664 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
were only a few vassal states that were able to preserve themselves along
with the Heavenly Kingdom (Tianzhao). The State of Zheng, which was a
small kingdom, was often suppressed [by the imperial army] because it
chose to use the wrong people in its government. Later, Zichan became
chancellor of the state, and what an extraordinary person he was! Sending
letters to all the neighboring states and their leaders, he established good
relationships with them, and he was successful in his endeavor because
in his diplomatic correspondence he was very cautious in using language
that did not incur the disapproval of his counterparts. While he served in
the government, therefore, there were no military conflicts. How can you
explain that?
‘Generally speaking, when he wrote letters to the feudal lords and leaders
of neighboring states, he was very sincere. After much thought and consid-
eration, he started drafting his letters. He took several steps in producing
each of the letters: writing a first draft, discussing and reviewing, fleshing
out, and finally revising and polishing. Since he sent letters after under-
going all these procedures, how could even one word incur the displeasure
of his readers?
‘What has the man named Chŏng Tojŏn done for Yi [Sŏnggye], the king
of Chosŏn, under the pretext of assisting him? Unless the king realizes the
danger, that man will certainly bring disaster upon his kingdom. If Chŏng
Ch’ong, No Indo, and Kim Yakhang were now in Chosŏn, they could have
become the right- hand men of Chŏng Tojŏn and brought disaster down upon
themselves. The king of Chosŏn should watch out. Unless he is watchful,
his country will suffer disasters once again, and he will have no choice but
to ask others for help. You, the officials of the Ministry of Rites, send a letter
to the king of Chosŏn and tell him to think deeply and find the ways to pre-
serve his kingdom.’ ”
Sŏl Changsu also delivered the imperial instruction [of the Chinese
emperor]:
“On the second day of the second month, the emperor gave audience to
Sŏl Changsu and others at the West Gate of Obedience (Youshunmen) and
said: ‘As for the matter concerning the marriage between the two royal
families, since your king is still in mourning, I will decide it by sending
an official in the first month of the following year when the mourning
period ends.
‘Yi So- and- so [King T’aejo] does not know how to discriminate between
good and bad. What is the use of hiring one as worthless as Chŏng Tojŏn?