Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 229

Records of Geographical Survey

Page 419; Sheet: 2

...if orders are issued but have no place to be enacted, how can they command any awe? Your kingdom borders the northern barbarians original: "虜" (lu); referring to the remnants of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. to the north and neighbors the Japanese original: "倭" (Wo); referring to the Wokou pirates who were a major maritime threat at the time. to the south.

Though the barbarians were struck a blow here, I fear they will flee elsewhere. The Japanese are cunning and greedy; they appear and disappear upon the sea, spying on the Kingdom’s strengths and weaknesses. I original: "朕" (Zhen); the imperial "We." am privately concerned about this. You must establish defenses and muster your forces original: "蒐乘" (soucheng); a classical term for military preparation and reviewing chariots. to secure our borders original: "圉" (yu); meaning frontiers or borders.. May the King keep this in mind. I now bestow upon the King various books of classics and histories; may they fully convey my intentions.

The officials of the Secretariat The central administrative office of the early Ming government. stated: "The Goryeo envoys traveling back and forth are engaging in illegal private trade. We request to tax their imports and prohibit their exports." The Emperor did not grant this request.

In the fifth year 1372 CE, Jeon King Gongmin of Goryeo. requested to relocate the Mongols remaining in the Kingdom of Tamna Modern-day Jeju Island. and to launch a campaign against the fugitive rebels at Lanxiu Mountain.

The Imperial edict replied: "Tamna is your vassal|A state that is subordinate to another but retains internal autonomy.. The Mongols are also human beings; why should you cast them out? As for the fugitive rebels, command them in my name. Sending a formal proclamation original: "檄" (xi); an official summons or call to surrender. should be enough to bring them to heel; do not use military force."

Shortly thereafter, the King sent a tribute of fifty horses. The envoy reported that two had been lost on the journey. However, when the horses arrived, they were all unharmed. When questioned, the envoy...