water." On this the son of Heaven devotes himself to self-adjustment; and on the day of the inauguration he leads in person the three ducal ministers, the nine high ministers, and his Great officers to meet the winter in the northern suburbs. On his return he rewards (the descendants of) those who died in the service (of the kingdom), and shows his compassion to orphans and widows.
11. In this month orders are given to the Grand recorder to smear with blood the tortoise-shells and divining stalks[1] and by interpreting the indications of the former and examining the figures formed by the latter, to determine the good and evil of their intimations. (In this way) all flattery and partizanship in the interpretation of them (will become clear), and the crime of the operators be brought home. No concealment or deceit will be allowed.
12. In this month the son of Heaven sets the example of wearing furs.
13. Orders are issued to the proper officers in the words:—"The airs of heaven are ascended on high, and those of earth have descended beneath. There is no intercommunion of heaven and earth. All is shut up and winter is completely formed."
14. Orders are given to all the officers to cover up carefully the stores (of their departments). The minister of Instruction is also ordered to go round (among the people and see) that they have formed their stores, and that nothing is left ungathered.
15. The city and suburban walls are put in good
- ↑ See in Mencius, I, 7, 4, on the consecration of a bell by smearing parts of it with blood.
