Yi Hang-bok

Officials disagreed about where to build a temple to Kwan, the God of War. Some wanted the southern temple nearer the city wall, while others preferred a more distant site. Yi Hang-bok was in charge of the discussion. One day, while he was at home, a military visitor asked to see him and requested that all the household retainers leave. The stranger then explained where the temple should stand and why its location mattered. After delivering his message, he left.

An old friend had been staying with Yi and returned after the servants came back. Seeing Yi's changed expression, he asked what had happened. Yi said the visitor had been a messenger of Kwan, sent because the officials had not settled the temple site. The messenger had shown him where it ought to be built and urged him to take care over the decision. Yi told his friend that he had promised to do his best. He warned the friend not to repeat the account. Yi continued working on the matter, and the temple was eventually built at the approved site. The story gives the visitor's identity through Yi's report rather than through an outside witness.