722 t h e a n n a l s o f k i n g t’a e j o
“Since there were some offensive and insulting words in the memorials
and letters previously submitted by your country, we did not permit you to
submit memorials and letters thereafter when you paid tribute [to the
emperor]. However, we found that your latest memorial also contained some
inappropriate words. This happened because the scholars whom you employed
for drafting the memorial played cheap tricks to make phrases and sentences
by purposely putting similar characters and sounds together, which is ridic-
ulously insulting, thus causing trouble on their own. How can this be the
way to preserve the country [Chosŏn] permanently? We inform the king [of
Chosŏn] of this problem by sending back only the retinue member respon-
sible for managing equipment, while keeping your envoy here. If you send us
those who drafted the memorial to explain themselves at our imperial court,
we will permit your envoy to return home. From this day forward, we want
you to pay tribute only once every three years, and it is not necessary for you
to submit memorials and reports. The king should keep this in mind.”19th Day (Chŏngyu)
Chŏng Tojŏn, Count of Ponghwa, made a request to the king: “Since med-
ical officials in the capital are few, I beg you to pardon O Kyŏngu, Kim
Chiyŏn, and the others.”^37 The king granted his request.20th Day (Musul)
There was hail with rain.There was a halo, and the northwestern sky glowed red.22nd Day (Kyŏngja)
With a royal decree, the king appointed Chŏng Tojŏn as chief pacification
mobile inspector (to sŏnmu sunch’alsa) of the Northeast Region:
“It has been six years since this man of little virtue took over the eastern
kingdom thanks to the virtues accumulated by my ancestors. Cherishing
my roots and being sincere about fulfilling their expectations, I posthu-
mously presented my immediate forefathers of four generations the title of- They are those who failed to respond properly to the emergency calls from the palace
when the king was ill.