Book IX 567*
The king gave orders to the Privy Council: “Let all the workers recruited for
the construction of the new capital return to their homes at the end of this
month so that they can engage in farming.”
18th Day (Pyŏngo)
The royal carriage left Songgyŏng [Kaesŏng].19th Day (Chŏngmi)
The king watched people hunting on Sumi Plain (Sumiwŏn),^12 after setting
it on fire.20th Day (Musin)
There was a red glow in the southeast sky.22nd Day (Kyŏngsul)
The king returned from the Special Capital Magistracy to the palace with
Queen Hyŏn.The Buddha’s skull relic and the Bodhi Tree Leaves Sutra (Porisuyŏp kyŏng)
were formerly kept at T’ongdo Monastery.^13 Fearing their loss to Japanese
marauders, the king dispatched a man to have them brought to Songnim
Monastery^14 in the [Kaesŏng] Special Capital Magistracy.The king sent Ham Purim, chancellor of the National Academy, to Kim
Yakhang, who stayed in Ŭiju [on his way to the Ming China], and Purim
conveyed a royal message from the king: “You will understand that I have
no choice but to send you to the Ming court because I cannot ignore the
emperor’s order. I want you to do well in giving your answers, making no
mistakes.” In response to the royal message, Yakhang said, “How dare I not
do my best?”
- It is presumed to be located in Haeju, Hwanghae Province, but it is not certain.
- Located in Yangsan County, South Kyŏngsan Province.
- Located within the Fortress of Mt. Yongsu in Kaesŏng.