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[Mei Yao-ch'en says: "Men will be lacking at the plough-tail."

The allusion is to the system of dividing land into nine parts,

each consisting of about 15 acres, the plot in the center being

cultivated on behalf of the State by the tenants of the other

eight. It was here also, so Tu Mu tells us, that their cottages

were built and a well sunk, to be used by all in common. [See II.

§ 12, note.] In time of war, one of the families had to serve in

the army, while the other seven contributed to its support. Thus,

by a levy of 100,000 men (reckoning one able-bodied soldier to

each family) the husbandry of 700,000 families would be

affected.]

2. Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the

victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to

remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one

grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honours and

emoluments,