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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 November 2023
THE KING TALKS WITH THE PEOPLE BEFORE THE ROYAL PALANQUIN IN SIHEUNG
ON THIS DAY, the king was scheduled to leave Siheung Rural Palace in the morning, have lunch at Yongyangbongjeojeong Pavilion in Noryang, cross the pontoon bridge on the Han River and return to Changdeokgung Palace in the evening. Before returning to the palace, the king said that he wanted to meet with the people and hear about their problems and complaints. He also wanted to give gifts to the people living in the areas he passed through during the royal procession. So, at myosi, some time between five and seven o’clock in the morning, the king issued the following command at Siheung Rural Palace, hoping to hear directly from the people:
The magistrate shall bring elderly and local residents to wide-open spots along the road and wait there for the king.
At around six forty in the morning, the king left on horseback, dressed in military uniform. When the procession drew near Munseong-dong Village, Hong Gyeong-hu, the District Magistrate of Siheung, stood by the roadside with the local residents to welcome the king. The king rested for a while and said:
Normally, a king grants favours to residents of the places he passes through during a royal procession. Yesterday, my mother and I spent a night at Siheung Rural Place for the second time. I am so happy to be back here after a successful trip. How can I therefore not be generous with my people? I will relieve you of the burden of labour, attend to problems and grant favours in response to your wishes. If you have anything to say, do not hesitate to speak.
The people responded to the king, saying:
We are lucky to live in this prosperous world where all food and clothes are from the king’s favour. There are no difficulties or problems to report to Your Majesty.
However, the king did not believe what they said and urged them to think again:
You are merely paying lip-service to me. You are all like my children, and I regret that my favour does not reach all of you.
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