Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 239

Joseon (Korea)

Page 17

The Jianzhou Guard A Ming military administrative unit in Manchuria composed of Jurchen people submitted a memorial stating that Fancha a prominent Jurchen leader, having been destitute, had sought refuge with them. The official treated him kindly, "nurturing him as if under his own wings," yet as soon as Fancha was able to fly, he fled; thus, the official demanded his return. Fancha, in turn, claimed that Do King Sejong of Joseon, r. 1418–1450 was detaining his personal dependents and requested an official summons for their return, threatening to use force if they were not released.

The Emperor issued an edict to mediate between the two parties and offered comfort to Do. The edict stated: "The Ming state regards the King as its eastern protectorate. As for Fancha, he is treated merely as a wild barbarian—how could he ever hope to be compared to the King? He possesses the heart of a bird or a beast, and his movements are without constancy. The King should simply focus on his own defenses and not lower himself to compete with him."

In the first year of the Jingtai era 1450 CE, the Emperor granted Do’s heir, Hyang King Munjong, r. 1450–1452, the ceremonial cap and robes. When Do passed away, Hyang succeeded him. Hyang died in the third year of his reign 1452 CE, and his son Hong-wi King Danjong, r. 1452–1455 succeeded him. Being young and frail, Hong-wi eventually abdicated the throne to his uncle, Yu King Sejo, r. 1455–1468.

In the third year of the Tianshun era 1459 CE, border officials reported in a memorial that Yu was privately communicating with Dongshan, a chieftain of the Jianzhou Jurchens. Furthermore, he had killed Langbu’erha, the chieftain of the Maolian Guard another Jurchen group. Several imperial edicts were issued to reprimand and advise him. In the third year of the Chenghua era 1467 CE, Yu presented gyrfalcons Haidongqing: highly prized hunting falcons from the north and white magpies, but these gifts were rejected by the Emperor. At that time, a military campaign was being launched against the Jianzhou Jurchens; Yu dispatched Kang Sun, the Administrator of the Privy Council, to lead troops in support of the Ming efforts.