you to reconsider making
your royal trip.”
The king called Third Censor Yun Su, an official in charge. He said,
“This trip is intended to treat my illness. Since you only talk about the
trouble to the people and show no concern for my failing health, what kind
of attitude is that?” The king, at last, did not grant the request.
20th Day (Kyechíuk)
Thunder boomed and lightening flashed, while the wind was strong and
hail fell.
The king held a banquet on the main floor of the new royal palace, and his
old friends he associated from the days when was out of public view,
including Hong Yŏngt’ong, Count of Namyang, and Sŏng Yŏwan, Great
Lord of Ch’angnyŏng, were among those invited. Chŏng Tojŏn, director of
the State Finance Commission, submitted a poem to the king to celebrate
the occasion: “In the forbidden garden, the spring is rife with flourishing
flowers / And old friends are invited to enjoy drinks together. / Since Heaven
sends a timely rain / I feel drenched with the grace of our lord.”
21st Day (Kabin)
The king departed for P’yŏngju Hot Springs.
The king pardoned Cho Pak and sent for him.
23rd Day (Pyŏngjin)
The king arrived in the old capital [Kaesŏng].
24th Day (Chŏngsa)
The king dispatched Chŏng Hon, vice director of the Publication Office
to review the strengths and weaknesses of the warships as well as the