Book XIV 791
Haeryong to prove their allegations. Though their charge that our three
officials attempted to insult them is absolutely not true, they made it diffi-
cult for us to defend ourselves when it came to their suspicion of our espio-
nage. If we look into what has happened in their way of dealing with us,
there must be something behind their conspiracy.
“In addition, even though sending the three officials to China is itself not
a matter of great importance, it is likely that the prestige of our nation will
be affected by it. Those who advocate the idea of sending the officials to
China want to accede to the Chinese demand first and then deal with the
problems later, observing the further development of the matter. However,
China has repeatedly made demands on us, and we have never refused
to satisfy even one. They, nevertheless, continue to reproach us, and there -
fore how can we be sure that things such as this will not happen in the
days ahead?
“If our country, in spite of having rugged terrain for its defense, keeps on
yielding to their unjust demands and showing weakness of attitude, we
cannot help fearing that there will be demands in the future that we cannot
accept, and then how should we respond? Furthermore, how can we satisfy
the pleasure of the suzerain state only by deciding to send a few of our
scholars who are little known?
“We request that you hold the departing scholars, even if you have to
depart from the precedents this time, and explain the reason by sending a
letter [to the Chinese authorities]. At the same time, if you also show a hard
stance on this matter, there may be a chance that our detained envoys can
return home earlier.
“We also request that you look after the families of the detained officials,
including Chŏng Ch’ong, Kim Yakhang, Song Hŭijŏng, O Chin, Yang U,
No Indo, O Segyŏm, Kwŏn Ŭlsong, Chŏng Anji, Cho Sŏ, and Kwak
Haeryong, inquiring after their parents as well as wives and children as
often as you can, and show them how deeply you care for them.”
The king had the memorial sent to the Privy Council for discussion and
the result reported to him. The general opinion among the members of the
Privy Council was to send all the scholars concerned to China and to wait
and see what would happen next.
Four residents of Chunghwa County, including one named Kim Kyŏn, were
put to death for harming the people by putting curses on them.