宣德帝의 말과 글: 서울과 북경에서 바라본 황제의 두 얼굴

Abstract

Yingtai Gu(谷應泰), a historian of the 17th century, highly rated the Xuande reign(1425-35) as the golden era of the Ming Dynasty. The assessment was particularly taken into account by wise men such as Three Yangs(三楊: 楊士奇·楊榮·楊溥). This interpretation has an important impact on modern researchers as well. But King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty, who lived during the same period, criticized Xuande Emperor as a foolish monarch. The purpose of this article is to examine the background of such conflicting reviews. The Ming Dynastys relations with Joseon in this reign were led by the eunuchs who served the emperor from an early age. The emperor praised Joseon"s sincerity in the documented order, but revealed his personal requirements in verbal messages delivered by the eunuchs. Beautiful virgins, clever eunuchs, falcons and leopard for hunting, seafood and even female cooks to satisfy his appetite were requested through his secret message. The image of the emperor in words and writings was in stark contrast. The king and people of Joseon suffered greatly in carrying out the emperors eccentric instructions. However, the official records of the Ming Dynasty left no hidden image of the emperor. Since the literati of Ming court could not intervene in the oral message of the emperor, it may have been impossible to recognize this dark side at all. The compilers of the Veritable Records of Xuandes reign, led by Three Yangs, conducted more aggressive manipulation. They corrected the emperors incorrect instructions to the opposite, and tried to pass them on to posterity. Couldn"t the image of a great emperor who created a golden era be fabricated by the hands of cunning recorders?